I’ve starved, binged, taken pills, joined weight loss
groups, counted calories, eliminated food groups, exercised excessively,
ignored exercise completely, and complained (a lot).
One thing I never did? Ask
for help. I always thought that reaching a healthy weight was something I
would eventually figure out – that I could do this on my own. But I never
seemed to get it right.
One of my closest friends kept suggesting that I meet with
her trainer, Derek. I worked up the courage for a consult, but I remember
feeling so nervous when I got there. We talked about my food habits (well,
let’s just say they weren’t the best), we talked about the many diets I tried
in the past, and we talked about what I hoped to accomplish in the future
(skinny jeans?!). But I left without
signing up.
A few months later - when my weight and self-image started
to keep me from doing things I enjoyed - I realized that my way wasn’t working, and it was time to try something
different… I needed to ask for help.
I started training with Derek in January, 2012. It was scary
to listen and trust that it would work (and I think I asked Derek a million
times if he really thought I could do it). But he had faith in me when I had
none. One year later, I’ve lost 30 pounds.
But that isn’t the best part. The best part is when I get
glimpses of what I am capable of (things I never imagined before). Am I really
a Zumba® Fitness instructor? Am I really going to run my first half marathon
this spring? Do I really have a muscle that is actually visible? I can hardly believe it!
I am so thankful for my friend’s advice, and for Derek’s
patience, kindness, and encouragement. This has been an amazing year, and I
can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2013.
