April Allen - Winner of our recent 6 week challenge.
I have always had an emotional connection with food. When I was growing up, I felt that food would never let me down, never make fun of me, never disappoint me and would love me for me. After high school, I started having signs of depression due to the mental abuse I endured at the hands of my paternal grandmother. I fell into an isolated routine. I gained weight consistently over many years. Then I met and married my best friend. We had a baby and my weight keeps increasing. I told myself that I was “to busy to exercise.” 17 months later, baby #2 came and then exercise and taking care of me never seemed possible. During16 years of marriage, I felt that everyone’s needs came before mine. That is so not true!! I started my weight loss journey last year through another challenge course. I lost 6% body fat and 12 pounds over 6 weeks. I then let life get in the way and stopped exercising, eating healthy and gained 20 pounds back. I felt as if I was always going to be fat. Then a great friend and co-worker told me about Alex and The Fitbox challenge. I said “yes, I’ll give it a go.” This was the best decision ever. When I had my first meeting with Alex and go my measurements, I was heartbroken. I told myself “how did you let this happen again!” Then I remembered that life happens and I have to get back on the horse and do this for me, no one else. My first 2 weeks were hard, not only physically but mentally too. I kept hearing in my head, “you’re not good enough; you’re never going to be healthy.” In fact, I was scared and I was uncertain of my ability. Over the last 6 years, I have had 4 foot surgeries, 3 knee surgeries, and I’m in pain or discomfort a lot of the time. I found that coming to The Fitbox and working with the best trainer ever, I have found a new home and realized that my goal of being fit and healthy is not hard. If I can overcome all these adversities and self-doubt, then I know you can do it too!!!
The Fitbox is not only a gym, but it is a place to feel safe, encouraged, and to have someone stand with you in the biggest struggle of your life. Thank you Alex for everything you have done for me through these 6 weeks. The other part about this challenge class, is the friends you make for life!
I am a 35 yr old mother of 2 beautiful kids, 4 and 1. I've been married for almost 6 yrs. I started this journey because I was tired of being unhealthy and unhappy with the way I looked. I tried so many times to lose the weight but nothing ever worked. I never had that motivation to keep with what I was doing. I had gained 50 lbs with both of my pregnancies and it was so hard to lose. So one day I had seen this ad on Facebook for this 6 week challenge. I thought to myself this won't work but I'll give it a try. I met with Alex and decide to accept the challenge she was offering. I still in my mind didn't think it would work but I kept with it. During the first week I had injured my arm so it made working out difficult. With the help of Alex modifying my workouts I was still able to lose weight. For the first time I had finally found a program that was working and someone that was willing to help me. I'm starting to get my confidence back and feel good about myself and become healthy. Not only have I lost weight I have gained much more from this challenge. I have met some incredible women that help encourage me to keep going. So Alex, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do to help people. You are doing what you were born to do.