Some people have struggled with their weight for what seems like their entire lives. Courtney Ball (@intotheforest_i_go [1] on Instagram), 34, told POPSUGAR, "My journey with health and fitness has been a lifetime battle." She's lost and gained weight throughout her entire life, and it wasn't until 2016 she made the decision to take care of herself and become healthier and stronger. Now "I am proud to say, I am one fit mama," she said. Keep reading to hear her incredible story.
Courtney's Major Nonscale Victory
A huge victory Courtney had this year was during the CrossFit Open Workout 19.3 [2]. Part of the workout was to do 50 strict handstand push-ups.
Courtney had been working on her handstand [3] for a few months, but doing a strict handstand push-up was taking it to the next level. She'd never been able to do it, and her goal was to get just one. When she did the workout in the morning, she couldn't get her head off the ground.
"I was so upset and left that day feeling less than satisfied. This is the day I learned the true meaning behind finding a coach or trainer that believes in you and knows what you are capable of. My coach texted me to come back that night. My first response was 'no,' then I thought the old me wouldn't ever try again, but the new Courtney — she shows up for more," Courtney said.
Courtney went back and waited for the last head to go. In the seconds before she went to do the move, she thought to herself: you can do this, you are strong, you are able. "My coach guided me and encouraged me and just kept telling me, "Courtney, you got this.' When I got to the wall, I knew I had to believe or my head wasn't coming off the ground. You can see in the video I couldn't freaking believe it: I did it! I not only did one, I got two that night. It was a huge victory for me," Courtney said.
She said to find a coach that believes in you and that invests in you. "I am so lucky to have not one, but two who push me to be better every day."