I’ve decided to start a new mini series of episodes on the Fit is Freedom Podcast that are REAL stories from REAL Fit is Freedom members and how their journeys have fared. 

In this first installment, I’ll be sharing about a recent client who joined me about three months ago. After regaining 100 pounds and losing a great deal of her vibrancy with lots of unexpected life events, I share what she has been able to accomplish in just three short months! 

If I had a nickel for everytime I was asked, “How long will this health and fitness journey take?” I’d have a lot of nickels! 

In short, every person’s journey is completely different and unique, and that’s honestly what I love about what I do! But, I also understand the curiosity behind wondering how long a journey will take if you’re thinking about diving in and making a life change.

Three months ago I was re-acquainted with someone who used to be a part of my company years ago. Despite us losing touch, she kept up with me through the podcast, and I was so pleasantly surprised when she booked a phone call with me! 

Before we lost touch, she was an incredibly active cycler. Over a three year period, she had lost over 100 pounds and was filled with motivation! When her family had to make a move, she lost her community, COVID hit, and her work took precedence over many aspects of her life. In short, the momentum she had gained was completely lost. 

When we reconnected, her main goal was to lose the weight she had regained. She was in a lot of discomfort and pain while also being under a great deal of stress with her job. She felt that the best ways to start alleviating some of those things was to start by making a plan to lose weight, and then move onto other aspects of health and fitness. 

With this particular client, I knew her history. I knew how much she thrived in a community of cyclists who held her accountable and enjoyed her company. With this in mind, here are the main focuses we had for her plan of action:

• Find a community. 

• Dial in nutrition

• Address the pain

• Month 1

Throughout the first month, this client had already lost 10 points, but more important than that, her vibrancy was back! She was excited to meet and chat. She was excited to try new exercises, and she had things to look forward to! 

• Month 2

By the end of the second month, she was down about 18 pounds, and her pain was considerably less! 

• Month 3

Most recently, this client is down about 25 pounds. She is actively gaining muscle, and she reports that all of her hip, knee, and sitting pain is gone! She is very excited to keep the progress going! 

If you are like this wonderful client of mine, you may be finding yourself wondering how you can get back on track! Here are my three tips to help you find your way back to fitness…

1. Community Matters

It truly makes all the difference in the world if you have supportive people around you! Whether it’s our team at Fit is Freedom, a local yoga class, or a best friend to go on walks with you in the evenings, find a community that works best for you! 

1. Make Movement Fun

If you dread it, you won’t do it! Find some form of movement that you enjoy! If you liked riding bikes as a kid, maybe you could give that a try again. If you enjoy being on the water, try kayaking or simply going on hikes. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to do it! 

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