A Tale of Transformation

Calista is half of one of our favorite mother-daughter duos at Jazzercise.  Her mother, Jaime,  shared her transformation story a few months back and we recently had the opportunity to talk to Calista about her own journey.  What she has lost in weight, she’s gained tenfold in self-love.
 

How did you find out about Jazzercise? I found out about Jazzercise through my mom’s friend. My mom was so skeptical about going but we pushed each other to go.

What’s the best part about being able to attend Jazzercise with your mom, Jaime?  My favorite part is when me and my mom link up. We know almost every song and we get down with it. We absolutely love it! 

What did your friends think when you first started taking Jazzercise classes? I think the name kind of threw them off but after bringing them to a class they found out how powerful it is. None of them underestimate it anymore!

Have any of your friends come to try it out with you? I’ve had about 5 of my friends come with me and absolutely love it! Some of them were shocked at how hard of a workout it is. 

How long have you been attending Jazzercise classes? I’ve been attending Jazzercise classes for 2 years now. 

What were your goals when you started? How have those goals shifted?  My goals for myself were just to be in love with myself. I loathed myself, I just wanted to be able to look into the mirror and be ok with myself not have disgust. My goals have changed I love myself now, now I’m just trying to maintain and get more muscle. 

Tell us about the start of your weight-loss journey – what was your inspiration to start on this path? I actually had started going to the gym 6 months before that but hated it. I never wanted to go and had to force myself I didn’t start to see results until Jazzercise and that’s why I fell in love with it. 

How much weight have you lost so far? I have lost 80 pounds 

Did you follow a specific diet or eating plan? I got on so many diets and never stuck to it but when I actually saw results from Jazzercise, it inspired me to eat healthier. 

If you could pick one song to class to dance to for an entire hour, which one would it be? Definitely “Never Forgot You”! 

How did you hold yourself accountable?  How many days a week are you attending Jazzercise classes? My mom really helps with that, if I ever feel unmotivated she helps me. I exercise 5 days a week now.

Any advice you’d want to share with others your age who are considering this journey?  My advice would be don’t allow others to control you if you want to lose weight, do it for you not because others want you to. Loving yourself is the best thing you could do for yourself.

How has losing weight impacted your life?  It has impacted my life more than I could have imagined. I love myself in ways I didn’t think I could. I can look in the mirror and actually be ok with how I look and not disgusted. 

What do you love most about your Jazzercise community?  How have they supported you along the way?  We are one big family. All us girls love each other and motivate each other. We all help to motivate each other there’s no judging or discomfort. You feel welcomed no matter what. 
 
If you have a Jazzercise transformation to story to share, please tell us about it!