Learning to define health and wellness goals

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 Molly Fox of Great Wolf Resorts, which is competing in the team challenge, and includes team members Kim Schaefer and Melissa Blettner. Stay tuned for future blogs from the team.

I have been struggling with my weight for as far back as I can remember, dating back to around 8th grade. Although I was never extremely overweight, I have always had insecurities and have looked for ways to improve my body image.

I have tried most of the diets and diet pills out there, combined with off and on fitness routines, all of which promise fast and easy weight loss — but we all know that the reality is there is no such thing. In high school I did some research and decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle as part of my health and wellness plan. However, it took me many years to figure out how to be a “healthy vegetarian” and achieve a balanced diet of protein, carbs, fruits, and veggies.

I have also belonged to almost every gym in the Madison area, but have struggled with maintaining a consistent workout regimen and finding the right exercises to help me achieve my goals of being fit and losing weight. When Melissa and Kim invited me to be on their team as part of the In Business Get Fit Challenge, I felt a renewed sense of motivation, which had been lagging during the long winter months.

Although our team started off working out together, more recently it has been a struggle coordinating our schedules. So we decided to commit to individual workout routines and using Isagenix products to fill our bodies with the proper nutrition. I started the IB Get Fit Challenge working out in a summer Fleet Feet 5K running program, which I really enjoyed. After that ended, I decided to join a 42-day challenge with Dustin Maher and his outdoor boot camps at the Fit Moms Transformation Center. The workouts are great because they incorporate a variety of movements, including both cardio and strength training. I love the variety of the workouts and the daily challenges the trainers give you. They motivate you to get through the workout and inspire you to keep attending classes. Let me tell you, I never thought I would ever run up the Elver Park hill so many times! As challenging as it is, I feel great afterward, which motivated me to sign up for another three months!

Overall, this challenge has helped me to better define my health and wellness goals, and set aside time in the day to focus on myself in spite of my busy schedule. I am stronger, healthier, and happier, and I look forward to where this journey will take me within the next few months.

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

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