“ After a long, cold Northeast winter, I realized I had been hibernating instead of taking care of myself. I was out of shape, my energy was low, my clothes no longer fit, and I noticed changes in both my physical and mental health. I knew something had to change.
As a full-time employee & part-time worker, mom to a child with severe nonverbal autism, and a stroke and HELLP syndrome survivor, I had plenty of excuses to skip workouts. But during this challenge, those same excuses became my why. My motivation.
Some days were tough, but I reminded myself that with 24 hours in a day, I could choose to prioritize my health and happiness.
This challenge pushed me outside my comfort zone. I tried new group fitness classes, learned new dances, and even organized community walks and hikes through my own FaceBook groups Fun Berks and Gal Pals to help keep me motivated, but also to encourage others to stay active too.
Along the way, I realized that exercise is only part of the equation- how you fuel your body matters just as much. For me, 1UP Nutrition helped me stay consistent, reach my protein goals, recover better, and maintain the energy I needed throughout the challenge.
I'm incredibly grateful to 1UP Nutrition, the supportive 1UP Facebook community, and Coach Sam for encouragement and guidance. This challenge helped me regain my health, strength, confidence, and belief in what I'm capable of when I stay consistent and refuse to give up.
This journey taught me that I am stronger than my excuses and capable of more than I ever imagined. I encourage everyone to start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Every step forward, big or small, is still progress & a step towards a healthier, happier you.”
