Back in 2003 around my birthday time, my friends and I were shopping having a great time until we starting trying on clothes. All of my friends are skinny and have cute figures. Then there was me.... 190 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself that was discouraged and a little depressed. On July 23, 2003, I decided I wanted to make a change with my lifestyle. I didn't tell anyone except for my family. I got a membership at Bally Total Fitness and went grocery shopping to get "more healthier" foods to have in my refrigerator. I started walking on the tredmill 1 day a week for only 10 minutes. As the months went on I increased it to 2 days a week 20 minutes a day so on and so forth. The only thing I wanted to do was cardio because I was too embarrassed to lift weights or even do the machines. I didn't have a personal trainer or a nutritionist to help me in anyway. As the months went on I started to see inches melt away and my clothes were fitting very baggy. My friends and co-workers were asking me what I was doing and I yet still kept it a secert because I didn't want to fail. About 8 months later I was starting to feel a ton better about myself for me to feel like I can start to "lift weights" with the guys. Even though it wasn't very much weight I still got the courage to go in the room. Members at the gym started approaching me and telling me that I am looking very good and they can tell that I am loosing weight. I have never felt happier in my life for people to notice. As the years went on, I was approached by a fitness instructor who teaches aerobic classes to considered getting certified to teach classes. I was extremely excited by yet a little nervous. I started out only doing Aqua aerobics 3 times a week for about 1 year. I started getting bord with that so I had asked if I could teach Kickboxing, cycling or a step aerobic class. They were excited that I wanted to start doing that. I will never ever forget the first day I taught Kickboxing... I was so nervous, palms sweating and my heart was pounding. I thought to myself I am not going to fail and I am going to give this group of 25 an awesome workout. After an hour of straight kickboxing I had several members from Bally Total Fitness say that was the best workout they ever got! I was so excited and it made me want to teach more. So I taught Kickboxing, Step and cycling on a consistant basis. In March of 2004 I met a personal trainer at Ballys. His name is Walt Gonzales. He is so awesome training his clients. I started working with him and now I can't get enough of him working me out. My strenght has increase significantly! Now, I was to compete in figure competitions! I am getting ready so hopefully this time next year November 2007 I will be ready!
Why I Love It:
Working out is my time! When I am training I am so focused! I love it so much because you feel better about yourself. I'm working out yes to stay healthly but I have a goal of wanting to compete.
How I Stay Motivated:
I have to stay motivated because I am a fitness instructor at Golds Gym in Fresno. I think to myself when I was a member taking classes I relied on the instructor to motivate the students. I want to give my members the best workout so when they leave the room they left with an awesome workout. When I'm not teaching classes I do workout and train with Walt Gonzales or training on my own. I'm know as an "Energizer Bunny". I just keep going and going and going!
BB Accomplishments:
I don't really have bodybuilding accomplishments however my strenght and overall toning is growing!
Forum Signature:
Bree Owens
Last Updated: Nov 3, 2006 10:23pm
Progress Pictures
Jul 23, 2003
Jul 19, 2006
Yes, this is me in the shorts.... I HATE this picture because I was so huge. I was 47% body fat here and 197 pounds. I will never go back to this again!
Here is me 3 years later! Down to 143 pounds and 16.1% body fat! My legs are solid muscle!
Your story is awesome. I have only been working out consistantely for about a year, and it is fun. I am impressed that you went from just showing up at the gym to an instructor. You definately look hot, good luck with your prep for shows.
