Today’s featured weight loss success story: Bev lost 79 pounds and is now a Zumba instructor. In 2 years, this proud mom of three has gone from a size 26 to a size 8. Read her story and find out how she did it:
“My name is Bev and I have lost 79 pounds! When I turned 37, God blessed me with another little Boy (my older children were 22 and 18 at the time). I was too big to chase after the little guy, once he started walking. I decided to change my eating habits, and start working out. It has been a slow process, as I have been on this weight loss journey for 2 years.I keep a watchful eye in my portions, and have banned sugar from my household. I love to experiment with fresh produce.
My workouts are hard…I make them that way because I love to sweat now..lol. In the beginning, I started going to the gym with my sister. Now at first, I wanted to kill her, because my first class was a Spin Class. I think that I may have cursed her the entire class! I then started going to Boot Camp classes; where I met some pretty amazing people! They encouraged me to keep working out and eating better. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Eventually, I became a Gym Rat, hitting the gym as much as 6 days a week. Sometimes, I would go twice a day. My classes consisted of: Boot Camp, Weight Lifting, Kickboxing, spinning, and ZUMBA! I loved Zumba so much, that I became a Licensed Instructor. I don’t get to go to the gym too much any more, so I walk when I can. I usually walk 5 miles and do some type of strength training 4-5 days a week. My strength training consists of LOTS of planks, abs, and squats (my fave) And if its raining, I practice Zumba. I’m constantly moving! My starting weight was 244 pounds and in a size 26. I am now 165 pounds and in a size 8.
Slow and steady wins the race. We must LEARN how to live a healthier lifestyle. Don’t give up, and don’t make excuses! I have a small group here on FB, and U encourage others to live as healthy as they possibly can. It’s called WE WALK, because not everybody can Zumba, or do Boot Camps…but we can walk, and just 10 mins a day does wonders! If I could give ANY advice…it would be to learn about your body. Learn what obesity is doing to your body. Keep a great support system, and most of all; LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO CHANGE YOUR HABITS! I loved myself back then…but I love myself enough to NEVER go back!”
Lisa says
Bev,
Thanks for your inspiring story and your encouragement. CONGRATS on your success and your committment to live a healthier lifestyle.
I am encouraged and strengthened by your words: We CAN WALK!
Many blessings and continued good health to you and your family. You ROCK!
Stay healthy, happy and whole!
Mommyof3 says
You go girl! I’ve been struggling with my weight the past two years and I too joined a gym lost 45 pounds and was a bonified GYM RAT!!! Went from 206 pounds to 161… size 16 to a stretchy 8…I was so proud of myself…then my father became ill and i fell off the wagon…I realized at the end of the summer I was up to a size 14! I became depressed, I worked so hard to keep that weight off for a year…but I didn’t let it keep me down…I’m back at the gym and have reincorporated my healthier eating habits…joined a new gym and I’m already losing again. You are so right….meeting others who are committed to working out and encourage you to finish that class is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing…I too am a zumba junkie…more like a zumba snob…if i’m not sweating through my shirt, I feel as if I cheated myself out of a workout…God Bless you and thanks for the Wednesday encouragement!
Felicia Williams says
Hello Ms. Bev
I just wanted to let you know that your words of encouragement are so inspiring. It pushes me to keep going and knowing that others my size have loss the weight so I can too. We Walk…..Yes I can!!!! Thanks for that EXTRA push that I need from day to day. I love this site and I am so inspired by so many of the WOMEN on here….So congrats, and keep up the great work, continue to be an inspiration to myself and others!!!!
antwanette says
OMG!!! Wow!!