June’s Success Story, Renee Simone, tells her story bravely: she’s overcome self-loathing, anxiety, and time constraints to find something for herself. We hope you’re motivated by her tenacity and positive message!
While planning a benefit for a close friend’s very sick child, Renee was inspired by the generosity and kindness of complete strangers! She ended up winning the donated Method 360 one-month membership, and “that was my thank you from the universe, leading me where I unknowingly needed to be.”
While planning a benefit for a close friend’s very sick child, Renee was inspired by the generosity and kindness of complete strangers! She ended up winning the donated Method 360 one-month membership, and “that was my thank you from the universe, leading me where I unknowingly needed to be.”
Getting over the past
Renee has a history with exercise, like most of us. “In the past, when I started a routine and results didn't come as quickly as I am used to, I told myself lots of stories:
Working out isn’t working for me.
I'm trying so hard but nothing is happening.
My body chemistry has changed…I can't help it.
No matter what I do I'm not losing weight.”
She would give into these negative voices and feel sorry for herself, quitting the gym to find something better to do with her time.
“Method 360 changed that mentality for me. So what if my body chemistry has changed!? It doesn't mean I can't be strong or stop because my eyes are not seeing the results. I'm learning the most important results are the ones I can't see. Every Monday I wake up and think, nope, I am not working out today. Every Monday I prove myself wrong and get my ass on that gym floor.”
Renee has a history with exercise, like most of us. “In the past, when I started a routine and results didn't come as quickly as I am used to, I told myself lots of stories:
Working out isn’t working for me.
I'm trying so hard but nothing is happening.
My body chemistry has changed…I can't help it.
No matter what I do I'm not losing weight.”
She would give into these negative voices and feel sorry for herself, quitting the gym to find something better to do with her time.
“Method 360 changed that mentality for me. So what if my body chemistry has changed!? It doesn't mean I can't be strong or stop because my eyes are not seeing the results. I'm learning the most important results are the ones I can't see. Every Monday I wake up and think, nope, I am not working out today. Every Monday I prove myself wrong and get my ass on that gym floor.”
I refuse to feel guilty
That is not an easy task, as this mom of 3 has lots to do! “Between coordinating speech therapy, preschool, elementary school, weekly classroom volunteering, and - most importantly - nap time, along with managing a household, I had zero time to spare.
But none of those things were solely for Renee, and after a few classes at Method, Renee stepped out of her comfort zone and made herself a priority. “As a parent, there will always be something to feel guilty about, but I refuse to feel guilty for taking an hour a day for me. Method classes are challenging to point that I shut out all the noise of my life. It's the one hour a day I do nothing but focus on myself.
That is not an easy task, as this mom of 3 has lots to do! “Between coordinating speech therapy, preschool, elementary school, weekly classroom volunteering, and - most importantly - nap time, along with managing a household, I had zero time to spare.
But none of those things were solely for Renee, and after a few classes at Method, Renee stepped out of her comfort zone and made herself a priority. “As a parent, there will always be something to feel guilty about, but I refuse to feel guilty for taking an hour a day for me. Method classes are challenging to point that I shut out all the noise of my life. It's the one hour a day I do nothing but focus on myself.
Shame and fear and anxiety – Oh My!
Renee, like many of us, judged her body solely on what it looks like. “It’s been hard to gain weight and not lose it as quickly as I could in the past. I felt ashamed and wanted to hide indoors and isolate myself.”
“Like many of Method peeps, I struggle with anxiety. It's hard enough to manage those symptoms, but when you feel bad about yourself, everything feels harder and forced. My anxiety has prevented me from doing many things in the last 3 years and came on during a very high-risk pregnancy. It’s been difficult, especially because I once considered myself adventurous and fearless.
“Method has given me back that outlet to trust myself, take bigger risks, try challenging exercises, and push myself. I've taken back a part of myself I thought was lost and I'm realizing I've changed.
“I’m doing things I didn't think I was fit enough to do. I love challenging myself. I feel safe to take risks; even if I fail I’ve gained something. And I usually do fail or fall, but I never stop trying: I get back up & modify but never quit. I am constantly inspired to keep pushing. I feel empowered and strong.
