January Superhero of the Month

[vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_ctation]Superhero of the Month – Colleen Verardi[/ultimate_ctation][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right” css=”.vc_custom_1482971226945{margin-bottom: -5px !important;}”]Colleen Verardi is a National Sales Manager by day and a Wonder Woman at night which is why we selected her as Superhero of the Month for January.

A year ago, one of her friends shared a link on social media to the Mo-Mentum Fitness 21 day Fat Blast challenge that started right after Thanksgiving. Her 50th birthday was coming up So she joined to lose a couple of pounds to fit into her dress at the party!

She was only planning on staying for the 21 days, but in the process found her tribe and she’s hooked. She works out faithfully every day and loves it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Q & A” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Oxygen%3A300%2Cregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_separator color=”custom” el_width=”60″ accent_color=”#4c4c4c”][vc_column_text]

 Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness.
Fitness has a played a role throughout my life, except when I was married for 16 years (that’s a whole other story!).  My Dad was a P.E. teacher and coach.  I like to think that he was pretty happy that I was somewhat sporty, especially since none of my sisters were particularly into sports at all (side note – I have 6 sisters and no brothers).  I was exposed to a variety of fitness activities starting at a young age probably because my parents wanted to keep me busy – dabbled in gymnastics (thank you Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci!) and tennis (my Dad was the High School tennis coach).  I ran Cross Country and Track in High School.  Running was my favorite out of all of these, especially Cross Country.
I gained weight after college and a more when I was married.  My job involves a lot of travel and I never made an effort to include fitness in my schedule.  My overall health wasn’t totally awful but it wasn’t the best either.  I had elevated cholesterol levels and a lot of stress.
Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
I’ve hit a few low points in my life over the last decade.   I have to say that a return to fitness (working out and eating better) is one of the things that saved my life.  In 2009, the perfect personal storm hit me all within a matter of months – I was laid off, I chose to end my marriage, and I was financially devastated.  When you hit the bottom, you have two choices, to stay there or to pick yourself up and start all over again.  I chose the latter and I did it with going to the gym and taking group fitness classes.   I share this to let others know that a healthy lifestyle really can make a difference!
How did fitness come into your life (or back into your life)? 
A year ago, one of my friends shared a link on social media to the Mo-Mentum Fitness 21 day Fat Blast challenge that started right after Thanksgiving.  Perfect!  I was planning a big extravaganza for my 50th birthday and I needed to lose a couple of pounds to fit into my dress.  I thought, ok why not?  I was determined and I had a team of people that I had just met who totally and completely supported me.  Truth be told, I had no intention of joining another gym.  But Mo-Mentum Fitness wasn’t just a gym or a program or a class, it was the people (Amanda, all of the Mo-Mentum team, the other members) and the energy.  I found my tribe and I love it!
What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program? 
I have a waist again!  I can actually see muscle definition!  My clothes fit better or not at all because they’re too big.  I’m no longer miserably uncomfortable when sitting on a plane ride for hours on end.  My endurance has greatly increased.  I can run to catch a tight connection between airport terminals without feeling like I’m going to die.
Please talk more about the actual changes in your life?  (weight loss, confidence, more endurance, less medications etc)
I have lost weight but better yet, I am stronger!  My nagging knee pain has gone away.  I am more conscientious about what I eat, which has led to better digestion and sleep.
What kind of changes have you seen there?  What do these changes mean for your lifestyle, longevity, finances, etc?  
My intention with making these changes is so I can take better care of myself and my family as we age.  I feel like I’m on a good path and I have a great group of people to help with this journey.
Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
Fitness is one of my priorities because I have chosen to make myself a priority.  It’s a challenging life lesson to learn, that while it may seem selfish to put yourself first, you really have to or else you won’t be able to take care of all the other people in your life.  Also, I always feel really great after a good workout.  Whether it’s a Spin Class, Small Group workout, or even just a really great long walk, getting my heart rate going just really makes me happy!
These days, what makes you truly happy and feel at peace?
Knowing that I’ve made positive changes in my life gives me peace.  My family & friends are a big part of my happiness equation.
How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
A year ago, I felt stuck and bored.  Now I feel FABULOUS and Strong!
Specifics: age? job title? children?  spouse? 
I’m happy to say I will be 51 on January 4th!  For the past 24 years, I’ve had the pleasure of being on the sales side of the creative industry, specifically supplying the materials and mediums for Artists and Crafters.  I am the National Sales Manager for Ranger Industries; we are a US based manufacturer (can you believe it?!) of ink, paint and other crafting goodies.  My day to day life is enjoyed with my husband-to-be – Jon, and our four-legged sons, Truffle and Bear.

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Amanda Mittleman

Amanda Mittleman

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