I have decided to start a new blog series featuring a friend of mine from my gym. I have gotten several emails from people that I think Leslie can help. She is an awesome woman: a single mom, a hard worker, and very brave to share her journey with us. Please send your questions for Leslie to BusyMomGetsFit@aol.com. I will pick a few for her to answer.
Meet Leslie
In January of 2011, God spoke to me and said it was time for “change”. It was time to get healthy spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. I did not realize at that time how God was really giving me the desire to become the temple God created me to be and how I was going to achieve such change. My journey has totally been a God thing!
I was blessed in September to meet an awesome trainer (Noah Carter) who has helped me physically as well as emotionally and mentally push through.
I am embarrassed to say I started off in the 300’s. But, I can proudly say that I am determined to become healthy.
I have lost a total of 83lbs this past year, 53lbs have been since September. My goal is to lose another 100lbs this year.
How I have done it so far:
I train with a personal trainer 3 to 4 times a week. I am still working on being able to completely run a 5K by spring, so I make sure to (walk, jog, and run) a 5K at least 3 times a week. I also do Zumba and Kickboxing. I keep count of my calories and follow a plan from my gym really close: really low carbs/sugars and lots of protein and vegetables. Diet Plan
More then anything I would encourage you to surround yourself with people who will encourage you and challenge you. Accountability is so crucial. I have struggled with my weight since I was younger so I truly understand what someone is going through to lose weight.
God gives me the strength and endurance daily to do what I have been doing. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is my favorite scripture I quote because in my own strength, I could not be doing what I am doing. It has been tough. I have a long ways to go, but I know this life changing journey is going to be used for HIS glory and already is being used. ~Leslie
Busy Mom Gets Fit question #1 for Leslie:
Did you have any apprehension about joining a gym?
“I didn’t have any apprehension about joining the gym. I have had gym memberships in the past and enjoyed it, but I allowed depression and anxiety and lack of confidence to defeat me. I did have a lot of apprehension about having a trainer. I worked with one several years ago and did well, but at that time I could not mentally and emotionally push through to be successful and gave up. This time around when I came back to the gym I signed up for a trainer only to cancel the next day. I wasn’t completely ready. In September 2011, a friend wanted to do it together and at first it worked well and then something inside me wanted to push more. I realized I was worth it and I have the strength to make this change and I ran with it! You have to remember you are not there for anybody else or to impress anybody else you are there to become healthy and keep focused on just that.”