Less Intimidation, More Motivation
Y personal trainer Natalie spends her day helping members set and work towards their health goals. She’s got a little experience with that herself, and wants others to know they’re not alone! Tell us a little about your own health journey.
Natalie: In 2015, I had surgery and it was a mandatory 12-week downtime. So I couldn’t even lift my purse. I wasn’t allowed to buy my own groceries.
Whoa. It’s tough when circumstances keep you down. How did that affect your health?
Natalie: By the time I started working at the Y a few months later, I’d put on all this weight. Even being a personal trainer and being in the fitness world for all these years, I would make excuses for myself, like, “our washing machine shrinks pants.” I look back on that and I’m like, “no, Natalie, you were too big for your pants.”
Oh, man—been there. What did you do to get back into exercise?
Natalie: I started taking it really seriously and just really went for it. And of course the pounds fell right off because I know how to do it. Took a little less than a year to lose it. And now I’m actually putting on weight now because of weight training.
That’s awesome! Way to build that lean muscle mass. How did the Y help you turn things around?
Natalie: I feel like being at the Y and not being intimidated and having so much girl power around, I can get back in and do anything.
Yes, you can! Your story’s getting us motivated. Lacing up our tennis shoes right now!