Written By: Sanae @ Zumba with Sanae
I met Abby Sherman in 2009 at the Zumba Instructor Convention in Orlando, Florida. Abby is from New York and had been an instructor for about one year at the time we met. We became friends and stayed in touch. I’ve followed her fitness journey and transformation over these past few years. She is truly an inspiration to me and many others. And I need to up the SPF when in Florida! Geeesh!
This is what Abby has to say about her struggles with weight…
“My whole life I have struggled with losing weight. I have worked with several trainers, but was only able to get to a certain point, and without fail, I always put the weight back on, mainly because I gave up. I did a ton of diets my entire life, and have been told by doctors that I was overweight, obese, etc. That’s who I thought I was destined to be for the rest of my life. The overweight, obese one who had to work 10x harder in order to see my dreams come true.”
Abby and I reunited at the 2011 Zumba Instructor Convention (again in Florida but I obviously packed sunscreen this time). Doesn’t she just radiate health and happiness? Even in this picture you can already see she is brighter and happy and CONFIDENT! She is transforming not just her body and her health but also her life. She is a beautiful person inside and out.
And this is Abby today!
How did she do it you ask?
“I hit a wall at the end of 2011 where I was fed up and said to my mom I want to work with a trainer. But I have no money, I don’t know who to go to, and it probably won’t work anyways. I don’t know what to do, but if someone could tell me what to do, I’ll do it! I’ll do whatever it takes!
No more than a month later, I stumbled upon Christopher Power, and we started training. He asked me, ‘Are you REALLY looking for a trainer? Because we work hard, and get results!’ SIGN ME UP!!
Within a month, I found myself doing things that I never thought I could. By May of 2012 (not even), I was at the lowest weight I had ever been in my life. I was toned, healthy, and on my way to becoming the fit, athletic individual I always dreamed of! Now, I am BEYOND my wildest dreams in terms of my fitness goals. I marvel at my accomplishments and make myself proud on a daily basis, which is the most important thing. I’ve pushed a car and can squat 275lbs and Chris and I did a burpee mile…its crazy!! When I hit a wall and feel like I’m not seeing results, I have Chris to remind me how far I have come, and where I want to go. I am even competing in my first powerlifting competition in June of 2013. Even though my goals and dreams have changed (and developed), I feel as though I have found my “home.” Contentment within my own life and proud of who I am becoming. That’s KEY!”
While she is still a licensed Zumba Fitness® instructor, Abby has added certified ACE Personal Trainer, a Bachelors in Exercise Science and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling to her list of accomplishments. She is also working towards her NSCA – CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification, and a nutrition certification. She works for the upscale Equinox Fitness Clubs in New Jersey. I have a feeling Abby will be motivating and changing lives for years to come. You go girl! Isn’t it ironic that your greatest struggle in life can manifest into a career? There is a lesson here.
“Let me tell you that weight loss and getting fit and healthy is possible through training and healthy eating. It takes hard work, persistence, dedication, blood (sometimes literally lol) sweat and tears. It takes having a goal and also being fed up with how you have lived your entire life. It takes patience and surrounding yourself with the right people. Dedicate yourself to something and you will change!”
So when is it your time? When do you deserve a transformation? Only YOU can answer that. Change happens when YOU decide it happens. It’s an attitude. It’s a commitment. It’s a CHOICE. NO EXCUSES!! You can follow Abby’s progress on her blog “Limitless” at http://abbysherman.blogspot.com or you can email Abby at [email protected].
Sanae’s 2013 New YOU Challenge
If you answered “YES YES now is my time” to the questions above then I’ve got just the motivation you need to get started. Visit my website and discover how you can join our team of passionate individuals who have accepted my 6-week 2013 New YOU Challenge. It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are or what habits you need to break. This is a virtual group challenge and it won’t cost you a dime to participate. I promise if you commit to just 6 weeks, you will be amazed! Happy New Year Friends!