Cayla’s #UNSTOPPABLE Journey

woman takes selfies in different stages of weight loss
Cayla began her weight loss journey in June 2017 and initially lost 50 pounds before turning her attention to bulking up and building muscle. Now, she is 35 pounds down. Left, Cayla in April 2018. Right, Cayla in April 2019.

Hiding under baggy clothes is a staple move for those unhappy with the way their body looks, and Cayla Ciszek was no different. Two years ago, in June 2017, Cayla decided to take her health into her own hands and focus on changing her lifestyle. Now, two years later, Cayla is down 35 pounds.

Cayla began noticing her clothes beginning to feel tighter and tighter and could not stop thinking she looked “fat” in everything she wore. It was when the scale hit 200 pounds, Cayla said, “Nope. No way!” and began her fitness journey.

Progress

woman smiles in before and after photos during weight loss
Cayla pictured on left, June 2017 and right, April 2019, 35 pounds down.

Cayla began working out at Xperience Fitness and loved the amount of equipment available. As she did not know how to work a lot of machines, she would watch videos learning the proper form before trying out a new exercise herself.

She began noticing her hard work when she started feeling better, mentally and physically. She could finally walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded and other people began complimenting her on her weight loss. However, the biggest indicator that her hard work was paying off was when she fit into a pair of leggings that previously did not extend past her thighs.
“I nearly cried!” Cayla expressed.

Setbacks

Cayla’s biggest setback came in the form of comparing her progress to that of those around her.

“Other people would lose weight so quickly and I wouldn’t,” Cayla recalled. “But I just kept telling myself that stopping now won’t bring me to where I want to be, I have to suck it up and keep moving forward.”

Feeling confident

After learning to stop comparing her fitness journey to others, Cayla began feeling more confident and happier than ever.

“I feel healthier,” Cayla stated. “I am healthier. I can lift a bunch of heavy stuff and go run a mile and feel pretty good.”

As Cayla enjoys pushing herself, trying new, difficult workouts, and meeting new personal records, she foresees fitness remaining a part of her life. Making each workout a good one, even on the bad days, is a motto Cayla will continue to live by.

Advice

Cayla advises remembering why you started in the first place when it seems impossible to get to the gym. Along with remembering your motivation, Cayla recommends not relying on the scale or comparing yourself to others.

“Your journey is yours!” Cayla rhapsodized. “Keep moving forward and don’t give up because it won’t help you in the long run, and surround yourself with people who support your fitness goals. That’s one of the biggest ones – supportive friends/family.”

Results vary by person.