When Tammy faced a series of low points last year, the weight piled on … as did the self-pity. Here’s how The Studio (MDR) helped her transform her body and her attitude.
How did you find The Studio (MDR)? And what was your first class like?
I live in the neighborhood and would always slow down when I saw a class was taking place, but I was too scared to stop and go in. I finally got the guts to stop one day, and Lisa was sitting behind the desk. She could see by the look on my face that I was terrified, and she seemed to know I had struggled to work up the courage to come in. She was so kind to me; she helped me sign up and made me feel at ease. Lisa took the time to listen to my story and assured me that I had come to the right place. My first class was with Jessi. I decided to take the MegaMomma class, as I thought it would be more my speed. Jessi was so sweet and knew I needed a little extra hand-holding. The Mommas in the class were all pregnant except for me and they ran circles around me. I thought, If they can do this pregnant, I can do this. I put my fear behind me and just started following the movements and watching my form. Before I knew it I was moving along with the class.
What were your goals when you first started taking classes?
I have a 2-year-old little girl and I put on quite a bit of weight during my pregnancy. I never really got back to my regular size. Also, 2011 was a tough year for me. I had a variety of emotionally challenging events happen in my life. I had an accident that required surgery to repair some nerve and tendon damage in my hand, and I lost my father. Those were just a few things on a long list of lows. Pity Party for one please! And so I let the weight pile on.
After turning 40 in 2012, I could see and feel the changes in my body. I knew that the longer I waited to make changes in my life, the harder it would be to get to where I wanted to be and needed to be for my health. I was stuck in a rut and had to get the weight off. More importantly, I wanted to stop feeling sorry for myself. The Studio (MDR) gave me the opportunity to make that happen. All I needed to do was make the commitment; once I did, it was like a million doors opened up for me.
What have been some of your biggest challenges along your path of transformation?
The second class I took was the Intro Class on Sunday. It really helped me understand the process and what The Studio (MDR) had to offer. Ky said in the class, “If you come three times a week, you will change your body.” I took those words to heart and told myself that I could do this. I signed up for my classes at the beginning of the week and would not let myself back out. I read the transformer stories for inspiration. It was awesome to see those people in class and know how far they had come. The Studio (MDR) is such a wonderful community of people. You can always look to your neighbor for inspiration during class. The only person you are competing with is yourself. I have made some wonderful friends at The Studio (MDR).
I had to take a few weeks off in May; I was out of the country for work. I would practice my plank and tried to be as active as possible while I was gone. When I came home, to my surprise I was exactly the same weight as when I left. I thought for sure I would have put on extra pounds. I know the core values of what I had learned at The Studio (MDR) helped me maintain my weight even when I couldn’t make it to classes.
What’s been your biggest victory so far? How'd you do it, and how'd you feel?
So far I have lost 20 pounds and several inches off of my body. In fact, I’ve lost five inches from my waist and two inches from my legs. I stood up one day and my skirt fell to the floor. I have gone from a size 14 to an 8 and I am closing in on a size 6. And still, the biggest change for me has been more internal than external. I have been motivated to change my diet and be more conscious of everything around me. I love my newfound healthy lifestyle! It has helped me become a better mother and wife. Best of all, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and made the changes I needed to make. I am so much a happier now.
What are your goals now?
I would like to lose a little more weight and continue to tone up. The Studio (MDR) will forever be a part of my life! I cannot imagine my days without it. It has given me so much more than my new shape. It has helped me get back to the confident girl I used to be. I am ready to conquer the world!