I joined GoodLife and started my fitness journey because I wanted to feel better, physically and mentally. My "enough is enough" moment was graduating university and entering the real world and adult life. I knew that I needed to find a way to enjoy exercise and make it a part of my life permanently. GoodLife was a welcoming environment and going to the gym became something I really looked forward to. The GoodLife team inspired me and kept me motivated. Training is now a huge part of my life and I love being in the gym.
Once I decided to work on my health and fitness, I had to find a place where I felt comfortable exercising and where there was a sense of community. As a plus-sized woman I found it intimidating entering a gym.
GoodLife made my fitness journey possible because it is an open and inclusive environment where I feel comfortable, powerful, safe and included. The staff are genuinely excited to be there and are happy to help. If I gave 100% to my workout, the people around me would notice my efforts and show support.
When first starting your fitness journey, find something that you love and will be willing to stick with. That will make all of the difference! While it has been slow and gradual over three years, I now do power lifting and strength training with my Personal Trainer 2x/week; dance classes, hot yoga and treadmills and bikes for cardio. I love lifting weights – it makes me feel so powerful. I also have to say; my Trainer is my life coach and therapist and I cherish the time we spend together. My trainer does not set my fitness goals for me, but helps me to achieve the goals I set for myself. This is an important distinction and part of the reason why my trainer is great at what he does. He is a huge part of the reason why I've come this far.
My friends and family started to notice my results within 3 months. My clothes started falling off so none of them fit anymore. I found it easier to run to the subway, play with my dog and go up the stairs. I have lost 50 pounds in three years and since I have lost that weight, everything has changed.
Now I am no longer focused on weight loss. I want to run 5K in 30 minutes; I want to lift more, introduce a yoga practice 3-4x/week. As I’ve advanced in my journey, my goals have changed to accommodate my new lifestyle.
Besides the physical changes, going to the gym has had such a huge impact on my mental health. If I feel anxiety, I kick my workouts up a notch which makes things easier. My physical strength is completely tied to my mental health. When I feel the symptoms of my depression becoming worse, I know that exercise will help.
I had no idea that this would change every aspect of my life. I did this for myself and I am so proud of what I’ve been able to achieve. I’m so excited to see what happens to me in the next three years.