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Cheryl struggled with severe migraines as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Then she joined Leash Your Fitness! After making some changes on her own at the recommendation of her neurologist, she is seeing even faster success through the support of others in the Healthier Habits online group and the classes. Read on to see how Cheryl got her life back!
What made you decide to come to a Leash Your Fitness class, and how did you and your pup, Mistie feel about your first class together?
My first “class” was kayaking. I had made a list of goals for 2014 and one of them was to try something new. Someone mentioned how much fun they had at LYF events and I decided to give it a try. My pup was exhausted, but she loved kayaking and I had fun and got to see that everyone is at different fitness levels but Dawn and Naomi always make everyone feel included and not like you have to be in-shape to get in-shape.
What made you want to make a lifestyle change?
I was struggling with severe migraines that were starting to disrupt my life and affecting my self-worth. I had an assessment done with a neurologist and found out my insulin levels were high. This was a major factor in what was causing my migraines and diabetes runs in my family. I knew that if I wanted to get back my life I needed to make some big changes.
What has been your key to success in your healthier lifestyle? What has been your biggest challenge?
I think the biggest thing has been finding a group of people that I am comfortable with, that are encouraging instead of intimidating and seeing the direct correlation between making the changes and feeling better. I now go months without having migraines when before, I was lucky to make it through a week without a severe migrane. Biggest challenge – not getting frustrated or discouraged by the number on the scale and instead looking at the bigger picture of how I feel. Also, sometimes you just want to splurge on junk food and knowing that moderation is the key and not to get down on myself when I have a bad day.
How much weight have you lost?
I have lost 33 pounds. And I am down almost 5 dress sizes. Sales person accidentally pulled a size 6 instead of a size 8 yesterday and I decided to try them on just because. They actually fit. A little tight but they fit!
What are your current fitness goals?
I have 6 pounds left to get to my goal weight set by my doctor. I am working on my cardio and stamina to be able to run an entire 5k without having to stop and run it under a 12-minute mile pace.
You recently started coming to Strut With Your Mutt (run class) and have made huge progress in very few weeks – have you always wanted to try running? What has been your most proud moment so far?
Honestly, no, I didn’t want to try running. I have pretty much always hated running. I thought runners were crazy, but the more I saw the results of making lifestyle changes, the more I saw the benefits and started to enjoy running as a way to challenge myself and motivate myself to keep having a goal to work towards.
Most proud moment so far – I made a goal to run a 5k and sticking to that and following through on that goal for myself when it is really easy to make excuses to do something else.
Awesome job, Cheryl! You are a great example of perseverance and hard work paying off! We can’t wait to see what else you accomplish!
If you or someone you love is having health issues due to weight, please contact us and we will give you information on our online Healthy Habits group. It is a great way to get on track with eating for health!
It is NOT a diet, it is a lifestyle!
