Allow us to introduce you to Chelsey, a loving mother and soon-to-be 24 year old (happy early birthday, girl!) born and raised in Arkansas. After struggling with weight issues and bullying for seemingly her entire life, she made several try-yet-fail attempts to get her life back on track but always gave up. When her daughter was born, she looked down at her scale to see that she had shot up to 240 pounds. That was the final straw. She couldn't bear the thought of her girls seeing her mother in a downward spiral and knew she needed to make a change. And she did.
Chelsey went to the gym the next day, lost 80 pounds through new healthy habits, and hasn't looked back since! With the help of weight training, Sweet Sweat, and a supportive community she created with her Facebook blog, she has maintained her weight loss while also making a difference in the lives of others. "This is what I was made to do!" We were incredibly inspired by Chelsey's transformation story, and we hope you are too.
When did your personal journey into fitness begin? What motivated you to get started?
I started my journey on February 28th, 2018. That was the very first day I joined the gym and decided that day I would stop eating junk. I went as far as cleaning out my pantry that day as well. No more excuses! I have tried my whole life to do this. I just never stuck to it. When I became a mother to a little girl, nothing more could motivate me than her little eyes watching me. I was now a role model. I was now a mirror to a tiny human learning from me. I had to do this. I had to learn to love me for my children.
What is your health and wellness mantra?
You are someone’s goals. No matter what phase you are in during your health journey, there is someone watching and dreaming to be where you are so never look down on your progress when it’s slow. You are a role model for someone out there. Don’t stop.
What is a typical weekly workout schedule for you?
If the weather is nice, I will take walks in the mornings! Every workout day starts with a cardio warm up, anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on how I feel. Monday’s are arms, Tuesday’s are legs, Wednesday’s core, Thursday’s are shoulders and back, and Fridays are usually full body HITT’s -- just a small one though! On the weekends I take it easy but maybe go for a hike or something depending on the weather.
How do you stay motivated throughout the week, especially during a global pandemic?
That’s a tough one for sure. Especially right now. I’ll be honest, it’s a lot harder being on lockdown, but you have to remember your “why.” Remember why you started to begin with and remind yourself daily that you are now a stronger you. You are capable of achieving absolutely anything you set your mind to. Not even a global pandemic can stop you. There are ways to still reach your goals!
How do you incorporate Sweet Sweat into your day-to-day life?
Ever since I have purchased the
waist trimmer, I use it for absolute any time of physical activity! I use it on walks, hikes, my cardio, and my weight training. And absolutely every single time I take it off I am still blown away by how much sweat I produced during the small amount of time I used it!
What would you tell someone who is skeptical of Sweet Sweat?
You won’t be disappointed! It is absolutely well worth the purchase! I had a cheaper one for years and no matter how much clothing I put on I struggled to sweat, but with this one I can wear alone and sweat more than I ever have in my entire life!! I have told many of my friends they need to get one ASAP and they have already ordered one because I send the videos after every workout!
What is your favorite song to workout to?
Zombie by Bad Wolves
Do you have any role models in the fitness industry?
Simplymander is my absolute biggest role model! I found her on Instagram a while back and just fell in love with her fitness motivation and her personality too! She even opened me more into CrossFit style workouts and I love doing that so much more than any workout I have ever done before!
What does living a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
Being healthy is important to me because I want to be able to enjoy not only my life, but my kids and my grandchildren’s lives! I want to live and see the world! I want to be able to run and play with my kids. I want to hike the most beautiful trails and be able to enjoy the sights. I want my children to learn my ways and continue to pass it down so they can have healthy lives too! I’ve always wanted to make a difference and my health journey has brought so many people into my life that I have helped start their own. This means the world to me. This is my purpose.