365: The Centr stories that inspired us in 2022

As an incredibly active part of the community, Erica is handing out motivation to her fellow Legends left, right and Centr.

How does being so vocal in the Centr community help you on your journey?

When you gather supportive, hard-working, like-minded people together – even in a virtual setting – you create a true sense of teamwork and belonging. I love the idea that the work I’m sharing each day might inspire someone else when they need it. I also know that when I have an off day with my exercise, I can reach out and lean on others for encouragement in return.

I truly enjoy connecting with Legends all over the globe. I've learned so much and made lasting friendships that are priceless to me!

What are your tips to help others stay consistent through the “daily grind”?

I have three tips for you:

1. Plan ahead. It’s more likely that you can adjust on busy days and find time to exercise if you're organized.

2. Give yourself a “win” every day. Wear gear that makes you feel confident. Don’t cheat on your form. Work hard until the the buzzer sounds. Meal prep in advance to avoid making poor choices when hunger kicks in. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Every win adds up.

3. Mindset is everything. For me, consistency comes from doing work that I enjoy and from viewing exercise as a privilege, not a chore.

How has your attitude toward health and fitness changed since joining Centr?

Before Centr, I had a decade where I lost my fitness. I find it so validating that I now I feel stronger and more energetic in my 40s than I did throughout my 30s. It’s empowering when you overcome hurdles and come to the realization that it’s never too late to invest in your future wellness. This, above all else, keeps me from giving up. And a little push from my Legend friends never hurts either!

What are your goals for 2023?

I want to build a stronger upper body and better grip strength. I want to do a pull-up and dips unassisted. I have signed up for obstacle course races in 2023 that will push me to use my upper-body strength and challenge me to hill train. And, ultimately, I would love to meet up in person with as many Legends as possible, to keep the inspiration growing!

Move over, Jorge. Danny is coming for your martial arts crown.

Tell us your martial arts origins story.

I began training in martial arts when I was about 7 years old. My goal was always to get my first belt. I became so laser-focused that I trained through injuries to both hips, then finally get my black belt in 2007. But training through injury took its toll and I just had to stop.

Fifteen years later, and having been working out with Centr since 2019, I’m able to train again. So I set a new goal for myself.

What is that goal for 2023?

I plan to get my second degree black belt.

Has your Centr training helped you practice martial arts smarter?

Centr has helped me learn more about my body and identify the difference between what are “limits” and what are “challenges to overcome”. Understanding that I’m no longer a “young” man also presented me with a mental block that was hard to get past.

But seeing what I’ve been able to do with Centr, the way the training and meal plan has made me stronger, leaner and more flexible, I got back to a point where I was confident stepping into a dojo.

How has being a part of the Centr community improved other aspects of your life?

Joining the Centr community and finding such a supportive environment provided the encouragement to get me out of my comfort zone and try things I never would have tried before. (Can you believe I had never done HIIT?) Plus, Centr has been an amazing relief and outlet from the stresses of Covid times.

What would you say to someone who has given up on a sport or passion due to injury?

If you truly love something, develop a plan to get back to what you love. Listen to your body and allow yourself the time you need to fully heal and come back stronger. Anything is possible and what we often see as limits aren’t really limits at all.

You've seen Eric's amazing transformation. But did you know he's just one half of a Centr Legend power couple?

Michele, how would you sum up your transformation?

I had definitely packed on some pounds after having four children in less than 6 years, but I figured that was normal. Isn't being overweight, stressed and exhausted just a set of badges that came with motherhood? Years of inactivity and poor eating habits added up for myself and Eric. We both knew change needed to happen.

One day we were sitting on the couch and an ad for Centr popped up as I was scrolling. As a whole family of self-proclaimed superhero geeks, we figured why not give this Centr thing a try? After a week we had lost a combined 7lbs (3kg) and didn't feel like we had done anything that was impossible to sustain. So we kept at it and the results speak for themselves.

Is there a change we can't see in the pictures?

When I look at pictures of the old Michele, I don't just see unwanted fat, I see a woman who struggled with being in a good place mentally and emotionally.

The physical change continues to be amazing, but what's more important is the fact that I'm sleeping well at night, I feel good about myself and my stress levels have come down drastically. Centr taught me how to make healthy choices for all of me and for that I am eternally grateful.

A question for both of you: does chasing your goals with your partner make things easier?

An old proverb says that if you want to go fast then go alone, but if you want to go far then go together. That phrase rings particularly true with weight loss and health. There were so many lifestyle changes that needed to be slowly implemented, but we were all pulling the rope in the same direction.

