Heather Meloy's Blog

Heather Meloy's Blog

My Transformation Journey

It was back toward the end of 2012 into January of 2013 that I realized I really needed to make a change- something had to give.  I had gradually gained weight over the month/year prior (see about me for full details) and at this point I had weighed the heaviest I ever had (even more than either of my two pregnancies).  I felt sluggish, had no energy and I wasn't happy with how I looked.  I knew I had to do something or it was just going to get worst.  So in January of 2013 I made the commitment to myself (& for my family) to start focusing on myself.  I wanted to set a good example for my kids to lead a healthy life of fitness and good nutrition.  Over the course of 2013 I increased my fitness activity by incorporating Zumba a couple days a week, started running with some friends and then started attending The 352 Fit Club.  I added Shakeology to my daily menu and started feeling better than I had in a LOOOONNNNNGGGGG time.  I completed Challenge Groups for T-25 and then P90X3.  As a result of all this perseverance and hard work, over the course of 2013/2014 I have lost over  20 pounds!  It wasn't always easy, after all I am human.  There's days I fell off the wagon and didn't eat the best or felt like working out but it was through the support of my husband, kids, my accountability group (and great friends) that I would pick myself up and kept pushing. I've learned that it's a gradual process to achieve the goals I want (and am still working toward- this journey isn't over) and I'm OK with that.  I'm healthier than I've ever been!  It's hard for me to post these transformation pictures but I know if by me posting these can help even 1 person to want to better their life and improve their health than I have done my job. #noexcuses #2014transformation #fitnessjourney #betterhealth

Stay tuned for more photos as I just started a new Challenge Group for Piyo.  If you would like to know how I can help you achieve your fitness goals click here.  

Zumba

Zumba is another one of my favorite workouts and is actually what really started my journey to better health and fitness.  Check out my "About Me" tab for the complete story.  It started when a friend of mine convinced me to try out a Zumba class with her.  Now I had tried a class or two in the past but was intimidated by it.  There were mirrors all around and I wouldn't consider myself the most coordinated person.  It wasn't a pretty site.   So I hesitantly went to this class.  I was sure to stand as far back in the corner as I could- I didn't want anyone standing behind me to see my moves (or lack there of- LOL).  I started to go 1 once a week or every couple of weeks as I had time (being a busy mom who worked full-time with two kids didn't allow for much extra time at least that was my excuse.)

I started to enjoy going and met an awesome group of ladies in the class including the instructor who have now become some of my great friends.  To be honest the encouragement of this group of ladies and the fun we had is what really kept me going- they didn't care if you messed up.  We actually call that "doing solos" in the class.  We all just had a great time.  I started getting the moves down and moving up from that back corner and increasing my time to twice a week.  I was feeling better physically and mentally and realized it was important to make time for myself for me and my family.  It was important for me to start to take care of myself and improve my health.  Not only was I having fun and I made some great friends, I started to lose some inches, lose some weight and tone up.  Those love handles were starting to melt away.  I WAS HOOKED.

Zumba Citrus at Relay for Life

Fast forward to 2014. I became more comfortable learning the moves and in the class and became more confident in myself.  In March of this year I traveled to Miami and became a certified Zumba instructor.   I now assist Joyce the owner of Zumba Citrus & Sassy Pants Fitness along with Angie and Kristy in instructing classes.

Zumba Party In Pink to Benefit Cancer 

We have a blast as we "Zumba the calories away."It helps to have a group that supports and encourages each other and helps to celebrate with each other all of their successes!

OCR- Under the Lights

This weekend I participated in my 5th Obstacle Race & had a blast.  This one was through Mud Endeavor and was Dade City "Under The Lights" Night Run.  A little scraped up and bruised a long with a little muscle soreness- but I feel GREAT!  I've come such a long way from the first one I did back in April of 2013.  I never realized how terrified of heights I was until that very 1st wall I had to climb over- ha.
Over the last year my strength and endurance has improved greatly and I get a little better with each one.  

 Me mastering climbing the wall with the rope.

 These ladies are my support system, accountability partners, motivators and great friends.  We ran our 1st OCR together in April 2013 and have supported each other with each one.  We've all grown stronger in many ways throughout this experience.

Part of our crew before the run

And After 

#powercouple

And my biggest supporter- My husband.  He was hooked after watching me participate in the last night run and has now joined me on my last 3.  Our kids now want to get involved so will be looking for some kid OCR's to get them involved as well #familyfitness

If you are interested in finding out how you can join us for our next OCR or would like to train with us message me and I can get you the details.

Heather Meloy's Blog: 'Runner, I'm Not'

Heather Meloy's Blog: 'Runner, I'm Not'

"Runner, I'm Not"

Runner- I'm NOT

I've never been one up for running while growing up, though I always admired those that did and wished I had it in me.  I had a roommate in college that would go out and run miles and miles everyday.  I loved her ambition and dedication.  She was out there rain or shine.  I was lucky to be able to make it 1 mile around the track.

