Meet RF WArrior and Rise Up veteran, Jess! The January 2024 Rise Up marked her 3rd insallment and see what changed and why this year was her absolutely best in terms of progress, results and long lasting habits!
What was your biggest fear before signing up for Rise Up?
My goal for the January 2024 Rise Up was to give 99%-100% to this program, and my biggest fear was being tempted and falling off track. January and February is my company’s busiest time of year so it’s easy thing to remain comfortable and put my health and nutrition on the back burner.
To avoid tempation and distractions, I’d have to dedicate not only time in the kitchen prepping for the week, but also time cooking for my family each night during times when I’m mentally exhausted.
I’d have to avoid eating the food left on my daughter’s plate or grabbing a handful of goldfish from her bowl.
And, most importantly, I’d have to stop pouring myself drinks after a stressful workday.
As a working mother, there were many aspects of life out of my control like issues that arise at work, illnesses, school closures, etc. but the ONE thing I could control was my nutrition and that is how I approached this year’s Rise Up!
What made you decide to overcome those fears and RISE UP!?
I personally had no excuses. This was my 3rd consecutive Rise Up, I’ve been given all the tools I need to be successful and just needed to put them to use.
The community of Results Fitness Warriors are an added motivational factor because we’re all in it together. The energy is heightened, we’re getting to the gym more to hit our weekly workout goal, we’re grabbing heavier weights, and it’s a fun time to be part of this community.
Before Rise Up, what was getting in the way of seeing results and reaching your goal(s)?
I’ve never been one to lie or hide the fact that I like to drink (alcohol). I had accepted I couldn’t outtrain my diet, but I also was not happy with working my a$$ off at the gym and feeling like I had nothing to show for it.
Tack on BLTs (which I newly learned means bites, licks, and tastes and not the delicious sandwich), and I was consuming about 9 days worth of calories in one week!
You THINK you’re eating healthy, but if you’re tracking your food intake and being honest with EVERYTHING you’re consuming, it can become a real eye opener as to why you’re not seeing the results you want.
How did Rise Up help you overcome this barrier and succeed?
Learning how to properly portion my foods (proteins, carbs, fats and veggies) based on my goal and getting into the habit of tracking my foods and snacks. I love that Rise Up provides you with your own coach you’re in regular contact with and who is also there to hold you accountable for what you’re tracking (meal, snacks and other habits).
Tracking apps are great, but there’s no one on the other side coaching you, providing helpful feedback or maybe even questioning your choices.
What was your biggest nutrition struggle before Rise Up?
90% alcohol, 10% diet. I was working out very consistently and eating healthy meals, but I was consuming too many empty calories (alcohol) too many days of the week.
How did Rise Up help you overcome this struggle to succeed?
I went into Rise Up with an all or nothing approach. I gave up drinking alcohol January 1st to help eliminate a bad habit, and when Rise Up started a couple weeks later, I was ready to be in it 100%.
So much of the program is about being/staying accountable. At home, you are writing down your meals and snacks, hours slept and daily steps. At the gym, there is an attedance tracker, and you color in a square by your name every time you complete a workout.
Having to color in the squares and fill out tracking sheets had a strong hold on me. I told my Rise Up coach from the start that I can take honest feedback, am here for any suggestions to ensure I meet my goals, and to NOT take it easy on me (all personal preferences).
In 6 weeks, with hardwork and dedication, I not only met my goals by losing 10 lbs and 9 lbs of fat, but will continue to use utilize the healthy habits I’ve created every day forward!
How has your life change since completing Rise Up ?
Each year, I’ve tried to maintain a new habit:
- In 2022, I worked on grocery shopping and meal prepping on the weekends.
- In 2023, I worked on accurately measuring macros & eating smarter carbs.
- January 2024: This year, I’m working on continuing to track everything I’m eating, including BLTs or drinks, beyond the 6-week program.
I gave Rise Up my all but also didn’t want to fall back into old habits like I had year after year. And, I cannot believe I’m saying this but…I also have a goal to hit steps each day. Hitting a daily step goal will never be perfect for me but I’m making an effort and hopeful this becomes an everyday habit.
How is Rise Up different from other exercise/diet/nutrition program you’ve tried in the past?
I don’t think you can talk about Rise Up or Results Fitness without praising what they have done to build the community that they have.
You’re always met with a coach that guides and pushes you through the workouts, and it’s also comforting to know you have your own, assigned coach during the program to help answer ANY questions you have or what you can do better each week so that you can succeed!
The Rise Up (private) Facebook group is an added feature where many go to share recipes and help motivate each other, especially when you need an extra push. It never feels like you are alone, it instead feels like everyone around you is rallying around a common goal!
What would you say to someone reading this who feels stuck, frustrated or unsure how to reach their goals?
Don’t be afraid to jump right in by joining Results Fitness and signing up for the Rise Up!
You are welcomed by a large community that’s rooting for you to be the best version of yourself! You’ll be provided with the information you need to help create lifelong habits on your health and fitness journey!