How do you incorporate Centr into your daily lives?

A common phrase in our house is "Centr-approved" – as in, "Is this meal/snack/treat/whatever Centr-approved?" The recipes and blogs on the app have taught us a lot about eating healthy food in very practical and family-friendly ways.

The biggest lesson we have learned from Centr is slow, steady, consistency. Health is a lifelong journey with continual adjustments. #BeATurtle.

What is your advice for anybody who thinks making a big change will be way too hard?

Change is hard, but not changing is also hard. You have to pick your hard. Making the changes will be uncomfortable in the short term, but will pay massive dividends in the long term. So choose to make your future self happy.

What are your goals for 2023?

We want to go on a Centr world tour! Meet the Centr team at HQ, bear crawl with Rulk, "wallop" with Bobby, cook with Dan, fly with Michael, get "sweaty Betty" with Zoch and maybe even get "Limitless" with Chris! On top of that we really want to focus on strength, flexibility and mobility.

A challenging year as a single mother hasn't stopped Nat from pounding out personal bests with the weights.

What has lifting heavy done for you?

Lifting weights not only improves the strength of your body, it improves the strength of the mind. The changes in my body were quite unexpected – I didn't expect to have a booty and strong legs, I just wanted to improve my weak back and be able to keep up with my boys.

The feeling I get from lifting heavier weights really keeps me going.

How has your training helped you mentally?

Without training, I don't think I could keep going as a single mother. I have learned that giving time to myself is a must. During those two hours of training I can just focus on the lifts, the sets, the reps, the music. Then after it's done, I know I am a better version of me than yesterday.

How do your two young boys inspire your fitness goals?

The boys will come and join me in the gym. Sometimes they pretend to train with me and laugh and dance. I want them to see the strongest version of me and that the training has helped me through the toughest time in my life.

Do you have a message for women in their 40s and beyond?

It's never too late to start lifting weights. I am 45 and it was 2 years ago that I started with Torre's muscle-building workouts on Centr. Now I'm going to my first powerlifting competition in January!

I can't thank the Centr community enough for always having my back. I have been with Centr from day one and I can't wait to share with my Centr family how far I can go.

What are your goals for 2023?

I want to get into the powerlifting community, enter competitions, improve myself and be more involved in the sport.

When we think Centr Power, we think Chris, Luke, Bobby and... Joshua.

Why was Centr Power the program that resonated with you?

I am always looking for a new challenge. The way Power is structured has continually pushed me past what I ever thought was possible.

You transformed your body, but what about your mind?

Being mentally prepared for your workout is imperative. If you go into each workout with the mindset that you are going to do a little better than yesterday, you’ll push yourself to new limits.

What’s been the best outcome of all your training?

Before I started working out with Centr, I was called “big boy” by a lot of people who knew me. That used to brother me, but it did motivate me to lose weight.

After Centr Power, people started referring to me as “big boy” again. This time I consider it a compliment.

What would you say to someone who isn’t sure if Power is the right program for them?

It’s not a program where you get “bulky”, it’s a program where you build sustainable muscle mass. Your diet will determine your size, so read the guides and do what feels right for you.

What are your goals for 2023?

Increase my mobility by adding in functional training between Power workouts.

Colin is living proof that slow and steady wins the race. (And grows the beard.)

Your transformation has been years in the making. What are your tips for setting a goal and sticking to it?

I believe it's important to know your body and understand your mind-muscle connection to truly unlock your fitness potential. You need to be gritty but also give yourself grace.

Also, keep your "why" at the center of what you do. Know what you're working for and the motivation will come.

We can see your physical results. How has your mind transformed?

I've radically changed my mindset and perspective over the last couple of years. I did struggle with anxiety through the pandemic, but Centr allowed me space and the resources to learn to embrace the hard times with a peaceful mind.

You're a truly positive presence in the Centr community. Do you have a shout out for your fellow Legends?

A couple of members that have become great supporters and connections of mine are Eva and Madalina. There have been countless interactions in the Centr community that I will always be grateful for, but these two stand out.

We get the feeling you’re not done yet… What are your goals for 2023?

My main objective in 2023 is to take all the skills, knowledge and training I've learned over the past few years and challenge my body and mental toughness to take it further.

I plan to do some races, obstacle courses, a full Murph (CrossFit challenge) and eventually complete in an 8-mile open water swim. I really want to put myself to the test!