One year ago I started a new position at work that consisted of 12 hour night shifts. I had worked night shifts in the past here and there and was aware of the health risks associated with shift work. I had been active in the past, and tried to eat well, but I had always been in the "all or nothing" frame of mind, therefore I was never able to stay consistent or committed to anything long-term.

I had followed Encompass' page on Facebook for about a year. I had read many success stories from members during this time.

I decided it was finally time to take the plunge and sign up for some classes.

When I went to my first class, I was quite nervous. I’m a shy, reserved person, and I really had no idea what to expect.

From the moment I walked in to go to my first group class, I was instantly made to feel at ease, encouraged and welcomed by the coaches and other members.

My first workout was tough - I didn't realize how out of shape I had gotten, but everyone was so encouraging and I pushed through. I starting attending group classes 3 times a week and did this consistently for 6 months. I felt great! I was getting in shape, had way more energy, my mood had improved, and I was feeling stronger than ever, but I had only lost 5 pounds.

Although weight loss was not my number 1 reason for joining Encompass, I knew I still had some extra weight I wanted to lose. I was doing the workouts and I thought I was eating healthy, but  some Encompass members recommended the Kickstart program. Since participating in the Kickstart program, I have lost 20 more pounds and kept it off!

The Kickstart program has taught me how to balance my meals, when to eat, and that I can still eat great food and not have to feel restricted. I have learned how to properly fuel my body so it can be in optimal working order!

My mood, perspective and disposition has improved. My chronic back pain has improved immensely. I have much more confidence. I have grown to love and look forward to the ever changing workouts.

Encompass has become my "feel good" place and the coaches and other members have become my #FitFam.

I look forward to the positive atmosphere, the smiles and laughs, and the energized, uplifted feeling I get from a workout.

I decided to participate in Femsport - an all women strength and fitness competition this August in Moose Jaw. I went to an informational meeting just to check it out. I was very hesitant about joining the competition as I hadn't done anything competitive in years but I figured it would be a great way to stay motivated to doing the workouts through the summer months. I have never been a goal oriented person, but this gave me a short term goal I could work towards over the course of a few months. I'm so glad I did. I learned the value of goals, and how good it felt to meet them and to then create more goals.

I met so many inspiring women. Everyone cheered for everyone else, it was so empowering to be around so many inspiring women and witness everyone push through when the going got really tough! Although this was a strength and fitness competition, for me and many others, it was more so mental. I learned how far I could push myself, and that I could do anything I set my mind to! I pushed through all my anxieties, and fears and completed all of the events! I can't wait to work on my techniques and times for the next Femsport!