Healthcare Series: Making Priorities

At the beginning of the year, while living in Reno (yes, THAT Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World, and no, it was nothing like Reno 911!), I participated in a six-week intensive boot camp through KAIA Fit. Five group workouts a week coupled with nutritional guidance helped me to drop 17 pounds and gain a whole new outlook on my health and fitness abilities.

I felt better than I ever had before, due to my increased physical activity and cutting caffeine, added sugars, alcohol, and other big “no-no’s” from my diet. I allowed a few transgressions throughout the six weeks, but mostly followed the program to a tee. I won the “Biggest Loser” award for my location, and was excited to keep up with all of the positive changes I made for myself.

One cross-country move later, and most of my hard work has become unraveled. I still work out, but have struggled to keep it up on a consistent basis. I strive to make healthy diet decisions, but the allure of happy hours, socials, and the endless supply of delicious restaurants in the area has gotten the best of me.

I made living a healthy lifestyle a priority in January, and I am determined to do so again—starting now. I’ve made exercise and diet goals for myself, and I’m excited to see the transformations! Along the way, I’ll share tips, info, highs and lows with my fellow young professionals to help keep me accountable. Anybody up for a green smoothie or a hike?

Health & Wellness Q&A
Favorite Workout: Zumba for fun and Insanity for a truly insane workout

Healthy Lifestyle Goal: Making health and fitness a priority so I can get to the point of maintaining, and stick to it.

Proudest Fitness Achievement: Winning the “Biggest Loser” and “Most Improved” awards at my boot camp in Reno

The reason I work out: I feel so much happier and more energetic when I work out consistently. Plus, it’s nice to have a little less guilt when I indulge in nachos and craft beer.

Favorite way to fight stress: Spending time with friends, and/or participating in a high-intensity workout.

Shannon Siders is the Marketing Communication Associate for Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, a YPAL Ambassador, and native of Ohio. She loves baseball, writing, and living in Louisville. You can follow her on Twitter at @ShannonSiders, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

About the Series

The YPAL Healthcare Blog Series, sponsored by Norton Healthcare, is part of the new Healthy YP Initiative, which will focus on the health and well-being of our Louisville Young Professionals. This blog series will feature various young professional bloggers in our community sharing their stories on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles.