My goals for the 60day challenge were to lose 1-2lbs/week, improve my running ability, and exercise on a consistent basis. This was not my first 60day challenge but hands down was my most successful. Instead of starting an unsustainable diet and killing myself on the treadmill like I have done in the past, I decided to really utilize the program and make sustainable lifestyle changes instead. By focusing on my nutrition and joining GTX, I managed to lose 19 lbs, double my monthly miles ran, and shave almost a minute off my average mile time.

After many months of quarantine, I was super grateful to return to Life Time Laguna Niguel in November. I decided to join GTX because it is the perfect combination of cardio and strength training. My instructor, Alyssa R, is incredibly knowledgeable and was always there for me. She held me accountable and pushed me to do my very best. I highly recommend group training to anyone. Every time I go to class, I know I will have a great workout. I have made such great gains since joining. In my first class, I struggled to lift just the barbell and I was sore for days after. After consistently attending classes, I now am able to lift and squat significantly more. Plus according to the InBody machine, I managed to actually gain muscle while simultaneously losing fat. That’s amazing! I was a bit intimidated to join group training at first because I was so out of shape and usually only did cardio.  Turns out lifting weights is a great way to improve one’s overall fitness. It has even made me a better runner. I picked up running as a hobby during the beginning of quarantine. In October, I ran 66 miles at an average pace of 11:04/mile. My the end of the 60day challenge, my monthly stats for December were 115 miles ran at an average pace of 10:04/mile. I almost doubled my mileage and increased my pace by a minute. I can run farther, faster, and harder because of GTX. I even participated recently in the virtual Commitment Day 5k and can’t wait to run my next virtual race in 2021!

Another big reason why I was successful in this challenge is because of my nutrition. Normally when I diet I follow a really restrictive and unsustainable meal plan. This always ends up leading to me binging and giving up. So this time around I decided to practice moderation and to make better choices. I enjoyed holiday favorites with my family, I ordered take out at least a week and even had the occasional glass of wine. And guess what? I still lost weight!!!! This is the only time in my adult life I have made it through the holidays and actually lost weight! I realize now that starving myself was just setting me up for failure. So long as I practice moderation, I can enjoy yummy, delicious food and still lose weight. The 60day program really made it easy too with the weekly food recipes. Even though the program is over now, I am going to continue my healthy lifestyle. I have no desire to go back to my unhealthy yo-yo dieting past.

I’m am forever grateful for the amazing team and leadership at Life Time and for the 60day challenge program.  Needless to say, this past year has been filled with a lot of fear and hardships. I don’t where I would be if it wasn’t for my amazing gym. This program has really kickstarted my fitness and nutrition journey. I can’t wait to see how much more progress the next 60 days holds!!! Thank you Life Time!