This week, the Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Rebecca Crocker, who worked with Coach Derek Stanley.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Rebecca Crocker
Tell us a little about you in 5 sentences or less. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What are your hobbies? Anything unique about your life that you want to share?
I own & operate Becca Paige Photography, which involves working from home, unless I’m shooting. I live in Belton, TX but travel often for work & stay pretty busy on the road. I am a single woman, so all food/activity/routine decisions fall completely on me. My passions in life are people, business, and sports. Go Spurs Go!
What led you to join Stronger U?
My mother passed away of a heart attack when she was only 41. I was 8 years old. I’m now 32 and battling obesity, just as I have been since childhood. My amazing aunt Sheri has been my cheerleader for years knowing heart disease runs in our family. She started SU in the Fall and encouraged me to try it out. I just wasn’t mentally ready to take the step. I was in a funk & avoiding the scale mostly… then I hopped on the scale one day and bawled when I realized I had hit my heaviest weight. My aunt had great success with SU in just a few months. Thankfully, 6 weeks after my scale fiasco, there was a seminar in Waco, TX she encouraged me to attend. I walked in feeling ashamed and embarrassed as I was surrounded by some incredibly fit people, thinking “I do not look like these people. I do not belong here.” Then I sat in awe as I listened to the coaches breakdown that losing weight isn’t that complicated. It’s simply calories burnt and calories consumed. I spoke with a few coaches, then was greeted with a big hug from Coach Derek Stanley. I quickly felt comfortable to share my WHY (my mother) for wanting to join SU. He listened and immediately encouraged me that I could overcome my battles. I was ready to take the first step, so I reached out to Derek that evening.
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
I tried Weight Watchers a few times – I’d lose and then gain back the amount I lost plus some. I did Keto for a month before SU. Sure, I lost 13 pounds, but I knew I could not sustain the diet for the rest of my life. I needed a lifestyle change I could incorporate forever.
It’s clear Stronger U worked for you. Why do you think Stronger U worked so well when other programs or diets may have not?
It’s a lifestyle, something I can sustain for the rest of my life. I don’t even like to call it “dieting”. I’m still consuming close to 2000 calories/ day, & I don’t feel so restricted. My coach…. oh, my coach… I can honestly say he is my biggest supporter. Good days, bad days – he has been there. He coaches me with grace but also shoots it straight. He’s passionate about health/fitness but also passionate about people. He is an amazing asset to the program. I am forever grateful for Coach Derek.
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
Outta control. I love veggies and fruits… but I also love sweets and fried foods. Unfortunately, I am a recovering emotional eater. It’s something I’ve worked on overcoming since I was a little girl. Sadly, my father’s ex-wife would withhold food as a form of punishment (often), so I’ve had to work incredibly hard on my relationship with food.
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
I know that food is simply to fuel my body. I feel in control. I have guidelines to follow. If I have a bad day, I know what steps I need to take the next day to prepare for a good day. I also realized that whoever decided a tablespoon of peanut butter is only 18g is the devil. I was over consuming that beloved food for years. I was obviously over consuming a lot of serving sizes for years.
If you exercise or train for a sport, what does a typical week look like? Did Stronger U have any impact in your decision to start exercising or training for a sport?
Crossfit is my main go to. I started the sport a couple weeks before SU, but I can’t tell you enough how much better my body feels as I fuel it properly.
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
37.5 pounds
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
I lost 8 inches. I also question my waist measuring skills. My core was such a bubble at the beginning. Who knows how consistent that was. 🙂 Most people tell me, after viewing my transformation pics, that I’ve probably lost more.
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
Mental health improvement. Blood pressure dropped. Energy increased!
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
As cliche as it sounds, I have more energy and feel more confident. I travel via plane for work sometimes. When I first started the program, I confessed to my coach that I bought a seatbelt extender for an upcoming plane ride, just in case. I cried for 3 days after I ordered it. Luckily, I didn’t end up needing it, but I still felt so uncomfortable on the plane ride. I feel much more confident that I can now get on a plane and not feel like I’m spilling over into the other seats.
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
It takes some work in the beginning, and that can seem overwhelming, but stick to it and the “work” will soon become habits. Prepare for a good day. I meal prep once a week and input my info into My Fitness Pal the night before. There will be bad days, but it’s just one day (or two or three). You haven’t screwed up your overall progress so get back on track. Drink your water and move your body!
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
I wish I was rich so I could purchase sessions for anyone interested, just so they can taste the goodness and see what it’s all about. It’s truly changed my life. Not only has it changed my life, but it’s saved my life. The cost is simply the best investment you could ever make in yourself.