Part 3 in our ‘real life’ health series tells the incredible story of Hannah Wilson – prepare to be amazed!
“January seems like an absolute age away right?
Did you begin a health and fitness plan only to get lost in the middle of it, wondering what happened?
Do you feel completely puzzled after reading about a billion articles relating to weight loss, or how to get stronger, or how to lose fat and gain lean muscle etc. etc.?
What I’m really trying to get at is that when we consider setting goals, we can be overwhelmed by the bombardment of information available to us and this can all too often end up in a loss before we have even got going!
I’m hoping that in reading my story, you may find some inspiration to help you on your way.
My name is Hannah and I am a wife as well as a mummy to three lovely children, aged 13, 7 and 4. My journey truly began after I had my son 4 years ago. My body has undergone some huge changes; going from a fit and healthy 20 something, to being overweight after having my 7 year old daughter, then going on to become the lightest I have ever been whilst breastfeeding my little baby boy and trying to juggle working with family life. I thought I was eating like a horse, but I could not retain any weight. I was running for fitness and setting myself targets by entering into events – I’ve always been incredibly competitive and goal driven, so it seemed like the right thing for me to do.
Hang on a minute…that all seems OK right?
I was slim.
I was seemingly managing life.
I was fit.
But, if you dug a little deeper, into a place that is rather an uncomfortable zone for me, I’ll let you in on what was really going on.
The truth is I was skinny. I wasn’t really eating enough for my body to do some of the vital things it needs to do, like keep my heart beating and balance my hormones. On top of that, I was expecting it to be capable of running for miles on end and still have enough energy and fuel to be able to feed my baby at the same time! I was also hormonally unbalanced and as a consequence was often snappy and emotional.
Uh oh…not good, for me or my friends and family!
So, what happened between then and now?
Well, I started attending a local fitness bootcamp with the aim of becoming stronger and hoping to add some shape to my body. In doing so, I began to realise that I needed to up my intake of good food and to stop running myself into the ground…literally!
By introducing resistance exercise with free weights and my own bodyweight, I started to see results. Not only could I see a change in my physical appearance, but I also noticed that I was less prone to injury. I was still very hesitant to do too much weight lifting however, as I was concerned about my body becoming too huge and bulky. The thought of this now seems absolutely ridiculous to me, as I have now re-trained as a Personal Trainer and know full well that weights are an essential element to good, all over, long term fitness. I have qualifications in Weight Training, Strength & Conditioning, TRX, Kettlebells and Nutrition to name but a few. I have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a healthy body and to ultimately live a healthy and balanced life. Most important of all, I have personal experience and can relate to a whole host of struggles that I hear on a daily basis from my clients.
“I have been there, I understand.”
So, bootcamp was doing wonders, but my competitive edge was still there and was itching for something else. At that point one of the coaches saw something in me and inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and into the world of weightlifting and competitive Crossfit. Over the past two years I have worked solidly to develop skills, improve strength and gain muscle. I am healthy, I know how to apply a programme to get results, how to eat in a healthy way for optimal performance and how to include rest to achieve a balanced approach. The results are sustainable because my metabolism is fired up.
I eat.
I exercise in a way that promotes strength.
I rest to let my muscles recover and grow.
I enjoy life.
I’m happy.
RESULT!
I now compete in some of the top Crossfit events and my aim is to reach Regional Level at The Crossfit Games 2016.
“I didn’t start by saying I was going to lift up 120kg on a barbell…I started with a piece of old PVC pipe and learnt good form first.”
This is obviously not a target for everybody, but it is a guide to others that you are capable of reaching your goals.
My Advice
- Set goals – Keep to simple specific targets that are realistic. Break them down into manageable chunks. Seeing progress is the key to success. If you want to look more toned, lose weight and have more energy, trying to accomplish all of these things at once is largely unachievable. Instead, try concentrating on eating wholesome food spread across 3 meals and 2 snacks a day for 2 weeks. Review your progress. Set the next target.
- Seek help and be accountable – Sometimes we all need a little help to understand what it is we actually need to do. Guidance along the way can help us stay focused and will mean we are far less likely to come unstuck.
- Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone – This is where great things happen.
- Learn – In the process you will learn about yourself, gain understanding of what you need to do to reach your goals and be more confident. As you come out the other side, the result will be a physically and mentally strong woman; YOU!
- Be proud – Set an example and be an inspiration to your children, family and friends.
I am so passionate about educating other women that I have set up my own business dedicated to doing just that.
My female fitness movement, Fox Phys., is all about building a connected community of ladies, who work hard, have fun, and support one another on their journey.
Our unique philosophy is focused on offering support, guidance and education in an all female environment.
We aim to inspire females of all ages to get involved in physical activity, enjoy sport, lead a healthy lifestyle and to project a positive message to girls, young ladies and mature ladies alike.”
“It is our mission to create positive role models for the next generation.”
Here is to strong women,
May we know them,
May we be them,
May we raise them.
Fox Phys. is a growing community – to find out more about how you can get involved and the services on offer please check out the new Fox Phys. website!
Contact them by email – info@foxphys.com via the Fox Phys. Facebook page or send a foxy, fit pic to the Fox Phys. Instagram page.
