Transformation Tuesday! How POPster Sarah Gained Confidence
Transformation Tuesday! How POPster Sarah Gained Confidence
Hey guys!
Hope you are having a lovely day so far. I’m very happy to see that over 4,000 of you are ready to join in on the 12 Week New Body Makeover Meal Plan and Challenge. This is going to be amazing. Keep following my blog to find out how and when the meal plan will be released.
I was checking the Blogilates App Forum and found this beautiful young lady in the Hot Topics section! (BTW please go check your iPhone updates for version 1.4 where the double Nov 3-Nov 3 issue in the Workout Calendar will be fixed.) I haven’t been posting transformations in a while but today I want to share with you POPster Sarah Patridge’s story! By using just Blogilates workout videos, she changed her body, began to love her body, and ultimately gained confidence again. Read on and be inspired to make a change in your own life.
Hello Cassey!!!!
OMG I can’t believe that this is happening! I am a huge fan of yours, like many others I’m sure. I put up my transformation photo on your app thinking nothing would ever come of it, but boy was I wrong!! A few days later I checked your app and saw that my photo had 292 likes!! And the nicest comments ever! From all the beautiful people of the Blogilates community. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw your comment! It is such an honor that you have asked me to send in my story.
My name is Sarah and I’m from Waterford in Ireland. My problems with my weight started when I was 13. This is when I became more conscious about my appearance than ever! I wasn’t comfortable and I wasn’t happy. When I started secondary school I really felt the pressure to fit in. I noticed that all the girls around me could eat what they want and still remain so skinny…whereas I was struggling so badly. It almost felt unfair. I was overweight and I wasn’t in any way athletic. But it wasn’t just looks that bothered me. I would get exhausted and out of breath very easily. I didn’t want this to become a bigger problem as I get older. I was also so disheartened to see that my clothing sizes were getting bigger and bigger. It was like I had no control over my body. I didn’t know what to do. But I knew I had to do something. I wasn’t going to make any excuses.
I tried every crazy diet out there! I started walking too. Nothing seemed to give me any results. One night I was looking up exercises on YouTube…I must have spent hours trying to find something I was capable of doing! And then I came across your videos…
…and my life has never been the same since!!!
I remember the first video I ever did of yours. It was the “Upper Body Workout – Arms, Chest, and Shoulders! (Full 10 min) Pilates Video.“
Oh man do I remember the feeling after it!!! Haha. Though the workout was amazing, it was more what you said at the end of that video that made something click in me. You said “Good luck and keep doing it. This is hard.”
I have never forgotten it since.
You have taught me an awful lot about things I need to do – not just to become fit but to become healthy! I never knew anything about nutrition and how important it is when it comes to losing weight. I always just thought you had to work out and that was it! Because of you Cassey I am no longer obsessed with the number on the scale. I never thought I would ever say this but I am now a fitness freak!!! I run, play on football teams and of course do POP Pilates where ever and whenever I can!!
Honestly words cannot describe how much my confidence has changed. I used to be called names by my so called “friends “when I started secondary school and for a long time I really believed them. But since doing POP Pilates, my mind has gotten so much stronger. I have left those girls who kept putting me down and have made new friends who are always there to support me in what I do 🙂 I now have a loving and supportive boyfriend too. I get my girls to join me in your videos all the time…it’s like one big Pilates party at my house !! 😀 Haha we even have Pilates sleepovers !
For anyone who is struggling with their diet, here is my typical meal plan:
– Breakfast: Porridge or Blogilates banana pancakes!
– Lunch: A healthy homemade smoothie! Or a nice crispy salads 🙂 chicken is my fave!
– Dinner: I adore sweet potato. I have it with lots of yummy veggies and a small breast of chicken without the skin! :p
– Snacks: I tend to have a piece of fruit or something extra yummy on the blogilates app! The cheesy cauliflower pizza is Epic!!! 😀
Favorite Blogilates Recipe: Ahhh that’s a tough one! But it would have to be the oatmeal and banana cookies they are soooo yummy 🙂 and so easy to make!
Favorite Blogilates Workout: I adore all the cardio videos – they are tough but great :p I must say my favorite is POP Pilates for Weight Loss. I do it every morning 🙂 Feel that burn!
