For the last year and a half, I’ve been a huge fan of Pure Barre. My dear friend, Brooke, opened Pure Barre Green Bay back in 2015 and I’ve been so grateful! It’s the first workout routine I found, besides yoga, that I’m not bored with. I actually ENJOY going to class and working out, something I seriously never thought I could say.

Right before I started Pure Barre, I went through the worst year of my life. Between loved ones passing away, relationships ending, and an entire new, scary chapter of my life starting – my life felt like it was in shambles. Because of this, my healthy eating habits disappeared and my fitness routine was non-existence. I felt emotionally drained and physically tired. Through the grieving and rebuilding process, my body and my health suffered. I’m not proud to share this but I ate poorly, didn’t take care of myself, and gained the most weight I ever have in my life. It was like my body and my health was my last priority. I was barely getting by. So when the Pure Barre studio opened right before my 25th birthday, it felt like a sign to start kicking my butt into high gear and get back to my old self!

That’s exactly what I did. I signed up for a yearly membership and started falling in love with all the tucking, pulsing, and toning. But between a full wedding season, traveling every month, and the busiest year of business I had ever experienced, I was nowhere near as committed as I wanted to be. I was still putting my health and physical well-being on the way bottom of my priority list. I spent the majority of my year trying to rebuild, refresh, and renew my life and my walk with my physical health was no different. I knew something had to change and at the beginning of this year I truly committed to making my health a BIG priority again. I started attending more and more classes, cooking more at home, and eating cleaner. Then the Summer PB Challenge came along and I knew my commitment to this new lifestyle would be put to the ultimate test.

The challenge was simple. Complete 40 classes in 60 days. Easy enough, right? I eagerly signed up and immediately after started second guessing my decision. This is your busy season, how will you have time? You’re traveling three weeks out these 60 days, when will you fit this in? You’re not strong enough to complete this, you never have before. I could have listened to those voices but I pushed passed them. I used it to get creative with how I was going to make this work. Over the last 55 days I committed to taking class even if I only had three hours of sleep or I was in Nashville or I felt too sore to continue. I didn’t let the excuses stop me! It was difficult, exhausting but so totally worth it!

Yesterday, I completed the challenge with my 40th class and I can hardly believe it’s over! Over these last few months of taking my health and wellness seriously, I’ve lost 15 pounds and feel stronger than I ever have before! Instead of returning to my old self, I discovered a new, healthy, and whole version of me that I have never seen before!

For me, this challenge was more than just physical. Throughout this journey I’ve learned so much about myself and the world around me. For today’s Fresh Brewed Friday, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through this experience and why I think YOU should commit to making yourself a priority and living your best life now!

Do it for you
Working out and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be for anyone else but YOU. I didn’t work out to look good for a significant other or so I could appeal to what society thinks my size should be. It was so that I could feel healthy and whole. It was and will always be for me.

We “get” to do this
Before every workout, I recite a little mantra in my head as I stretch (if you see me stretching at Barre with my eyes closed, this is what I’m doing.) I repeat “Today, I’m thankful for this gift of working out. My body is strong and capable and I GET to do this. I am healthy and have control of my body, a true miracle that not everyone else gets. I set my intentions for this workout and choose to make it my best one yet. Because this time is for me and no one else. I’m going to make the most of it.”

Our bodies are temples that we too often take for granted. Next time you work out, remember that you GET to do this.

MAKE the time
If you truly want to do something, you’ll make the time. If not, you’ll make excuses. I could have easily walked away from the challenge because I was too busy. But if you say “I’m too busy,” things will never get done. There are 24 hours in a day, I think you can find just one hour to dedicate to you!

Sticking to commitments is tough…but SO worth it!
I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give up. I was tired, sore, and overwhelmed. There were days where I thought I would never see the finish line. But honestly, that’s what makes the end goal so worth it. You know how hard you worked to accomplish your goal. Don’t give up now!

Support systems make the world a better place
Oh my goodness, I could NOT have gotten through this without my girls! Every class, we supported one another and pushed each other to keep going! We struggled, sweated, and totally kicked butt together! Having just one workout buddy can keep you accountable. I definitely recommend investing in people who will invest in you.

Find something you love
I love Pure Barre but I know it’s not for everyone. Experiment with different workout routines and find something you love, something that actually makes you want to work out. Whether it’s running, yoga, Crossfit, barre, dancing, lifting, whatever – just get out there and do something!

Take care of yourself
Friends, I cannot stress this point enough! Life can be hectic and tough and the first thing to go when we are stressed is our own self-care. Make the time for yourself, even if it’s just that one hour a day. This is the only body and the only life we get. Let’s not waste it. You deserve so much more. If you need any help to get going or to start taking your life back, feel free to reach out to me! I’m more than happy to motivate and encourage you to keep going! You’ve got this!!

To remind myself that this Challenge and life are meant to be fun, I made a Boomerang after every class. Below are a few of my favorites! So much silliness and joy!