The person I was before I went to GoodLife wasn’t confident, she was insecure. I would go about the day and try not to stand out much. I was in a place where I didn’t believe in myself and I didn’t think I was pretty or attractive. I had a negative state of mind but despite this, I tried to put on a happy face.
What motivated me to get started was having the option of going to a Women’s Only Club. In these Clubs, I was surrounded by all shapes, sizes, goals and aspirations – which led me to feel more comfortable.
The class instructors are phenomenal. They are supportive and they get to know you on a personal basis, taking the time to make you feel like you belong there. The Dance-inspired classes like Zumba got me really into the fitness process. Going to them, I became friendly with the instructors and met other people who had the same goals as me. The sense of community is what made me keep coming back for more.
Through GoodLife’s classes, I got the opportunity to try new things and during that process I started to gain confidence. After consistently going I started to notice changes; my clothes starting to fit me better, I was able to keep up with my kids and I could get through a workday without feeling tired and having to rely on caffeine.
I also had the support of my husband and my kids, who are 5 and 7. My husband works shift work, so he switched shifts to allow me to get to the evening classes. I had babysitting support as I didn’t want my kids to see me give up.
The thing that makes me the happiest is that I can go shopping and feel good about myself. I can try on a size six and be happy, I can wear dresses and be happy; simply put, I can enjoy who I am. I learned that you need to believe in yourself and trust yourself. Push through those hard moments where you think you are not capable because the reward is beyond what you could imagine. My approach to life is so much more positive. I feel that I am capable, not only physically, but mentally; and not only at the gym but in my home life, my career life and in my relationships.
I lost 70 pounds so there is nothing that I can’t do. And since I love the Zumba classes so much, I have passed all of my courses and become a fitness instructor myself! The journey is hard, but the rewards are fantastic.