Tessi

Goal: 25lbs in 6 months
Results: 42lbs in 5 months



I began this journey many years ago, and these past couple months are just a few pages in this chapter of my life, but they have also been the most significant.

I always had this idea growing up that I was fat because all my friends were so much smaller than I was. It is only with time and reflection (and looking at photos of when I was around 12) that I have come to realize how deluded I was, and that my body was not fat, it was that my age did not seem to match it...I had a woman's figure! At the time though, I could not possibly understand this, and slowly, I ended up becoming what I always thought I was...overweight... and I was completely unhappy about it.

So where does all the drive come from to finally do something about it? Well, it always began with a break-up...go figure. When I was 19 and going through the first of what turns out to be several break-ups, I realized I was a little wider coming out of that relationship then I was going in - likely 20 pounds. I was heart-broken, but somewhere through all the mess I decided I needed to lose some weight, and began going to a ladies' circuit-training gym with a friend.  I found it very repetitive, and hardly effective.  Shortly after we started, our enthusiasm became exhausted and the weight stayed on.

My heart managed to heal,  and then was broken again.  Following breakup number two I gained about 20 more pounds. More enthusiasm came and went. I decided I was going to try herbal pills to make me thin (oh yes, I bought into that in no time - just eat right, no need to exercise!). I did end up losing those 20 pounds, felt great about it, and when I went back home for Christmas was very pleased with everyone's comments. Somewhere amidst my pill-infused diet, I met my future worst-boyfriend-award break-up, and ended up gaining 30 pounds; the "diet" was not realistic and therefore had no staying power. I was in hell. I tried the circuit-training again, I tried going to gyms with friends, I tried to eat well all on my own, I tried everything (I thought), but nothing worked for me.

I swung  back and forth on the weight pendulum. I could lose some but it would always slowly creep back on, and in the back of my mind I always knew why - I hadn't tried everything.

There was always the idea of a personal trainer but always had an excuse (mainly financial) not to go get one. I then went through breakup #4 - but something was different after letting this one go. I was in a different space in my life; I had my own place, a good job, good friends and family - and I had run out of excuses. After another night of not being able to sleep due to stressing over my body image (a life-long struggle) I decided it was time to really reach out no matter what it cost me, because in the end, I am priceless. This was something I was doing completely for myself. And I found Kevin and Body Be Fit.

I had seen the website for Body Be Fit many months before when I first began investigating Personal Training, and was drawn by it's friendliness, affordability, and overall zest for fun and adventure! I thought "THAT is what I need!". I sent him an email about 12:30 in the morning, and sure enough, he responded the next day. After meeting with Kevin personally I knew I had finally made the right decision; a decision that would affect all the chapters of my story. He really made me see that it was not about a quick fix to just lose weight, it was a lifestyle choice I was making. Through Body Be Fit's Bootcamps, Personal Training, and endless support, my attitude towards healthy living has taken a 180, and I always look forward to reaching that next mark. That's what it so great about a Trainer: they are there to push you to limits even you didn't know you were capable of - 25 pounds in 3 months, a goal I had set for myself to do in 6.

I now work out 4 times a week, make healthy choices, and wake up every morning with confidence. It's not always easy, and there are times I feel like I could give up, but my trainers' constant encouragement keeps me going and I am  seeing the rewards that come with all that hard work.

By sending that first email to Kevin, I was making an investment in myself, my health, and my future, and I have never felt anything more empowering.