People change. People overcome tough times. People persevere.

About 3 years ago, I saw Shelley in the gym working out. I hadn’t seen her in years and I wasn’t sure what to say to her. Personal reasons behind, she was killing her workouts. I noticed she would do whatever the trainer asked of her, want more, curse at him, say thank you, and then couldn’t wait to come back for more. I didn’t know this Shelley, but I was real impressed with her.

The day came that “D”, her trainer, took another job opportunity. Shelley came to me asking if she could jump on my boat. I will say, I was hesitant.   You see, there was history with us. She and I were step-sisters for many years, 9 to be exact. We weren’t close and we didn’t see eye to eye, but we were so much alike. Here I was faced with a decision. Do I or do I not let it go, move forward, and grow with her? Yes, I did. And she won my heart.

This girl here took her workouts to the next level. No matter what I throw at her, she attacks from all angles. Never gives up, never quits, always asks for more, curses me from the time she walks in to the minute she walks out… SHE WANTS IT. I have seen her body and mind transform from “I’m just coming to the gym to work out” to “I’m here for results and no limits.”

Ask her workouts partners:

“I love working out with Shelley! She’s hard working that will push the group, along with offering words of encouragement to get you through it. She’s a lot of fun and will make you smile even when you don’t think you can.” Michelle Butler

“Shelley is a no excuses kind of girl, who has a way of making you laugh when you are struggling. I’ll never forget her showing up in a weighted vest last summer to work out with Mitzi. Who does that?!” Jill Preuett

“I thought of a word for Shelley… Informative. She informs us of heartrate, calories burned, how she feels, and innovative ways to use curse words.” Margie B.

I get excited each day she walks in the gym doors. My mind starts rolling. She wants it and I’m going to give her hell. A challenge is to test our willingness to change.

Shelley has overcome many obstacles in her life. She continues to fight demons as we all do. Saying “yes” to her was one of the most rewarding gifts. You see, I feel like she is more family now than she ever was. I’m incredibly lucky to have her in my life and for her to be a part of this STRONG team.

“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” Oprah Winfrey

Shelley, you are a beautiful gem. Now, let’s work… GET IT!

Love you,

M aka, “Teacher”

Shelley’s Story: Mitzi asked me to share my fitness journey and what it has meant to me.  Keep in mind I am a Woman of many words, but not when it comes to putting it on paper…I have always considered myself a somewhat athletic person throughout my life.  In high school I was a cheerleader, played softball, and was on the powerlifting team.  Into my college years I would occasionally visit a gym for a mediocre workout.  Of course at that age I could still eat what I wanted and it didn’t affect my appearance.  When I graduated from college and became an RN and joined the real world of being married, working, and soon after a mother, there wasn’t much time for a gym workout. Many of you may not know but Mitzi has been in my life for many years, she was my step-sister at one time.  I can remember when she started on her fitness journey and my sister and I used to talk about how big her legs were, but in a good way!!!  We were really just envious.Fast forward several years later.  I became a single mother working full time with no time for fitness.  I would walk around the neighborhood on occasion but didn’t have much motivation.  Several years would pass and my Mother became ill. Taking care of her while trying to keep some normalcy in my life and my daughter’s life became a struggle.  When she passed away over 8 years ago, I went through a very dark time in my life.  Instead of staying healthy physically and mentally, I grieved dysfunctional and became powerless over my life.  After a few years of wallowing in self-pity, I knew I had to change my life and get back on track.   I had gained 30lbs, felt awful about myself, and was spiritually bankrupt.  I knew the only solution was to totally surrender to God and become rigorously honest with myself and others.

I began with a new healthy lifestyle all the way around.  I allowed my Faith to be bigger than my fears, which wasn’t easy.  I had also injured my shoulder and had it repaired in 2010 so I was a little leery.  I bit the bullet and joined a gym and found a trainer.  I met him three days a week and worked out about 30 minutes a day.  I would also go one or two days, maybe, and do 30 minutes on treadmill, walking only.  I was watching what I ate and started to see a difference.  After a few months my trainer left the gym for another job and I was left to make a decision.  Mind you I have always disliked working out alone, I like to pay someone to make me do it, lol.  I joined LAC and initially went to the Pineville location and then begin going to Alexandria.  I met a guy there who was a trainer and I decided to ask him to train me.  He definitely raised the bar.  In the mean time I would see Mitzi’s sessions and would freak out just watching!! She scared me.  After about a year I was left with an even bigger decision, I could stay on the same level of fitness that I was comfortable with or I could step it up.  Soooo I asked the BEAST to be my trainer.  Best decision of my fitness journey. I have been with Mitzi for 3 years.  During this time I have lost a total of 32 lbs., multiple inches, and learned how to make healthy eating choices.   I usually do mostly Paleo and have even tried Whole 30. That doesn’t mean I don’t have cheat days or days where I cave and eat that piece of cake.  Becoming aware of the things I put in my body has made all the difference in the world. In 2014 I had an elbow surgery and my recovery was very slow.  I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do the things I had done before.  Mitzi was able to keep me motivated and has continued to help me become even stronger than before. My workout days are sacred to me, missing isn’t an option. It keeps me centered throughout my day, along with prayer and meditation of course.  I am currently not where I want to be, but I am striving to reach my personal goals.

This woman, I refer to as “TEACHER”, has helped mold me in the gym and in life.  She pushes me to limits I never knew I could reach.  Sometimes I wonder why on earth I actually pay her to do this to me???   It’s worth every penny and then some…