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05.11.2017

LG Sister Spotlight: Cherish

Every Friday, you can find a spotlight on an LG Sister who is making a difference in the community. It’s a way we recognize our community members and get to know each other better. This week’s spotlight is Cherish: the sneaker giveaway winner from week 2 of the ConfidenceKini Challenge. She’s been dedicated in her Instagram check ins and posts the most mouth-watering food photost. Meet Cherish…

LG Sister FAQ
 
Name: Cherish Giannetta
IG handle: @CherishsFitLife
Age: 32
Location: Southern New Jersey
Occupation: Certified School Counselor, currently working as a Special Education Paraprofessional while I search for a School Counselor position. 
Hobbies: Reading books, keeping up with my favorite TV shows, any type of crafting, going to the beach, and I definitely count fitness as a hobby because it’s something that I enjoy doing! 
 
MEET CHERISH:
 
How did you first get started with your health and fitness journey?
 
I initially began running as a teen to slim down, then realized I enjoyed running and being active. I continued to exercise off and on, and in my mid 20’s started running fun 5ks, then moved up to half marathons, and even completed a full marathon. My husband and I also got into running obstacle course races. To train for those races I added strength training to my workouts. I was pregnant for most of 2014 and had my son in September. During my pregnancy I did my best to stay active through light cardio and yoga. After my pregnancy (and after being medically cleared of course!) I jumped back into my usual routine of heavy cardio and strength training with light weights. I got back into shape but I wasn’t satisfied with my workout routine anymore. Some girls I talked with on Instagram began doing something called “LG” and I took an interest and began following Lauren. At first I was resistant, telling myself and others that “heavy weights aren’t my thing,” and that “I don’t want to get bulky.” Yeah, I know, silly. The real truth was that I was intimidated by the weight room and was afraid of looking like I didn’t know what I was doing, which at the time, I didn’t. But when the 2016 #LGSummerFitcation challenge was announced I decided to join. I studied those workouts like I was studying for a test! Then, on Day 1 I took a deep breath and walked into the weight room and haven’t looked back since. Within the first few weeks I was feeling stronger than ever before and seeing progress faster than ever before. The end of that challenge was the first time in my life I’ve had visible abs. I love the feeling of being strong and being able to see my muscles grow. It’s very empowering and has given me confidence like never before!
  
How do you overcome a plateau (mentally or physically)?
 
Mental plateaus are the most difficult for me. I’ll be super pumped and motivated for weeks, and one day, for no particular reason, I’ll wake up and just not be feeling it anymore. From experience I know that eventually my motivation will return, so I try to continue to stay active in some way every day until that happens. There was one month where I pretty much just power walked on a treadmill every day while reading a book! Or I’ll switch up my workouts by joining a new challenge, trying out a new exercise class, or setting a new goal for myself. I approach physical plateaus in much the same way, either keep plugging along, or switch things up. But that’s something I love about the LG challenges, there’s so much variation in the workouts and between challenges that I’ve yet to get bored or feel I’ve plateaued. 
  
What does a balanced healthy lifestyle look like for you?
 
To me balance is living a healthy lifestyle the majority of the time, while also allowing for fun and indulgence on the weekends, vacation, or other special occasions. Friday nights are pizza and movie nights for my family (with usually ice cream and some adult beverages!), so I definitely try to keep it clean Sunday-Thursday. Balance also means choosing healthy versions of treats (LG PB Cups, yum!) when possible, or having a small serving of the less healthy version if that’s what I really want. Life’s too short to not allow some treats!
  
Do you have a go-to meal for when you’re short on time?
 
Meal prepping is key for me, so I usually always have healthy meals prepped and ready to grab. But in a pinch I’ll throw some veggies and eggs in a pan and make a quick omelette. 
  
How has the LG Accountability Community played a role in your success?
 
I can’t say enough about this community! The support is just incredible. Whether I’m posting that I had a great workout or a bad day, there is an #LGsister either cheering me on or offering words of encouragement. After missing the official LG accountability groups signups for the #LGSistersGetStrong challenge, a group of us formed our own accountability group, #LateToTheLGParty, and have stuck together since. I love checking in with these amazing ladies every day! They all definitely help keep me motivated and excited both during and between challenges! Not to mention the #LGnj girls whom I’ve met in real life and will be getting together with very soon! 
  
What advice would you share with a fellow LG Sister looking to get happier and healthier? 
  
-1. Find what works for you, whether it’s waking up at 4am to workout, or working out at the end of the day; meal prepping for the week, or a few days at a time; or taking rest days during the week instead of the weekend.
-2. Be consistent. Sure there will always be unavoidable disruptions to the routine, that’s life, especially with kids! But do your best to get your workouts in, eat healthy (with some treats ????), and do the things that make you happy, and soon they will become part of your life. 
-3. Don’t give up! Maybe you had a rough week and didn’t get to workout and ate less healthy than you would’ve liked. Maybe you’re not seeing the progress you had hoped for. Don’t throw in the towel! A healthy, happy life is a journey, along the way you take some breaks, get flat tires, need to refuel, but keep moving forward. If you’re feeling discouraged or stuck, reach out to an #LGSister for support or advice, I promise they will be happy to help!
  
FAVS:
 
Favorite Quote: “If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.”
Favorite Book: Philippa Gregory books (I can’t pick just one!)
Favorite TV Show: Sex and the City
Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
Favorite Vacation Spot: The Florida Keys; my grandparents live there and I’m actually going for vacation in June! 
Favorite Healthy Food: Ground turkey tacos with all the (healthy) fixings. 
Favorite Treat: Ice Cream
Favorite Weekend Activity: Doing fun outdoor activities with my family, preferably at the beach!
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Comments

  1. Cherish

    Thanks so much for spotlighting me! This definitely made me feel special and even more connected to the LG community! Xoxo

    • lauren640@aol.com

      You are so welcome. We are lucky to have you XO

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