AN INTERVIEW WITH R.I.P.P.E.D. INSTRUCTOR, ALLISON HEEKE , FOR THE MY JOURNEY STORY SERIES
LAC: When did you decide to start making your health a priority (what or whom inspired this decision) and what were your goals?
Allison: I have honestly been on an up and down fitness journey for the past 3 years. About a month ago, I finally decided that it was time to start putting myself first. My grandmother fell and broke her hip, watching her go through that whole ordeal, made me realize that I want more for myself. I turned to Amy Wilson who asked me “How bad do you want it?” I was in tears giving her my answer. That quote is now saved on my phone, and helps me get through weak moments.
LAC: How did you get started and what did you do to improve your health?
Allison: I started to attend group fitness classes. I take Kickboxing, Yoga, PowerBell, Move and Groove, and most importantly R.I.P.P.E.D.! I also took the nutrition class offered by Amy and that helped me learn the correct way to fuel my body instead of living to eat. I now meal prep on Saturday or Sunday so that I always have “good” food on hand and am not as tempted by fast, easy food.
LAC: How did you stay motivated and what was the biggest challenge?
Allison: Making friends in the gym has been a HUGE motivator for me. I am not as likely to skip a class if I know someone is going to be there and ask me where I was. I keep a journal of what I eat, how I workout, and how it makes me feel, and I turn to that when I am considering slacking off. I make sure that I only bring on-plan food into my home and make sure that I have something always prepared. It honestly just comes down to making a choice every single day. I have to choose to put myself above anyone else and do what is best for me and then what is best for others, which does not come naturally for me.
LAC: What positive changes did you see in your life and what did you learn throughout this process?
Allison: ENERGY!! By learning how to fuel my body with the correct food, I have discovered energy again. I no longer feel like napping after every meal, nor do I allow myself to get that “stuffed” uncomfortable point. With each week I find myself getting stronger, mentally as well as physically. I have a scale that allows me to track my muscle mass increasing and body fat decreasing. With each small goal that I hit, I am finding my self-confidence again; I lost it for a long time. I am learning the importance of taking care of yourself in order to be able to take care of others. I am learning to stand up for myself better and that it is OK to let the people in your life go ho are not supportive and/or are out to sabotage your goals and ultimately your health.
LAC: Final Thoughts? Is there anything else you would like share about your story?
Allison: I think the most important thing to remember if you want to make a huge life change, is that you have to step out of your comfort zone. When I first became a member, I spent all of my time hidden in the cardio theater. I was ashamed of how I looked and didn’t want to make a fool out of myself. The first time I ever set foot in a R.I.P.P.E.D. class, I was literally shaking for nervousness. I had watched videos and read the description and just knew that if I took that class, I would be wheeled out of the gym on a stretcher. It is now my favorite class and I am getting my certification to teach it this march, I would have called you crazy if you had told me a year ago that I would be signed up for that. I cannot be thankful enough to my “gym family” they come in all shapes in sizes but never hesitate to lift me up when I need it the most. I am at a different place in my journey than the other winners so far, I am still at the beginning but I am nowhere near finished and am in the best place to FINALLY accomplish my goals.
Did you enjoy Allison’s journey? Share your own and inspire others. #lac #mylac #myjourney #louisvilleathleticclub
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