Guest blog post by Transformation Tuesday bootcamp success story Melanie Hamm:
Originally I was motivated by seeing my friends Crystal’s pictures come through my newsfeed on Facebook.
Melanie’s original Transformation Tuesday. Scroll to the bottom to see her updated transformation pics!
I have been a stay-at-home mom since my oldest was born 3 1/2 years ago and I have never really been away from her, ever.
I’ve had two kids within two years and I was definitely feeling rundown mentally physically emotionally and I knew something needed to change. I was tapped out, exhausted, an insomniac, running on fumes.
I also come from a long line of family who suffer from type two diabetes. I’ve always had that on my mind as a motivating force behind getting healthy.
My initial fears and struggle were finding time to make fitness a priority in my life with two small children, who I am solely responsible for home as my husband works long hours. I also suffer from some amount of social anxiety so just making it to bootcamp and meeting new people was a major, MAJOR step for me. Luckily, I had my friends Crystal and Michelle to support me in that first initial scary step.
I started at the beginning of a transformation challenge and my first night I flipped a tractor tire and I.was.hooked!
Something else that was amazing (and different!) about bootcamp was the atmosphere. It was exciting and welcoming and inspiring.
Seriously, you could feel the electricity and passion in the air. I saw mamas with their grown daughters working out together. I saw people at all stages in their fitness journey.
I witnessed a level of humanity I haven’t seen much recently, and it was as refreshing as it was inspiring.
I had plenty of moments of self doubt and even a few brief “I’m not sure this is for me” thoughts, but ultimately the near immediate results were addicting and I wanted more.
My first personal victory was holding a plank for a minute without dropping. My second was completing a tricep exercise that I previously could not physically complete and had felt defeated by.
I have a confession though, I’m a quitter. It’s a terrible thing.
I am the last to give up on others, but the first to give up on myself.
The more I turned that thought over in my mind, I realized I had to change that! My daughters are watching me.
I survived a 4+ hour Muscle Retreat!
They will do as I do, not as I say. So, there’s no stopping me now. Where my mind goes, my body will follow.
Two goals I have accomplished in the last 8 weeks are two 5k Obstacle course races. Me, running?! It’s crazy!
Future fitness goals include more obstacle course runs and, in time, dabbling in the circus arts of Fabric or Spanish Web.
To all the mamas out there that are reading this, YOU matter! I’ve learned that I must put on my oxygen mask first (save me before saving others), and what a difference it has made!
Making yourself and your health a priority doesn’t take away from your children, it benefits them! They are watching and will quickly pick up on the newfound confidence you will find as your body begins to transform.
UPDATED Transformation Tuesday Pictures…
Since the story above, Melanie has continued her quest to greater strength and confidence.
She has not only taken the motivation of seeing her friend Crystal transform her body but, she has now motivated so many other ladies to let go of their fears and pursue their goals.
One of the things that stands out most about Melanie is her constant support towards the women and moms around her. Whether it’s a motivational meme or flexing selfie she is one of our most active clients on our Live Fit Official Support Page on Facebook and her own personal page.
In the last 11 months she has COMPLETELY changed her physique, increased her strength in all exercises including her favorites: squats and deadlifts.
From March 9 2015 – December 2015 she has lost 25″ from her belly, hips and thighs, 28 pounds of fat and an astonishing 16% body fat!
Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below and I’ll reply back as quickly as possible!
