Fab Girl Fitness by Jade

Welcome to my fitness and healthiness journey! My hope is through my story, you can pull some motivation or inspiration to help you get on or continue your own fitness and healthiness journey. I share things that have worked for me and encourage you to look for what works for you. Everyone is different, it’s not a one size fits all system. You will have frustrations, road bumps, and want to give up… but I have to say this, NEVER EVER GIVE UP! You are worth your hard work, but you must know that no one else can do it for you. There is no easy fix, magic pill, machine, etc. to make it happen. You have to decide that you are worth the sacrifices and work.

Let’s rewind a bit to where my weight began to be an issue. During my senior year of high school, I began to put on some pounds here and there. It was a very stressful time in my life, so food became a way for me to balance it out. I am what many would call an emotional eater. If I am happy, I eat. Sad, I eat. Mad, I eat. You get the point. When I would eat, it wouldn’t be the “good” things either. Because I was working a lot and going through school the next couple years, the weight kept adding on, and I became more unhappy and lacked confidence in every way. I had a busy lifestyle, being active wasn’t a priority. In 2004, my husband and I welcomed our beautiful daughter. It was such a high point in my life, but also low – as I was tipping the scale at 205 when I delivered. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all baby weight. I have a pretty petite frame - I am only 5’ ½” tall. Yes, I claim that 1/2 inch, it is important!! I was obese and depressed. I lost some weight after trying to get back to a healthier lifestyle in 2006, and again in 2009.

I became pregnant with our son in 2011. It wasn’t until April 1st, 2013 that I decided that I had enough of it. I again weighed well over 200 pounds (not pregnant this time), endured back, knee and hip pain for many years and couldn’t bear to live like that any longer. My self-confidence was dipping and I didn’t feel like a good example for my children. I was determined to not seek out quick fixes — I needed a lifestyle change. I knew that on that day, April 1st, 2013, was different. I was determined to do this for me, but also to help my family lead a healthier life. I look at it as being similar to those that are fighting their addictions to alcohol, smoking, drugs, etc. Food was my addiction along with my excuses of why I couldn’t be active. You can know that something is so bad for you, but until you are truly READY to make that change, it’s not going to happen. I knew that it was my time.

I made some short term and longer term goals. One of my short term goals was to run a 5k. This was HUGE for me as I had always been the type that felt there is no reason to run unless someone really scary is chasing me. Plus, I had some previous knee and hip issues (due to weight). I slowly worked on it and it was amazing to reach a goal like that. The summer of 2013 I ran my first 5k race alongside my daughter. I will never forget it! Because I took it seriously, my health as done a 180 and my lifestyle is forever changed for the better. In 2016, I took it further and ran a 10k race as well as a half marathon. I still can't believe I am a "runner"!? Like most people, I have had experienced some ups and downs since - but I have not lost sight of the larger picture of not giving up.

I have lost a lot of weight in this journey so far, and I am continuing on in my journey. However, please remember, the number the scale shows isn't everything! What is more important is making good healthy decisions for your body and being determined for it to be a lifestyle change, not just a short-term project.

Another of my goals was becoming a Certified Personal Trainer with the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) so I can help others reach for their goals and make huge changes in their lives. My journey has completely changed my life, and I am so inspired to help others get to that point. Because YOU can do it! But remember, you can have results or excuses – you can’t have both! Be fabulous, be healthy, be fit!

XOXO
Jade