Fed up with my personal appearance, in 2007, I became serious about losing weight. It came to a point that I was at my heaviest – 175lbs on my 5’4 foot frame.  I knew I was overweight but didn’t realize how bad I looked until I saw photos of myself and while getting dressed.  I  found that my size 14 jeans were no longer fitting me.  I really needed to do something about it, so I started working out just doing normal cardio a few times a week and also started attending a body pump class. I upped my exercise routine, but never really changed my eating habits.  My eating habits were definitely NOT CLEAN. I thought, “I’m exercising, sweating up a storm so why can’t I indulge in this, that, or the other?” I was doing cardio everyday and sometimes twice a day thinking that is what I have to do to shed the chub. In the end of 2007, while we were in Hawaii, I got to talking about entering a figure competition for fun.  If I like it,  great.  If I don’t, at least I will be healthier and more fit.

I started around September/October 2007 just lifting weights.  I mean real weights and not just body pump type classes anymore.  I also started going online and ‘Googling’ competitors and trainers.  I officially started SOS with Cathy Savage on Feb 12th 2008.  I shocked myself when I entered my first local figure competition in June 2008.  Was I embarrassed thinking I wasn’t lean enough? Yes.  But you know what?  I made it!  I made it that far and got on that stage!  The following week was a NATIONAL show called Fitness Universe located in Miami complete with a photo shoot. I could not believe that I was going to compete in this caliber of a show. I continued to go full force into my final show of the season, FAP Vegas Nationals.  It was  another BIG NATIONAL show.  I had done 4 shows in a matter of 5 months.  What was I thinking???

I have made this a lifestyle change and haven’t added any of that dreaded post show weight gain that can get out of control.  It’s all about being sensible and making the right choices.  Have I indulged since the show?  Of course.  I am human and still love dessert, French fries, Chinese food, etc., but I know it’s all in moderation.  I used to think the saying of, “Its 80% diet and 20% exercise ,” was a crock.  But it’s the TRUTH!!

In conclusion, that year has taught me a lot about myself.  I learned that YOU CAN set your goals and achieve them.  I am continuing to work on my goals today.  The fact that I am and continue to be an inspiration to other women helps push me every day to be the best that I can be!

By: Carrie Ann