Early 2020, while at a birthday party I began chatting with friends about how awful I was feeling. Struggling bringing laundry up the stairs, suffering from sciatica, months of Physical Therapy and a quarter size bald patch on the back of my head, Alopecia was back! 56 years old, young children and going downhill fast!
It’s February and the 212 Team says….”bring a friend”. I am invited to join my friends but I am hesitant because I’m so out of shape, the heaviest I’ve ever been and too embarrassed to even try. Besides, if I went down the ground it would be a herculean effort to even get up! God’s truth, I am not exaggerating.
Reluctantly and scared out of my mind, day 1, a small group with Sean. He looked a little intimidating….but only for about 5 minutes! Sean was kind, genuine, knowledgeable and eager to help. Sean became very aware of what I was able to do and knew exactly how to push me along. I had some VERY embarrassing moments but we laughed thru them. Who would think that moving and stretching little by little could actually make the aches and pains subside, certainly not me.
In March 2020 I officially joined and continued small group classes with Sean 2 times per week. Just while getting into a groove, COVID hits…CLOSED! COVID wasn’t going to stop the 212 Team, it was just an inconvenience and after a short time, exercising in my living room was just what I did. It was Hollywood Squares exercise style…..I became friends with strangers. Virtual classes became more robust and these classes kept me sane.
What did I do during a Global Pandemic? I discovered that I can move and I improved day after day. I was held accountable. I knew that if I didn’t sign in to my virtual class I’d be missed. I became part of a family, the 212 family that everyone always spoke about.
With Sean’s guidance and now Alicia on my team, while still virtual, month after month, I took more classes and got more confident. The added bonus, my clothes were fitting looser. But, I NEVER once got on a scale. I exercised, ate breakfast (which I NEVER have done) and for the first time in my life I made sensible food choices. No Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, fad diets. I guess I was losing weight, but for once that wasn’t my priority, I felt amazing!
As the gym (in-person) re-opened it was time for me to go the next step. I built my endurance and confidence in my living room with my small 212 family. It was time for me to try all that 212 offered.
I signed up for the Jeans Challenge with Alicia. Getting up at 6am to be at Studio B for 7, the OLD Karen NEVER, NEW Karen YUP! I was given the tools to eat healthy and worked my butt off a WITH MASK ON. Alicia kept me going with her GREAT MUSIC and my 212 family continued to grow. 2nd Jeans Challenge, I was all in!
To present, I still love my 2 Hollywood Squares virtual classes with Sean but now I splash in 4 in-person classes per week. Much to my surprise, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the group classes. The energy is contagious, the people are kind, and everyone is supportive - an all-around healthy environment!
With confidence, I find myself branching out beyond Sean and Alicia who were instrumental in getting me to where I am today. Kerry, big guy, big heart, great music…..Kim, our own 212 mini powerhouse…..Colin doesn’t miss a beat and is always quietly supportive – the strong silent type…..and Heather maybe someday I’ll get my courage up to put on some GLOVES!
As I start my 18th month at 212, words cannot express my gratitude to the 212 Team for changing my life. I am proof that one is never too old, too heavy or too out of shape to make a change like this. With the love and encouragement from my 212 family, I will continue on my journey getting stronger one day at a time.
TEAM 212, I LOVE you all more that you know! XOXO
IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN TOO