Brooke J.
PROGRAM:
Summer Shape Up - 2rd Place Winner!
This challenge has changed my life, I know, that sounds cliche but let me explain. I've been an active person for most (looking at you college) of my life. I started CrossFit in 2012, and that was really the last time I've felt this sort of impact on my perspective. It really introduced me to that "fitness" sort of lifestyle and way of living. I met my significant other there and was able to challenge myself in ways I didn't know I needed. The piece that I was never really great about in this lifestyle, is the nutrition and wellness part. I dabbled with various "diets" and programs, but none of them were ever really sustainable for me. I'd see some quick changes, be happy for a bit then fall back into old habits.
Fast forward to April of this year, I was in a bit of a rut (and quite honestly had been for months). I knew my significant other was going to be gone most of the summer for work, and I would be home alone. Feeling bummed about that, while scrolling one night, I see the Summer Shape Up on Instagram. Click on the link, and mostly impulsively, decide it's just what I need as a distraction for the next 12 weeks. The next day as the start date is right around the corner, I'm sort of doubting myself and thinking jeez, did I just waste all that money? Nevertheless, I'm committed! I'd tracked macros in the past and certainly have no issue with exercising. What do I have to lose?
Little did I know what I would gain throughout this process. In all my nutrition experimenting, I never worked 1:1 with a coach. That's been a game changer for me, the consistent feedback and perspective has been so helpful. Maybe it's maturity? Maybe it's magic? But I've actually enjoyed this process, and was able to drastically shift my perspective to feel like this really can be sustainable for me. That it's not just about the challenge, but really the long haul..for life.
Over the past 12 weeks I lost 8lbs and a total of 32.3 inches across my body. I gained back a lot of my strength. I struggled to do a single pull-up and now I'm doing multiple strict reps. I was terrified of back-squatting 135 and easily hit 170 for 2 last night. I retested a 3.35 mile run from April and took 6 minutes off my time. Just overall a big jump in my fitness.
The shift in my mental game and perspective is by far my biggest win. Along with the daily habits I've added to my day; more fiber, more steps, water before my coffee. The lifestyle changes that will just make me a healthier person overall, that now feels like second nature. Thank you to Black Iron and especially my new coach Amanda for the support and knowledge. I truly owe you guys for the best 12 weeks.