fit_jess on Instagram
One day I decided I didn't want to be me anymore, so I changed. Just like that.
It sounds crazy but thats how it went. I was 28, metabolism slowing, and skinny-fat going on just getting fat. I didn't want to be someone who would have to lose weight in 5 years. I didn't want to have to keep squeezing into jeans I'd had for years that use to fit me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I just decided one day I was going to join the gym, and I did.
Prior to a year ago I had never picked up a free weight, had no idea what deadlifts, box jumps, HIIT, etc. were, but I've always been the determined type. I taught myself everything I know, I did research online and in the gym, I scrolled through Instagram like my life depended on it (and in so many ways it really did), and I just kept at it.
These days I live for the gym while I balance working full time, having 4 kids, and living 30 minutes from town. I'm back at my starting weight (well, just above) and Im having a hard time squeezing into my jeans again. But this time around its all muscle, quads are too big and waist is too small. I just completed my testing to become a certified personal trainer and Im looking forward to the opportunity to introduce someone to the world of weights, my world.

There is the obvious physical perks of working out and lifting heavy but there's so much more that can't be seen. At the gym all my life problems just sit in the back, ignored, while all my energy is on that one more rep. At the gym my red anger is funneled into pure power, when I leave I'm too tired to be angry, I am at peace.