Post written by Ali Markert

I remember the day as if it was yesterday…

I pulled up my driveway into the garage with tears pouring down my face and let the door close. I had heard stories of people passing due to the fumes from a car running in the garage. Figure this was the least painful way. I was always a smart girl and full of life. I had my moments of depression, but I had hit my rock bottom.

I lost my mom 2 years prior to this event, struggled with an emotionally abusive and toxic relationship, and was still trying to learn how to cope with how much my mom’s death impacted my life, not to mention while working in the family business she played a big part in. All my friends had left for college and were away in other towns. Sure, they were a phone call away, but it just wasn’t the same. I had never felt more alone.

I’ve always been a smart girl and scared of death. So, I got out of the car and drank myself to sleep. Was this the answer either? No, but it was the only other coping mechanism I could think of. Now, I know this is pretty in depth, but I want to make sure you clearly understand where I was in life and just how much Lorelle and her fitness program has changed me, because the weight loss was far from my biggest gain.

The next day, I called my best friend who is the closest thing I have to a sister. I told her what happened, or rather what didn’t, and she suggested trying therapy. Now, I had always been hesitant because there is this huge stigma about therapy. Like as if going to therapy would mean I was choosing to admit I was crazy, or something was wrong with me. I asked myself, “What would my dad say?” “Does this mean my on/off again boyfriend is right…Could I actually be crazy?”

 Well, I decided I really didn’t have many other options. So, I went for it. Flash forward 2 years later. I realized I was stronger than the toxic relationship. I chose to speak up when didn’t agree. I didn’t have to let my father’s grief of losing my mom become mine, just to name a few. But I was still on every week rollercoaster because I still was having a hard time putting me first. The girl who was once afraid to let anyone to know she went to therapy is now the biggest advocate and I PROUDLY wear a big old patch right on my sleeve. 

In addition to my struggles, I also had developed some food allergies. I suspected that I may have a gluten intolerance. So here I was, eating gluten free and giving up all the foods I loved and guess what….no success. NONE. I was always bent over in stomach pain, feel nauseous, tired, and never wanting to go out. I then decided, as much as I hate doctors, maybe I should go get checked out. My blood results came back PERFECT and I definitely did not have a gluten sensitivity. She suggested maybe I see a gastrointestinal doctor; however, she wasn’t sure it would help, just a guess. I asked what the test would be like and she made it clear I would have to be put under.  Uhh… HELLOOOO…. Did I mention I hate going to the doctors?! So

I started on my own research because I wasn’t going under, and I knew something had to be done. The first questions that came up (AKA what the doctor should have asked) –

 1) Do you exercise regularly?

2) How is your diet?

3) Are you overweight?

My answers were no I don’t exercise, my diet is terrible, and yes, I was overweight. (Notice the “was” there? The story is about to get A LOT better). Imagine that. My main diet consisted of nothing but junk food and an overload of carbs. All of this came crashing down and reality hit me head on around the end of last year.

So, I made a few 2019 New Year resolutions:

• Eat out less (would literally eat out every night)
• Eat healthier
• Try to exercise more

Its like the GODS spoke to me. One of the girls I follow on Instagram tagged Lorelle about the Evolve Together 2019 Challenge. I clicked it and started following Lorelle. Well, just by watching her stories I knew I liked her style. Real, honest, and super motivating to those who wanted to hear it. She posted her last call on the few spots left available and I registered having no idea what I was getting myself into. What I did know, was that she was the type of person who was going to hold me accountable. I hate wasting money and I hate making myself look like a slacker to others.

While trying this on my own, I knew I would tell myself it’s just one cookie and then binge but if I worked with her, she’d notice, and god forbid call me out on it. I would be so embarrassed. It was exactly what I needed. Within the first three weeks out of six, I told her I wanted to book another month I didn’t want to give up just yet.

Shortly after this, my therapist reached out to me because I hadn’t made an appointment in a while, so we booked one. Once we sat down and spoke, boy did I get an A plus! My therapist was like…. “uhm are you Ali?” What happened you’re so different. She could tell how much I had been impacted by the Evolve Together Challenge and said the happiness just gleamed as I spoke. Not only that, but everything I talked about changed. What was once a venting session was becoming a time to celebrating my wins. By week five, I decided I wanted to ensure I stayed with Lorelle and booked another three months. Her motivating stories and the way she educates her clients had me wanting to pursue and learn more. 

At this point, I have only trained with Lorelle a little over four months. I have booked with her all the way through almost the end of the year and even then, I don’t plan on stopping. I like to think of it as a painting. I am the portrait and she is the artist. With each change in my workouts I can feel her fine tooth combing each muscle gain and sculpting my body with specific exercises as she envisions a final product.

In just four shy months, I no longer have ANY food allergies or stomach issues, I’ve lost 20 plus pounds, and 10 inches off my waist. Newsflash guys! This was done with real foods bought in real stores. No secret pill or scam and I even enjoyed my favorite desserts along the way! I have good and bad days just like everyone. At one point, I literally had an anxiety attack and a day where everything just went wrong. I sent Lorelle a photo of me in tears 1 hour prior and then once I left the gym. The red and puffiness was still there but I beamed a smile and you could just tell how much that short workout impacted me. Now normally after a day like that, I would make a therapy appointment.

Since I started training with Lorelle, I have only been back to therapy once. That is just how much she has improved my life with her Instagram stories, her blog posts, our Inspire and Empower Group, Boats and Babes event, and her realistic program. 

When she asked me to do this, I had zero hesitations. Four months ago, the old me would have been too scared to put all of this out there. Now I am not, and she has given me the confidence to do so. She’s provided me a group of women who inspire and empower me every single day (seriously if you’re not in the group ask us to be…IT IS GREAT). In that group, we shared a photo that went on to say how we can’t justify the cost of therapy but can justify an expensive outing. Or that we can’t find time for an hour at the gym but can watch an extra hour of Netflix every night. It is so true, and we need to start prioritizing what is actually important, like our health.

Lorelle and fitness have absolutely changed my entire life. I was the girl who cried every day, depressed, stuck in a toxic relationship, stuck in the loss of my mother, overweight, tired, always late, and unproductive. Because of her, I am now always smiling, the first to boost others up in their journey, happy, single by choice until I find someone deserving, rejoicing in the memories I have of my mother, energetic, and productive. If sharing my story gets through to even just one person, then it has done its job. No one has to feel anything other than the way they choose to feel. 

Until next time,

Ali