I am eternally grateful for Shred415, and I’ll tell you why. I spent a lot of time in my adult life taking care of others that I forgot to prioritize myself and my health. In 2017, my doctor told me that my weight had reached a very unhealthy point. Having grown up a very active child, I had a hard time understanding how it got to this point. I knew that I did not want to seek out any quick fixes or medications. I needed an overall lifestyle change and I needed to start exercising.
As serendipity would have it, I stumbled upon Shred415 while browsing on Groupon. Without hesitation, I purchased a class package. I did not know what to expect from Shred415, but the picture with people exercising was intriguing. The people in that class look like they were on a serious mission. “Running” and “HIIT” were not words in my vocabulary just yet.
In my first class at Shred415, I could barely walk on the treadmill at 1.5 miles per hour, but the environment was welcoming and friendly. The instructors were professional, motivating, encouraging, challenging, and fun. That was exactly what I needed. I kept going 2 days a week for about 2 years. When the pandemic hit, I took a break from gyms. I returned to Shred415 in 2021 and signed up for an unlimited membership, with a goal to take 4-5 classes per week. I was all in and ready to get back on my goals.
Shred415 has inspired me to stay active throughout the week. I have stuck to my goals and still Shred 4-5 times per week and supplement with pilates and yoga. I am so committed to taking control of my health.
Exercise to me is advanced rehab and Shred415 has been able to help me stay the course. I voluntarily turned myself in to be with other like-minded individuals who are striving for the same goals. Because of Shred415, I have been more conscientious and purposeful with my actions and have given myself permission to make new healthy habits and choices. In being more physically active, I ventured out and improved my food intake with cleaner foods. My sleep quality has also greatly improved.
After 551 Shred415 classes, I am blessed with more energy and feel great! My A1C has dropped from 12.5 – 4.5 without medication and I lost 80 pounds! I can walk up and down stairs without holding handrails or taking a pause in between steps. I can walk long distances and climb hills without effort. Traveling is easier and I am getting closer to the ‘me’ I once knew.
Last week, I surprised myself. I was walking so fast on the treadmill, I started running. I didn’t know that running was something I could do. I now try to run 1 minute on and 1 minute off for at least 15 minutes per class. As stated by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
I am not where I want to be, but thank goodness I am not where I was headed. Thank you Shred415 for being there to pick me up when I needed a helping hand, cheer me on, and motivate me! Thank you to all of the trainers and staff for their commitment and their enthusiasm!
TO ALL OF YOU WHO DO NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO A BETTER AND HEALTHIER LIFE, YOU CAN DO IT! START AND DON’T QUIT! You just have to find the right place and the right people to cheer you on!
Thank you, Shred415!
