Shred415 STL helped get me past my plateau, but I had no idea how much else I would gain by being part of such an encouraging community.
I lost my dad in 2008. When he passed, I realized how short life is, and I wanted to do everything I could to make him proud. Prior to his passing, I used to lead an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. I was in my 20s, and already experiencing regular hip and foot pain. While all of my friends were out enjoying life, I was living in a shell of a body and living vicariously through her happiness.
I started out by making small changes and reminding myself to take it one day at a time. When you’re as heavy as I was, the weight seems to melt off in the beginning. The more pounds I saw drop, the harder I wanted to work.
By 2012, I’d lost over 115 lbs. I had run three half marathons, committed to exercise five to six days a week, and only indulged once a week as opposed to daily. Yes, 115 lbs. isn’t that drastic over four years, but there was still a lot of flab hanging around. So then I started weight training. I saw my body slowly change and take more shape, but I had new goals, I mixed it up with yoga, Pilates, and spinning, but I was still at a plateau that kept my weight at a standstill for almost a year.
So I tweaked my diet and then took my first Shred415 class in December 2014 to shake up my workout and shock my body. I had more energy after that first class than I had ever experienced after any workout I had done in the previous six years. I was officially hooked! The music, fast pace, incredible trainers with endless energy, and the encouragement I received in every class was something I had never experienced before. Shred415 STL helped get me past my plateau, but I had no idea how much else I would gain by being part of such an encouraging community. The first time I heard Amy Lescher yell out, “Be your own hero!” it almost brought tears to my eyes. Jeremy Walton has visited St. Louis a few times. He gets us through it by yelling, “don’t let fear get into your lungs—you are stronger than the machine!” Then there is Katie Schreiber. The inspiration and encouragement that oozes from her in EVERY SINGLE class is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. It radiates beyond the studio.
Since starting my journey in 2008, I have passed my plateau and lost a total of 140 pounds. I joined Shred415 to get a lower number on the scale and a smaller jean size. However, now that I have accomplished both of those goals with the help of Shred415, my new goal is to never forget to be grateful for each day and to lead a life where I’m “my own hero.”
To become Shredder of the Month, submit your Shred415 success story to [email protected]. Whomever is chosen will receive an unlimited month of Shred415 classes. He or she will also be recognized on our blog and social media channels.
