We are always looking for those “Aha” moments in life. After becoming a mother to two girls, now aged 3 and 5, and a wife to someone who travels; I found myself losing touch with the athlete and active person I once was. I still considered myself ‘fit’ completing two 10k runs, the adventure challenge and running around at the park with my kids but that was kind of it. A dear friend of mine, who I met through preschool was training at IF and put me in touch with the team out in Langley. I started at IF roughly a year and a half ago but it wasn’t until I participated in the “Rock Your Jeans” Challenge put on by Sasha that I had my ‘Aha’ moment.
Growing up I was a competitive figure skater, I had a love and passion for synchronised skating which took me across the country competing and training. However, when I entered into my post university, adult life I stopped skating and became less and less active. The jeans challenge was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I was ready for a change. I was skeptical when I first heard about it but decided to put my trust and hopes with Sasha and the program. I grabbed a pair of jeans that fit me, a size 10, and then went two sizes lower to a size 6. I hoped that if I just followed the program and the nutrition guidelines things would happen. But drop two sizes in eight weeks? This seemed a little ambitious since these size 6 pants I couldn’t even button.
It was during week three t hat I noticed the changes in my body. My clothes didn’t fit the same and I started looking at myself differently. I could feel a ‘better self’ emerging. Not only did I feel better but I was taking the time for my workouts in our busy week rather than blowing it off. I made the time for myself and as a result I was happier. I became a better mom and wife because I felt better.
The eight week program was my ‘Aha’ moment. It allowed all the pieces to come together so that I could change habits and see true results from my training. The eight week duration; comradery of the women participants; weekly meetings; and encouragement and dialogue with Sasha was imperative to cement the changes into my daily life.
I am now finishing up my second jeans challenge not because I wanted to lose another size but because I loved how strong I became with the last. I am completing movements in the gym I thought only men could do; and when my husband and I hit the road with our bikes I now ride with him, not behind him. I look in the mirror and I am living and being my best self, not remembering who I once was.
