The Fit Indie

Fitness Is Changing My Life and My Business

In late June, I started a healthy lifestyle program. I have to admit that it really wasn't much of a program. More of a more serious desire to be a Fit Indie. At the beginning, I took a sort of relaxed approach to things. I worked out when I could, changed my eating habits a little (but not nearly enough) and began to generally be more conscious about how I was treating my body. Then, in August, my neighbor, friend and sometime walking partner underwent gastric bypass surgery. The next day, she told me she felt like she had been run over by a truck. Sometimes I felt that way and I hadn't even had surgery. And that's not good.

      

Watching my neighbor go through the gastric thing kicked me into more of a high gear. I didn't want to ever have to go that route. Not that there's anything wrong with it -- I support my friend as she finds her own path to wellness. We have the same general goals, but I felt that surgery was not for me. So earlier this month, I stepped it up. I have lost 6 pounds so far this month.

And I am starting to notice a funny thing on the way to the scale. I am becoming more energized and productive in my career. I have a built-in support system in the 700+ members of the Indie Beauty Network, and that's a plus. Everyone should be so lucky. And things are starting to change for the better.

Candace Sweeney

Last week's newsletter featured IBN member Candace Sweeney in my first Fit Indie Feature. As you can see, Candace has a compelling Fit Indie story. She inspires me and encourages me to continue my path toward fitness. If you are a Fit Indie and would like to be featured in the newsletter or on Indie Business Radio, send an email to me at donnamaria @ indiebeauty.com.

Anne-Marie Faiola

Another great inspiration is IBN member Anne-Marie Faiola of Brambleberry. Anne-Marie tells me that she works out at least 5 times a week, doing a combination of different things like hiking, yoga, Pilates and running. She says she "eats clean," except for the care and feeding of a little cupcake addiction.

Kelly Bloom

Another IBN member, Kelly Bloom at Southern Soapers, hosts a Yahoo group where, in addition to lively discussion about the supplies Kelly sells, members have a periodic weigh in. The "Lose to Win" program started because one of the group members underwent gastric bypass surgery. Kelly tells me that, so far, the group has collectively lost 200 pounds.

Kayla Fioravanti

Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale lost 60 pounds a few years ago and she's kept it off by exercising. She looks great. She tells me that she started off cutting back on her eating and, after a few months, realized she needed to incorporate exercise. Her husband took over some of the morning childcare responsibilities so Kayla could swim before heading to the office. Kayla told me that it was difficult at first, not only to get into shape, but also, to resist the urge to work when she should fit in the exercise.

At the end of the day, we all have that issue don't we? We love what we do, and there's so much to be done and we Indies either do it all or do so much of it that there's little time for us. It's hard to take the time to care for ourselves as we should. But we can and we should and Candace, Anne-Marie, Kelly and Kayla are good examples of that.

Do my Indies rock or what!!?

So, here I am. Working out gives me more energy and affirms my individual power as a woman. Spinning works my legs and core. Zumba works everything and is a fun way to connect with women of all fitness levels who just like moving their curves. Step aerobics incorporates fun dance steps around a step. The activity actually makes me feel somewhat coordinated.

At the end of each class, I've been snapping photos of myself with my fitness instructors to document my progress, hold myself accountable and make it even more fun. I post the pictures to my Twitter page so everyone can enjoy the ride with me. The fun part is easy, especially for Jatrine's zumba class (see photo above) because she is awesome and also because Tay, who takes Jatrine's class regularly, often shows up in costume. Today she was an eggplant.

Can you beat that? Dancing with a bunch of screaming women while one of them runs around encouraging you dressed as an eggplant. Who could afford to miss that? If you're in the Charlotte area, you owe it to yourself to find out where Jatrine is teaching a zumba class and go and sign yourself up. Jatrine maintains a website and a Facebook page so you can easily find her. One zumba class with Jatrine and you'll have to reapply your hips! It's a good thing. You'll be hooked and you'll feel feminine and powerful at the same time. Tell Jatrine that Donna Maria, the crazy woman who chases down fitness instructors with her camera, sent you.

So listen, this is fun. But it's not easy. I have a long way to go but that's OK. Just like in business, we all have to start somewhere. I always advise my clients to focus on their goals and never rest until they are achieved. I've never had a problem doing that in business. Now it's time to do it where my health is concerned too.

What about you?

Maybe you'd like to join me. Do you have some fitness goals you are trying to reach? Leave your comment below and let's see how we can work to encourage and inspire one another to reach our goals.

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Comments

[Kelly Bloom - Southern Soapers Fragrances]

Inquiring minds want to know the story on that eggplant, :)

[Donna Maria]

Kelly, thanks for stopping by my blog and for letting me know about your Yahoo group. Great work you're doing over there. The story of the eggplant is that she's just having fun. Fitness should be fun, but so often, it's just not. Tay makes it fun so that even the most discouraged exerciser ends up having a good time and is glad she came. I think I'm going to rent a costume for her soon. What should I get? I think a pumpkin for next month. Then, a turkey in November. Oh, and a Santa suit of course for December. I can't wait to zumba again so I say bring on the costumes. Gonna show up one day with my video camera too ...

