Lorena’s journey…
You never know if you don’t try. This was definitely not me. I constantly lived with the reminder I had to get on a diet and exercise every time I went through family photos or when trying out new clothes. Throughout the years, I kept saying to myself, as long as I do not hit X number of pounds I am still ok. The day came when I hit the scale at more than 200 pounds and I was shocked! Wow, was I naive. It was just a poor excuse I was making to cover up the real problem…the increase in my weight.
In August of 2010, I started taking Zumba classes at the gym and this is where I met Julie C. Piansay. I was a bit intimated by her because she was an instructor and a trainer, but once I started to get to know her she was the sweetest person. One day I took the courage to ask her for a CD for her Zumba music and in the conversation she offered to do a boot camp for a friend and myself. At first, I was a little scared because I have cerebral palsy and did not know if I was able to handle the exercises and scared to try a new form of training. The first day of boot camp, I was nervous and within 15 minutes of starting the session I actually got winded and had to stop immediately. For a moment, I was discouraged but Julie was so patient and explained this was a normal reaction especially not being used to doing this this type of workout. This was the beginning of my journey and the changes to come. Since then, I have become a different person and I am not just talking about the change in my body, but my relationship with food and fitness. It had to be a lifestyle change not just physically, but most importantly mentally. It has not been an easy journey; however, I am a strong believer that if you put your mind and energy to something you want to change, anything is possible. I went from a size 18 to now a size 6. This is definitely an everyday commitment. Now I really enjoy working out, eating healthy and motivating others to make health and fitness part of their everyday lives. Over the years, my perception about exercising was seen as, “I will exercise when I need it”, but now I see it as an everyday ritual that is a huge part of me. Yes, I lost the weight but it does not stop here. I am fully dedicated to making a difference in educating others especially with my personal experience of having cerebral palsy. This has not prevented me in doing the workout program and constantly pushing myself to the extreme of my capabilities. I am proud of myself and truly thankful to Julie for her dedication, inspiration and being a huge part of my journey to a better future.
Losing the weight is awesome, but what is most important for me now is how I feel about myself and how this has impacted to make changes in my life. Now at age 40, I feel at my prime time enjoying life more than ever and continue challenging myself wth life choices. If you really want something you sacrifice and persevere until you reach your goals. I am a perfect example of accomplishing something with limitations, but now that I think about it the only limitation that exists is not trying. Your life ultimately is the result of the choices you make.
Thank you Julie!!