Tara Weber, Montgomeryville TSMMA
“We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.” – Vince Lombardi
When Tara Weber came in to the Montgomeryville TSMMA in October of 2008, she was 27, extremely overweight, and very unhealthy. She hated the way she looked and felt which led to a very low level of self confidence, which in turn, caused her to be unhappy. Fed up with being unhappy, Tara realized that she desperately wanted to lose weight, and needed someone or something that would push her when she didn’t want to be pushed, and hold her accountable to her goals. So, why did she pick Tiger Schulmann’s? “Honestly,” she says “it was your commercials. I had just seen the commercial that stated that you can burn over 700 calories in one class, and everyone looked like they were having a good time.”
On October 25, 2008, Tara, along with her best friend Megan, took their first class at Tiger Schulmann’s. Completely exhausted after one hour, she realized that this was indeed a total body workout. She also realized that the fear and nervousness she had before class were gone, replaced by a feeling of genuine happiness at having found a new family. “At the end of your first class, Sensei introduces you and says ‘Welcome to the family’. I still remember the feeling I had when I heard those words, and I knew without a doubt, this time would be different.”
“Different” proved to be an understatement. Tara has lost an astounding 83 lbs in 6 months, and is still going strong. Training at TSMMA has changed her life in so many ways. The physical change is of course, what those around her notice first. But the change on the inside is what she says saved her. “I had a very low opinion of myself and feared that everyone would think the same things about me that I thought about myself. Therefore, I never wanted to go anywhere, or try anything new.” However, with her new found self confidence, Tara finally feels as if she deserves to be happy, and indeed she does.
Tara credits her best friend Megan for keeping her motivated. Together they started this journey, and they push each other to be better people, as well as lean on each other for encouragement when things are difficult. Tara also is motivated by the support and encouragement she gets from every student at her school. From the highest degree black belt, to the brand new white belt, she knows that every student on the mat is there to help and guide each other on this journey.
Tara’s goals sound simple enough…to be happy and healthy. She finds it easier to break them down into small, attainable short term goals. For instance, her weight loss goal is broken into 10 lb increments. Reflecting back, she says “Too many times I have set my goals too high, and never reached them because I got frustrated and gave up along the way. But every time I reached my goal of 10 lbs, it felt great, and I was excited for the next 10 lbs!”
Sensei Marchand and Sensei Mason have earned a place in Tara’s life than will forever impact who she is, and who she is becoming. They have continually supported her, pushing her when she needed it, and subsequently congratulating her on her success. One of the things that really keep her going is Sensei Marchands talks at the end of class. Motivational speeches about self-discipline, confidence, leadership, and nutrition help her to evaluate who she is as a person. “I leave class with such an indescribable feeling” she says. “Most of the people in my life are now used to the phrase ‘Well, Sensei says….’”.
So what exactly would Tara say to someone traveling the same road? Simply, “I know it’s hard, but doing anything is better than doing nothing. For so long I wished I could just wake up and be 50 lbs lighter, but that simply isn’t going to happen. You have to make a change. For those who say they don’t have the time or money…I didn’t either, but being healthy is worth it.” After losing 83 lbs and regaining her confidence, Tara knows what she’s talking about.
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