2018 was a real struggle, to say the least.  And, the last 4 months of the year, proved to be especially trying.  There were some personal issues I was dealing with that had me trapped mentally, in a very dark place.

During this time, I really let myself go, and self-care, and physical & mental health, were at an all time low.  I became very unhappy with the way I looked, causing isolation to be at an all time high. I hated how much weight I let myself gain, only wore baggy clothing, & wouldn’t leave the house unless it was 100% necessary.  I knew something had to change, but nothing I tried seemed to stick.

I started attending workout classes online so I wouldn’t have to leave the house, but wasn’t seeing results.  I then went back to a ballet/Pilates studio I used to attend a year back, but it just didn’t excite me anymore.  I was slowly losing hope, what do I do?

Then, on November 30th, everything changed.  I saw an ad on Facebook for a free class at a place called Mantra Fitness, and was quickly intrigued.  Although reluctant to try a completely new workout with new instructors, amongst strangers, looking the way I did, I was petrified, but something inside me said ‘just do it.’ I filled out the form, and pressed send.

I attended my free introductory class on December 5th, and was instantly hooked!  Lagree Pilates on the Megaformer was different than any other workout I had ever done, and because of the difficulty and intensity, I knew this would be my winning ticket to getting my body back to where it needed to be.

Right after class, I decided to commit to a 3 month unlimited class package, and have never looked back.  I can honestly say, this was the best decision I had made in 2018. In the short three month period, I became addicted, and took 67 classes.  My weight had gone from 150 to 132 lbs, and I looked and felt better than I ever had in all my 37 years on Earth. My body was really toning up, and transforming right before my eyes.  

The physical change, along with the strength  & discipline I was gaining, gradually put me in a better place, mentally, and I am finally starting to live my best life!  I thank Mantra, and all the instructors, for being Just what I needed, & exactly when I needed it.

Side note: My nickname in my college sorority was “Dukes,” short for Daisy Dukes, because my shorts were so short.  I discontinued wearing shorts when I graduated in 2003, because I started becoming unhappy with how my legs looked in them.  Flash forward to now, and because of the way Mantra has transformed my body, I just bought my 1st pair of shorts in over 16 years!  Until now, I truly can’t remember the last time I was actually looking forward to summer, and putting on a bikini!

Kristen Kell