Daniel and Kelli--
My name is Keli (they're the best, no matter how you spell it), and I have a confession...I've become a walking, talking advertisement for Fitness Blender. Ok, so maybe that's not a bad thing!
I turn 34 tomorrow, and I'm in the best shape of my life because of you two. Granted, it took me changing my mind about getting healthy back in 2008, but finding the workouts on FB--workouts I actually like and enjoy--have kept me going when I wanted to stop. Initially I lost about 20 pounds, but I have put some back on, in the form of muscle, thanks to all the strength training I've done with y'all. I married my fantastic husband in 2009, and in October of 2012 our daughter was born 16 weeks early. This meant 4 months in 2 different neonatal intensive care units. When I got the all-clear to start exercising again after her birth, I came right back to FB. Y'all were such a daily stress reliever for me in those terrifying months of wondering if we'd ever get to bring our baby home.
Aubrey is now 2, and I'm training her right--she picks up her little 3 pound weight and grunts when she holds it over her head proudly. I can't thank y'all enough for all the things you do--I'm sure it gets tough, but please know how much your workouts and meal plans and everything else are appreciated. My friends hear about how awesome Fitness Blender is often, and I'll keep spreading the word. Thanks again!
Keli
South Carolina
Attached is a pic of me--on the left is from 2007 (at Disney World!), and on the right is from a month or two ago. :)
Read Keli's interview below:
- Did you use one of our programs or put together your own using our videos?
I've used one of the 8 week plans, but normally I make up my own training schedule.
- How long did it take you to reach the point where you’re at now (when did you start?)
I started working out seriously in late 2008, but I started using FB in 2010, soon after the website appeared, I think. It didn't take too long for weight to drop off, but I'm still building muscle and increasing the amount of weight I lift.
- What made you decide to start working out?
First off, it was the fact that I was getting married in 4 months and wanted to look great! (Vain, yes, but there you go.) Honestly though, I had been dissatisfied with my health for a while--getting out of breath going up 2 flights of stairs had gotten old. The wedding was the thing that finally pushed me to get started.
- Do you have any favorite Fitness Blender workouts?
I love any of them that combine HIIT and strength training.
- Hardest Fitness Blender workout you’ve tried
I've done all the 1000 calorie workouts--pure torture of the finest kind. ;)
- Average difficulty of FB workouts you do (out of the 1-5 scale)
Usually 4s, but I like to throw a 5 in there some days!
- What’s your favorite training style?
I've grown to love strength training since it often incorporates cardio. But there's just something about seeing those muscles grow!
- How many days a week do you exercise, length of workouts on average?
6 days a week, average length 30-45 minutes (tough to do any more with a job, a baby, and a husband who works weird hours).
- Favorite healthy snack or meal?
Banana or apple with peanut butter, carrots and cucumbers with hummus
- Best tip that you would give to someone just starting to workout
Give yourself a break--no one starts out at level 5 workouts! Do as much as you can as hard as you can, and you'll get there!
- Favorite fitness quote
Just saw this yesterday: "Warning! Exercise has been known to cause health and happiness."
- Something that you have gained from committing to healthy eating and exercise?
I've gained the ability to do more things with ease--I'm fitter, stronger, and have more endurance. I'm also content in the knowledge that I'm doing all I can to be here as long as I can--and healthy-- for my husband and my daughter.