Hello to all my slam sisters and everyone else that may be reading this. First off-Wow, what an amazing honor it is to be named the slammer of the month! When I started Stroller Strong Moms in May of this year, I couldn’t have dreamed how much of an impact this amazing group of women would have on my every day life. My instructor, Apryl Greco Lee, suggested I talk a little bit about myself and give my story. It’s a hard task for me because I always talk about my children and barely ever about myself but here goes. 

        My name is Belinda Buck. I’m married to a wonderful, supportive husband and have three amazing kids. At the age of two, I was diagnosed with epilepsy and struggled with numerous doctor visits, seizures and different kinds of medicines until the age of 13. I just quit having seizures, which was a miracle to my parents and myself. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island but at the age of 5, my dad joined the military. Out of all the places that we were stationed, Germany was by far my favorite! Not many  preteens can say they lived in Germany for a few years. I got to see amazing old castles and I even visited the Eiffel Tower. My parents got divorced when I was 14 and not long after that I left home. From that moment forward, everything I did was for someone else. Whether it be working the night shift to provide for my kids, just to get home in time to do laundry, clean the house, and cook breakfast before I was “allowed” to sleep for an hour, just to wake up and do it all over. I have definitely seen my share of stormy weather. 

           Everything started to change when I met my Prince Charming. It was this little ray of sunshine that finally convinced me to have things for myself. Every time I would mention that I would like to try something, not only did he support me, but he has also kept at me until I did do it. The later can definitely be a blessing and a curse. Now I am a stay at home mom, raising a beautiful baby boy and not missing a single moment of his precious life.

          I was extremely nervous about joining Stroller Strong Moms, which I shouldn’t have been Apryl Lee made me feel extremely comfortable even before I showed up for my very first class. I convinced myself to at least go and give it a try because what did I have to lose? I had everything to gain if I enjoyed it , which surprisingly I did. I don’t have a background in fitness or working out but every single woman in the group immediately makes you feel welcomed and even though we all come from different backgrounds and all have our own stories and struggles you couldn’t find a more supportive group of women. The day I started my first class changed my life for the better. I seriously sweated the most I have ever did in my whole life combined but I truly loved it and was hooked from that moment forward. I don’t just show up to workout class twice a week I have incorporated fitness into my every day life. I never dreamed running and staying fit would make me feel as wonderful as it does. Not only has this group changed my life it has also changed my whole families outlook on fitness. My husband whom I have known for a little over five years is enjoying walking, running with my 2 1/2 year old and myself. He hasn’t done that the whole time we’ve been together. The group has had an amazing impact on my 2 1/2 year old as well. He loves copying everything he sees in class and is always encouraging me to run faster and to run more even when I feel like I want to stop he encourages me to push myself even further. The scale may tell me I weigh more than I have ever in my life, besides when I was pregnant but I honestly feel fitter and healthier than I ever have. Every day I see results of my hard work and every day it makes me want to push myself beyond my limits. I could never have accomplished any of this on my own. It took amazing instructors always encouraging and praising me when I do a good job, my amazingly supportive husband who’s been nothing but encouraging me even on days I felt like I just wanted to stay in bed he would remind me that I would be punishing myself later if I didn’t go to class, my loving children showing me how proud they are of their mother making healthier choices and my wonderful supportive mother in law that has also been nothing but encouraging me with my new life style choices. 

           I’m beyond blessed to be part of such a wonderful group of women and if there’s any women out there reading this and thinking they’re not sure if this group is for them just go to one class and see for yourself. You have nothing to lose but so much to gain. I’m pretty confident you will come to love it just as much as the rest of us Slam Sisters. There’s no judgement at all, please believe me when I say I didn’t know 90% of the exercises when I first started and couldn’t even do one push-up. Not one person looked at me funny or made me uncomfortable. If you’re anything like me and not comfortable with leaving your children while you workout you won’t find another group that lets you bring your children and also has awesome, fun playgroups for the children after class at least once a month. 

         Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my story and a huge thank you to my instructors Apryl Lee and Lindsey Wood for naming me Slammer of the month and always encouraging me to push myself.