They say there is one thing in life that we can count on, death and taxes. When it comes to getting in shape, we can also count on there being times when we’re highly motivated, but more often, the down times, when life gets busy, the kids get sick, we get emotional, we seem to be making more mistakes than progress, and it all just seems too hard.
This is often when most people pack it all in and quit. But, this is the time to hang in there and just do whatever you can do! You will be surprised at how just how much progress you’ll make just by keeping on going! Never give up!
It’s been a big year for Melissa full of the usual ups and downs of life. These times really test us. But she committed to the work, showed up and got it done as best she could. She ended up rocking out her end of year shoot and has earned the rewards she worked for.
Here’s Melissa’s story.
The Stats:
Melissa Mills, age 39
Mum of twin boys
Business Owner: Likeminded Souls
Timeframe: 12 months
I really expected to get in great shape in 12 months while still not getting real with myself about the things that were holding me back. This year I’ve learned that healthy bodies are built year by year, not in 12 months. I’ve changed my perspective about what it takes to get into shape. I’m now taking a longer term view of my training and creating healthier habits that serve me and am approaching my health and fitness as doing this for the rest of my life, not just for 12 weeks or a year!
I thought I ate pretty healthily before I began the program, but I learnt that I didn’t have the knowledge and tools that I needed to bring about the changes I wanted to see in my life. And I didn’t believe in myself. This year I’ve grown in self-confidence and now have self-belief that I haven’t had since I had my twin boys 5 years ago! My mindset has definitely changed from being more negative and self-critical and telling myself I can’t do things, to being more positive and telling myself that I can do things. And I’ve proven to myself I can!
‘I always used cardio to manage excess weight’
I grew up in a household surrounded by sweets and in the past I’d always done excessive cardio to manage my weight so that I didn’t balloon out from my sweet indulgences. Before kids, sometimes I would train for hours a day at the gym or do back to back classes and all I’d eaten all day was a measly salad!
This year I’ve loved learning how to eat more of the right foods to shed fat and how to lift weights just twice a week to build a lean, strong, curvy figure with just one intense cardio class a week. I’m really surprised at the progress I’ve made throughout the year, from barely being able to do a few push ups on my knees to doing a few each class on my toes! I was surprisingly so weak when began!
I’m most proud of following through on the gym and fitness shoot in November which meant overcoming my fears and my discomfort of being in front of the camera.
I loving wearing clothes that are more figure hugging now! I was always covering up my bum and hips! I love how they have changed over the year and the tone in my upper body.
What I’ve achieved this year:
- I’ve had less anxiety and mood swings
- I no longer take anti-depressants or binge eat to feel better
- I shout at the kids far less
- I go to bed earlier and am sleeping better
- I’ve had a huge change in mindset from negative over-thinking to positive thinking
- I’ve increased in confidence and self-belief
- I’ve gotten stronger and fitter and am finally getting in fabulous shape!
It was the hardest to keep on going in winter when the kids and I got sick and I wasn’t getting a lot of sleep. However, I hung in there and did what I could, and I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it.
I’ve gradually improved my food prep over the year and even take it to the park and to the parties that the kids go to so that I eat well and stay on track for my goals. I certainly feel much better for doing this.
My fave go to dishes are:
Mexican Chicken – slow cooked, easy peasy!
The MP CK salad – easy to prep, chuck in a container and it’s done!
Roasted veggies make everything yum!!
Food prep is great! It feels good to fill the fridge up and have everything I need at hand for the next 2-3 days.
My favourite exercise is: ICE! Intense Cardio Exercise
What I enjoy most about being a part of the Fierce & Fabulous team:
The support and camaraderie of like-minded women who face similar challenges of juggling self-care with raising a family and building a business. I love Kirsten’s passion for her program and the chance to have close support with learning to lift weights and improve my nutrition habits.
I look forward to continuing to work on myself in 2019!
