From Fat to Fabulous: How I Lost 340 Pounds & Tips to Help You on Your Path to Fitness!

Look, I get it.  You’re too busy to workout.  I was too.  You’ve tried everything on the market.  I did too.  You think there is no hope to get that look you want or get rid of those extra pounds.  I did too. 

Fitness and healthy living was not always a part of my life. Just four years ago, I weighed in at a mere 490 pounds and 52% BMI (body mass index). As a victim of domestic abuse and at one time living in a shelter, I knew that it was time for me to change my life permanently in order to save my life. Raising two very active boys, I knew that they needed me, and they needed me to be healthy. With sheer perseverance and determination, I implemented some revolutionary life changes that enabled me to take control of my life, break the victim cycle, and lose 340 pounds without fad diets, surgery or diet pills. While there were many times I was tired, weak and frustrated, I used my new found inner strength, positive thinking, and complete discipline to keep moving towards my goals.  I now completely understand that no barriers in life are insurmountable, and we can accomplish anything that we put our minds to with the appropriate goal setting, focus and discipline! 

As a mom, a motivational speaker, and the founder and owner of Inside & O.U.T Fitness, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing healthy habits with the demands of a busy life, and the struggle to find the time and motivation to get and stay in shape.

The first step in being successful on your path to fitness is this: Just Show Up!

Here are some tips to help you start your journey:

1.    Set goals. Start with a short-term goal; say for the next four to six weeks, plus a long-term goal, for the next 12 months.  For example, your short-term goal could be to work out ten minutes a day every day for the next four weeks. Your long-term goal could be to run in a 10K fundraiser for your favorite cause.

2.    Keep an exercise journal. I’m a huge believer in keeping a record of your progress. Write down what you do and how it makes you feel, physically and mentally.

3.    Put it on your calendar. Think of it as an appointment with yourself. Because that’s exactly what it is. It’s your time to give yourself what you need.

4.    Do what feels good. If you love to swim and you hate to jog, then guess which one I’m going to tell you to do. Do what you love. Don’t worry about which exercise burns more calories. The exercise that burns the most calories is the one you’ll do.

5.    Decide which works for you: going it alone or working out with others. Many people find that walking with a friend every morning or attending a friendly fitness class three times a week really helps them stick with their exercise plan. But if you prefer to do it yourself, then keep it consistent by linking exercise with something you really enjoy (watching your favorite show or listening to good music).

6.    Set yourself up to succeed. To outwit your excuses, head them off before they happen. If you’re embarrassed to be seen in your old sweats, get some new gear. If it takes you too long to get dressed for your morning workout, lay your clothes and shoes out the night before.

7.    Be flexible. Doing the exact same thing day in and day out isn’t good for your body or your mind. If you really don’t feel like taking a walk, drop in on a yoga class or do a DVD workout instead. If you’re bored with an activity you used to love, hire a trainer or do some research online so you can take your skills to the next level.

8.    Don’t take off more than one day in a row. The longer you slack off, the easier it is to quit.

9.    Reward yourself. Treat your hard-working feet to a spa pedicure. Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. Take a long bath. If it’s not illegal or fattening, I say, “Go for it!”
So that’s my advice...if you want to slim down, start with that first step and show up!

Bio: Amy Barnes is a dynamic motivational speaker, as well as the founder and owner of Inside & O.U.T Fitness. IO Fitness is a health and wellness company that assists clients in creating and living healthier lifestyles based on their individual health and wellness needs. As a fitness professional, and mother of two, Amy understands firsthand the challenges of balancing healthy habits with the demands of a busy life.  She knows what it’s like to struggle to find the time and motivation to get and stay in shape. Ms. Barnes’ powerful and provocative life story and has become a nation-wide inspiration after being featured on the cover of Oxygen Magazine and the NBC Today Show.

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