Wednesday, September 9, 2015

My Weight Loss Journey by Featured Student Sara Barrett

There is no better feeling than to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.  Here is what our super student Sara Barrett says (in her own words) about how Jazzercise has changed her life:

I began working out regularly with Jazzercise classes around May of this year. My doctor had just suggested I try weight loss pills to get healthier and help lower my blood pressure. I was about 30 pounds overweight and felt it was time I take action myself instead of relying on some medication that would most likely cause side effects leading to even more medication.

In addition to a daily Jazzercise class, I began cutting my calorie intake to about 1300 calories a day. I use the app MyFitnessPal to help keep track of what I eat.

I have learned during this process that you don't have to deprive yourself if you enjoy food. If you indulge one day and have a donut, have fruit for dessert the next day. I haven't really cut out any foods I enjoy except chocolate binges after stressful days. Now, instead of camping out with a bag of chocolate on the couch, I work out for an hour. Jazzercise isn't your typical workout, though. It is more dancing than the exercise you expect to see in a gym. The instructors are normal people, not stereotypical fitness instructors. They genuinely care about the people working out with them.

Now that I have a regular, healthy relationship with food and a regular workout program, I can't imagine life any other way. When I travel with my husband, I'm always looking for fun ways to work in extra exercise! Walking further from the car to the store, playing in the hotel pool, etc. I have more energy to play with my 5-year-old, and I still have energy at the end of the day to do things around the house.

My goal upon starting this journey was to lose 20 pounds. I have lost 17 pounds so far but even after I meet my goal, I plan to continue the lifestyle adjustments I've made. I personally feel I am a better wife, mom, friend and person in general because of it.


I wish I could tell the world how much more confidence I have since beginning this journey in May. I am SO GLAD I found Jazzercise!


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