FAST FORWARD to quite a few years later....... I moved to FL and eventually started going to Zumba (see my "About Me" for more deets) which lead me to meet a group of awesome ladies.  They have become my support system, accountability partners and motivators. Looking for ways to challenge ourselves, one of us got this crazy idea that we should start training for a 5K!  So we started the couch to 5K app on our phone and would get together and run at night.  In February of 2013 I ran my 1st 5K.  It wasn't the fastest run- I didn't do my best but I finished and that's what mattered.  I wasn't out there competing with anyone else.  ONLY MYSELF.

We then started attending The 352 Fit Club and met Steve & Christina.  Both Beachbody Coaches.  They had done some OCRs and convinced us to come out to a training session with them.  We went to a local park and ran the trails.  Every mile or so we would then stop and do some intervals from lunges, to squats, to Burpees (my favorite- ha) and many other things to help increase our endurance and strength in preps for our 1st OCR.  In April of 2013 I ran my 1st Mud Run/OCR.  I didn't realize how fearful I was of heights but after many laughs and bruises later.... I WAS HOOKED.  

1st OCR

My Support System

A year plus later, I am getting ready to participate in my 5th OCR this coming weekend.  I have grown a lot from the very first one. I've become stronger and more confident in myself, my endurance has improved and I've even gotten a little over my fear of heights.  I can now get over those walls with much more confidence.  I owe it all to the support & encouragement of my friends (4 pictured to the right) and then my husband.  Even he has now joined me in my interest for OCRs and will be joining me Saturday for his 3rd OCR.  Through all of my hard work and determination over the last year I've come a long way and get little better each time.  

My goal set for 2015 will be to sign up for the Spartan Race (there you go Steve & Jill- I said it out loud.....) AND to improve my endurance in hopes to  become that "Runner Runner" I always aspired to be.  I know I can do it if I put my mind to it!  Check back to watch my journey.    

BETTER IN NUMBERS

If your are interested in training for an OCR, whether you are looking to try your first one or looking to improve for your next one send me a message and I can help you.

The 352 Fit Club

Awesome workout tonight with The 352 Fit Club.  This weeks workout was Insanity Core Cardio and Balance.  We had a GREAT group with so much ENERGY in the room.

I was actually dragging after working full day then running the kids to swim lessons-I could have really went home and crashed but knowing that this group was counting on me being there was enough to keep me accountable and go.  I felt 100% better after going and doing this workout.  That's the great thing about having this group.  We keep each other ACCOUNTABLE & MOTIVATED to reaching our goals. Everyone is so encouraging that makes you want to DIG DEEPER!  Feeling Great and better than I would have if I had listened to my inner self telling me to go home and veg on the couch.

We meet every Tuesday for this FREE workout in which we feature the different videos from the Beachbody Collection.  It's a great way to get out and workout with others that have like goals.  It's such a great means of support for each other.  

All to improve our health and fitness level.  

Insanity Core Cardio and Balance

P90X 3 Complex Lower

Today I killed my workout with some P90X3 Complex Lower.  Getting some extra training in for our next OCR this next weekend.  Such a great workout for lower extremities in just 30 minutes.  My legs were on fire after but can definitely feel results with this program.  Love this program.  Worked out with my favorite accountability partner- my husband. 

To find out more information about this program check out this video below:

Breakfast is The Most Important Meal of the Day

I have never been a big breakfast person and often I would go without.  If it wasn't something that I could grab and eat in the car on my way to dropping the kids off and heading to work then I just wouldn't eat.  Didn't matter how early I would set my alarm I never had time for a decent breakfast and most mornings I would skip breakfast altogether.  Then I was introduced to Shakeology.  Shakeology is considered the Healthiest Meal of the day and is now CLINICALLY PROVEN to help you lose weight.  Now I start every morning off with my Shakeology.  It helps me to get the morning started off right and holds me over until lunch.  My whole family starts the day off with this daily dose of dense nutrition.

Black Bean Soup Recipe

As a working mom with 2 kids and a busy schedule outside of work, I'm always trying to find easy, fast HEALTHY recipes for the family.  One of my favorite (& families favorite) go to recipes is black bean soup.  My daughter loves to help make it.

Black Bean Soup

• (3)-15 oz. cans of black beans (I usually get low sodium/organic) 
• you could also get dried beans but will need to allow for additional time to soften the beans
• 12 oz Salsa
• 12 oz Chicken or vegetable broth ( I use low sodium fat free)
• Chili Powder (to taste)

Mash up 1 can of beans in a food processor.  Mix all the ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Then simmer on low until cooked through.  Usually between prep and cook time takes about 30 minutes.

You can then Garnish with a dollup of sour cream (I will use Organic Greek Fat Free Plain Yogurt) and sprinkle with cheese.  And if you like to spice things up you can add some hot sauce.

This is a favorite in my household even with the kids.

Heather Meloy's Blog: About Me

Heather Meloy's Blog: About Me: I am 39 year old (soon to be 40-eek!) wife and mother of two.  I have a wonderful husband named Mark, whom I've been married to 13 yea...