Fort Hill Fitness Member Spotlight

At the end of July I was asked to be my gyms spotlight member of the month of August. I’m honored that my efforts are recognized by complete strangers and really keeps me going. Social Media is a place for people to share the happy moments of their lives and we rarely see the bad. Now please understand my days do not just look like what I post. My days can start wrong and at any moment it can be a damn tough mudder obstacle course. My weight has been that journey and with this spotlight I was asked to write about my experiences and the impacts Fort Hill has had on me and my journey. Below is what I wrote for the news letter and I figured I’d share so the nasty moments can be read and seen.

Many describe me as being a supportive teacher, hardworking, and reliable. As Covid struck the world, each one of my best qualities began to weaken; anxiety, stress and depression began to take over. I allowed my days to be consumed with overeating, overthinking, and my inability to keep moving. I was stuck in my head replaying past moments on if I could of done better, looking for reassurance, and relying on others to help me hold it all together. My daily-even virtual workouts dwindled and I gained over 40 pounds. 

​One day while crying over my newly developed stretch marks, I knew it was time to make a change. My weight has always been a continuous journey of trial and error. This process has tested my ability to remain strong, one that has revealed my weaknesses, but has also empowered me to finally put myself first. This time around although it feels like I am starting from scratch I have realized that I'm not, I am starting with experience. I have learned over the years that my body works best when I am active and allowing myself to indulge in foods I love just in moderation! Each person is different and if you’re not willing to find the right umbrella to stick out the storm then you will never get to see your rainbow.

​I have reconnected differently with Fort Hill as it has become my second home. I use the fitness center and have found endless benefits in the group fitness classes. If it wasn't for my first Cycle 30/30 class with Lisa, where everyone welcomed me with open arms, kept in touch when I missed a class, I wouldn't be where I am today. Fort Hill is a place where I feel comfortable to be myself. I am inspired by my surroundings; greeted with a hello when I walk in and a goodbye when I walk out. I have been able to see my body transform through progress pictures and I am shocked to see what our bodies are capable of achieving. We always wish we could see ourselves through other eyes and I’m sharing this because for the first time I feel like I can see how others see me. I have lost 35 pounds and I feel amazing! I look at the scale and wish I didn't give in to the destruction of Covid but I know that I continue to be a work in progress and that is okay. I’m hopeful that my journey and experiences at Fort Hill will lead me to a long lasting change.
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