In January of 2012, long-time Kwester Nicole decided she really want to kick things up a notch and make some big changes in her life. Now, a year later, we are so impressed by what Nicole’s accomplished that we asked her to share her story with you. Not only did she meet her big goals, she surpassed them!
When did you set your big goal and why?
I set my goal when I returned from Cuba at the end of January 2012. I wanted to lose weight. I also wanted to focus on myself for the year. I wanted a challenge to see how far I could take myself. I wanted a healthier lifestyle and to feel better about myself; I was lacking self confidence. I had heard of the women’s boot camp but had not yet signed up when Kru Kelly suggested I join. It’s exactly what I needed to help me with my weight loss. The combination of morning boot camp, kickboxing in the evenings and boxing on Saturday is what my scheduled consisted of for the challenge.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was my instructors, Kwest family, family and co-workers who all gave me positive feedback. Kru Kelly was my primary motivator. He always saw in me what I couldn’t see myself and set goals I didn’t think I could possibly reach. However, thanks to the amazing support, I managed to achieve them! I was motivated to make every class and to treat my fitness challenge like another full-time job.
What made you take the plunge?
I was in the right frame of mind and just wanted to go for it. I had the determination and mental power to take the plunge.
What kind of plan did you outline?
I sat down with Kru Kelly and set my first goal: to lose 10 lbs in five weeks. Furthermore, every five weeks I would revise my training schedule and set a new goal with Kru Kelly. I strictly followed my diet plan which Kru Kelly helped me put together. I followed the diet plan six days a week with one “cheat day.”
What kept you motivated? What got you through the hard times?
I stayed motivated through the encouragement of others and, most importantly, seeing my own results. My improvement in energy levels through following my diet plan kept me motivated to get through the hard training sessions.
Being true to myself and determined to stick to my goal got me through the hard times. At times I would break down, then I would think, “Who am I doing this for?” I didn’t want to disappoint myself, so I made sure to keep working hard while still listening to my body if I really needed to take a day off.
How do you feel now about your success?
I feel anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I learned a lot about my inner self during this process. My physical and mental strength had improved immensely. When I was fatigued before a work out my mental power took me to a place that I never thought I could get to before I took on this challenge. Sometimes it was so challenging and uncomfortable but that’s what takes you to the next level of success and the place where you see results. I feel proud of myself for never giving up and achieving beyond my goals that were set. My self confidence has increased which in return made me satisfied with my new appearance.
What would your advice be to someone considering doing a similar challenge?
For anyone who wants to take up a fitness challenge, just know that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Don’t let excuses get in the way of achieving what you’ve set out to achieve. Know that the experience and the journey is worth it and that all you have to do is try. As the saying goes, “You always regret what you didn’t do.” (Source unknown)
Any fun stories/memories from the year?
Early morning work outs with Joscelyn dancing randomly during class. Sometimes it was hard to get motivated to do the early morning work outs but Joscelyn and the other instructors bringing humor (and some cool dance moves) to class made it fun. All the instructors do a great job of motivating us and help us achieve what we set out to achieve.
I did a bit of sparring during this challenge and I felt confident and had a lot of energy while sparring because the stamina in my work outs had increased.
A funny story: I was running sprints one morning at boot camp and I almost lost my shorts while running! They had gotten too big on me. That moment was so rewarding to me.
My goal for this challenge was to lose 20lbs – I lost 30lbs. I lost almost 4″ off my waist and just under 5″ off my hips. To celebrate the end of my one year fitness challenge I took the Red Prajioud test. I passed and felt great with the results of the test. I wouldn’t have been able to do as well did in this challenge if it weren’t for Kwest and all their support. The many texts and emails of advice and encouragement meant so much to me. Thank you!
Kwest Kickboxing Muay Thai and Fitness Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada