iFIT Member Highlight: Tiffanie Kessler

After a wake-up call from her doctor, iFIT member Tiffanie Kessler chose to make her health a priority. Beginning her fitness journey with iFIT, she discovered a new love for running and a “don’t get dead” spirit that has changed her life. Here is Tiffanie’s story!

Tiffanie’s story

Sometimes, we think we're living life, but we're only living a version that we've lied to ourselves about and claim that it is living. About a year ago, my health was declining. I had high blood pressure, severe type 2 diabetes, and was taking insulin and other medications. My diabetes was very scary and out of hand. Going to the doctor that February was a wake-up call for me. I was 35 and very overweight. I have two children, and I became scared that I was going to die young. I had to make a lifestyle change or face the fact that my habits were slowly and surely killing me. 

I changed my eating habits, and then I bought the NordicTrack 2950 treadmill. My husband didn't want to, and, to be honest, I wasn't sure I would even use it. We bought it, and it came with a year of iFIT. I tried out the treadmill, and it had a cool track feature, which was fun. I had no idea that my whole world and how I viewed fitness was about to be revolutionized. 

iFIT changed my life. I love working out, and I feel free running. I love the challenge, the burn in my legs, and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a workout.

Once I activated my iFIT membership, I searched for beginner workouts. I found iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey's Iberian Beginner Running Series. Before this, if you asked me if I exercised, I would have asked you if you were crazy. I had never run a day in my life, and if you did happen to see me running, you should drop whatever you’re doing and run, too, because something would have been chasing me.

Someone once said you’ll never realize how long a minute is until you run for a minute. My goodness—they were correct! When I first started the workout series, running for 30 seconds was so hard. I was out of breath and hurting for that minute or so of walking between running intervals. Over the next month, I put in work with Tommy. I completed many of his interval running workouts back to back. I also picked up iFIT Trainer Ashley Paulson and finished some of her hiking workout series. I spent a long time repeating the same workouts because I knew my body wasn't ready for longer periods. 

Then, one day, it was like a light went off. I was ready. I pushed to the next interval. Each time I succeeded, it was like running through the winner's ribbon at a race. I kept going and going. When I first started Tommy's series, I thought he was crazy to say that I would be able to run straight for 30 minutes. I said, “No way, not me, but hey...I'll do what I can.” Slowly, my mindset changed because of iFIT. I made it through his series, and I could run for longer than 30 minutes. I eventually became brave enough to run in the gyms of hotels we visited in front of people! I ran in our neighborhood and on the trails around where we live. It became part of my everyday life.

I love Tommy's workout series, and I've continued through the Swiss Alps Summit Series, the Costa Rica 5K Training Series, the 10K Training Series Part 1, and now I'm on the 10K Training Series Part 2. I've seen my running and fitness levels change! I can run up inclines and now have growth goals of doing it faster and increasing my speed. I've completed my first 5K races and even finished a variety of 10Ks. I hike almost every weekend now because of Tommy and Ashley. Heck, I even made my husband do yoga workouts with me! 

I literally sit here with tears in my eyes because I don't know if this would have happened without iFIT. I can't believe what I CAN DO. Any time I see my friends or others online talking about fitness and looking for recommendations, I'm always first to jump in and tell them about iFIT. I always suggest the Iberian Beginner Running Series and share my journey to a healthier me. I'm continuing with my journey, and I look forward to it because my family is alongside me. We hike together, sweat together, and love fiercely. We explore our area whenever we can. We're happier and healthier. 

I am happy to say that I don't worry about dying young. My doctor was so surprised by the major improvements in my blood sugar. There is no more insulin, once-a-week shots, or metformin. Thanks to Tommy, the number one rule is “don't get dead” and to treat others with kindness. Mindset is everything, and thanks to iFIT and its incredible trainers, my life has been transformed!

Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer?

Tommy Rivs Puzey.

What has been your favorite iFIT series that you've completed?

Iberian Beginner Running Series with iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey.

How long have you been an iFIT member?

I joined iFIT in June 2020 with the NordicTrack 2950 treadmill.

What motto do you live by? 

The motto that I’ve come to acknowledge is, “I can and I will!” If I’m not being challenged, I’m not changing anything. I’ve taken these philosophies from iFIT Trainers and applied them in everyday life, especially when working with my school’s running club and encouraging students to run for longer distances! 

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.