Candice Abney:
So proud of Anitra Rochelle she hit goal during quarantine. With high stress and being home that was not an easy task but she never stopped fighting. Always there for encouragement and a giving smile we are blessed to have you at 4 AM! You have absolutely rose above and beyond and I know will continue to reach higher. Here’s to a new, fit, you. 💪🏼
🚨 57 lbs and 68.25inches down 🚨
Here is her story:
I’ve struggled with my weight since probably qafter my college years. I’ve tried the Atkins diet, which is now known as the keto diet, weight watchers and herbal life. I would lose weight and gain it back as soon as I stopped the program. My problem wasn’t the normal overeating, it was not eating. I would eat one meal a day and nibble the rest of the time. When I’m stressed, I may eat more, but I would barely eat. I’ve learned that I needed the 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day to lose weight and maintain it, but I never was breakfast eater, so I found myself returning to the same cycle as before, not eating. In 2013-2015, I probably was the smallest I’ve ever been since high school. I felt the best and had more energy than ever before. I would run 3-4 times a week with my girlfriend and work out at least 5 days a week with Coach Brian Broussard at Fit Life. I felt wonderful and finally in control of my life. But then, the 2016 flood came and totally turned my life upside down. I had to move back to Opelousas, for approximately 8 months, commute daily to my job, transition my kids to another school campus, while still maintaining a full time job, being a mom and trying to rebuild my life, literally. Well, you guess it! I was extremely stressed and the no eating, no exercising cycle began. I was stressed, depressed and didn’t even know how and where to begin to get back on track. I had become the biggest I’ve ever been in my life, almost 220 pounds. That’s was bigger than I was pregnant with both of my children. It had gotten to the point, I was out of breath when I walked and I also had to have my daughter buckle my shoes and tie them of me😳. At this time, I knew I was at the point of needing to do something.
For several months, I saw advertisements for RevFit on Facebook, so I liked the gym’s Facebook page and followed for months. I remember messaging a couple of people to inquire about the program, but no one responded. I was getting discouraged. Then finally I recall seeing a picture of Tyne Brooks. I messaged her and she responded to me the same night. Tyne and I spoke for at least 1-2 months via messenger. She bragged on her trainer in regards to how awesome she was. I finally built up the nerves to call RevFit and request a consultation. I waited and waited but no return call. I started to get discouraged and Tyne pushed me to call again, so I did. After calling the second time, Candice reached out to me and scheduled an in person meeting. I remember our meeting like yesterday. I left directly from the meeting with Candice and immediately went to the gym to sign up.
I remember my first class, nervous I would be late, since I was living on the Southside at that time, I slept ready roll 😂. My classes were at 4:45am. 😳. Anyone that knows me well, knows I’m not a morning person, but definitely not a 4:45am morning person. I began RevFit in February of 2019 and drove for 2 months from the Southside of town until I relocated closer. After about the first month, Candice advised me to begin spin. I never did spin before nor heard of it. I remember taking my first spin class with Gabby. Gabby was so warm and welcoming. It felt as though she and I had known each other our entire lives (everyone one that’s close to me calls me Nitra, and to this day, Gabby still calms me Nitra). The atmosphere at RevFit id one of family and togetherness. Everyone encourages you and Candice’s motto is to finish as a “team” and as “one”. That means the world to me still until this day.
When I think of RevFit, I think of family. Everyone helps each other get through it. We may grumble, but we do it and get through it. I migrated towards my friend and accountability partner, Trina. I can always count on Trina to make sure I’m at the right place at the right time. Whether it’s 3:30am Spin or even now 4:00am bootcamp! Yes, the non morning person is in 4am bootcamp, and I’ve never been late either. 😂 Trina and I are two peas in a pod. She’s my Ace and I’m very grateful for her.
Candice, last but not least. Thank you for everything you do and have done to help me be who I am today physically and mentally. You are amazing and I can’t thank you enough! You have helped me lose over 50 pounds and I’ve reach my goal during the pandemic!