Merari Cruz – a Young Lady, Athlete, and Leader

You’re about to read a story about a young woman who turned into an athlete.  

Merari approached me summer of last year and told me she wanted to take her training and physical fitness to an entirely new level because she wanted to join the Army Reserves.  She showed me the physical tests she had to complete, and from that day forward, committed to an entire lifestyle change.

What she didn’t realize, was that her inspired action filtered through to those around her, and she became a leader in the process.

Her co-workers, friends, boyfriend, family, and even other bootcampers were inspired by her hard work, and in-turn, they worked harder towards their goals.. all because of the decision Merari made.

I’m humbled and excited to share with you February’s Transformation Tuesday.. Merari Cruz.

Before Bay View Boot Camp, I was overweight, depressed and lost.  I was 170lbs., the heaviest I had ever been in my life!!

In 2012, I went for my yearly exam and realized I had gained 2 more lbs., pushing me into the Obese BMI category! Later that year I went on a trip with vetschool friends & was not feeling happy or excited about it… I was dreading the trip for months because I felt so bad about my health and my body. I even resorted to weight loss pills and diuretics as a “quick fix”. I knew that was only a band-aid. That wasn’t solving my problems or giving me any tools to turn my life around.

By late 2013, I was searching online options for “fun workouts”, new gym classes, yoga, spinning… anything! But I came across an add for Bay View Boot Camp instead. It wasn’t “an indoor activity”.  I clicked on the link for a free trial IMMEDIATELY.

Working out at the park by the water ??!! Heck yeah!! I was scared, but I was determined… I was also tired, bad habits and diet were catching up. I needed a big change and I went for it.

Laura called me on the cell phone, everything was set up, and I was excited to try it. October 15th, 2013 was my very first class. It was super fun AND I could keep up! Awesome, things are looking up again. But by early 2014 I was slipping, life got in the way again: work, boyfriend, long distance relationship, friends & fam. I was falling back to my old habits and poor food choices, thinking it was ok to eat unhealthy as long as I was making it to bootcamp once or twice a week. That wasn’t going to work. I needed something to push me into over drive. So I reached out to Laura again. I had a new goal. I wanted to join the VetCorps Army Reserves & I was still 15 lbs overweight to be considered for enlistment.

I decided to do Personal Training twice a week w/ Laura, as well as still going to BVBC 2-3x a week. Let me tell you… She whipped me into shape and I do mean WHIPPED! Three months turned into 6 very fast. I finally had the guidance and structure that I needed. I had the proper education in fitness and diet, and the accountability piece that I needed for success. She was checking my fitnesspal account, she was checking my bootcamp attendance, she was checking in on me while I was on vacation… It was a real life changer! And I got the real results I desperately wanted.

My biggest life-changer was eating breakfast every day!

Before BVBC I had horrible eating habits! I NEVER ate breakfast. I made “brunch” a daily routine, finding my own version of a “healthy breakfast” at Starbucks. Mornings filled w/ sugar and caffeine… Yeeee! I was crashing by 3pm, that’s for sure! Now, I HAVE to eat every morning by 730am. I crave my daily green smoothie; I never thought I would be saying that!! If I don’t have one first thing in the morning after working out, I will have one at some point later in the day.

Now I eat clean and fresh as much as possible every day. I believe that if “you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail” so I have started to FOOD PREP! I switched to better carbs like quinoa, sweet potato, squash and cauliflower. And better snacks like plain greek yogurt, boiled egg, fresh fruits; instead of those “100cal” processed snacks. I learned about portion control and earning your cheat meal at the end of the week… It’s NOT a cheat day!! LOL

The biggest lesson learned was: to trust the process. Progress is progress no matter how small. And when you have a setback or feel unmotivated, don’t “wait ‘til Monday” to start again. Right then and there, that day, make the decision and get back at it. Results will happen if you work hard and stay focused on the main goal.

For me, getting into shape and living a healthier lifestyle wasn’t just about the Army reserves. I ended up getting X’ed for exercise induced asthma and seasonal allergies, which was very unexpected and disappointing.

But I’ve lost 17lbs (and counting) and my body fat % dropped from 37 to 32 (new goal 27!)

SO I WIN!

Please leave a message below and congratulate Merari on her incredible journey and success!!