Here at Yes.Fit, we truly appreciate all our members and love being part of their fitness journeys. Every win is a big deal, but today, we want to give a special shout-out to this amazing person and let her know just how proud we are of her achievements and share her inspiring story with the world.
Meet Jessica Hausch
Let me share my journey with you. Before I discovered Yes.fit, my days were filled with late-night crafting, TV, and endless snacking. I was struggling with my weight, well over 300 lbs, and dealing with chronic knee pain that had led to multiple surgeries. The idea of more surgeries, like knee replacements, was looming on the horizon. But I couldn’t afford them, especially after realizing that weight loss surgery wasn’t covered by my insurance, with a hefty price tag of around $20,000.
I had tried all sorts of diets and shortcuts, but nothing seemed to stick. Then, in early 2021, a series of life events hit me – my 20th high school reunion was on the horizon, my mom’s health was a concern, my daughter was heading into middle school, and I had missed out on so much of my son’s life because I felt “too big” to join in family activities.
Seeing family members engage in 5K races and outdoor adventures fueled my desire for change. It was around this time that I started noticing Yes.fit ads showcasing people of all shapes, sizes, and ages winning medals. I thought, “Could I ever earn one of those?”
I decided to take the plunge, starting slowly but steadily. My initial attempts were modest – I was walking just a third of a mile at a time. Gradually, I pushed myself further, and when I received my first green envelope with the Mark Twain medal, I was hooked. This tangible representation of my hard work was incredibly motivating.
The summer of 2022 marked a turning point. I’d shed some weight, hovering around 270lbs, and I was tired of half-hearted efforts. I wanted to enjoy activities with my family, but I still loved indulging in food. So, instead of strict diets, I began making small, better choices. I’d still enjoy some candy or dessert but in moderation.
One of the most significant sources of support and motivation came from the Yes.fit Facebook community. It wasn’t just about virtual medals; it was about real friendships and connections formed through hard but enjoyable work. The diversity of backgrounds in the community served as a constant source of inspiration.
My path to a more active lifestyle wasn’t without challenges. My knees were still problematic, and I faced a few sprained ankles. However, with each pound lost, I experienced less pressure on my knees. Chair exercises and upper body strength training helped me stay active during recovery periods.
I’m a master at sneaking in activity. Whether it’s doing bills while walking on a treadmill, folding laundry while cycling, or multitasking, I’ve found creative ways to burn calories. Today, I fluctuate between 175-180lbs and have covered over 9000 miles with Yes.fit. I’ve lost at least 140lbs.
Walking during work breaks, both inside and outside, has become a habit. Lunch breaks also provide an opportunity for a refreshing stroll. A mini trampoline my boss brought in has become my go-to for indoor exercise, especially during the winter.
After work, when I help out at my parents’ antique shop, I find ways to walk in place and sneak in a mile or two. When I have the evening to myself, I engage in cycling, often completing 5 to 20 miles, depending on my energy levels.
I’ve also encouraged my sister to join in, and we’ve bonded over virtual Yes.fit races, jokingly calling ourselves the “2 Sisters Down 200+.” Due to my knee issues, I’ve accepted that running isn’t in my immediate future, and I’m fine with that, as I focus on shedding that extra 20 to 25 pounds of skin through surgery.
Food-wise, I’ve moved away from calorie counting and strict diets. Instead, I practice moderation, enjoying a variety of foods. The motivation of earning medals keeps me in check, and over time, I’ve developed a preference for fresh fruit and veggies.
I can’t emphasize enough how Yes.fit’s incremental rewards, combined with a supportive community and staff, have kept me on track. Yes.fit has not only transformed my life but my entire perspective on the world. I see it differently now, and I’m fully engaged in life with my family.
In this journey, I’ve not only earned medals but also forged a genuine friendship. I met Ada/Monica Mahoney through the Yes.fit Facebook group, and she even drove seven hours to meet me in person and run a live race together. This incredible journey continues to be an inspiring and transformative experience.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story with us and for allowing us to be a part of your life, we love you!!