Congratulations to Jasmine on placing 3rd in the Masters Absolute Divison in Boca Raton at the IBJJF
I NEVER thought I’d show that picture, but here it is:
what you call the so-called “before and after picture”.
It’s embarassing to show the world, but hopefully it serves as a motivation to all new mothers that yes, it’s possible to get back to your old and even BETTER version of yourself.
In the before picture, I was 25, holding my son whom I gave birth to 13 months after I had my daughter.
In the second picture, I am 37, and it’s hard to believe that 35 extra pounds can make someone look so markedly older.
After having a baby, the changes you see to your body are quite shocking.
For me personally it was downright depressing; most of my clothes in my closet did not fit. It’s a rude awakening, and I quickly came to a realize that I did this to myself.
I didn’t exercise during either of my pregnancies and I didn’t care to exercise before I had the kids either.
Depression hit pretty hard.
It affected who I was on the inside; I found myself more withdrawn and unable to really be “myself”. Either stay depressed or do something about it were my options.
I told myself “you need to commit to one year at the gym, promise yourself that.”
I started off with yoga classes to at least get my body moving, and then started doing tougher classes such as “Body Pump” which introduced me to weight training at 24 Hour Fitness. During that time, I discovered cardio kickboxing at Boxing Brothers, which is John’s Gym now. Cardio kickboxing gave me a europhic feeling that quickly took the weight off of me.
I truly felt amazing.
I thought wow, this is possible, and Irealized it was possible because I was doing something fun and it made me want to keep coming back to the gym!
Losing weight inspired me to become a personal trainer.
I thought “if I can do it, so can others, and I can certainly share what I learned with other people and help them as well.”
I pursued this dream in 2008 and still continue to do it today. I know even when I’m having a rough day, seeing
results in my clients, and seeing them happy and more confident makes me happy. I truly love what I do.
Boxing Brothers shut down and the gym stayed vacant for two years. Then John reopened the gym in 2010 and I resumed cardio kickboxing again.
After much convincing John introduced me to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu during the time I was getting divorced, a very sad time in my life.
It definitely changed my life, gave me a purpose, and opened doors for me. My quality of friends improved and
I’ve been blessed to compete in amazing places such as Rome, Paris, Seattle, Boca Raton, and various places around Texas.
John’s Gym changed my life SO MUCH, that I offered to purchase half the gym in 2013. I knew I had to
be a part of a gym that completely turned my life around for the better.
Even when I’m having a horrible day, I always leave the gym with a smile because of all the MEMBERS
and INSTRUCTORS!!
We are just a community of like minded people who come together and help and support each other through fitness.
John and I are proud to say we signed another 5 years lease.
HERE’S TO FIVE MORE GLORIOUS YEARS!!
Jasmine