Featured Fitale – Rachael Arnold

Find out how Rachael transformed her body to get in the best shape of her life.

Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).

Hello, my name is Rachael or affectionately known as Rae. I am a full time working single mother of 2 amazing kids (son 14 and daughter 6). I enjoy playing volleyball, fashion, singing in the shower and to my babies or course.  Most of all I enjoy movement! Whether its dancing, swimming or working out!

What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

After having my 2nd child in my 30s, the weight seemed a bit more stubborn than having a child at 21 yrs old. I initially wanted to lose the weight to be able to feel better when playing with my kids.

I also wanted to show my friends and family that there is always a way to achieve your goals no matter the obstacles you face. There is ALWAYS a way to make it happen for yourself!

I wanted to be happy and health for my kids and my family. I come from a long line of diabetes and high blood pressure. I wanted to be the one who shifted my family and started a new legacy.

A healthy one!

What was your beginning and current weight or measurements?

When I began I weighed 167.  I am 5’4″ and currently weigh 145.

Which physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

I started with my fun hobbies of playing volleyball. I initially attended a bootcamp were I had 3 days of HIIT training and 2 days/week of strength training.

I began to appreciate jogging as well. I hated running initially but feel in love with the meditative state I felt after completing a run.

How did your eating habits change?

My eating habits were the biggest change. I stopped eating processed food, stopped drinking sodas and juices and opted for water, tea, and coffee.

I incorporated a majority plant-based diet.

When I do consume meat it is generally fish. It seems to work well for my body type.

I eat lots of greens, nuts, grains, and pretty much every 2 hours.

What is your favorite fitness activity?

My favorite fitness activity is playing volleyball since I played in highschool and also with my sisters. It’s a tradition.

I also enjoy leg day…it makes me feel strong!

What do you do now to maintain your physique?

I try to my my body in any way shape or form EVERYDAY weather it’s dancing. Stretching, working out at the gym, or playing around with my kids.

I try not to go a day without some type of movement

How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)?

Once I experienced how great I felt, all the sacrifices made it worth it. My health was more important to me than the temporary satisfaction from a burger.

I began to appreciate whole food much more and rarely feel an urge to eat bad foods as the major part of my diet.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with their fitness journey but not sure where to begin?

My advice would be to focus on health and not physical appearance.  The physical appearance will come.

Also do not become obsessed with the scale. Measure how u feel more than how much you weigh

What do you think is the biggest misconception about this journey?

The biggest misconception is that I lost weight for “more attention” or to please others. My journey came from SELF LOVE nothing more, nothing less.

Do you have any fitness inspirations?  Who are they?

Kaisa from Kaisafit and Massy Arias. I have followed them on Instagram for many years. They are great!

How can readers learn more about your transformation and journey online (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)?

Instagram @rae.amore.fit.