It’s funny. I don’t know you or the POPsters on a personal level but you all have had such a positive influence on me and my life. I now know that I’m working my hardest to avoid getting diabetes and other weight-related health problems because you have educated me and changed my life. Thank you so much Cassey. xxxx
Love, Sarah
*****
Sarah, thank you for that beautiful letter! Though you are young, I am so proud that you took the steps necessary to change your health and make over your life. I remember being in middle school – girls were so judgmental. Anytime anyone says anything, you take it to heart. It is also so tough to leave your social circle. You’re leaving your comfort zone…you’re safety. I had “friends” that made fun of me too. I was also a little overweight back then and it almost seemed that everyone wanted me to know it. You did the right thing. Leave people behind who don’t make you feel good and focus on what does. And you found that through fitness. I am so happy that I was able to help support you along the way. I hope you continue to inspire other girls to live healthier lives. Those POP Pilates sleepovers sound like fun 🙂
A lot of young people get sucked into wanting to achieve thigh gaps and slim waists, but you’ve showed that you care more about than just vanity. Good for you!!! Put your health first and everything else will follow. And just so you know…you look VIBRANT and AMAZING!!!
Follow Sarah on Twitter and Instagram for more inspiration!
If any of you guys want to turn in a transformation story, please email me at POPsterPost@gmail.com with photos.
Thank you and hope this inspired you to get moving no matter your age. The time is now.
If you want to read more Transformation stories, click HERE.
Love you,
Cassey
90 thoughts on “Transformation Tuesday! How POPster Sarah Gained Confidence”
There are 90 comments posted by our users.
You look so amazing and happy!! So proud of you xo
Oi gente eu sou do Brasil!
Não falo inglês, mas adoro os videos da cassey, acho muito divertido e vibrante. fiquei emocionada com a história de superação, parabéns e continue firme.
gostaria de agradecer a cassey pelo videos, por tudo, adoro vc, e oro pra que Deus te dê força e alegria a cada dia!
I am starting the four week plan tomorrow and I am super exited! Wish me luck!
how did it go?
Yeah, curious.
How did it go? (detail)
I’m from ireland too !and BTW you look amazing!Iam feeling very inspired
Sarah,
I am just getting started with Cassey and her workouts. You are the first story I read and WOW you look so awesome in that black dress. Your boyfriend must love taking you out. Thank you for your story and inspiring others to get healthy.
This is amazing! GO YOU :p
So nice to see a fellow Irish girl on here! (We’re a very small country it’s always a surprise to see more of us on forums outside of Ireland!) This has really inspired me to continue my workouts, she looks amazing! I think she looked beautiful in the final before picture as well but it’s hard to argue with the confidence and happiness working out has given her 🙂
Wow! I feel like i have motivation to do this now. You look amazing!
You look absolutely stunning..keep doing what you do!
absolutely beautiful!
I’m from Ireland too!
Wow, this really is amazing. It’s people like you who made me realize I need to get back on my feet. <3 you look fabulous
OMGG THis girl is veryy motivating me because I will start my diet program and workout plan tomorrow with blogilates and hope I will achieve it !!
As I have experienced myself – even the most slim girl is always obsessed with getting better shape! We always find some smallest flaws and try to eliminate them. It is already proven that proper exercises together with diet can provide you desirable results. However, there the approaches on how to train and what to eat are countless! I found quite simple solution for myself: my meals should promote my trainings and make them provide quicker results. Not without the help of the following resourse militarygradenutritionals.com/blog. They give plenty of info on different training techniques and diet plans, right exercises and products which help you on your way.
Woah. You look amazing, and should be totally proud of what you’ve accomplished. No matter how much weight you lost or how much of your body actually changed, what matter is the increase in self esteem and girl you look great, keep it up 🙂
She is absolutely beautiful and inspiring but Isn’t she eating a little too little a day or is that normal because I eat a lot more than that throughout the day and I’m wondering if I should try her food plan
I believe she is eating very little. But maybe that’s all her body needs! Personally I eat soooo much more and as long as it’s healthy it’s good for you! Different bodies have different needs, if you eat clean and workout there should be no problem at all 🙂
Hey guys. WOW! you look so gorgeous. That smile in the after pic! That is exactly what I am going for. I am starting the Victoria Secret arm and ab workouts. I want to slim my upper body. I am so excited! And again congratulations.
You are gorgeous, girl! Wow, really stunningly beautiful 🙂 And I love the confidence in your eyes now!
This left me teary eyed! I am really proud of anyone who has the commitment and drive to workout and eat clean everyday and transform themselves. It’s not an easy task. Good luck everyone I wish you all the best, and Sarah, you are awesome!
Hey! Loving these transformation stories, so inspirational! Looking forward to reading some new ones! :)))
Congratulations Sarah, you are really inspiring :). I think I want to have a pilates sleep over now too!
