We did it. Shannon and I finished the 60 day “Best You” Challenge with Artemis Fitness. It wasn’t always pretty or went as planned, but we did it! Here’s our thoughts on the whole process.

Nissa’s Experience

I really enjoyed the whole experience. I’m down 3-4 pounds, but more importantly, I feel stronger. I don’t get out of breath as quickly and I can do more reps with more weight. I also have noticed a huge difference in my core strength and back pain. Since having children, I have struggled with a lot of lower back pain and discomfort, especially when lifting my children or standing for long periods of time. Through the different exercises targeting my core, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in pain!

Getting to classes at Artemis was difficult for me at times, trying to work around my husband’s work schedule, nap times, etc. but I kept to my goal of doing a few workouts at home during the week when I couldn’t make it to a class. I also struggled the last week and a half when I snapped a ligament in my ankle and upper foot doing something totally non-workout related. But what I’ve been reminded of through this whole experience is that it is important to take care of myself, even when it is difficult with logistics, schedules, etc. I can’t just give up when it gets hard, because it’s too important; for me, for my kids, for my husband.

While it didn’t always go as I planned, I have definitely started moving in the right direction and I can thank Artemis and their amazing team for that! Their classes are wonderful, their individualized care was crucial for me, and I highly recommend Artemis Fitness to anyone looking for a gym that provides a great workout in a stress-free and supportive environment!

Shannon’s Experience

One of the things I love about Cate and Kendra is that they have a lot of grace.  I don’t tend to have a lot with myself so it was refreshing in my experience at Artemis.  Every day is a new start, no need to beat yourself up about what you didn’t accomplish…rather celebrate what has been accomplished.

So what did I accomplish?  I lost a few inches, my clothes fit better, I have more energy, I’m stronger, and my stamina is up.

I had a similar experience to Nissa.  Things didn’t always go as planned.  Because I really needed the childcare I committed to Tuesdays and Thursdays, however, life has a way of happening and that wasn’t always doable for us.  But I did do my best to makeup those lost workout with other activities…usually tossing and stacking lots of wood for this incredibly cold winter.  One thing that was a really big win for me was my shoulder.  When I started this challenge I was just diagnosed with a pinched nerve in my shoulder.  However the regular workouts and specific moves for the shoulder improved that.

I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in this challenge.  This winter was brutal!  Knowing that I had a commitment those 2 days a week provided a huge outlet for me physically, socially, and mentally.  I started this thing because it was a fitness challenge, but it ended up being so much more.  The women who go to Artemis are amazing and encouraging!  And that made all the sweating, and heavy breathing, and sore muscles worth it!

Challenge Results

Many other women that participated in the challenge experienced amazing results as well. In fact, 91 collective inches were lost! That’s pretty amazing! The overall winner of the Best You Challenge, Jen Andreas, lost 15 inches over the course of the 60 day challenge!

Shannon and I loved being a part of this incredible group of women, and as Shannon said above, it ended up being so much more than just a fitness challenge for us! Onward to the next 60 days!

*Burlington VT Moms Blog received compensation for this post, but the opinions expressed are entirely our own.