Reflecting on My Fitness Journey 2024 and What 2025 Has in Store
Edited by Megan Herald
Sunday, December 22, 2024
2024 was a year of self-discovery, particularly when it came to maintaining my physical health.
Early this year, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP), which turned my world upside down. As someone who teaches multiple fitness formats, drinks the recommended amount of water, and eats just enough to fuel my body, I was left wondering - how did this happen?
It was a sobering realization: I can't treat my body the way I did in my 20s.
Late nights, subpar eating habits, and burning the candle at both ends have caught up with me. As a group fitness instructor, I'm often so focused on planning classes for my participants that I neglect my own physical needs.
I had to ask myself:
Brittany, what are we going to do to save ourselves?
It may sound dramatic, but HBP increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. I'm a newly wed, I just bought a house, and I'm beginning this new chapter in my life…..
I owe it to myself - and my loved ones - to make the necessary changes to take control of my health.
Reigniting my Passion
I've always loved teaching Zumba and Les Mills dance programs. There's something empowering about watching participants grow in confidence through dance. However, after a while, I fell victim to the dreaded Instructor Burnout.
I clung to my classes, thinking I had to hold on, but doing so only made my stress and burnout worse. Letting go of some classes was necessary to reflect and acknowledge what I truly needed: to fall in love with dance again.
That's how I discovered my passion for Les Mills BodyJam. I started taking classes not to teach but simply to dance and enjoy the way it made my body feel.
Recently, I even checked off a bucket list item by joining K-Pop dance classes.
Returning to being a student has help me rediscover what my mind & body can do when I trust myself.
This journey has inspired me to explore even more dance courses in 2025 to rekindle my love for movement.
Long Term Fitness Goals
While I like running, my husband
loves
running, his medal collection proves it. Since we've been together, he's encouraged me to join him in running 5Ks. Over time, I've improved and gained confidence, even through he still outruns me.
Now, he's proposed a new challenge us in 2025: a half marathon.
I'll admit it, I was (
and still
) terrified. I wasn't sure my body was ready for such an intense physical challenge. But my husband has been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to take it one step at a time. Even my group fitness class participants, inspired by my goal, have started cheering me on.
As I train, I'm noticing improvements in both my mind and body, which keeps me motivated to continue. This journey has been as much about building resilience as it has been about strengthening my relationship with my husband.
Focusing on Eating Habits
Before starting my fall semester of graduate school, I began working with a nutritionist named Kendra.
After my HBP diagnosis, she was one of the first people I reached out to for guidance. Kendra has helped me unpack the emotional and behavioral reasons behind my eating habits and establish sustainable goals for gradual progress.
With her guidance, even my mom has stepped in to support me by dropping off low-sodium snacks and meals - eliminating the stress of grocery shopping.
As a result, I've been able to manage my blood pressure and relearn my relationship with food. It feels like I'm slowly taking my life back, one step at a time.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Reflecting on 2024, I realize this year has been about acknowledging my limits, making sustainable changes, and rediscovering joy in movement and self-care. As I step into 2025, I'm excited for new challenges, whether dancing in ways that light me up or crossing the finish line of my first half marathon.
Here's to a year of growth, resilience, and building a healthier, happier version of myself.
Group
Dance Fitness Class in Orlando
Hello, my name is Brittany! I offer weekly dance and fitness classes, that are an uplifting community wellness experience. My background in healthcare empowers me to tailor routines to all fitness levels. I coach you on the proper form required to prevent injuries and strategies that promote balance and sustainable results.
I teach Zumba, Les Mills Bodyjam, and a variety of fitness formats. Reach out to view my group dance fitness class schedule!