Such a beautiful girl! Well done darling. I am amazed that even when you were put down you pushed through like a true survivor!
You inspired me!! Great job x
Well done Sarah! You should be really proud of yourself and the progress you’ve made so far. 🙂
Thanks for the inspirational story.
What a great transformation. You did a fantastic job!
Absolutely beautiful and so encouraging! I can’t wait to try her fav recipe too. Keep up the great work Sarah :).
I’m SO proud of you girl-you inspire me, Casey YOU inspire me. One day soon I hope to achieve what you have. You were beautiful then-and now your transformation is amazing. 🙂
I am Back to get some help from cassey!! 🙂 I am getting married Aug 16th, 2014 and plan on being my healthiest, feeling most confident and looking amazing in my dress!! I am joining the 12 week transformation and will share my pictures!! so excited! lets do this ladies!! <3
Wow…this story is really inspirational. I’ve been watching Blogilates for a while now but have only done two videos. I really need to lose weight…I don’t need the scales to tell me that. I’m 14 and I feel like all I’ve been doing for the past year or so is piling on the pounds. I’m really excited about starting the beginner’s calendar, but I really want a buddy to do it with me to keep up the motivation! Is anyone willing to buddy up with me? 😀
Hi! I just started the beginner’s workout today. I wouldn’t mind keeping each other in check! hehehe
Im reading this while eating ice cream…
what a tranformation, you are very beautiful. i have been doing pilates a while now, some days i loose motivation and others i am full of beans to work out. At the moment though i cant seem to eat clean! reading this has spurred me on to plan, do Cassy’s 12 week meal plan.
I’m starting my diet tomorrow. i’m 14 , 5’3 and i weigh about 195. i really need a buddy or someone that would be willing to do this with me!
I wouldn’t say I lived close, but if you have Skype or Facebook I would love to join in 😀
okay! email me at peraltaa50@yahoo.com
Hey I’m 14 and I would love to be fitness buddies!:)
Hi guys, my names jordyn. I’m 13 years old and I weight 185.5 pounds. I have a lot of self esteem issues and I get bullied a lot for it. My weight changes drastically everyday sometimes I lose up to 8 pounds a day, but I would gain 13 pounds back. I don’t know what else to do. PLEASE HELP!!!!
It is really difficult to stick to a weight loss program but the key is … keep trying, keep starting over if need be, one day it will stick and you will succeed!!!
Don’t worry about what the scale says. Unfortunately, it’s completely natural for women to bounce back and forth up to 10lbs because of our hormones and the effects of our menstrual cycles. As a teenager, you may experience this even more extremely. I’m 28 and I still experience it. Focus on building muscle and strength when setting your goals, not the numbers on the scale. I do yoga 3-4 times a week and my strength goal is to be able to do a pigeon position and a headstand. I find that having those goals drives me much more than the numbers on the scale.
Hi Jordyn! First of all I love your name in general and the way yours is spelled is so unique and cute!–Anyway, I wanted to reach out to you because I really connect with your story. I was in the 7th grade and weighed 190.1 pounds. I remember the number exactly because I vowed I would never let it get higher. I was obsessive over my weight, and like you, had a lot of self esteem issues. My “skinny” friends just didn’t understand how I felt. Luckily, hrough dancing and living a healthier life style, I was able to get down to about 140 in high school, and then my lowest ever- 132, freshman year of college. However, the “sophomore 15” caught up with me to say the least, and I am now back up to about 170, at the age of 20. I recently found Cassey and am in love with her workouts and inspiration, but it truly is up to me (and you) to decide we want it for ourselves. If you stay true to your goal and work towards it, it will happen!! And then we have to stick with it- we will both feel more healthy and beautiful, and we can do it; I promise!! Best of luck!
Emily
Hi sarah! I think you are an inspiration, you and Cassey ofcourse. See, I just found blogilates about three weeks or so. I became a mom three years ago and still struggling to lose weight. I have periods of time when I feel so motivated but then I get depressed and stop doing what I was doing to get in a better shape. And seeing you, how far you’ve get makes me think like, maaaan! I want to get great results too!
So you better keep it that way because now you’ve become not just an inspiration to me but to a lot of popsters and I’m so happy you changed your lifestyle ot just for the great body but for the healt benefits it comes with. Keep smiling and loving yourself, you are awesome!
