Success Spotlight - Durray F.

Please meet our Member Of The Month! Durray joined our Hers Family 1.5 years ago and we want to spotlight her success! Let's find out what she has to say about her journey thus far...

Let’s wind back the clocks. How long ago did you join Hers Kickboxing and what were you hoping to get out of it?

I joined HERS on Aug. 18, 2023. I would like to share a bit about my recent health journey to answer this question. On March 29, 2022, I delivered my second baby while battling COVID. This led to a series of health issues, including heart palpitations that lasted over a year, shortness of breath and persistent headaches. I often felt like my heart was in my throat, making it difficult to swallow, and experienced chest heaviness and a cough that took over six months to subside. My blood pressure was alarmingly low and I was also diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Within the span of a year, I faced cholestasis of pregnancy, jaundice, hand, foot, and mouth disease, fatty liver, and high cholesterol, all while caring for a toddler and a newborn.

In an effort to improve my health after a four-year break from the gym, I decided to join HERS. My primary goal isn't to achieve a certain physique, but rather to regain my pre-pregnancy health. I believe the physique will come as I lower my body fat, but greater benefit would be of overall health getting better. This is my goal and proof is in the pudding. Please see attached results. Over the last 17 months, there has been a reduction of 7% in body fat. I have also lost 12.5lbs and my 2025 goal is to lose another 15lbs. 

What struggles had you been facing and how did they make you feel? 

Losing this weight is a huge accomplishment for me and I couldn't be more thrilled. Even before having kids, I was stuck at 150lbs for the longest time, and no matter what I did, that pesky weight needle just wouldn’t budge. This was my biggest struggle and every time I looked at the mom pooch it made me feel like I was still 3-months pregnant. Something had to be done in order to address the post-partum belly with diastasis recti. 

When did you know you needed to make a change? What was that turning point for you?

There was a time when I was constantly feeling groggy, lazy and utterly drained of energy. It was a turning point in my life and I knew I needed to take action to feel like myself again. That's when I decided to join HERS kickboxing, and let me tell you, it has been the best decision I've ever made! 

Since starting kickboxing, I have felt an incredible surge of energy and a renewed sense of well-being. The physical activity has not only helped me shake off that constant lethargy, but it's also been a tremendous boost to my mental health. Kickboxing has empowered me, uplifted my spirits and helped me overcome my depression.

I feel fantastic now and I can't emphasize enough how much this decision has positively impacted my life. If you're ever feeling down or lacking energy, I highly recommend giving HERS a try. It might just be the life-changing experience you're looking for! 

What made you decide to take the leap and join Hers Kickboxing?

I've done weight training and CrossFit in the past, but I've decided to give HERS Kickboxing (6-weeks Challenge) a try and fell in love with the program. What really drew me to it is the perfect mix of weight training, conditioning workouts, and cardio that kickboxing offers. It made complete sense to join, and I've been loving the variety and intensity of the workouts. This was in an effort to feel better about myself and improve my overall well-being. It’s been an invigorating experience and I’m thrilled about the positive changes it’s bringing to my life. 

What stood out? What was attractive to you about the Hers?

I was attracted to: 1) the programs at HERS, and  was incredibly excited to dive right into it. The energy, the discipline, and the sheer fun of it have already made a big impact on my fitness journey. 2) Not to mention the support and encouragement HERS coaches have provided me means the world to me. 3) wonderful community of like-minded women. Every workout session has been such a joy, not only for the exercise, but also for the incredible friendships I've formed. After each session, we always have a chance to chat and get to know each other better. It's been so heartwarming to connect with such inspiring and supportive women. We've even taken our conversations beyond the gym and enjoyed coffee, tea and lunches together. In the summer of 2024, a bunch of us participated in a MUDGIRL obstacle race. These moments have truly enriched my life and made my fitness journey even more rewarding.

What happened once you registered? 

Once I became a member, it came with an amazing set of perks, including a free 6-week challenge, unlimited classes, a detailed meal plan and top-notch nutrition coaching. 

One of the highlights for me has been the accountability coach. They have been instrumental in keeping me on track, ensuring that I'm eating well and avoiding unhealthy food choices. Their support has made a significant difference in my journey.

Additionally, I received some awesome free gear to kickstart my fitness journey, including kickboxing gloves and a bag. This made it incredibly easy to dive right into the program.

Overall, HERS has been a game-changer for me and I couldn't be happier with the resources and support provided.

Did you have any struggles? Was the program easy to follow? How was the vibe? 

One of the biggest struggles for me was getting rid of stubborn body fat. In the beginning, it felt like I wasn't making any progress with my workouts and I wasn't losing anything. It took my body a year to actually shed the body fat, and it was a tough journey. 

Every body is different, but mine was extremely stubborn. If I can lose this much fat while managing a very busy lifestyle as a full-time technical program manager for an engineering team in the semiconductor field, dealing with a stressful job, and being a mom of two boys, aged 4 and 3, then anyone can do it.

The fitness program was really easy to follow. The hardest part was just showing up, but I'm glad I had wonderful support from the coaches, who even pushed me to come and work out through social media after the class. The vibe was really nice, and I loved it.

What have been the results from joining our challenge/program, and how have they impacted you, your business, or your loved ones?

Since I started my new workout routine, the effects have been nothing short of amazing. I feel incredibly energized throughout the day and it has made a world of difference in my interactions both at work and at home. My mood has significantly improved, and I find myself being more positive and engaging with my colleagues. At home, my husband and kids have noticed the change too and our time together has become so much more enjoyable. It's incredible how such a change can bring about so many positive improvements in various aspects of life. I just wanted to share this with you and encourage anyone who might be considering a similar change to go for it! 

And how did those results make you feel? 

This makes me feel so happy and feel like my life just got back.

What do you feel you can now do going forward with the skills and experience you have gained from your time with us? 

As we step into the new year, I am filled with a renewed sense of determination and motivation. My primary goal for this year is to keep pushing forward and not let anything hold me back. This is just the beginning, and it's definitely not the time to stop. 

One of my main focuses will be to continue working on my health. I am committed to decreasing my body fat percentage even further and bringing my cholesterol levels back to normal. Additionally, I am determined to resolve my fatty liver issue. I am hoping that with the skills and experience I have gained in the past year and a half, to take all of that knowledge and level up ;) 

What would you say to somebody who is on the fence and thinking about joining? Should they join? Why or why not?  

I am absolutely thrilled about the journey ahead and can't wait to see the positive changes it will bring to all HERS ladies. If you're still on the fence about joining, I have a suggestion for you – why not try a trial week? Just after one kickboxing class, you'll be able to feel the difference and make an informed decision.

I promise you, you'll notice a significant boost in energy and a surge in power after each kickboxing session. It's an incredible feeling that I believe everyone should experience.

Here's to a year of health, progress, and perseverance! Let's make every punch and kick count. Cheers to new beginnings and healthier lifestyles! Happy New Year!!