Over a decade ago, my life changed dramatically. I developed severe preeclampsia and gave birth to a very premature baby. The doctors told me flat-out that losing weight after being as sick as I was would be next to impossible. But deep down, I wasn’t ready to accept that prognosis. I wanted to prove them wrong—not just for myself, but for my son. I wanted him to see that no matter how dire the circumstances, determination and resilience could overcome any odds.
I started small. Home workouts became my lifeline. At just 25 minutes a day, these sessions marked the beginning of a transformation I wasn’t even sure was possible at first. Slowly but surely, I started to see changes. In four years, I had lost over 100 pounds, and in the following years, I kept going until I reached a total weight loss of nearly 180 pounds. I went from 325 pounds to 145.6 pounds—a transformation that still feels surreal to this day.
Fitness is now an essential part of my life. I work out six days a week, balancing weightlifting with two days of cardio. Weightlifting has become my passion. There’s something so empowering about feeling strong and capable—something I’d never experienced before. Every session in the gym feels like a testament to how far I’ve come and how much further I can still go.
But my journey hasn’t been just about the numbers on the scale or the hours logged in the gym. It’s been about survival and transformation. Ten years ago, I was at my lowest point, not just physically but emotionally. I was a survivor of domestic violence and navigating life as a full-time single mom. My son became my biggest motivator. He watched as I refused to make excuses, overcame the challenges of being on high blood pressure medication, and worked relentlessly to build a new version of myself.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been showing my son what strength and perseverance look like. He sees me as someone who doesn’t give up, someone who pushes through challenges no matter how insurmountable they may seem. That, to me, is the greatest success—being a role model for him.
Today, I’m proud to say I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel strong, healthy, and more confident than I ever thought possible. This isn’t just about physical transformation; it’s about mental resilience, emotional growth, and reclaiming my life. Every step of the way, I’ve worked incredibly hard to be the person I am today.
I share my story because I want to inspire others who’ve been told it’s impossible. Whether you’ve been through illness, trauma, or other challenges, I’m living proof that change is possible with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself. Nothing is ever truly impossible if you commit to it.
If my journey resonates with you or if you’re looking for motivation to start your own, I’d love to connect. Follow my journey on Instagram at @Jessannfit38, and let’s show the world that with grit and determination, anything is possible.
