Living the simpElle life: Nerissa

Welcome again to my mini series – Living the simpElle life – where I talk to someone who has inspired me with their story. 

I heard a great phrase recently – 

“The Universe is made up of stories, not of atoms”

– so that is what I want to share with you, stories, to open up the Universe to us all! 

Each individual we meet embodies what this blog is about. They have dug deep to find motivation, they have sought inspiration and in doing so become inspirational to others. They have been empowered with knowledge to change and that is what their story will do for the rest of us…

Meet: Nerrissa Mata 

Nerissa

This post on her blog details how we met {LINK}… via Twitter, through a shared passion of Nike Training Club (NTC). Ever since then, I have followed Nerissa’s amazing journey (in Toronto, Canada btw!) and witnessed the transformation into the amazingly inspirational woman she is! 

– {THEN} –

Elle: What made you decide to start training / running? …What was your plan / goals?

NM: I started working out w/the NTC app in 2009.  I like most women wanted to drop a dress size down. After 3 months of doing cardio routines mixed w/the strength workouts; four to five times a week with a healthy diet; I felt and looked the best shape of my life!  And boosting my ego, my fiancé marveled at the change in appearance and attitude. 

BOSU workout

– {HOW} –

Elle: What’s your favourite way to work out? 

NM: I began running in 2011 and haven’t stopped. Then I read an article on fitsugar.com about mixing up your cardio by heading outdoors and running was an easy way I could do that and get out of the gym. On twitter.com @nikerunning also motivated me w/their monthly challenges to up the running distance.

My favourite way to workout is early morning at the gym when no one else is there, the stereo is off and I can focus on my breathing.  If I miss that window due to meetings etc I’ll hit the road during lunch break to rid my mind of stress or to sort through my thoughts.

Elle: What’s your typical weekly exercise schedule? 

NM: M, W ,F – toning workouts using the NTC app or fitsugar.com videos (gym) Tues/Thurs and Sun is running 5 – 10K

Elle: What / who has been your inspiration? 

NM: Oh man there is a plethora of peepz that on a daily basis inspire me.  This image is my running inspiration…

inspiration

Elle:  What was the first big difference in you, that made you feel proud and excited? 

NM: It’s not the weight loss that really gets me grinning and posing like a model wanna-be. It’s the condition of my body: my arms and legs are leaner and toned; I’m a half-inch layer away from showing toned abs. I’m more flexible now, too.

Elle:  Did you make any changes to your diet once you started training?

NM: I started cooking more w/extra virgin olive oil and cut out the late night mindless snacks

– {NOW} – 

Elle:  How do you track your progress? 

NM: I don’t. 

Elle:  Have your goals changed since you started your journey? 

NM: I’m not in it for weight loss so much anymore, just maintaining a healthy weight and staying toned

Elle: How do you keep yourself motivated? 

NM: Reading other running/fitness blogs and Facebook fitness groups has definitely motivated me to get my sweat on days I feel lazy. It’s simply amazing how logging into any of those social media sites and seeing those running gifs/quotes turns your mood around.

Elle: If you could go back and give advice to the “before” you…or any other person contemplating changing their lifestyle…what would you say?!

NM: Don’t expect changes overnight. Commit yourself to making small, manageable changes to the way you live, know what to expect, deal with it and you will definitely see results.

See?! …inspirational huh?!

If you’d like to leave Nerissa a comment below please do! …you can also find her on Twitter. 

…and if you have a story you would like to share just get in touch! {Contact Elle}

Keep living that simpElle life!

Elle