I never thought that I would be able to make such a drastic change in my life. Juggling the many roles of Mother, Wife and Aunt, I never made time for myself as it was always time for the kids, or work. After the birth of my nephew in February, 2012 I came to a surprising realization: I couldn’t get up off the floor on my own when playing with him! I had to move to the chair or couch or nearby table to help me get up. That was it: time for a change.
Support and encouragement are a big part of my progress and when my parents asked if I wanted to go to the local gym to have time for myself and to try to lose some of my weight, I made a decision to stop putting it off and to actually go to the gym. At Christmas, they gave me a gift certificate for a month at Stretch Fitness in Summerside and in January 2013, I weighed the heaviest I have ever been in my life. I met with the owner, Corey, and we talked about a number of different things to help me, but I had my doubts. I never thought that I would ever lose weight or inches but I was willing to try.
For the first week, I went everyday trying a number of classes and training sessions. I was happy to learn that I actually enjoyed the environment and the people and signed up for the year! It is now 7 months later and I am still going to the gym at least 5 times a week. I enjoy the workouts, staff, friends and support I have at Stretch and have lost 32 pounds, 24 inches, and I feel great! Gym is a part of my routine now and if I don’t go I feel like I’m missing something in my day.
I am still losing, and improving. I have learned that I had to switch my eating habits and the amounts too. I love my workouts and have learned that it is possible to find the time and to make it happen.
