How long have you been working out at the gym?
I’ve been going on and off since I was 16 years old. At that time, I thought that I wasn’t attractive unless I was very thin like the models in the magazines. So, I would exercise for weight loss and to try and look like the models on the cover of magazines, not for my health.
How did you start/get involved with working out at they gym?
A friend invited me to try her gym. I can’t remember the name of the gym we went to. It was probably the worst gym I’ve ever worked out at for presentation. Since then I’ve tried several gyms to see what suits me. I like Anytime Fitness because I can access the gym 24 hours a day and seven days a week. I get up at 4am to go to work and this gym gives me the option of going before work if I want to. I also like that it doesn’t close for statutory holidays. The staff is friendly and down to earth. They also check in on you to see if everything is going well. I like the quality and the technology of their machines.
What do you love most about working out?
How great I feel afterwards. It is difficult to get to the gym with a busy schedule. However, once I do work out I feel so much better. I don’t feel guilty about not going, I feel calmer, and just happier in general. It makes me focus more on the positives in life, instead of stressing about the negatives. My gym workouts make me feel confident, strong, energetic and less stressed.
What are some of your major milestones that you have achieved while at the gym?
I guess watching myself get stronger, more flexible, and more endurance. But it’s really helped me through times when I felt really low. Working out has helped me through low times when I’ve felt depressed from different life events. It also makes a huge difference with calming my anxiety.
What are some of the challenges you have had to overcome in order to make the decision to work out at a gym?
I used to worry how I looked working out. I thought that people would judge me for not being super fit … but now that I am older, I’ve realized that most people have their own insecurities. Since then it’s no longer bothered me if someone was judging me. This was also a way of facing my shyness, which was something I had really badly, when I was younger.
What is some advice you have for someone who might want to give working out at a gym a try?
Just focus on yourself and enjoy your workout. Try not to think about anyone else but yourself while you are there.
What keeps you motivated to keep going to the gym?
Knowing what the results will be mentally and physically. The gym is really a place for me to clear my mind and feel good about who I am.
How has working out shaped the person you are today?
It’s made me more confident in my own skin. Facing self image fears has only made me stronger mentally.
How do your friends describe you?
There’s quite a bit of diversity among my friends, so I tend to show different sides to each one. But according to my best friend I’m quirky, creative, compassionate, thoughtful, and funny.
Who is your role model?
I’ve never had just one role model. My role models are strong, smart, and self loving women who aren’t afraid to follow their dreams.
What do you love about yourself?
I love that I’m not afraid to be different. I am a quirky creative individual and I don’t know a lot of people who are like me. However, although most people I know have different views and interests, I’m not afraid to show mine.
Outside of working out at the gym, Charlene enjoys crafting, she is avery creative person. She is totally addicted to Pinterest! Anything she sees that she likes she tries doing it herself. Some examples are painting, sculpture, wood carving, cake decorating, sewing, and DIY projects. Charlene is someone who is always growing and learning. A passionate person who follows her goals and dreams, she is kind hearted and shows love to those around her.
When asked what makes you FabUplus, Charlene replied being herself, and loving and accepting herslef for who she is without having to worry about being judged.
Thank you for sharing your passion with us Charlene. If you would like to join our curvy community and share with us what makes you FabUplus, please drop us a line at shannon@fabuplusmagazine.com