Finishing strong

Ten professionals and 10 teams are competing in the 2015 Get Fit Challenge. Who will earn the healthiest marks? Follow along on Facebook and then find out at the In Business Expo & Conference on Oct. 21. This week, IB checks in with Kate Karre, HR administrator for Johnson Block and Co., who is competing in the individual challenge.

I want to thank In Business and Harbor Athletic Club for the opportunity to participate in this year’s Get Fit Challenge. I went into it hoping to lose a few pounds and learn more about nutrition and fitness, but I’ve come away with so much more.

A few of the highlights that I’ve taken away from this experience.

1. Exercise is not a punishment, it’s a reward. I used to always think that exercise was my punishment for being overweight. I realized from talking to members of my family and other small group-training participants that I was completely wrong. Exercise is something my body allows me to do so I can relieve stress, maintain a healthy weight, and have a positive outlook overall on life. A few people I know can barely walk a block and they tell me all the time how if they could go back and do it differently they would. I try to remind myself of this, because one day I could wake up and not have the opportunity to do some of the exercises I love.
2. Fuel to live, don’t live to fuel. Food, and particularly sugar, has always been a struggle for me. I am constantly reminding myself that it’s okay to not eat a dessert someone brought in for his or her birthday, or it’s all right to go to a happy hour and only have one drink. I’ve also learned it’s all right to indulge once in a while, but that it should not be the norm.
3. Make exercise fun. I have tried so many new things when it comes to exercise and have found things that I like and dislike. I used to hate going for walks but then I discovered audiobooks; now I can’t wait to head out a few times a week to seek where the story will take me. I also learned that I love to dance. I’m really not good at it, but as long as the music is good and the class I’m in is lively, I could dance all day! Lastly, when it comes to doing circuits or strength training I’ve found that I hate doing it alone. I love the small group-training classes I’m in so much that I’ve extended my membership through Harbor. The people there are so amazing/
4. If you have a bad day, let it go and move on. Don’t dwell on the past, because you can’t change it. Just move forward and try not to let it happen again.

My results are amazing! I had my final test two weeks ago, and I have improved in every single area. I lost a lot of body fat while gaining quite a bit of muscle. I’m excited to see where the journey will take me after this challenge is done.

Meet all of the competitors here and see who wins at the In Business Expo & Conference.

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