Raelene is dedicated - 

Dedicated to the community. 
Dedicated to her workplace. 
Dedicate to her family. 
Dedicated to her church and community groups. 
And, dedicated to herself and her fitness; never letting anything or anyone hold her back. 

She is a true firecracker and brings so much joy, laughter, and inspiration to our “lunch bunch”, or noon-fitness classes at Encompass. 

Raelene describes herself as big and beautiful and proves to us every single day that size does not define or limit you unless you let it. 

When it comes to fitness or so many things in life, most people decide in their head first whether or not they will be able to do something. 

Raelene instead does the exact opposite, she lets herself try everything, and then determines what she can and can’t do. Because of her attitude, Raelene can do pull-ups, barbell movements, and most movements -  and when she can’t? She simply modifies it and focuses on what she is able to do. 

“It’s so important to stay positive and to try new things.”

Raelene was first invited to try fitness classes with a friend. 

“We figured that together, it would be less scary and intimidating. But, we actually found out that Encompass wasn’t scary or intimidating at all. I’ve never once felt judged; no one is paying attention to what you look like or what you are doing because everyone else participating is too busy doing their thing and focusing on their own journey. 

I actually always thought I needed a friend to go with, or someone to keep me motivated and help support me. But, when my friend stopped going, I had to learn to be accountable to myself and be brave enough to just do it on my own and stop relying on others. Now, in addition to being my own motivator, the group and the instructors are my motivation - we have fun and hold each other accountable to being there to join in the fun. 

What is it like to be a curvy woman today?

“In a world that tells you that skinny and thin are beautiful, you have to decide for yourself what your definition of beauty is”

Well, the only thing that fits me at lululemon is the headbands. I don’t support them because they intentionally chose to only go to a size 12. Honestly, a lot of companies think that big people like ugly clothes and they don’t. 

Finding brands that make athletic clothes for women of all sizes has helped grow my confidence. Not only am I not even close to the biggest sizing (in Zyia) the clothing is cute, and it actually fits and stays where it is supposed to, which lets me focus on working out and not worrying about what my clothing is doing or what my body looks like. 

In addition to finding the right clothes to support and empower her, Raelene stays focused on the positives. 

I choose to be happy and healthy and to see myself as big and beautiful. I have a happy marriage, amazing kids, a job, hobbies, and volunteering that I enjoy, and I choose to love myself no matter what I weigh. Over the years I have learned that one negative comment can take you out, so I always have to focus on feeding the positive wolf. 

What advice would you give to other curvy women who are hesitant to try fitness? 

It’s your health. You have to and need to take care of yourself and to do it for YOU and not for anyone else. It’s going to take stepping outside of your comfort zone - but still, find something that is comfortable for you - outside of your comfort zone. Find somewhere you feel welcome and supported. If you’re able to, find a friend who will start with you so that you’re not alone until you find your own motivation and confidence. 

Why is it important for you to be strong and healthy? 

For me. 

And, for my kids. I want to be able to continue to do things with my family and my boys - like go skiing, and continue to do mud-runs and different activities with them (for real! Raelene and her son Preston have done 3 obstacle races together and are so inspiring) 

To be able to go quadding, ride my motorcycle, and do the things I enjoy doing. 

If you’re not healthy and strong you’re not able to do those things. 

Fitness has given me the confidence to try things I wouldn’t normally do. I walk my dog on a regular basis for 5 km, I try things that are completely outside of my comfort zone - like signing up for a “race” and facing my fears like climbing an 18 story slide - even though I am afraid of heights. 

Raelene just isn’t an inspiration inside the gym - she contributes so much of her energy and time to others. 

Not only has she raised self-sufficient boys who enjoy spending time with her, but she has also been selling Tupperware for over 15 years, she is a dedicated member and volunteer of the Kinettes, she volunteers with the angel tree and Christmas hampers, she is a member of the church board and sings in the worship band at Faith Lutheran Church and she genuinely cares about helping others. 

Coming to the gym at lunch lets her do the other things and make a difference in the community. 

*Raelene also attributes her success to her supportive husband who not only encourages her but even takes on more so that she is able to take care of herself. (love!)