Congratulations to our May, 2019 Star of the Month – Elizabeth Redmond!
What made you decide you wanted or needed to start an exercise program?
My husband and I got married in May 2017 and after looking at our pictures we both knew we needed to change. He started before me and had lost 40 pounds. I knew I had to make a significant change for my health too. I had tried several different things and nothing was working. After seeing 15 to fit, I thought I like yoga why not give it a try.
What made you start doing Pilates?
I had tried the Y and burn boot camp, both are great just not for me at all. I was unhappy with no progress and I drove by 15 to fit everyday after work. I decided I had nothing to lose because I wanted to find something that would work for me and it did!
What do you like about Pilates?
I love how strong I feel after pilates. It turned out to be completely different from yoga, but I am super thankful for that. You still stretch and use some similar poses in yoga, but I am so much stronger. I love the springs and body resistance. When I was first starting it made me feel like I could really do it and not get discouraged like with other more weight oriented work outs.
How long have you been doing Pilates?
Since September of 2017! And I will always have pilates in my life. I need it!
Have you done Pilates at any other studios other than 15 to Fit?
Nope, no need. I feel at home. I love all the instructors and other patrons.
What results have you achieved since starting your program?
I have lost 20 pounds and went from a size 10 pants to a size 6!
How did you get motivated to achieve your goals?
Well after seeing what exercise did for my husband I knew I needed to start moving. Diet is also important, but that came after. I started to not feel like eating a bad lunch when I signed up for a class after work. I wanted to see results and I kept telling myself it takes time. I was weighing myself a lot in the beginning, but wasn’t seeing anything because I was gaining muscle so I stopped. After a few months and seeing my clothes get bigger and bigger I finally weighed myself to see I had lost weight! I don’t want to be super skinny but I loved the muscle I started to gain and I like feeling strong.
Is there anything about you that makes your exercise story unique?
I wouldn’t say there is anything unique. I work 40 hours a weeks, come home cook dinner. I am not a mom yet so I do have more time on my hands, but its not like I had time to go every day. But I will say, the saying “you didn’t gain it overnight so you won’t lose it overnight ” is so true! That was a big turning point that made this different for me. I’m 28 and haven’t looked like this since I started college. And its because I stuck with it!
What would you say to people that haven’t been able to stick to an exercise program for encouragement?
Just give it time! If you make it part of your routine and it will happen. My husband said you have to take time for yourself and it’s so true. Self care is so important. So just keep thinking to yourself if I can just go a few months on these days of the week it will soon just be natural. You wont even remember a time without it.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our program?
Just jump in!! I joined so randomly, but I feel like that is how a lot of good things happen, by random. You will never know unless you try and I know fully committing yourself to something is difficult, but think of all the things you make time for, how many of them are good for your physical health and mental health?
What do you like best about 15 to Fit?
I really love it all. I love the exercises, the studio, the instructors and the other ladies and men! I love how it varies over ages, from high school and college to retired. You are never to old or young to exercise. The environment is so supportive and if you stick it out, you will see results and you’ll be happy you did.