(btw excuse me for my bad english, Im trying my best haha)
You’re really beautiful and sexy :p It really motivate me to read history like that…. When I read those I feel like I can do it and I completely forget what people say !! Thank you so much, this story makes my day !! Love you <3
WOW!! You look freakin’ GORGEOUS! You’re such an inspiration, and I adore your typical meal plan – it’s pretty much what I try to do on a good day! Keep up the amazing work. I’m currently trying to work towards my final “before & after”, so please if you have time visit my blog http://hippotohot.blogspot.com/ =) Love your blog, Cassey!
Sarah your story inspired me so much! I am basically going through what you have been and I so wanted to lose weight. I wanted to change. Thank you for sharing your story, I am now motivated!
OMG Sarah, you look amazing!
You’re such an inspiration. Stories like this always motivate me to take good care of myself by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Congrat Sarah, u look beautiful, fit and most of all healthier, happier. I’m stepping in eating healthy and do regular excercise for almost three weeks now but the transformation progress seem too slow which sometime I’m so impatient whenever I look at the mirror. After reading ur story and a hug inspiration from
Cassey’s video I will keep up to hoe full look better, fell better…
Well done Sarah! You look really great and confident!
Are you still getting thinner or are you trying to stay this way?
I’m really happy for the changes you’ve made in your personal life as well!
xx
I love how she lost weight, but didn’t lost her boobs ^^ That’s the most amazing part about good nutrition and exercise. You lose weight, but not your curves ^^
We both love sweet potato and fruit for snacks with chicken! Awesome work!
What a beautiful and inspiring story! I was impressed with your “never give up” attitude and positivism. Also, you have excellent writing skills! You’re just amazing all-around. Congratulations for becoming comfortable in your own skin! I can’t wait until I am comfortable in mine.
That is so inspiring!!!! I can really relate to what you went through 🙂
You look great Sarah!! Not only because your body improved but because you did too. You can really see the shine coming from inside you! The fire that’s within you. Your story made me smile 🙂 I’m very happy for you even if we don’t know personal.
You are an inspiration now!
I was called names for other reasons when I was in school and I had more or less the problem that everyone thought I’m too skinny. >.< which isn't true, really. I just can't change the fact that my upper body really is thin compared to the rest. but to be honest: I don't care much about what they think anymore. I love my body how it. sure thing it still doesn't stop me from working out. I just love it too much <3
I'm glad to read how many other people love working out and I love reading their stories and their successes. You are all great and wonderful!
This is making me so happy !! You seems to be a really nice person 🙂
I’m too lazy to do those videos everyday and I’m glad to hear that you could overcome that, and that you became confident and happy! My problem is that I do little exercise, although I always eat clean. And since I’m still in school I’ve got little time to do it either. If anyone has got tipps to get motivated to do it and how to manage your time, so that sport can fit into your schedule, I would appreciate to hear (read, in this case haha) them. Thanks Popsters 🙂
What I did before I figured out a proper schedule was just doing the short song challenges and then slowly building up with time, or just do a shorter total body and then build up I started from one song challenge every 2 days then built up to 5 full days a week with one dance class :)………I really hope this was a real answer hahaha
Just try to squeeze it in. I started Blogilates in July, when I didn’t have school, but I do even more now, even though I don’t have a lot of spare time because of University. I don’t know how tight your schedule is, but this month’s Friday and Saturday exercises only take me 50 minutes together, so that’s only 25min in a day. The other days you can swap the longer video’s for a POP HIIT and one or two song challenges (like Call me maybe, Bootyful, Roar etc.) This way you can do a hard workout maybe 5 times a week for about 20-30 minutes a day.
I like to wake up an hour earlier for Cassey, so if you find you motivation and determination maybe you will too ^^ Eating clean is of course already half of the work, so keep up with that!
Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks a lot Jolien 🙂 I’ll try it. And thanks Cassandra too 😀
Rice Cookers work wonders when you’re in school (especially). You can easily prepare meals (e.g., steamed veggies, veggies cakes, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, quinoa, etc….not just rice) in them while doing other things. I’m a busy teacher (commuting at least 3 hours everyday) and my rice cooker has saved my life. Also, a blender is awesome. Buy a bunch of fresh fruit cut it up and portion it out for smoothies. Put the portions into ziploc freezer bags and simply pull them out and add your greens (spinach, kale, arugula, etc.) and water (and maybe a fresh banana) and you’ve got a filling breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Yay! You’re one of my new inspirations Sarah! I’m so happy for you! 🙂
I hope that I can do such an amazing transformation like you!
You’re perf 🙂
This is such an amazing transformation 🙂 way to go Sarah!!!
