By: Sherri Stormo, Watertown
I’ve struggled with my weight and size for as long as I can remember.
When I would lose weight, I would go on a rigid diet, which meant the ol’ standby of “exercise more and eat less.”
I’d restrict my calories and exercise, which meant running or walking on a treadmill. There wasn’t much of a qualitative focus in any of that. The formula didn’t include how good the food was that I was eating; just that there was always less of it, whatever it was.
Nor did these plans take a big-picture look at the quality of the movement I was practicing, like how strong I was getting or if the effort I was expending was the most efficient way to get where I wanted to be. All that mattered was that it was unpleasant and made me breathe hard for a while. It never occurred to me, nor did anyone else seem to know, that enjoying the process would also make it more effective.
I bought quite a few programs off the TV, such as DVDs, meals, and miracle weight loss pills. If I lost weight, it would come right back as soon as I quit whatever fad I was on at the time.
My metabolism was slowly adapting to the deprivation, and I was holding onto more and more of the little energy I was consuming through food. It was a downward trend, with each diet and exercise fad causing a brief change in weight loss (probably a lot of it from muscle fading away) and then I’d be back to the drawing board, regaining the weight I’d lost and then some.
I found Barefoot Fitness when my 2nd child was six months old. I was the heaviest I had ever been, had no energy for my children, and was very self-conscious. I tried to avoid leaving the house.
I was looking for a coach and a community that I could be held accountable to. Barefoot did not disappoint.
Barefoot is far more than a workout. It’s a systematic shift. I have learned how to have a healthy lifestyle. I received nutrition coaching along with thorough training on the exercises we do.
The only diet I’m ever on now is The Sherri Diet, otherwise known as the “I eat whatever works for my body, my lifestyle and works for my goals” diet. Food is no longer a source of stress, confusion or emotional refuge. It’s an understandable, enjoyable part of my life.
I was so appreciative that the instructors focused on making sure I was doing things correctly, took the time to understand me and started at my level (which I would say was “beginner” when it came to fitness).
I finally saw the results I wanted. And they stayed. After I saw my initial weight loss, the instructors helped me to fine tune my new focus on building strength and muscle in order to become certified by StrongFirst.
Overall, I went from a size 16 to a 4 and have never felt better. I realized it’s really not about the numbers on the scale. It’s about how I live now. I’m far happier, a better wife and mother, and I have a great group of friends that are fun and supportive.
I love being an instructor now and helping others the way Barefoot helped me.
I’m so glad I found Barefoot Fitness, I only wish I would have found them sooner! My advice to anyone considering a membership is “Don’t Wait!”
Whether you are a beginner and want a better lifestyle or if you’re an athlete and have specific fitness goals you want to reach, Barefoot instructors can help you with a plan to get to where you want to be. The instructors and members are all very supportive and truly are a family that will help motivate you and keep you accountable.
– Sherri
P.S. Want to give Barefoot a try? Getting started is easy. Just say hello here and we’ll help you set up a free week of training to see what it’s all about.