“I have never been great at sports. Most people called me clumsy, uncoordinated, or just plain not good enough. My parents tried to put me in sports but it wasn’t until my Gramps looked at my mom and told her to let me pursue what I was good at. That was singing, dancing, and acting. So, I was placed in ballet at the age of 5 years old. I was active in my childhood by having play/dance classes at least 2 times a week or more as well as running track and playing volleyball in junior high and one year of high school.
When I reached my senior year of high school I was diagnosed with depression. I was on my way to college with a scholarship in vocal performance. I should have been excited. Instead I had become dependent on certain people and ate excessively. That was the first time I reached a size 12. I had always been a size 6-8. I decided to lose some weight before college- I lost 25 pounds. This was the first start to my yo-yo diets.
I was able to stay this size for another year. Then, it was me against the world. My parents moved to Sacramento after my dad got a new job. Parents gone + college (Chico State) = party time. Party time turned into 50lbs. I will never forget the first time I stepped on the scale and saw 200lbs for the first time.
After two years of being away, I decided to move to Sacramento to be closer to my family and moved back in with my parents. My sister helped me get a gym membership to California Family Fitness. My parents put me on a diet and I enrolled myself in cardio kickboxing at American River College. I was able to lose the 50lbs.
I was able to maintain that weight for about another year and half. During that time I had met someone and our relationship became serious. After a year and half I got comfortable, as people call it. I just started packing the pounds back on. Before I knew it I hit a new weight I had never seen before. 220.
It was 2008 and I was graduating from Sac State. I lost 35lbs in two months. I did what they call the “Biggest Loser Diet.” Because I went so hard-core for a short amount of time I never really knew about nutrition. I just thought it was eating brown rice, wheat bread, chicken and veggies. That got really boring to eat… I got off the diet and ate. Ate and ate and ate.
Then, my world was all about to change.
That next year I lost my Grandma, my Gramps, and my parents decided to divorce. So, the only way I knew how to cope was to cry and eat. My relationship with my boyfriend would turn to bad to worse. I would then escalate to the largest size I have ever been- 260lbs and a size 18.
In 2011, I decided to start a new life for myself. I became a single woman, moved out with my dog (Phebe), and lived by myself for the first time. I walked away from a life of seven years- friendships and all. I knew this time would be lonely, but I decided to get my life back. Time to lose this weight for once and for all and learn how to successfully change my lifestyle. I lost 45lbs by starting to eat healthy and run at the gym about 3 times a week (the stress of my break-up helped too). In about a year I dropped to a size 12/14.
Then, I met someone… Let me tell you! I have never met someone in my whole life that has pushed me to be the best person I can be. Before I knew it I lost 10lbs and I was breaking my dependency problem I always had. I was starting to live for me, do my own thing and have someone special there too. It was all coming together. Soon enough I would find out he would continue to push me and support me to a new level. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me; he has helped me be my own person.
Now it’s October of 2012. I was sitting on the couch looking at a Groupon for $30 for an all women’s boot camp. I said, ‘I have never heard of Kaia before, but I am going to give this a try. I have lost 55lbs so far and I want to lose another 45lbs to hit that 100lb weight loss!’
So, Kaia FIT’s Core session started. I was nervous. I was afraid. I didn’t know what to expect.
I did my first workout and loved it! I was sore after every workout that session, but I was motivated to become a better person. I had never worked out with women so supportive and I made friends so fast. Having my buddy Emily (who I just met) made the biggest difference in the world. The ongoing support I received from my Coaches, Megan and Ashley, is something I will never forget. They both took me under their wing and helped me get ready for my next challenge- BRIK. I finished that CORE Session losing 10lbs.
BRIK began. This time I was nervous. My buddy Emily and I got separated into different class times (we reunited the next FIT session!). I remember that first day like it was yesterday. Coach Megan said, “Get a partner.” I didn’t see her name I just picked the girl with the pink leggings and the all pink outfit (pink is my favorite color). The girl was loud and outgoing, just like me. This person would become my true mentor- Lisa Picarello. She helped introduce me to the other girls and started to provide me with nutrition advice and became a true inspirational friend. I was getting educated, working out and making new friends in the process. BRIK was a success! I lost another 10lbs, making it to 75lbs of total weight lost (20lbs lost with Kaia). At the end of BRIK I was awarded the Goal Setter Award. This award was given to me for running a 8:25 minute mile (goal was to run it in 10 minutes) and to eventually reach a 100lb weight loss.
I have continued on and I love the support of all my coaches and all the girls in my 6pm class. This week marks the end of my first FIT session. I am proud to say I have dropped another 6lbs and am currently a size 10! This equals 81lbs lost!
I am making lifelong changes and friendships. I cannot express how Kaia is not just about losing weight. It builds your confidence, makes you stronger, healthier, keeps the weight off, and you gain some true friends along the way. My life is forever changed and I thank all of you that have helped and supported me. Lastly, thank you to my parents, my siblings, other extended family, James and my friends who have always stuck by me and have supported me through this journey. I could not express my love and gratitude to you all.
KAIA ROCKS!”
Thank you, Rachael, for sharing you’re AMAZING story! We can’t wait to celebrate with you when you hit that 100 pound mark!!! -Your Kaia Krew