[Anne-Marie]

dM,

What a great post! I'm glad that I fall in your inspiration group. That's a big compliment.

I hope that you get the same mood enhancing benefits from working out as I do. I notice my day goes more smoothly when I work out.

Keep up the good work. Your body and your family will thank you for it. =)

[Shelley Jones]

Congratulations, dM! It is so important to have fun while exercising. As you know, I just completed my 3rd half-marathon on Sept. 1. I needed something different for the upcoming winter season... so I am back to yoga. Today, I just started a belly dancing class. Wow - that was fun!! I also plan to walk during the Fall and Winter on "nice" days. P.S. Just remember your socks don't have to match. Or you can take up a class like Nia and you don't have to wear socks.

[Candy Sweeney]

YOU GO GIRL! It is an honor for me that you featured me and my story, and have also included me as one who inspires you. My heart is full, and I feel humbled.

More and more I feel a part of this wonderful family called Indie Beauty, and Twitter has made it all the more personal.

I am following your fitness journey, and you are doing excellent! Keep it up. There will come a time when it won't be as fun, but as in business, the reward of "keeping on keeping on" will "keep you keeping on". Keep pedaling, Donna Maria...I will be here to help hold you steady if you start to fall off. :)

[PRIIA Cosmetics]

Congrats dM! Just think, 1lb of fat is equivalent to 4 sticks of butter. So, losing 6lbs means you just melted off 24 sticks of butter! Put 24 sticks of butter on your kitchen counter to get a visual of how awesome your achievement really is!

Like you, I have also begun a new path to looking and feeling better. In 'another life' I was a certified personal trainer and master fitness coach. Unfortunately I let things go for one reason or another. Recently, I decided it was time to get it back together and it feels great!

I commend you for taking control of your health. We're on the same journey together girlfriend! =-)

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

Kelley: 24 sticks of butter. That is totally gross. Thanks for informing me. I'm so glad to be journeying with you and hope to take advantage of your expertise.

A-M: I'm already noticing a huge difference. I still haven't broken through the start up curve, but I'm having a good time. Even better, my 6-year old daugther is my new fitness partner. It's great to be teaching her better habits by example.

Shelley: When I read about your marathong at Twitter, I was so impressed. A mom with young twins running a marathon. I wanted to be like you. So I'll be picking a mini-marathon sometime soon and aiming for that. All suggestions welcome.

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

Candace: you are doing amazing things as a wife, business owner and a mom. I don't think I'll ever run 25 miles at a clip -- I guess one should never say "never" though. I wish continued good health to you and especially to your son. Tell him there are complete strangers out here pulling for him!

[Mythbuster Beauty]

WOW, Good for you! It is a never ending battle for most of us. My DH has lost 40 pounds this year by good ol' diet and exercise, and it hasn't been easy.

My mantra for getting in shape is that consistency over time equals success.

[Donna Maria]

Jen: you are so right, and congratulations to your husband for losing 40 pounds! That's encouraging and confirms that we can all achieve our goals. Thanks for stopping by my blog and reminding us about the importance of consistency. That's been my downfall every time. I am hoping this time will be different.

[Bobbi Guerra]

Donna Maria,

Been there done that. Lost 44 lbs with Curves and Weight Watchers. After two cruises in 3 months I am feeling the effects of all those meals. I'm back at WW and will start slowly on exercise - my arthritic knee excludes some of the things you are doing. My Dr. suggested a bike so we now have a recumbent one in our arsenal of "get fit" equipment. So no excuses!

Glad to see inspiring others with your blog. Overweight is NOT the place we need to be.
Best,
Bobbi ~

[Donna Maria]

Hey Bobbi! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your encouraging comments. 44 pounds!! That's what I'm talkin' about! Have you tried swimming? Kayla Fioravanti started out with that and it worked really well for her. Better on joins and such, yes?

[Bobbi Guerra]

I wish! Swimming and I are not compatible.
I would like to try the an exercise class in the pool. It's offered at two of the hospitals here in town.

I have taken a part time job - so have to adjust to my new schedule.

I forgot to mention the Gazelle - no pounding on the knees - great cardio workout. Picked one up at Kohl's for less then $100.

Off to take a few turns of the recumbent bike.

Best,
Bobbi ~

[Kayla Fioravanti]

Go dM go! I am so proud of you! Keep it up and keep sharing your journey.

I'm honored to among your examples. I thought of that this morning when I was totally way too tired to go swimming...I got up and swam anyway because I didn't want you to blog about me missing a day. :)