New Priorities

By Hilary Coffie

My story begins five years ago. I was a personal trainer running a successful business with a steadily growing client base. I helped many people reach their fitness and wellness goals, but dedicating my time, energy and efforts to my clients left me in a personal fitness slump.

I knew how to tailor fitness and diet programs for my clients, but I wasn’t able to fulfill those needs for myself. I was not happy with the way I felt and it was clearly reflected in the way I looked. When I finally faced my fears and stepped on the scale to evaluate my “de-transformation,” I was shocked to learn I was 20 pounds over my average weight.

I felt ashamed and hurt by my weight gain because I knew my role as a trainer was to practice what I preached. Despite this upsetting development, I didn’t make changes to my routine.

Shortly after this low point, I met my better half. I had a renewed sense of confidence and passion for life and work. We got married and started a family immediately. I had a healthy pregnancy, but gained 50 pounds (the average pregnancy weight gain is 35 to 45 lbs). I am a petit woman, so this was a lot of weight for my frame to carry.

After I had my son, I was ready to get back in shape, with the goal to be in better shape than I was before pregnancy. But five months into my routine I discovered I was pregnant again!

With two small children at home, I was faced with serious time challenges. How could I take time for myself with two babies on different schedules? How could I build up my fitness business and also be the wife I felt my husband deserved?

I was very frustrated at this point, so I had to reprioritize my life. I spent one year at home with my kids and worked out at home. I ate smaller meals every three to four hours and cut out “Mommy” snacking all together. I also learned to stop sweating the small stuff–a missed workout here, an extra snack there–after all, I had new priorities and focused on the small steps leading to the larger goal.

I started Top Shape Fitness Boot Camp (Topshapebootcamp.com) and taught in the mornings, leaving me with the afternoons with my sons. But three months into my new program, I was stuck in a fitness rut again.

I was at my pre-pregnancy weight, but I lost sight of my goal of being in “better” shape. Once again, I realized I wasn’t making my needs a priority. It was time to change my routine, so I joined a gym with childcare and trained five days a week. I also enlisted My Fit Foods to save time and provide healthy meal options. With my newfound focus, I reached my fitness goals. I even won second place at my first fitness competition, and just four weeks later at another competition, I took home the title of “Hottest Mom.”

I have become more balanced in my family and career life and maintained my fitness goals. More importantly, I know I am a better mother and wife because I have made myself a priority. This process allowed me to better understand the challenges my clients face in their own lives. The strength you discover when you face physical and mental obstacles is empowering and inspiring.