Cherri

IT IS WHAT IT IS.

It was time for a change. I turned 49 this year. I realized I didn’t want to be overweight, out of shape, or continuously exhausted anymore. In a moment of resolve, I joined a friend for one of Reformed Living’s Active Fit classes. I am not a fan of cardio, so even though I was ready for change, I still wasn’t looking forward to any of it and literally had to drag myself there. Despite the fact that cardio isn’t my favorite, the atmosphere of Active Fit was so positive and upbeat that I found myself enjoying class anyway. Then I tried Built Fit and knew I had located my exercise ‘happy place’. I was excited about going to each Built Fit class and noticed that my body was really starting to change.

A new improved me. The biggest changes I have noticed are that I have more confidence and more energy. I enjoy getting up and moving. Even when I really, really do not want to go workout, I know I will feel so much better when I’m done. That has led to such a sense of accomplishment for me. It’s a huge step forward, and I’m thrilled about it.

Do what you can, but do it 100%. The first few weeks after I started Active and Built Fit classes were tough. I was sore after each class. I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older that I have a few more aches and pains than I used to, but Doreen and Dave are great about helping me modify so that I can give each workout 100% effort. I guess you could say that’s my general approach to exercise – do what you can, give it all you’ve got, but don’t overdo it. Every class is progress; whether it’s being less sore than the last workout or realizing there’s an inch or two less of me than the last measurement. I try to keep the big picture in mind, especially when I’m not making progress as fast as I would like. Every workout gets me closer to where I ultimately want to be. It’s a process. And processes take time.

Food, glorious food. My main challenge has always been food. It’s true that 80% of getting healthier is accomplished in the kitchen. I had to stop looking at food as anything other than fuel. My body doesn’t do well with carbs, so I have to be very careful what I eat and when I eat it. For me, that means no starchy foods like beans or pasta and I even limit other starches such as fruit. I feel better when I primarily eat protein. I realized that it’s not going to kill me to not eat certain foods I used to love. In the end, it’s not worth eating something that’s going to make me feel tired and sluggish. Lean meats and eggs are my friends.

Perception is the reality. I would say my biggest accomplishment is how much better I feel. I am no longer uncomfortable or as self-conscious when I go places. My perception of myself has changed for the positive, and I am so much happier. It was also pretty amazing to need to buy all new, smaller clothes.

Looking ahead… My main motivation is looking at the big picture. Every class, every workout pushes me closer to my goal. I may not see it right away, which can be frustrating, but I can look back and see how far I’ve come and that helps motivate me to keep pushing forward. While I’m not sure I have a next big goal like an adventure race or anything like that, I have set a goal for myself of being able to go somewhere in July (location to be determined) when I turn 50 and be completely confident in my skin. I don’t want to get trapped into focusing on a number on the scale or a specific size of clothing. Instead, I want to feel good, look good, and be utterly comfortable from the inside out.

I get by with a little help from my friends. Reformed Living has been a huge part of my journey. Dave and Doreen offer a unique kind of caring accountability. They push you, but with motivation and support and without pressure. No matter what it is, they cheer you on and tell you that you can do it. They are always right there offering help, support, and encouragement.

Becoming a better you. The advice I would offer to anyone thinking of starting their own health and fitness journey is to take it one baby step at a time. Be patient. Because it’s a journey, be sure to enjoy the process. No one gets out of shape overnight, and no one gets back in shape overnight. Set small, obtainable goals to help keep you motivated and to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Honestly, just start! Start with a mindset of doing things that are going to make you feel better and be a better you.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

The thing I enjoy most is being social. I love to hang out with family and friends, whether it’s shopping, going out to eat, or just hanging out and talking and laughing. I have 12 nieces and nephews (9 girls and 3 boys), 9 of which are under six years old. I love spending time with them. They really keep me on my toes!

What type of music do you listen to?

My favorite types of music are alternative and rock, especially classic rock from the 70’s. I have a wide variety of tastes so I don’t necessarily have a favorite band. I like everything from the Allman Brothers to Godsmack.

If you could spend time with a famous person, past or present, whom would it be and why?

Oh wow. I’m going to have to think about that one.

What do you think is your most outstanding characteristic?

I’m pretty talkative and friendly. I can approach just about anyone and start a conversation.

What are your words to live by?

It is what it is. There’s no need to worry about all the things that are outside of your control. Stressing isn’t going to change a thing, so don’t waste your energy. Figure out a way to be happy with what is, right now, in the moment.

What habit are you most proud of? 

The habit I’m most proud of is that I stop to think before I eat. It’s now a habit to think about what my body needs for fuel rather than what I want to eat. I think that’s been and will continue to be the most beneficial for me in the long run.

What is your favorite healthy meal?

Chicken. I eat a lot of chicken in a lot of different ways. I don’t really have one favorite recipe, per se, but I like how versatile chicken is.

How much sleep do you get per day?

I actually don’t sleep well. Left to my own devices, my body will allow me to sleep for about half an hour or so at a time. After discussing this with my doctor, I now take a sleep aid so I can get more rest. It doesn’t always work the way it should and sometimes I feel groggy in the morning, but I probably average 7-8 hours a night. Before I started incorporating a sleep aid, I might get 2-3 hours, and that was nowhere near enough.

What do you like best about Reformed Living?

The combination of support, encouragement, and accountability they offer. I know they have my back and only want the very best for me.