Find Something You Enjoy

I know that every doctor/health professional will tell you that the best way to lose weight is diet and exercise. Yes, that is true. We all know that.

For me the hardest part wasn't the cutting calories and watching what I ate, it was finding an exercise routine that I enjoyed. I don't want exercise to be something I have to cross off my ever-growing to do list. I wanted to find something fun, that I would look forward to. Finding that has helped me find the success that I have had. Also, having the coaches and trainers I've had really really help.

I started losing weight in college. I found a kickboxing class and went three-four times a week. It was a blast, it didn't feel like it took a long time (it lasted about a hour) and I saw results. Eventually, I started using the cardio machines in the gym on the off days. When I moved back to Louisville, I joined a gym and continued with cardio, but it wasn't fun and I hated going. While watching "Million Dollar Baby" with my best one evening, I started looking up boxing gyms in the area. I found one that offered Muay Thai and several days later I joined.

I think meeting my coach, Eric Haycraft, is really what propelled the rest. I've been a student of Muay Thai for almost 4 years now. Sadly, the move to Nashville took me away from Eric's gym, Real Fighters. Workouts were usually 1.5-2 hours long and probably the highlights of my week. It is a very cognitive sport, my mind is totally concentrated on the task at hand and not what is going on in my life. You have to pay attention or injuries occur (I only got 5 black eyes). I got the support and encouragement of a team, and I love those guys so much. The combination of a stellar team, knowledgeable coach and a challenging sport, I've had the opportunity to gain strength, power and lose some pounds. Along the way, I also teamed up with personal trainers who really helped me step up my game.

My personal trainer, Garrett Watson (G-Fit Louisville), really helped while I was in graduate school. He has bootcamps at 5:30am and 6:30am on Tuesday and Thursday, that he let me attend at a severally discounted rate. He would also call and yell at me if I was late or didn't show up. I made sure I was always here. In the bootcamps I learned a lot of speed and that I am the Queen of the Kettlebells. Garrett also made me keep food journals, so I learned a lot about what I should be eating and other habits.

Now, in Nashville, I know more about my exercise and nutritional needs. I'm doing Weight-Watchers Points Plus, which is really helping. I had to quit my Muay Thai gym, but I found another one that I'll be joining in the next couple weeks. I joined the YMCA and go daily. I've found a new love for Zumba and yoga.

Getting healthy is an experience and a definite lifestyle change. It's challenging, but it's increasingly beneficial. Find something you like and you're more likely to stick to it.