Nancy Easton will be 57 in December and is in fabulous shape.

“I feel better and have more energy than I have had in a very long time.” She exclaims.

Nancy says her arms are more defined, her clothes are loose, and she is physically stronger. And one of the best perks of all to her healthy and active lifestyle – is how she feels on the inside. Nancy has found that her exercise, nutrition and mindset program is helping her better deal with the day-to-day stresses of being a full-time Registered nurse working in a fast-paced Outpatient Clinic.

“Working during a pandemic adds many more layers of complexity to daily situations. Since I have been exercising on a regular basis over the past few months, I have noticed I can deal with the stress and unexpected situations that arise in a clearer and more objective manner. I feel calmer on the inside.”

Before the pandemic, Nancy used to attend in-person classes a few times a week. Now that BUFFnation has gone virtual, she calls it a game-changer and finds it easier to get in more workouts.

“I make certain I change into my workout gear as soon as I get home from work, so I am ready when class starts. No excuses! If I happen to miss a class, the replay library is so easy to access and available any time of day or night. Once again, no excuses!”

What keeps Nancy going you may ask? 

Firstly, her incredible family at home. Her husband Rob, and their three grown children are always so encouraging – sending text messages of congratulations for completing workouts. 

“They send a “that’s awesome mom” or “another workout mom, you rock” message to me which makes me smile!” says Nancy.

And secondly, her virtual family at BUFFnation helps keep her going too.

“Buffnation is a community like no other. The support from the amazing team and the members is something I am ever so grateful for. It is a community where you never feel judged and are given encouragement to reach beyond your comfort zone and try something new.”

Last month, a life-changing event happened for Nancy. She welcomed her first grandchild – little Alice Lynne.

 “It is now even more important to me to maintain a healthy active lifestyle so that I can enjoy my beautiful granddaughter.”

Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story with us. Amazing job, we are so proud of you!

Nancy shares some great tips for success and motivation – read her full interview for more.

BN - How has the virtual platform changed the way you work out?

NE - I joined Buff Mom in the fall of 2018 and only attended 1-2 classes per week at Core. To be honest, after returning home from a hectic workday the last thing I really wanted to do was get back in the car and drive back into Cambridge/Kitchener for a workout. The virtual platform has truly been a game-changer for me. I am now working out 4-5 times per week in a dedicated space that has been created in the basement of our home. I make certain I change into my workout gear as soon as I get home from work, so I am ready when class starts. No excuses! If I happen to miss a class, the replay library is so easy to access and available any time of day or night. Once again, no excuses! I have heard many people say over the past few months that they miss the social aspect of going to a gym. For me, the virtual platform feels like I am in the gym. I can see, hear, and interact with the instructors just like a live class and that ‘accountability cam” makes me work just as hard (maybe even harder) at home than I would be during a live class.

BN - What are the things you deem as essential for your healthy lifestyle?

NE - Over the past few months meal prep and routine workouts have become essential for me to gain a work-life balance and a sense of calm during these unprecedented times. I am more invested in choosing foods that will both fuel and refuel my body. Eating more regularly and not waiting until I am famished to eat has also been a game-changer. Binges and crashes are no longer a part of my everyday life. Water has also become so important to me. What a change in cravings and abdominal bloating when I increased my water intake. My 26 oz Yeti water bottle has become my “best friend”. I never leave home without it, even if I am only going out for a short time… wallet, keys, mask, hand sanitizer and water bottle every time I leave the house.

BN - What are some tips for those getting started or in a bit of a funk?

For those just getting started, I say “welcome”. You are about to embark on a journey you will never regret. Be kind and patient with yourself, change takes time. You will reach your goals, one class, at a time, and always remember to keep in sight the reason you started the program in the first place. Most of all reach out and embrace the Buffnation community for inspiration and motivation along the way.

For those you have gotten off track or are in a bit of a funk, I would say “that’s perfectly ok”. I have been there myself. Everyday life has a way of interrupting even our best intentions and changing the path of our journey. Just make a commitment to yourself to do one class, then sit back and reflect on how good you feel mentally and physically after a good sweat. One class will lead to another and another, next thing you know you have formed a habit, and this is when you will notice changes in your mental and physical well-being. I love this quote “Don’t look back. You’re not going that way” (anonymous) it keeps me focused on moving forward