HealthMPowers Motivates Change

My name is Amy and I am a wife, mother of two wonderful boys, and an elementary music teacher. This last year, my school, Heard-Mixon Elementary participated in the HealthMPowers program.  It was our school’s first year in the program and what an inspiration it was to see the students getting excited about the information, assemblies, and items that HealthMPowers provided.  In December of 2009, the HealthMPowers team came out to provide our staff with a health risk assessment.  Needless to say, my assessment was not where it needed to be.  The assessment really opened my eyes to see that I needed to make some changes in my life.  Being out of shape and tired all the time was not good for me, my children, or my students.              (Picture taken 10/13/2009)

I had tried many different diets and exercise programs before only to fail after a short period of time.  This time I decided to join a local gym and try exercising.  I set a goal to exercise for 2 to 3 days a week for an entire year.  It was hard at first to find time to fit in exercise into my schedule, but I was determined.  I began working out with a personal trainer to help keep me accountable.  My personal trainer, Ryan Roth, was very knowledgeable, motivational, and encouraging.   No matter how bad I wanted to give up during the workouts he wouldn’t let me.  Even if he had to help me finish, I always finished.  He helped me believe that I could reach my goals and become happier and healthier.  Within the first month of training, I dropped 13 pounds.  Seeing some immediate results and having Ryan there to encourage me was such a motivating factor for me to continue and not give up.  This experience changed my whole outlook on life.  Through exercising and eating healthier, I have been able to accomplish things that before, would not have been possible.  In October of 2010, I ran my first 5K.  My goal was not to be the fastest, but to just finish.  Completing the race was such a proud moment for me!  During this last year, I have lost weight, become stronger, and gained more energy.  My lifestyle has changed and I am healthier and happier.  I am no longer tired all the time and I am a better mother and teacher.  I feel better about myself, have more energy and strength, and have now lost 45 pounds and 3 sizes in my clothes.  I have met many goals along the way and have set new ones.  I believe that I will meet each goal that I set.  I have gotten many compliments from friends, family, and my students over the last year.  These compliments have helped me to continue my journey to be healthier.   I now enjoy exercising and try to encourage other to join me.  I have changed things in my classroom as well.  I no longer give out candy as a reward and try to incorporate more movement activities into my music lessons.  My 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade students are currently working on the musical drama F.I.T. and will perform it in March of this year (2011).

It is my hope that my story will inspire you to get active and get healthier.   I want to encourage the students reading to listen to their teachers and learn as much as they can while they are in school.  Keep moving and playing, try to eat the healthy foods that you are learning about through HealthMPowers, and never give up on your hopes and dreams.  You can do anything as long as you stay positive, healthy, and believe in yourself!  Teachers, maybe you are in a situation like I was in.  I know that you have devoted your life to teaching and empowering young minds, but if you are not healthy, are you really helping your students?  Add a little exercise to your life, alter your diet, and see what you can accomplish for yourself and for your students.  It is important to stop and take the time to take care of yourself and your students.  Make the commitment today, to start living healthier.  You will be so glad that you did!

Thank you HealthMPowers for inspiring us, students and teachers, to be healthy and offering us such great resources.