Transformation Story: Stephanie Clarke

Have you ever had a friend who was amazing, but did not seem to realize it themselves? I feel like the wonderful woman we are honoring this month is like that. She is quick to compliment someone else, always there to help or support others, and yet does not always seem to know how great we all think she is. She works super hard, and has been very committed to making herself and her health a priority. I personally, have loved watching her growth through our facebook challenges and my heart swells with happiness for her when she shares her successes because I know how much effort she has put into this journey. So without further ado....here is our featured transformation story for June:

Stephanie Clarke

Stephanie Clarke came to Cathy seeking accountability for her health/wellness. Stephanie is a giver, and like many working moms out there, she was taking better care of others than she was of herself. Steph was committed to change!

She began with Small Group Training and learned so much about how her body moved and what she was capable of! The universe has thrown many a curve ball Steph's way, but whether it's a sick child or a kidney stone, she honors her body and remains accountable now with the help of her buddies at root SUP & Fitness!

She now confidently attends most classes on root's schedule and is stepping out of her comfort zone more often. She continues to knock those curve balls out of the park and we cannot wait to see where she goes from here! Keep it up Stephanie! We are incredibly proud of you!

We asked Steph to answer our questions so we could share her journey and perspective with all of us. Please take a few minutes and read her responses so that we can all celebrate her successes and maybe something will touch you in a way that inspires or motivates you on your own journey.

1. What got you started on your journey?

I started this journey to get healthy and to start feeling better about myself. I've struggled with low self esteem my whole life.

2. What was the biggest barrier to your success, and how do you attempt to overcome it?

My biggest barrier for my success would have to be commitment issues. I never seem to fully commit to proper portion control or to a steady workout plan. Since starting with Cathy and everyone else at Root, I have been doing a much better job on the commitment to classes. I still struggle with portion control and diet. I love the taste of food. The challenges are really helping me with that, due to the support and motivation from the other members. Whom I am honored to call friends now.

3. What is your favorite workout?

I'm not sure I can pinpoint my favorite workout. Everytime I leave a class, I feel like it was my favorite. I would say root mobility is probably the one I needed the most. To learn the proper way to foam roll and stretch has been such a crucial part of my feeling better. It is one that definitely gets left out of other places to workout.

4. What do you think is the key to your success?

The key to my success so far has been the instructors and members of Root. They are constantly motivating me, encouraging me, and supporting me. Especially when I am not feeling up to working out or even crawling out of bed. They make me want to show up.

5.If you could share a piece of advice with someone trying to get started, what would it be?

My most important piece of advice would be to just walk through the door!! Once you do, and leave feeling amazing, you will want to keep going. Just take the first step!! And focus on the next step after. You're only competitor is the you from the day before.

I can NOT Express how much Root has changed my life. I have learned so much and have gained so many amazing friendships. I've learned that I can still be "me" and be healthy all at the same time. And I am learning to love myself for who I am and not what I look like or what I THINK I should look like. A healthy body starts on the inside. I try to live by a motto Cathy taught me..

Don't disrespect your workout!!

That, in and of itself, keeps me on track most days.

So, if you see Steph give her a high five or a word of encouragement and I'm sure she will return the favor!