We all know that the Freshman 15 is no urban legend. It’s something that’s real and that can (and does!) affect many of us. For most people, the subject of weight and weight loss can be difficult to talk about with others because it’s a really sensitive and personal matter. In high school I was a varsity swimmer who practiced thousands of yards five to six times a week. I never worried about the food I put into my body because I seemed to burn it off almost instantly.
Fast forward to college…
Freshman year I was met with a whirlwind of new experiences and new commitments. Trying to tackle school, extracurriculars, and my passion for swimming was hard. I often let swimming fall by the wayside in order to make it through my busy schedule and still get enough sleep. It didn’t help at all that my best friend here at school was a Crossfit addict who seemed to add inches to her bicep circumference daily. She could eat brownies for every meal and still look fit. I felt alone in my struggle, like no one else understood.
That’s when I stumbled upon the FitGirls Guide…
While browsing “fitspiration” pictures on Instagram one day, I found this community that offered exactly what I needed: step-by-step instruction with an environment of support, friendship, and encouragement that could keep me motivated. Throughout my experience I came into contact with so many beautiful and inspiring women. On days when I felt lazy and uninspired, I’d post something that I knew my friends here at school wouldn’t relate to, things like “I’m really not feeling the meal prepping tonight for week 3, am I right?” I’d instantly receive comments praising my hard work and motivating me to work harder. Without the support and from these otherwise strangers, I wouldn’t have been able to finish this challenge so successfully! As a FitGirl myself, I was excited to bring my knowledge and experience into this project and share the positive aspects of this community with others.