Guest Post by Renee Ross
Hello! My name is Renee, and I’m a fitness blogger. In case you’re wondering, I wasn’t always fit. After the birth of my son in May 2007, I lost the baby weight, but quickly gained it back when I stopped nursing. At over 200 pounds, I was a certified couch potato! It was clear to me that being overweight was not only detrimental to my life, but it was also setting a poor example for my then two-year-old son. In November of 2009, I took back my life. With a lot of hard work and determination, by August 2010, I was 52 pounds lighter and living a healthier life.
How I Did It
I followed a customized, monitored diet and launched a workout program using sports gaming and home fitness DVDs. After three months, I started an online journal and began keeping a daily log of my diet and exercise. I also started chronicling my lifestyle changes on my personal blog, CutieBootyCakes.com.
Before starting my journey to be fit and healthy, I would have never thought I was capable of running a half marathon. Since October 2010, I’ve run three of them (and I have four more lined up)! I’m proof that you’re capable of accomplishing more than you ever imagined. If you’re struggling to believe in yourself, just call on your friends for help. They’ll remind you how strong you are!
New Challenges
To keep my fit life interesting, I’ve added other challenges to the mix, such as FitStudio’s Cardio and Conditioning Mission, an excellent workout that focuses on raising your heart rate and burning fat. I love the “Push” segment, which involves running in place, kickbacks, jumping jacks, high knees and jumping rope. The one-minute all-out mile run finale is super-tough, especially because I live in a hilly area of Atlanta, Georgia. But that’s what modification is for (I repeat the “Push” segment, or walk, rather than run). You should make your workout work for you.
What Fitness Blogging Has Taught Me
I realize that I’m not only accountable to myself, but also to the community of men and women who cheer me on through my highs and lows. Do I feel pressure? Yes, but that’s a good thing because I have to remain consistent, no matter what.
I’ve learned that not everyday will be a complete success, but I know better than to throw in the towel. Giving up is not an option.
I know that sharing my triumphs and challenges will help someone else on their own journey for lifelong fitness.
Speaking of which, if you’re attending the Fitbloggin (fitbloggin.com) conference in Baltimore this weekend, I’ll be there hosting a Sears-sponsored event on Friday night (5/20). If you aren’t attending the conference, we can still “chat” about all things fitness! On Wednesday (5/18), I’ll be the guest host of the #fitstudio chat on Twitter. See you there!
Renée is the author of the blog CutieBootyCakes.com. She ran her first half-marathon in October 2010 and raised over $5000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a member of Team in Training. She has been a spokesperson for EA SPORTS Active and has appeared in Parents Magazine, Southern Living, and The Atlanta Journal Constitution and featured on MSN’s Health Channel webisode series Kellogg’s The Victory Project.
