Breakthrough Spotlight – Amy Barnett!
Our Breakthrough Spotlight for March is Amy Barnett! Amy never backs away from a challenge, and she works hard not just for herself, but also to be strong for her family. We are so excited to share her story!
Breakthrough: Amy, thanks for sitting down to chat with me today! So tell me where you were at and how you were feeling before you joined us at Breakthrough?
Amy: Well before I had Alex, my son who is now three, I used to be very active and in good shape, and I ate well. Then I got pregnant, gained a ton of weight and thought I would lose it right away but I never did. I tried fad diets, I tried stroller strides, I even joined a gym for a while, but nothing was working. I kind of gave up on myself and fell into bad habits – just a bad frame of mind. Then I was walking with my son and walked past this place and saw you guys and thought it was a really interesting concept. And the support that you guys give to your clients, and the little things too like the notes of encouragement and all of that, it’s just a great family and keeps me really motivated and makes me want to come everyday. I used to make up excuses like I have a three year old, and I work, and how am I going to work out, but if it’s important to you, you make it work. And you guys were cool to make it work with me, like getting in at 6am but having to go straight to work afterwards, but so what! Make it work, find a way!
Breakthrough: So you felt like you had given up… what was your turning point where you decided it was worth it to make some changes?
Amy: For me, I kept thinking “oh I’m a mom now, I’m just going to have a mom body.” But then I would see people like Kate Hudson, and even though she’s famous and probably has unlimited resources… but she looks amazing and we’re the same age. So I thought, there’s no reason that I can’t get my body back and look just as good as her with my own self discipline and with you guys here. What has really done it for me is this challenge – this has been everything!
Breakthrough: Right, so we are doing the eight week Drop Two Sizes Challenge, and it’s week six…
Amy: Yeah and I’ve seen huge changes in everything – in the way my clothes fit, in the way I feel… I used to just fall on alcohol to make myself feel better at the end of the day. I was like, I can’t take it, I’m just going to have a drink to unwind and relax. And now I’m finding that I don’t even want it anymore! I just feel good, I feel energized, I feel lighter.
Breakthrough: That’s great! Is there anything that surprised you about doing the challenge?
Amy: I guess I was just a little doubtful, more in myself, like staying on it. But the meetings and the support of the group really help. I think I tried to do it on my own once and just let it slip. I thought “oh well I’m not writing my food down, no one is going to know anyway, it won’t matter.” But now I’ve been really good about writing everything down and am really aware about what I’m eating and getting back into the good habits that I used to have before my whole “downward spiral.” Ha!
Breakthrough: So you’re noticing differences in your energy, and your body. Any other changes you notice?
Amy: My confidence! I feel like I’ve got my confidence back now. And I’m excited because once I’m done with this challenge I’m going to buy some new clothes, because the cheap pants I bought at Target are baggy now so I’m going to reward myself with a nice, moderately expensive pair at Nordstrom Rack – haha!
Breakthrough: You deserve it! Now, we always like to hear from people, “what’s your why?” By that we mean what is the deeper reason for why you commit to staying healthy… something that motivates you even on days when it’s a challenge to train or meal prep.
Amy: Well for my short term right now, it’s that I want to look like a total bad ass in my StarWars costume for an event – haha! But for my long term, I want my son to be able to look up to me. I want to be able to keep up with him and keep strong for him and my family, and just keep feeling healthy and happy in my own skin.
Breakthrough: That’s awesome, and something that I know a lot of people can relate to. Is there anything else that you want to share?
Amy: I just love you guys, I love this family. My whole life I’ve done something workout-wise, but nothing has been as great as this and as beneficial. I feel like I’m going to be in the best shape that I’ve ever been in from you guys.
Breakthrough: Oh my gosh, you’re going to make me cry. That means so much to us, it really does!
Amy: And I almost feel like I could start training for Ninja Warrior, because I’m like well how much further can I go? How far can I take it?
Breakthrough: Yeah the possibilities are endless! We’ve got so much more capability than we give ourselves credit for. So yeah, why not Ninja Warrior, go for it!
Amy: Yeah, I’ve seen women on there with kids, why not!
Breakthrough: Of course! I really appreciate you sharing you story and your journey, it means a lot for people to hear what other people’s experiences have been. Thanks so much Amy! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish!
