My Fitness Journey: how it started vs. how it's going • Living LavAshley

If someone would’ve told me that I would have a love for fitness and weight training 10 years ago, I probably would’ve laughed and called them crazy. At 17 I hadn’t picked up a dumbbell yet alone thought of doing any exercises other than what was required for cheer P.E. and occasional running.

Growing up I was always involved in some sort of physical-related activity that involved some form of fitness. In middle and high school, I was a cheerleader, then for the first time (in what felt like forever) I wasn’t involved in any type of physical activity when I started college at LSU.

This was the start of my wake-up call. I didn’t have any cheer practices or commitments to doing anything for a team – this was when I realized that fitness was a choice, not something that anyone would make me do. Every blue moon a friend and I would go to the recreation center to get some cardio in or take a Zumba class, but making it there on a regular basis was not a priority.

Fast forward to graduation in December of 2015 – I made it through without picking up “freshman 15” or a substantial amount of weight. However, months later after starting my career and entering the real world of catered breakfast, lunch, and happy hour dates on an ongoing basis, I quickly picked up weight and could no longer fit half of my wardrobe.

This was when reality kicked in. For the first time ever, I was not happy when I looked in the mirror and I was disappointed in myself. Within a week of that reality check, I bought a gym membership and hired a trainer. Working out regularly became a part of my weekly routine, but my eating habits took a solid year or two to adjust. I ended up finding a love for fitness – so much that I was motivated to compete in my very first bikini competition in 2018. This is where a lot of my mindset shift transitioned due to realizing what I was capable of doing – 12 weeks of a low-carb diet with no sweets or alcoholic beverages was a challenge, but one that I’m proud to have completed and picked up so much discipline from.

Right now, I’m at a maintaining stage and feel the best that I ever have. I don’t weight myself regularly, limit myself to a low-carb diet or do an insane amount of cardio. Instead, I keep up with a consistent routine that works for me without depriving myself from many of the things that I love. Let’s just say that I’ve learned how to balance well while keeping my health at the forefront of my decisions.

There’s so much more I could share about my journey, but the most important takeaway is that fitness will not become a priority for anyone until there is a mindset adjustment and commitment to yourself and your health. There will be some good days and lots of bad ones, but the best part about committing to living a healthy lifestyle is knowing that no matter what, you’re committed to keep going.

I look forward to sharing many tips and lessons learned regarding my journey through this space!