Sole Stories: Mavis Gant
Everyone has a story. For some it's a story of wanting something more, for others it's a story full of tears, heart and determination. Our series "Sole Stories" will give you a glimpse into what drives women to change their lives and their "soles." Toni and I recently met Mavis through our t-shirt giveaway. After reading her plans to combat holiday weight gain, we knew that we wanted to share her story and advice with our readers.
Mavis: Thanks! Once I began working in a building with a gym on the main floor, it would have been silly for me not to begin a lifestyle change. So I began working out (slowly) and modifying my diet (slowly) and then I began to see change. It definitely did not happen overnight. I now try to workout at least 4 times a week.
BGR: You have kept the weight off for two years. How do you stay motivated?
Mavis: I have great friends and family who love me regardless, met new friends at the gym, and honestly who does not feel good when they can finally wear that little black dress (that was purchased on clearance b/c you knew you would get in it eventually).
BGR: Besides running, what are your other go-to exercises?
Mavis: Running is what sealed the deal for me in losing the annoying last five pounds and maintaining the loss of weight. I started out taking group exercise classes suc
h as step, progressing to Total Athletic Conditioning, weight training and my love/hate relationship with the stepmill. Once I began running it became addictive and it allows you to set many goals (I am now planning to run an 8k in April) but I also like variety. I would love to begin swimming or taking water aerobics, participate in a mud run, and a friend of mine would love for me join her in a triathlon...still debating that one.
BGR: Diet is a HUGE part of maintaining a healthy weight. I’m still trying to defeat my cheez-it and ice cream habit. What foods were the hardest for you to give up or cut back on?
Mavis: My main weaknesses are the three B's: bread, bacon and beer!
Although I am more
BGR: Diet is a HUGE part of maintaining a healthy weight. I’m still trying to defeat my cheez-it and ice cream habit. What foods were the hardest for you to give up or cut back on?
Mavis: My main weaknesses are the three B's: bread, bacon and beer!
Although I am moreaware of what I eat, and actually taking the time to read more food labels, I truly believe in anything in moderation and not beating myself up. I have fallen back in love with the local farmer's market and probably would not have tried different foods such as chicken sausage.
BGR: For me the biggest challenge to staying in shape is my hair and fitting my runs into my schedule. What challenges do you encounter?
Mavis: Of course hair is a challenge, updating my music, the love of good food, practicing running outside more and finding runners with a similar pace. The one thing I do enjoy about running is that it allows you to get a good workout within a short amount of time.
BGR: New Year’s is right around the corner. Do you have a fitness resolution?
Mavis: If I had to choose, it would be to build up my endurance and speed and run longer distances. I have to definitely maintain a healthy lifestyle for my true resolution, which is to see more live music. I also have accepted that I am my biggest critic, I will never look like the airbrushed models on magazine covers, and I will never be thin according to "industry" standards.
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