With the encouragement and guidance of all the instructors, I found my rhythm and what works best for me.
So, mine is a classic story. Girl meets food. Girl loves food. Girl NEVER EVER works out. I mean EVER! Well, that all changed on January 24, 2016. I decided to go all in. Diet and exercise on point until I met my goal—no excuses.
My first Shred415 class was with Melissa in South Loop and I was terrified. I was 272 pounds and in the worst shape of my life. And I will never forget what she told me that day: “Your goal today is just to make it through class.” I kept that in mind the entire hour. I kept moving no matter what, and even though I was nowhere near athletic as those around me, I knew I would never have a chance to be if I didn’t try.
The next couple of weeks were a struggle—a struggle to get there and make it through the hour. But surprisingly, things got easier. I started asking for help and started asking more questions. The moment I realized that I absolutely wouldn’t die in that room, I was HOOKED!
After my first month, I started to run. Well, let’s be honest, I started to slowly jog. But with the encouragement and guidance of all the instructors, I found my rhythm and what works best for me. They have helped me modify through small injuries and always keep me motivated with energetic classes and encouraging words. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten goosebumps during class. Sometimes because their words really hit home for me and sometimes because I can’t believe I’m really doing it! Keeping up with these athletes now is still a challenge, but in the best way possible.
Although I’m committed to my health and fitness for life, it’s exciting to celebrate victories along the way. I’m over eight months in and so proud to report that I’m down almost 80 pounds! I’m in what us larger gals like to call the ONEderfuls (a cutesy term to use when it means being a weight that starts with a one instead of a two). Being able to shop anywhere I want and not being a “plus size” any more is WAY more than I could have imagined EIGHT months ago. From a 22-24 to a 10-12—that’s CRAZY! And talk about crazy, I went ahead and signed up for the Chicago Marathon in October! I have to give a special shout out to Melissa, Julie, Sunny, Brittanie, and Brandon in South Loop. I can’t bear to miss your classes, and you each provide me with a different experience I look forward to each and every week!
I can’t wait to complete my journey with everyone at Shred415!
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.
