From Menopause to Momentum:

For 5 years I struggled with life-changing menopause symptoms. It had negatively impacted almost everything for me because of weight gain (10 lbs per year), hot flashes, fatigue, depression, a lack of want to even set a goal of any kind, and the list goes on.

I got to the point where I didn’t believe I could turn it around anymore and this was my life.

Then I saw a post on Facebook about Rural Rut to Rockin Routine. When I saw it had many things to offer and not just exercise, I tuned in because after all what did I have to lose? And I could do it all in the privacy of my own home. Now let’s not kid ourselves, when I saw the 6 am workout my first reaction was yah right!  I can’t sleep at night and now you want me up at 6 am.

Not happening.

But I tuned in to the replays and did what I could. I enjoyed the nutrition talks and thought there might be some hope there. I enjoyed the chats on Facebook as I watched others turn things around and I thought I can do that too. And then I got a text now and then from Brady which was a ray of hope too that maybe just maybe something could be different. At the end, I thought it was not an exercise program that I needed as much as a nutrition makeover and a boost in the right direction for getting my weight down.

Brady met me where I was (she’s good at that and so darn bubbly when she is doing it too lol). She gave me exactly what I needed in a nutrition program.

And the rest is history. I have been doing super well in my weight loss, when I couldn’t even lose a pound before. The pounds are going, I am eating much better, my mood has significantly picked up (thank God!), and I am exercising regularly at a pace that works well for me and my achy joints (which also feel better by the way). I didn’t think I could do it and then Brady was the catalyst that moved me in the right direction. So grateful I said yes to the Rural Rut!! 

If you need nutritional support, this is a great place to start!

Build Strength Before You Need It

Meet Venessa - she is resilient, strong, and caring - like so many mothers we see. And like many moms, for many years Venessa struggled to make time for herself.  But, thank goodness she did - as it equipped her with the strength to face whatever came her way.

“Build your strength - you just never know when you’ll need it. ”

After stalking the Encompass page for what seemed like months, Venessa figured “What do I have to lose?” and convinced her mom and her friend into giving it a try. 

“Wow, I have made many changes in the past few years since joining Encompass. The best one is making time to take care of ME! Drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and moving my body. Also, I’m not nearly as hard on myself for missing a workout or eating a bad meal; I guess I have more compassion for myself. Sounds weird but Encompass has changed my outlook and, in turn, it has changed my life.”

Sometimes the most beautiful part of a transformation is what happens on the inside - the self-compassion, the resilience - and the habits you put in place. 

Had it not been for Encompass, I am not sure how I would have made it through a difficult time in my life. I found it hard to walk, let alone work out. I was extremely exhausted and so weak, but I couldn’t let my membership go to waste and I needed all the support I could get. The workouts and the nutrition appointments became my therapy, and I am stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally because of them. I am forever grateful that I took the Holiday Hustle challenge and stepped foot in Encompass - it’s not just a “gym”, it’s a family and for that I am so thankful. 

We are so proud of Venessa and her tenacity, dedication, and perseverance. She never gave up on herself or quit when things were hard, and because of it, she is strong as ever and shows up for herself, her family, and her Encompass community. 

We are inspired and in awe!