On a Thursday evening, Lea Tsoubanos answered my phone call after her daily workout. The 24-year-old is an at-home nutritionist and fitness instructor who currently works for a company called Beachbody. There are many different at-home workout programs that Beachbody provides. For people who are trying to lose or maintain their weight, Beachbody teaches you how to eat proportionally controlled meals, self motivate and work hard. Read about the progression of Lea's healthy lifestyle and how she manages to project her way of living onto others.
Q: Growing up, what effects did struggling with weight loss have on you?
A: I always knew I was a bigger girl. I was very outgoing and extroversive to the point where I was probably covering up a lot of insecurities that I had. When I started losing weight people were pretty surprised. When I opened up about how I felt as a child and a teen about being overweight — they didn't really expect that from me.
Q: What was the turning point in your life when you decided to change your habits to a healthy lifestyle?
A: In February of last year I looked at myself and couldn't believe what I saw in the mirror. I put on thirty pounds. I just knew it was time.
Q: When did you start working for Beachbody? What is it about this company that drew you in?
A: Last March I decided to commit to a workout I had bought earlier that year. I started the 21 Day Fix which is Beachbody's exercise and nutrition plan. Then in April I lost nine pounds and loved the results I was seeing. I chose Beachbody because it was an at-home and accessible program. I didn't want to feel uncomfortable in my own skin at the gym. I found Beachbody empowering. I felt that I could take the steps to make myself better: mind, body and soul without being made fun of or ridiculed.
Q: The first day of working out must have been hard. How did you keep yourself motivated? Do you draw inspiration from your past to stay motivated today?
A: The first workout that I had ever done, when I really committed, was definitely hard but I was so excited. I would say three weeks in I had to keep pushing myself because if you go too fast and make too many drastic changes you are going to burn out. So because I've taken small steps over the past year I still feel just as motivated as when I started my journey.
Q: What were some fitness goals you initially set for yourself?
A: I really wanted to drop pant sizes. I didn't necessarily have a weight in mind, I'm still working toward my ultimate goal of losing 60 pounds that I have not put a time limit on. As of right now I have lost 35 pounds.
Q: In your opinion, what is the best part about being a Beachbody coach?
A: It is so cool and exciting to see people engaged with the workouts. Getting to teach dance classes are so fun because people are smiling and sweating and they're not even realizing they are working out.
Q: Looking back on the past year, what do you feel you’ve accomplished? Are you proud of where you are today?
A: I definitely feel like I'm working toward my fitness and nutrition goals. Ultimately, when I think back to the girl who wouldn't get off the couch I just want to shake her and tell her that there is so much more for her. I am proud because I am finally becoming the person I always wanted to be.
Q: Is their any advice you could give to the viewers reading this at home?
A: You need to just say yes. You need to start your journey. That doesn't mean you drastically change your life right away. It is important to make small but long term changes that you will stick to.
Lea's journey is far from over. Her drive and willpower are stronger than ever. Contact Lea at lvt.getsfit@gmail.com with any questions and follow her on Instagram @lea__getsfit to follow along in her footsteps.
