As a kid I was a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. I was always fit until college. Other things became more important to me and it wasn't until my 30's that I really felt I had let myself go to a point something needed to be done. I was never huge or considered fat, but I definitely had some extra weight on my body that wasn't needed.
I started working out in 2009 participating in a strength fitness class once a week and doing some running on my treadmill. I realized later in 2009 that I needed to do more as I had packed on some extra pounds and they really were not going away with the little exercise I was doing. I stepped up my game and started taking multiple classes a week in December 2009.
In January 2010, I participated in a biggest loser 12 week contest. I came in third after 2 men in the competition who had a lot more to lose than I did. I lost 15 pounds in 12 weeks and looked thinner, but I had no real visible muscle to my body. I kept doing classes and joined a gym and stayed about where I was at for the next year. That was an accomplishment, but I wanted more.
In the spring on 2011, I started lifting weights and hired a personal trainer. I was 121 pounds when I got married in Sept. 2011 and looked amazing. I have lifted and continued HIIT training ever since, but my weight still fluctuates. I have only taken 3 weeks off from the gym since spring of 2011 as I truly enjoy training. However, my body is not really on bored with shedding the fat and keeping it off. I am determined to push past this plateau and become the lean hard body I want to be! I have signed up for this challenge, but my goal doesn't stop when it ends. This is a lifestyle change and one I plan to stick with for the rest of my life.
The feeling you have after an intense work-out is like no other. I actually miss the gym when I take a day off! I tell my husband that if my muscles could look the way they do after lifting at all times during the day, I would be so happy! There is always a goal and always room for improvement. I am enjoying every step of this journey!