In January of 2010, I had just had my second baby, my little boy. I was happy to have a healthy baby, but was sad at how much weight I had gained. I was at my heaviest weight ever, having gained 50 pounds during a rough pregnancy in which I had been on bedrest.
Discouraged at my weight, but ready to get in shape again, I made myself “get back on the wagon”. I started attending group exercise classes at NDAC. I started slowly, attending Zumba classes and Body Step classes, along with watching what I ate (smaller portions, better choices). By July of 2010, I had lost around 30-35 pounds! I was thrilled and ready to do more! I continued with Zumba, Body Step, and tried to add Body Pump into my workouts. By the end of the year, I had lost another 15 pounds.
2011 was a slower weight-loss year, but I continued making healthy choices, attended group exercise classes regularly, and gained strength. I enjoyed Zumba so much, my instructor at NDAC encouraged me to do the instructor training! In June of 2011, I became a Zumba instructor and began substitute teaching Zumba classes at NDAC. By the end of the year, I had my own Zumba classes that I was teaching and I felt stronger than I had ever been before. I was excited to push even harder in 2012!
I began keeping a food journal and logging what I ate each day. In January, I competed in the NDAC indoor triathlon (a first for me) and placed 2nd in my age group out of 7 other women. I have added Body Attack and Sh’Bam to my group exercise classes and began jogging and cycling.
Currently, I have lost 25 pounds since December 2011! My total weight-loss since I delivered my son is 75 pounds! I have gone down 6 dress sizes, my blood pressure is as low as it’s ever been (100/60) and I have a resting heart rate of 60 bpm. I have about 20-25 pounds I would still like to lose, and I know that those goals are reachable!
Shannon Price and all of the fitness instructors at NDAC have been so supportive and encouraging during this journey. It is truly possible to change your life and become happier than you’ve ever been. NDAC has group exercise classes to fit all preferences (dance-style, combat/martial arts, strength training, and flexibility). I would encourage everyone to experience group exercise at NDAC—it is uplifting and enjoyable!
It’s not too late! Join Shannon for the next session of Group Personal Training.