Lets be honest: getting in shape is hard. First of all you need to pick a shape then you have to somehow transform your body into it. I happen to be vertically challenged and have hips that render the term "Childbaring hips" an understatement. My ass is big and round, my legs are short and thick with thighs that can't stop touching each other, my neck and limbs are really short and I have the shoulders of a linebacker. I'm compact, and not like a gymnast compact, I'm over stuffed luggage compact. I'd like to be tall like Ashley Graham but instead I'm more of a hobbit. I'm cute as hell, but exercise can be really difficult.

MOVING ON!

I have a keen sense for bullshit and anyone who tells me to completely cut carbs out of my diet is a bullshitter. I LOVE CARBS! Carbs give you energy, carbs make you feel good, carbs make you happy! I'm not breaking up with carbs! So i decided to see carbs a little less and exercise a little more. A healthy alternative to breaking up with the food love of my life.

I saw an add on Facebook for Ilovekickboxing.com. It was $20 for three classes and a free pair of boxing gloves. I had always wanted to try kickboxing so this was perfect! I went for my first class. Realized I am seriously uncoordinated and yet somehow still loved it!

FUN FACT: I knew the workout was legit because I thought I was going to die or throw up, maybe both, within the first five minutes.

If you need to be motivated, want results, have limited availability and are on a budget like me (I am a full time student and work full time, mornings and occasional nights) this place is perfect. My "Free time" is pretty much for sleeping eating and writing while rewatching The West Wing or The Office (When Outlander is not on). I had wanted to try kick boxing for years so when I found this place I was overjoyed.

The classes are an hour long and intense but I (a 28 yr old) went with my wild and crazy aunt (middle aged) and we were both able to keep up with the flow of class, so intense but managable. (No lie there was a sixty-seven year old woman kicking major ass in this class. She is my new life goal.) The classes are fun and full of people of all ages so right away you don't feel pressure to be perfect.

The instructors are very motivating but they also let you know it is ok to do what you can so not to hurt yourself. I was impressed they had my best interests in mind and weren't trying "Make me do it right". Listen I am an expert at burping but BURPEES? Hell no. I carry most of my weight in my ass, if I try to jump into a plank I'm pelvic pounding the floor. However, "I can't" wasn't stopping me from trying especially when my instructor replied "You can't YET", no pressure, all motivation and positive reinforcement! Their passion helps motivate and make you feel proud of every achievement. Whether its finally being able to do a burpee or perfecting your kicks.

No gym comes without a fee. I have been involved with other gyms and it was either a nightmare or a disappointment. The prices for this gym are higher than I anticipated but its a great motivation to get yourself on the right track to being healthier, cutting out unnecessary costs. Lets be real, I was buying food every day like so many others and $10-$20 A DAY on food? Thats insane! I stopped that trend and decided to put the money towards other things, like focusing on my fitness and health goals. With my limited availability the manager found me a plan thats good for me and doesn't murder my bank account. No pressure to come in a certain amount of times a week and no stress from payments for a committed amount of time. Now the only time my heart races is when I'm in class.

I love the results I'm seeing and can't even describe how little I care about being incredibly uncoordinated. Little by little I see a big difference in my daily life. I wanted to jog one day and then I craved green beans the other day. GREEN BEANS! Who gets excited for green beans?! This healthy lifestyle change is only going to work if I work at it and make it fun.

Do what makes you happy and the rewards will be great.

For information on these classes go to ilovekickboxing.com and find a place near you!

Big thanks to the staff and instructors at I love kickboxing in Brick, NJ! You guys kick ass!