Happy Friday! I hope that you are having a wonderful week and working on your health and fitness goals. I have been on stellar track and am loving how I feel. I've also been looking into doing a bikini competition in October of this year, but more on that later! I will do a post about that all soon. I love Instagram and motivational quotes to help pump me up and motivate me when I need it. Today's Feature Fridays is from Jessie Olsen who caught my attention with her amazing before and after pictures. Today she shares her story on how she lost the weight and is going after her dreams, she is an aspiring fitness competitor!
Jessie's Story:
I was
always a normal weight growing up. Then after going through 2 pregnancies, not
knowing how to take care of myself, I went from 120lbs to 188lbs (which was
borderline obese.) I was embarrassed and felt that I was inside someone else’s
body, not mine! I had no energy, felt uncomfortable and craved sugar and fast
food. I knew I had to lose 70-75lbs and felt completely overwhelmed. But... my
desire to do it was greater than any obstacle in my way. I wanted not only to
be thin like before I was pregnant, but HEALTHY & STRONG!
It took me a few years to lose it all. First I started eating low glycemic and worked out at home doing Beachbody programs, P90x and Insanity. Then I started running 5k's, 10k’s and then 2 half marathons. I lost 50lbs. I reached a plateau. I didn’t really care about losing any more weight, but I wanted to change my body. I started eating clean and lifting weights. I not only lost 20 more pounds, but it completely changed my life! I love feeling strong and setting small goals. It's become my passion so much that I decided to go back to school in Health & Fitness. I also would love to compete in a Figure Competition someday.
These days I feel happy, I have energy, I wake up every day excited about life! I am so grateful that I never gave up--- no matter how long it took. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
It took me a few years to lose it all. First I started eating low glycemic and worked out at home doing Beachbody programs, P90x and Insanity. Then I started running 5k's, 10k’s and then 2 half marathons. I lost 50lbs. I reached a plateau. I didn’t really care about losing any more weight, but I wanted to change my body. I started eating clean and lifting weights. I not only lost 20 more pounds, but it completely changed my life! I love feeling strong and setting small goals. It's become my passion so much that I decided to go back to school in Health & Fitness. I also would love to compete in a Figure Competition someday.
These days I feel happy, I have energy, I wake up every day excited about life! I am so grateful that I never gave up--- no matter how long it took. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
Challenge/Failure
throughout her journey:
When
Jessica was training for her first half-marathon, she had to
restart her training four different times before she was able to run the
race. The first time, she injured her knee and had to take time off. The second
time, she started a different job and it conflicted with her training schedule.
The third time, she went back home to Canada to take care of her dad who
had a heart attack. It was then the fourth time that she started
her training that she was able to run in the marathon that she
had put off for so long.
Favorite Motivational Quote:
"If
your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough."
Her Fit Tip:
Being fit
and staying active doesn't mean you have to go to the gym 6 days a week. I do,
yes, because I LOVE lifting weights! But if you don't like the gym, don't go!
There are SO many other ways to get daily exercise. A girl once told me she
hated running but she did it anyway. That's great. But why?? Why do something
you don't enjoy? I think it's important to be excited about your form of
exercise, or you wont keep it up. My sister likes working out from home, my
good friend goes kayaking and hiking, my other friend loves to play sports.
They are not "gym goers" but are still in great shape. Diet is
important. Eat healthy. Stay active!
About Jessie:
Jessica
Olsen is a 31-year old Canadian who lives in the States with her husband and 2
children. She is a weight loss success and transformation story and her passion
is helping others start their own journey. She is currently in college studying
Health & Fitness and is working on her personal training certifications
while she is also an online Beachbody Coach.
Connect with Jessie:
Thank you so much to Jessie for sharing her story with us today! You are a huge inspiration for moms everywhere and prove that when you put your mind to something you can achieve anything! Let me know you you are planning on doing a show...we can push each other!
Are you on Instagram? Head over and follow Jessie and while you're there be sure to follow me too @onfirefitnesspt.
Don't forget to head to the giveaway page and enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Alo Yoga Clothing!