What a beautiful transformation and your posture is lovely!!
What a wonderful story, So proud of you Sarah!!! You are a inspiration!!!
Woo! Sexy Sarahhhh! You have the body of Kim Kardashian! What a hot tamale and an inspiration! I love soccer as well Sarah (it gives you a great butt, better than most routine workouts do! *wink**wink*).
Great job sarah! You look beautiful! Thanks for being a grest motivator! And thank you cassey!!
Transformation Tuesdays keep me so motivated! I wish we kept having them every week
What a transformation, Sarah! You look absolutely amazing! It’s so wonderful to read your story. You’re an inspiration to us all. It’s definitely what will keep me going. Thank you for that 🙂
That’s awesome you go girl!! I’m so proud of your accomplishments you really inspire me!
Great Job! You look AMAZING!!!!!!!
Sarah, you rock! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I cried as I read the joy and pain in your words. It was so emotional for me, as I related to your determination to fight for your happiness. It’s stories like yours that help me through the rough times as well. Thank you for generously opening up your heart and path to success.
This story brought tears to my eyes. I know what its like to be called names about weight. When I was 15 my “best friend” who I had known since I was 11 made a comment about me needing to go to the gym. Because Im a former gymnast I have always had muscle and my thighs were bigger then others because of this. I had just started elite cheerleading so I had nothing to worry about we trained for up to 3 hours every second night as well as a 5km run before training and I went swimming every other day. Needless to say we weren’t friends for much longer after that.
Moral of the story. Don’t let others get you down when you are loving yourself it doesn’t matter what they say .
Also I have been trying to get back my health and fitness after not doing anything for a year. But I keep losing motivation. Any tips on how to stay motivated? I want to change so badly.
Also any tips on motivating other people. I am worried about my sisters health since she stopped ballet and dance. I want her to be part of my journey back but she isn’t motivated enough too even try.
Thanks Alannah 🙂
I know what you mean! It’s so hard to stay motivated :/ but just surround yourself with people who will push you and if you use social media sites post things so you keep yourself accountable. Tell everyone thats in your every day life that you are trying to be healthier and that will keep you accountable too. Make a short term goal for yourself. Whether its making a dance team or setting a record, whatever just keep looking to that and it will motivate you! DON’T make it about losing weight. I’m trying to motivate my sister as well. She stopped doing cheerleading and really getting lazy and I want to hep her as well. Good luck! I’m rooting for you!
wow ! ;o
Wow congrats you look amazing ,such a inspirational story !!!!!!!
Sarah is a truly inspirational person. Someone I hope to be as happy as. She loves life now, and haas the confidence to do and say anything. I hope by the time I reach my goal I’ll be as content as her.
Michaela xxx
This story is exactly what I needed today.. I’m on day 2 of deciding to change my life for the better through fitness & healthy eating. It’s gonna be a CHALLENGE. But I’m willing to take it on. Sarah looks so glowing! What an inspiration x
Congratulations Sarah! You look absolutely beautiful =)
This story is so inspirational and sounds so familiar to my own life. After reading your story it has made me even more determined to become the fit and healthy person I want to be.
So thank you for sharing =)
This is incredible!! Sarah, you should be so so proud of yourself! So inspirational thank you :))
lost weight, kept the boobs!
Wauw. Congrats Sarah!!
How long did it take you to look like this? 🙂
it took me 2 long determined years !! but it was completely worth it all ! thank you all so much for your lovely comments and support !
Great transformation, what a beautiful girl! Super motivating! Thanks for sharing 🙂
@ Cassey: Could you do a workout Video vor stress and tension release? I work in the office all day and when I get home I’m often too tired to really work out hard, but I still wanna do something to relax my muscles and my body and just feel a bit better. I was thinking some stretching, easy moves, just a workout routine to make you feel good and give the body new energy! That would be so awesome!
Until she makes a video like that you could try the “pick-me-up quickie workout” if you feel like doing something quick yet effective 🙂 If you’re more into stretching the one from the beach series is great, if you haven’t tried it already, you should 😀
Thanks for the tip! Haven’t tried the beach series one yet, but def will! 😉
Relax with me stretch might be something good for you! It’s mostly dynamic stretching. Pick me up quickie is indeed also a great one, the 100 workout is very short as well. And Feel good soul stretches is really nice to do after other videos! Hope this helps 😉
couple things can you tell me what a popster is?
also where do i sign up for the 12 week transformation program?
thanks
kim
A popster is basically someone who is a part of the POPilaties community