At 17 years of age the world can seem pretty stressful and intimidating. Having been betrayed by friends, dealing with social cliques, secondary education decisions, independence and new found responsibilities can be a little overwhelming. Thank goodness I now have the confidence to face that world head on.  I know that my new-found self-esteem is largely due to my sense of personal accomplishment through my lifestyle transformation. I have transformed my body. I have lost 35 pounds. I have found my career passion, and I know that whatever future goals I have I will achieve them.

I had clearly adopted a lifestyle of inactivity and had been using food for everything from entertainment to anger management. There is so much in life we cannot control but deep down inside I knew I could control what I put into my mouth and whether or not I took care of my body. I knew that in order to fully become happy and excited about life I had to feel healthy and change my habits. I chose to actively seek happiness through the transformation of my body and my soul. That's where my Coach - Tanya came in.

  I chose to do the "1-on-1 BodyArt Bootcamp". It was extremely difficult to change my lifestyle but my Friday meetings with Tanya motivated me to take on the challenges of another week. I began eating healthy, forgoing fast foods, and cooking differently. Kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, and personalized Gym Workouts were new found ways to relax my mind and reduce my stress. Tanya's reminder that my lifestyle change would not just be physical but must also involve my mind and soul helped give me the focus I needed to succeed. I was armed with new information and facts about how my body operates and I have a much better understanding about the science involved in attaining a healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, I saw results immediately. I had more energy... my jeans fit better... I was happier... But most important I had a new found sense of self-esteem and pride. I was actively doing something for myself. I was taking charge of my life.

Although my lifestyle eventually became a habit, I would be lying if I told you that there was never a day I would have rather put on my sweats and eaten a bag of chips on the couch than hit the treadmill. But somehow with Tanya's help I kept going and on the days I really didn't feel like working out I somehow worked harder. I truly believe in the words of Woody Allen who said that "80% of success is just about Showing UP." Carly Broadbent has shown up!

ONE YEAR LATER, CARLY WRITES:

 

When I first began my Bootcamp I was enthusiastic and praying I would have the necessary commitment to even complete the 16 week program. The truth is I didn't really dare look past that point. Initially I didn't have sufficient faith in myself, or the necessary self-esteem to even entertain the thought that physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices would one day become second nature to me. But a year later not only has my self-confidence soared, my vitality and energy level hit an all time high, my outlook on life and my future has never been more positive. I simply must give credit where credit is due. I primarily owe this change to Tanya. She not only provided the motivation when my battery ran low, but she helped me see my entire world through new eyes. I am for the first time in my life not only in touch with my personal power, but I truly believe the old saying. " A person can do anything he/she puts their mind to."

I have never been so happy. A year ago it was not uncommon for me to laze around in bed and I pretty much put the couch in the phrase "couch potato". Now I start my day with a healthy breakfast, a run, and a yoga class or meditation. And the best part of everything is I no longer have to listen to that nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me I have to take care of myself. I already am.

During the course of the year I explored many avenues to physical fitness. Kickboxing, Weight Training, Cardiovascular Exercises, Spinning, Pilates, only to name a few! But my new found love and lifetime companion is Power Yoga. Sometimes people focus on the competition involved in fitness. But Yoga demands that the ego is left aside. It provides a vehicle to let the trivial slip away and help a person become centered on that that really matters. The breathing techniques are life-changing. Breath is the vital ingredient to all life. And learning to breathe properly makes that life worth living.

For the first time in my life I am excited about making new goals. Now that I have achieved the foundations of fitness I wish to sculpt and further define my body. I want to consistently use meditation to proactively deal with stress. I want to learn to release my frustrations through breath rather than storing these negative emotions in my body. I also want to explore in more depth how I can use my passion for helping others to see the value in a healthy lifestyle, as a career. I am now a certified yoga instructor and continue to expand my knowledge through courses, seminars and correspondence. I know that I was given my life back and I now believe it is my turn to return the favor.

Carly Broadbent

If Carly's insights have inspired you, please let us know! info@bodyartmotion.com