Continuing with my series “Fabulously on the Move”… I’ve got a treat for you guys today.
I met Ashley way back at Fitbloggin 2012 in Maryland, and we were instant friends. She’s so incredibly relatable, insanely motivating, and determine to achieve any goal she sets… I knew that I wanted her to be part of this series.
Ashley’s taking over NTTC today, sharing about how she fell in love with spin.
Ashley’s blog Coffee Cake and Cardio has been one that I’ve read from the beginning. I’ve read about her wedding to Neal, followed along with her adventures with the DC Divas, and witnessed her becoming a mother to sweet Magnolia. Her journey is one that inspires me, and her blog helps me keep up with my dear friend.
Without further ado, here’s Ashley’s story…
Hey y’all! My name is Ashley and I blog over at Coffee Cake and Cardio! I’m really thankful that Kelly asked me to share a little of my story with y’all today. As Kelly often shares, the journey is never ending, but I thought I’d take y’all back to my fitness rock bottom today.
In 2006 I was at my highest adult weight (261 pounds) and despite having just ended my collegiate discus and hammer throwing career, I was incredibly out of shape. Weight lifting was my passion and I thrived at it, but when it came to cardio I really struggled. Aside from hoping on the elliptical, most workouts scared me. I hated running, fitness classes scared me, and my hope to find a workout I’d love was non-existent despite my desire to lose weight and get in shape.
In the fall of 2006, my roommate invited me to attend a spin class with her. I was so incredibly nervous to take a spin class. All I could think about was the scene from Fever Pitch when the girls were taking the class. I had it in my head that I’d hate it and to be honest, I did. I struggled throughout the entire class and even made up an excuse to leave class early. That was truly my fitness rock bottom!
That day, as I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, I realize just how out of shape I was. Although I was a college athlete and confident in the weight room, my cardiovascular health was extremely poor and I was unhealthy! I needed to change my habits and I needed to get into shape. It was scary and though I never wanted to take spin again, I knew it couldn’t get any worse!
I started taking spin classes regularly and have never looked back. What I didn’t realize that day is that I had stumbled upon a workout I’d become passionate about. A workout that I would become passionate about. A workout that I’d hate to miss. In 2006 I couldn’t have even imagined finding a workout that I’d hate to miss, but I did. I learned to love spin and how amazing the workouts were.
Spin helped me to lose 50 pounds back in 2006, to get into the best shape of my life in my 20’s, and to have a happy and healthy pregnancy this past year! One of my goals for 30 is to become a spin instructor and to help others fall in love with the workout that has helped me to reach my goals.
The hardest spin class you’ll ever take is your first one, in my opinion, but I’ve got some great tips for y’all! The key is returning for a second class. Even if you hate spin after that first class, promise me you’ll go back for a second class! Don’t let your first class be your only impression of spin! It gets better! As you learn more about spin, and as your booty gets used to the seat, you’ll figure out what works best for you. You’ll find instructors you love, songs that make you work harder, and you’ll be so motivated by your calorie burn!
I want to challenge y’all to do one thing, try a workout this next year that scares you… and then do it again! Whether it’s spin, running, yoga, or BodyPump, do what scares you! It might just be the workout that changes you life! Spin was mine!
What workout scares you? What’s keeping you from trying it out?
Want to follow Ashley and learn more about her inspiring story? Heres’s a few ways that you can keep up with her: Coffee Cake and Cardio Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Want to Read More in this Series?
Motivation Tips for New Runners featuring Lauren from Breathe Deeply and Smile
Conquering 60 Miles for a Cause featuring Alyssa from Double Chin Diary and LaLaLyssa
Yoga for Beginners featuring Jess from Racing to Zen