Don’t read this, I really don’t want anyone to read this, but its time to tell. The story of how I got to here. I was a pudgy kid, always bigger then the other girls in my grade. Always standing in the back of the classroom for class photos, until middle school. That’s when everyone else grew and I didn’t. I feel like I have always battled my size, be it tall, short or robust. In high school, I was a cheerleader and was still on the bottom of the pyramid during the games. My weight has always fluctuated up and down but I never felt out of control. I do have to say, once I figured out what foods worked for me, It was a lot easier to keep the fluctuations down, as long as I moved my body.

But I have not been moving; don’t get me wrong, I’m not “sick”. I haven’t been physically healthy. I still live a healthy lifestyle but there have been obstacles and I am finally ready to fight back to where I am most comfortable. I want to share my journey with you.

It started a few years ago I was going away for the summer to work at sleep away camp. Seven weeks in the woods, playing sports and detoxing from my life. I ended up having no cell phone, no TV and limited computer and phone use. The camp was big and I walked for an average of 15 miles a day, my most was 27 miles in 1 day – that day was color war. I had lost 15lbs pounds in the first 3 weeks. I was feeling good on the inside and the out. What I didn’t realize during camp was how sick I was. How depleted my body was of the nutrients and vitamins. I was not getting a variety of fruits/veggies/proteins in my diet. I remember not feeling well, but I chalked it up to just wanting to go home.

When I got home and back to life, I was so emotionally exhausted that I couldn’t get out of bed. I knew something was just wrong, I felt detached and weird and I finally went to a therapist. I saw her for a while. She thought I was depressed, having post camp syndrome. I literally thought I was having a mental health crisis. I was then in this cycle of therapy appointments and trying to work. Looking back I am amazing that I got anything done and now it motivates me. If I could get that done being in that state, what can I accomplished working 100%. But still no time for exercise.

My clothes fit, even a little big at first. But I didn’t realize when my jeans were getting to tight. I didn’t, I just couldn’t. I knew that the weight and the fog were wrong, there was something going on. I found a functional medicine doctor, I thought he could help. I went to my regular physician, I thought she would help. I found another doctor; again I thought they would help. I went to 3 different doctors, had 3 rounds of blood tests that they all determined were normal. I tried, I really tried, I would go to the gym and try to work out. My body would hold back and then I needed a nap that day. “Something is wrong”! I went to another doctor; I had to find out what it was. He talked to me for over 1 hour and did blood tests. I then got the call from the office and they had an answer for me, finally. I was terribly low in Iron and I needed to get a supplement with enormous amounts and start taking it right away. I knew that my metabolism was all screwed up; it had weeks of consistent exercise to immobility and the only way back was exercise and building muscle. That was last April. In December 2015 I finally starting to feel more like me, but still no time for exercise.

That’s where Solution Fitness comes into the picture. I saw an ad on Facebook and gave them a call. I need someone to help me get back to a routine. A positive experience that will give me the tools to reconnect with my inner athlete. I met Joe and I knew I found the right place. Joe is warm from the moment you meet him. He is completely invested in the success of his clients and takes a strategic stance on how to achieve that. Joe has developed a 12 week work out routine especially for me. Taking into account my injuries, my limitations and my personality. I like to push really hard at the gym, to go as hard as I can. But I’m over 40 and my body doesn’t need to be beaten. I am making time for exercise.

Three days a week I walk into the gym, which is bright and welcoming. That is where I meet Jack. Jack is knowledgeable and sweet and keeps an eye on me as I’m doing the exercises. He watches for form and gently helps me along the way. He is in his 20’s and stands strong with a group of women ranging from 40s-75.

I start out every session with a stretch using the foam roller and other equipment. I’m a big foam roller fan. I get out all the tight spots and start my program. There are usually 4-5 other women working their programs as well. But Jack keeps us all moving. I started my 3^rd week on Monday and Joe has been working with me as well as working with new clients on their first days.

I really love how they work with the group as we work out. The complaining, the joking it’s a nice place to be. Joes’ voice is what I hear when my arms aren’t straight lifting weights. It’s this bellowing voice coming out of thin air to coach me thru the sets. I LOVE IT. I know that someone is keeping an eye on me. Which was weird at first but now I am used to it. I feel better, I have more energy and I am actually eating more to help jumpstart my metabolism.

I am excited to bring you on my journey back to physical and mental health. It is so important to have exercise a permanent routine in your lifestyle as well as a varied healthy diet. I know that now, I’ve lived it. I have enlisted a great support system and I have amassed a wealth of knowledge, now it is all about action. Stay tuned for my milestones, how much I torture Jack & Joe and what happens when my clothes start fitting again.

Love,

Beth