During the summer of 2018, I had my 30th birthday. I found myself reflecting on my life as many others do when they reach this milestone birthday. I decided I was sick and tired of being overweight and out of shape. For my entire adult life, I struggled to find an exercise routine that worked for me. I always focused on what diet I should follow and often became so over-whelmed that I just gave up. The longest consecutive period I had worked out was one month.
It was really time to make my health a priority and start focusing on my overall health and fitness rather than the number on the scale. I started out doing workout videos at home and counting calories. I soon found myself back in the same unmotivated state of mind. It was really easy to shut off the workout video when I was “too tired” or it was “too hard.” When talking with a co-worker about my struggles, they asked If I had ever checked out the River Valley Club (RVC), my response was, “I am not really a gym person.” After thinking about it for a couple of months and realizing that I didn’t even know what I meant by “not being a gym person,” I decided that I should check it out. I signed up for a tour and instantly felt like it was the right choice. The facilities were amazing, and everyone was very welcoming. Within a month of joining RVC, I purchased a personal training package that included 4 sessions a week with Abbey-Kaye. I am not going to lie, at first, I was a bit nervous that I had overcommitted to such a drastic change in my daily routine. Abbey-Kaye was fantastic about working with me on choosing goals and creating a plan that would help achieve them.
I had decided that the scale was not going to be my priority, instead I wanted to learn to be consistent, feel stronger, and be able to have confidence in my fitness ability.
I had never lifted weights or used any of the equipment, but with Abbey-Kaye’s plans, I was quickly exposed to all of the different uses. I soon began looking forward to my 6am sessions to see what challenges Abbey- Kaye had waiting, especially on leg day! Not only has she helped me with my fitness, but I also really enjoy the stories and laughs we share during our sessions. I couldn’t have asked for a better match with a trainer! Abbey-Kaye helped me realize that I am so much stronger than I think. Many times, I would feel the plan was too advanced for me, but I realized by the end of the session I was able to accomplish everything I tried.
Before I joined, I had a lot of self-doubt and would never think of trying a burpee or pull up! I didn’t realize it was my own mind getting in the way, not my actual abilities. I now go into the gym when I am not training and feel comfortable on the fitness floor. This is a huge accomplishment; I would have never felt confident enough to do this when I first joined. After 8 months of training I feel so much stronger, have lost 25lbs and over 30 inches! In addition to that, my trips to the gym have become part of my daily routine and I look forward to them.
I finally realize that I can accomplish so much more on my fitness journey than I ever thought possible and am incredibly grateful for all my time with Abbey-Kaye.
Joining RVC and purchasing training sessions was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. I look forward to my continued work with Abbey-Kaye!
I finally realized that I can accomplish so much more on my fitness journey than I ever thought possible and am incredibly grateful for all my time with Abbey-Kaye.
Written by Ashley Young, Member Since 2018