“I am realizing how proud of my body I am, for what it looks like and for what I can do & how far I can push. This different type of pride feels more valuable to me than only what I see in the mirror!”
Renee, like many of us, judged her body solely on what it looks like. “It’s been hard to gain weight and not lose it as quickly as I could in the past. I felt ashamed and wanted to hide indoors and isolate myself.”
“Like many of Method peeps, I struggle with anxiety. It's hard enough to manage those symptoms, but when you feel bad about yourself, everything feels harder and forced. My anxiety has prevented me from doing many things in the last 3 years and came on during a very high-risk pregnancy. It’s been difficult, especially because I once considered myself adventurous and fearless.
“Method has given me back that outlet to trust myself, take bigger risks, try challenging exercises, and push myself. I've taken back a part of myself I thought was lost and I'm realizing I've changed.
“I’m doing things I didn't think I was fit enough to do. I love challenging myself. I feel safe to take risks; even if I fail I’ve gained something. And I usually do fail or fall, but I never stop trying: I get back up & modify but never quit. I am constantly inspired to keep pushing. I feel empowered and strong.
“I am realizing how proud of my body I am, for what it looks like and for what I can do & how far I can push. This different type of pride feels more valuable to me than only what I see in the mirror!”
Bringing the energy home
Renee’s goals involve more than numbers on a scale. “I've learned that fitness is a journey not a destination, number, or size. I’m managing my anxiety, have positive self-awareness, and an incredible energy level. Method 360 has been mind, body, and spirit for me. I am working toward a healthy weight that allows me to be active and involved in my children's lives.
“My ability to keep up with my boys is such a welcome change. Running, jumping, lifting, kicking is not just reserved for the gym. It's my reality every day with my very energetic boys. I am happy to have the energy to give them that physical play they love. Even my energy level after a stressful day is noticeable.
“The change that has made a difference all around is positive self-awareness. No scale number or jeans size can give me that. It came somewhere between sweating my ass off and thinking I can't go one second longer, then hearing one of the trainers say PUSH!! I pushed and surprised myself: I could do it! I got chills the first time I did that! I was really proud.
“I may not be completely happy with what I see in the mirror every time, but I've also found other reasons to love myself deeper. I forgive myself for gaining weight, have patience, and am kinder and gentler to myself. My body is being trained and, more importantly, so is my mind. Everything I've done before this has lacked that key element for me.
Renee’s goals involve more than numbers on a scale. “I've learned that fitness is a journey not a destination, number, or size. I’m managing my anxiety, have positive self-awareness, and an incredible energy level. Method 360 has been mind, body, and spirit for me. I am working toward a healthy weight that allows me to be active and involved in my children's lives.
“My ability to keep up with my boys is such a welcome change. Running, jumping, lifting, kicking is not just reserved for the gym. It's my reality every day with my very energetic boys. I am happy to have the energy to give them that physical play they love. Even my energy level after a stressful day is noticeable.
“The change that has made a difference all around is positive self-awareness. No scale number or jeans size can give me that. It came somewhere between sweating my ass off and thinking I can't go one second longer, then hearing one of the trainers say PUSH!! I pushed and surprised myself: I could do it! I got chills the first time I did that! I was really proud.
“I may not be completely happy with what I see in the mirror every time, but I've also found other reasons to love myself deeper. I forgive myself for gaining weight, have patience, and am kinder and gentler to myself. My body is being trained and, more importantly, so is my mind. Everything I've done before this has lacked that key element for me.
To anyone struggling to make time to get to Method: there is always time in a busy schedule. It may not be convenient or easy, but the time is there. You just have to make the choice to put yourself to the front of the line for an hour a day.
Renee, thank you for sharing your insights and struggles! We want to keep you on that journey and seeing results that the mirror doesn’t show…so you’ll find an assessment in your account to help you do that!
Renee, thank you for sharing your insights and struggles! We want to keep you on that journey and seeing results that the mirror doesn’t show…so you’ll find an assessment in your account to help you do that!
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