Mary Ann’s Story:
I was glad for the invitation to be in the client spotlight because I’ve recently had a change in my perspective that I would like to share.
I set a goal to run a marathon and set a specific time for my finish – 4 hours and 30 minutes. I trained for 16 weeks preparing for the run. During that time, I was fully supported by my “families”- including my B-Fit family, my work family, and my running family (the girls running group and the Running Soles running group).
When it came time for the actual run, I struggled. I knew during the run that I wouldn’t make my goal and had to sprint at the end to finish under 5 hours. I felt I failed myself and everyone else who had helped so much along the way. Then, Bev reminded me that I finished the marathon and that was “goal achieved”.
I came to a realization regarding goals. It is good to have specific goals because they help guide us in our training, but you shouldn’t make it an all or nothing proposition. There is a famous saying, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I think that could be said of our goals as well. Our preparation makes us stronger, shows dedication, and develops perseverance. Moreover, no goal is ever achieved without the help of others. I cannot begin to thank all my workout partners, running partners and general well-wishers. My husband Ted was so instrumental in getting me through those last 6 miles- even though I told him where he could stick his banana at mile 21. (He was trying to be helpful and get me to eat something). There was a kind stranger who saw me hanging my head at mile 24 and helped me correct my form to improve my breathing.
I guess the moral to my story is that a goal set and worked toward is also “goal achieved”, and never underestimate what your support means to someone else working toward their goals.
Also, you are never done. My running buddies have already got me back out pounding the pavement, and Beverly is kicking my butt in the gym!
Teresa’s Story:
1. How long have you been at B-Fit, and why did you want to join?
I joined B-Fit about 6 years ago (I think, maybe 7). I joined because my husband had just started, was really enjoying it, and asked if I thought I’d like to try it as well. We started working out in different groups. He was in the noon group and I started in a morning group. Not only are we married, but we have also always worked together. So, we started in different groups, in order to have that time for ourselves. But, it turned out the noon slot was really the best time for us both, so it wasn’t very long before we were working out together too.
2. What have you learned at B-Fit to help with your nutritional/fitness goals? (What changes have you made in regards to those areas?).
I have learned primarily, that for me, setting goals is the hardest part. I have made some very important nutritional changes though. First, I eliminated artificial sweeteners my very first day at B-Fit, thereby, I believe, eliminating almost daily headaches. I have cut way back on gluten and dairy after discovering they both do a number on my digestion. However, loving bread and cheese as I do, I occasionally do go back to them and then, I learn why I cut back to begin with. The biggest nutritional change may have been hardest on my kids, who were still at home when I started B-Fit. I quit buying the cookies and other processed snacks they loved so much. And, I quit baking as often. However, and this is probably the overall biggest benefit I have seen since starting B-Fit; it was not long before they fell into much healthier habits themselves nutritionally and they now do their own healthy meal prepping.
3. What are your current and future nutrition/fitness goals?
Again, setting goals is my biggest challenge. So, I am really just now venturing into the goal-setting part of the program. I started in February with a goal of 3000 MyZone points and I am on track to achieve that one. Next month I will try to cut dairy completely from my diet, in addition to setting another points goal (probably 3000 again).
4. What would you tell others about the training and community atmosphere at B-Fit?
Mark and I both tell anyone who asks (and many who don’t) about the level of expertise and professionalism Beverly and Bob bring to B-Fit every single day. Before B-Fit, I never had a consistent plan for fitness or nutrition. I would try something on my own or at a gym, but I never found the structure and expertise and persistent encouragement and motivation provided by Beverly and Bob. I always thought I was an “on my own” exerciser, but I clearly was wrong. I have wanted to stick with this since the beginning because it has always been fun and challenging and different every day. Beverly and Bob are always learning and tweaking and improving and striving to bring their clients the most current and most beneficial tools. The community atmosphere is just that. It really is a group of people, different ages and backgrounds, with the common goal of health and wellness. I love my noon group, and I always have a blast with the Saturday morning group as well. I really thought in the beginning I would humor Mark by giving B-Fit a try and now I cannot imagine trying to stay focused on fitness and nutrition without it.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite exercise?
My favorite exercise is jumping rope, and come to think of it, another goal this month will be to add back in some “double-unders” because I have gotten lazy with those. My least favorite, hands down, is elevated stationary lunges, and I will never set a goal to do more of those.
