By Megan Carolin, Member of the Birmingham Family YMCA
My weight loss journey began in June 2013. I was 311 pounds at 25 years old. I was experiencing headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations and general discomfort. My day-to-day life was fairly miserable. I was slow to move, often feeling run down and sick. Every day when I got home from work, I immediately went to lay down because I was so tired.
My eating habits at the time were very poor. I was basically living off of fast food and microwave meals. When I did cook, it was large portions of pasta. I was not exercising other than the occasional walk around the block.
One night, I felt so dizzy and had such a severe headache that I contemplated driving to the ER. I thought something must be seriously wrong. I called my parents in a panic, and my dad came to pick me up. When I got to their house, the three of us had a discussion about my weight. I was right: something WAS seriously wrong, and that was my weight.
Although my parents and I had similar conversations in the past, this time was different. This time I decided I really did want to change. I no longer wanted to feel miserable and uncomfortable. I wanted to live freely, healthy and happy.
I met with my doctor who ran a series of blood tests and determined that I was at a high risk for diabetes, my vitamin D level was severely low, and my cholesterol level was too high. She recommended that I join a gym to get a kick start on my exercise. I joined a gym that was close to work so that I could go in the mornings. I started slowly… when I first joined the gym I could only do 3 minutes on the elliptical. I also started to count my calories and watch my portion sizes, carbs, and sodium. By February, I had lost about 40 pounds.
In February 2014 I had to change jobs, and with that I had to change gyms. After looking at several gyms in the area, I decided to join the Birmingham YMCA. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I met with a personal trainer on one of my first visits and explained my weight loss journey so far. She recommended different exercises and classes for me to do. The Y is where I fell in love with group exercises classes. Previously, I had been too afraid to go to classes, worried that my weight would set me apart from other class members and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. But the Y has helped me to gain confidence, and I’ve done Zumba, Cardio Sculpt, Pilates, Bootcamp and Kickboxing classes. Kickboxing is my absolute favorite workout. Each of the trainers at the Y have really embraced me and helped me to become stronger, more fit and more confident.
I continue to count my calories and am careful about what I eat. I cook nearly every night and plan all of my meals. It takes time, but it’s worth it.
I have lost a total of 90 lbs and I am down 5 pant sizes. Although it has taken me a while, I am so proud of what I have been able to accomplish. I have hit many plateaus along the way that have stalled my progress, but the trainers at the Y are always available for me to talk to and to learn from to get through the plateaus. They push me but they do not judge me. They encourage me and support me. I also love working out with other members at the Y and being able to encourage each other through our journeys. I feel comfortable at the Y, I feel at home.
When I run into someone I haven’t seen in a while, one of their first comments is not necessarily about my weight itself, but they say “you look so much taller!” Previously, I was almost constantly hunched over. It was difficult to carry all that weight around, and even more difficult to do it with confidence. But now, I am not only leaner and able to carry myself stronger and taller, but I am more confident and happy with my body. That change has made all the difference.
My story wouldn’t be as successful without the help of the trainers, classes and equipment at the Birmingham YMCA. It’s truly a great place, and has been a key player in my weight loss success.
After sharing her story, Megan reached a milestone of losing 100 pounds. Congratulations, Megan! You can read more about her journey here.