The Get a Grip Total Fitness “Spotlight Series” continues! These amazing individuals are real people, real journeys, and real results. I am SO proud of their dedication, hard work, and all they have accomplished and Jess is no exception.
Jess Palmer is one strong girl! She came to us and from the get go she worked hard. I knew she was going to do awesome after her first session. When people come in with that “READINESS” I know we are going to help them change their life and that we did. But, without her commitment and doing the work it wouldn’t be possible. I was a little concerned as she lives 45 minutes away from our studio, but she makes the drive and it has totally paid of!
We love her and are so happy she has joined our Get a Grip Family. She is a perfect match.
Here is her story in her words…
Growing up I was very active: basketball, volleyball, and running around with other kids in my neighborhood. As an adult, I was not active at all.
From 2006-2014 I did not engage in any form of physical activity – I worked and went to school. Once I finished college I had extra time on my hands, which meant more TV, sitting down, eating and drinking wine at home. I love me some wine! That was my normal, I was happy (or so I thought). I started to gain weight slowly and eventually I was not happy with the person I was seeing in the mirror. I didn’t like how my clothes were fitting and I sure didn’t like how I looked in a bathing suit. Living in Florida where summer is a season that can last all year is pressure in itself. At the beginning of 2015 I was a size 10 in jeans and pushing into a size 12. I was thinking to myself – “you’re just going to continue gaining weight and getting bigger – what are you going to do?” To top it off my cholesterol was in the 300 – yikes! I knew I needed to make a change. I did not want to continue on the path that I was on.
For my 2015 New Years resolution I decided that I wanted to lose weight and be healthier. Many people make this resolution and unfortunately are not successful. I was on Carrie’s mailing list and received the email for the 21-Day Belly Blast Challenge. I decided to give working out another try – the best decision I had made in a long time. I took the challenge seriously and committed to eating healthy for the next 21 days. The first day of boot camp kicked my rear – I was thinking to myself, “Why do people do this? What did I sign up for? This is insane.” I am glad I kept going! I saw results the first week and was more motivated than ever. After the challenge was over I decided to join Get a Grip as a member, I was hooked – my new normal. I continued to see results – went from a size 10 to a 2. Yes, I was very happy and excited with all the new clothes I was buying – my bank account not so much.
Next challenge: Clearwater Distance Classic Half Marathon – again, what are you doing?!! I never ran a race of that distance before, so this should be interesting. I decided to apply myself just as I had done earlier in the year. That first track night my heart wanted to jump out of my chest. I thought to myself the next 16 weeks were going to be long. I stuck to the training program and kept telling myself “you can do this.” Week after week I got better. I was able to run my first half marathon with gale force winds– a new personal best for me!
Get a Grip has helped me exceed my expectations on reaching my ideal weight goal and helped me get back to being me – the young girl who was very active. GAG motivates me to do more and be a better me. I could not be happier with my results! Not only has GAG help me get into shape but has helped me be a more positive thinker and a believer. No more of: I can’t, this is crazy – I will never achieve my goal; but more of YES, YOU CAN – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – YOU CAN DO THIS. With the right mindset and a great team supporting/motivating you – you will achieve your goals at GAG. Surround yourself with like-minded people and watch the transformation/growth/change happen. I am very thankful for making a commitment to Get a Grip – it’s not only a gym but my new family.
Thank you Carrie for all you do!
First 2 Pictures: Before Pictures and Last 2 Pictures: are NOW! SO proud of her!
We are looking forward to see what is next for Jess. Kudos! #getagriptotalfitness
