Learn how our LR Stony Brook member Kristen B. lost 106 pounds and changed her life through healthy eating and fitness!
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? (Where you’re from, your favorite hobbies,)
My name is Kristen, I am 29 years old, am from South Setauket, NY and I have been a special education teacher for 6 years.
Growing up, dance was a major part of my life. My mom couldn’t convince me to start dance until my younger sister was old enough to start, but once I did get the courage to take a class, I fell in love with it and danced competitively until college. Dance is still a big part of my life; I have been teaching 3-5 year olds for the past 10 years.
Another hobby is going to the gym. Lucille Roberts Stony Brook has some awesome classes, amazing instructors and trainers, and I spend a lot of my free time taking classes and working out. I have made some very close friends through Lucille Roberts. Thanks to the trainers, instructors, and staff at Lucille Roberts Stony Brook, I am proud to say I have lost 106lbs.
- What is the #1 reason you joined Lucille Roberts?
I have always struggled with my weight. I remember my mom tugging on my dance costumes and telling me to “suck it in.” When I stopped dancing, started getting very focused and dedicated on finishing my masters degree and being a new teacher, the weight came on fast. I spent many lonely nights working on papers or planning lessons and turned to food for comfort.
My mom joined Lucille Roberts in 2007 and, concerned about my health, convinced me to join as well. I liked that it was an all women’s gym. I didn’t have much self confidence and could not picture myself starting to workout in a co-ed gym. I also liked the affordable rates that Lucille Roberts offers. I joined and would come for a class or two every few days. I made sure never to miss a Zumba class, but I hardly took any of the other classes and I wasn’t following through with the nutritional components outside of the gym to make my membership worthwhile.
In April of 2011, I won a free personal training session. I was nervous and reluctant to redeem my session, but I did and that’s how I met Agnes. I immediately felt very comfortable with Agnes, and although she nearly killed me during that free session, I felt good afterwards. I contemplated signing up for more sessions, but I was hesitant. I didn’t think there was much hope for me. I half halfheartedly signed up for more personal training. After a few intense workouts with Agnes, I decided I needed to change my lifestyle outside of the gym to make these training sessions pay off. With Agnes’s motivation and guidance, I began to believe that I could make a change in my lifestyle.
Even though I joined Lucille Roberts in 2007, I consider the spring of 2011 as when I really joined. I began working with the trainers, utilizing the cardio machines, and I started taking advantage of all of the group classes. All of the instructors are awesome. Most of them know me by name and provide additional motivation and support, be it a smile in the mirror, a shout out during class, or a simple “Great job” at the end of class.
- What are some personal fitness goals you have and what are you doing to achieve them?
My life has changed thanks to Lucille Roberts. Fitness has become a major part of my life and I want to be able to pass on the life changing inspiration I received though Lucille Roberts to others.
I recently received my personal training certification through Interactive Fitness Trainers of America. I am looking forward to getting started as a personal trainer. It is my hope that I can help others become healthier, while instilling confidence and pride, just as Agnes did for me.
I also just completed in 4 week instructor training class and am registered for group instructor training certification at the end of August. At first I was very hesitant to pursue this goal because the old me was shy and lacked confidence. However, I have been given the opportunity by several instructors to “get my feet wet” and lead warm ups or short combos. Slowly but surely, I am beginning to feel more comfortable and confident. I am looking forward to getting my group certification and being able to motivate and inspire large groups.
One last goal is to run a half marathon. I am registered for the Diva Half Marathon in October. Running was something I never imagined myself doing, however it has become a new challenge to tackle. I ran my first 5K in the spring and placed third in my age category. I have run several other races and am slowly working on increasing my endurance and stamina. I love a challenge and will not stop until I succeed.
- What things have contributed the most towards your weight loss?
Having the support of others is probably the biggest factor that contributed to my weight loss. Before I started working with Agnes, there was nothing to hold me accountable. I would go to the gym and take a class, but then go out to dinner with friends afterward. Once I started working with Agnes, I began to feel accountable. She always asked me what I ate during the day. At the beginning I would often lie to her. I always worked hard with her during the session, but I realized that if I didn’t start changing things outside the gym, Agnes would begin to wonder why my body wasn’t changing. Being a regular in classes also led me to get to know many of the class instructors. Their simple “Good Job”’s at the end of class meant the world to me and provided further motivation. I also made many friends at the gym and they provided additional inspiration. Once family and friends began to notice my success, their kind words provided even more motivation.
“Millions of people can believe in you, yet none of it matters if you don’t believe in yourself.” My mom always told me that I could do anything I put my mind to. I believed this for things like being on the dean’s list at school, being successful in the dance studio, getting my teaching degree, landing my first teaching job, etc. However, I never believed it possible to lose weight. Finally, once I saw the smallest amount of progress, I began to believe that I could do it. With each tiny success I experienced, my belief in myself grew. I finally began to fully believe I was in control of losing weight and becoming fit and it was full speed ahead from there. Once I believed, I began to achieve amazing things.
- What advice do you have for women who are trying to lose weight and meet their fitness goals?
Believe in yourself. Be willing to work hard. Be patient. Don’t give up. It will take time, you will experience set backs, but keep pushing forward. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Set small, realistic goals and celebrate reaching these goals. Don’t compare yourself with others. Just try and be better than you used to be. Start the journey with a friend. Share your motivation, inspiration, frustrations, successes. Finally, keep believing!
Whether you’ve lost 10lbs or over 100lbs, we want to see your Before & After pictures!Find out how your before and after success story can be featured on our Facebook page by clicking here!: http://bit.ly/XMUfkT
