SLAM Stories
Confidence & Body Positivity

MY SLAM GAINS

• I have gained muscles, knowledge, but also acceptance of our new bodies.
• A good relationship with food; not to starve myself into enjoy my chips!

• I have gained perspective in life to do something better for others inspired by Ashley; now I am a fully certified pelvic floor physical therapist.
• I have gained mental clarity and strength to get out and ask for help for my mental health.
• And last but not least I have gained you – all of you… and in the process gained myself!

Definitely out of my comfort zone sharing this, but these are the same jeans, exactly 5 months apart. 

MY SLAM GAINS

I’m 8 months postpartum with my second baby today, and I have more energy than I did with just one kid, my sex life is better, my pelvic floor is happier, and I’m able to wear these jeans I never thought I’d get into again. I used to lift very heavy before having kids, and it’s the best, safest at-home substitute I’ve ever tried… I’m so happy with SLAM, it has exceeded my expectations.

Ashley empowered me to get strong and own my body. I feel better than I did in my twenties. I feel confident and happy. My negative speak has gone down quite a bit and I feel at peace with my body. I brought life into this world, twice. It has taken me places, comforts my children, loves my husband, and fights. Thank you for allowing me to work on myself, give me grace, and teach me how to really use and understand my body.

BEFORE FINDING SLAM

I started with a trainer mid-January, 2020 to mid-May, 2020. I learned about hand portions and nutrition/better options and did custom workouts. I lost around 20lbs. During this time, I also learned to obsessively weigh myself.

Then, I did my own thing for a couple months (I couldn’t keep paying $250/mo). I then found an Instagramer who is Hispanic, so I felt a connection due to similar cultural background. I did lots of cardio, and even joined a 6 week challenge where I learned to guilt myself, resulting in another lost 20lbs. I really learned to guilt myself, and did the whole cheat meals cycle without knowing the danger it really was. I thought I was living a great “lifestyle.” I started feeling bad, so I started researching which were the best foods, best options. I was reading scholarly articles about 4 egg whites vs whole egg. I came across intuitive eating, but didn’t think much of it and moved on.

DISCOVERING THE SLAM DIFFERENCE

Fast forward to 2 weeks after I ended this 6 week challenge—I found getmomstrong.com on Instagram, and thought I could give it a shot. I found it on a Wednesday. I remember because I remember Ashley saying, “I don’t count calories, macros etc.”  I even sent her a message and asked then what do you do? I was interested, and just went for the 7day trial. I told myself I would give it a month. Really enjoyed the month, and at 5 weeks…hubby noticed my butt was different. FIVE weeks. I was like “hmm ok.”

During this time I did more research on un-dieting and intuitive eating. So fast forward to week 10 of being on Get Mom Strong program—I’ve been un-dieting, and for 2 months I’ve not done any focused cardio (like run- which i was taught was absolutely necessary. I started the program at 153ish and saw I lost 4lbs (always ignore the scale though because that number doesn’t matter). This is me eating whatever/whenever and seeing definition in my body. This may not seem like a lot, but I am in a stage where my body is gaining muscle and losing weight! I know…I never thought that was possible.

A NEW WAY OF LIVING

ANYWAYYYY all that to say- the program works! It is better than having a trainer; better than doing challenges, counting macros or calories or whatever. It is better than restricting yourself. Believe me—I am loving it. If you have any questions, Ashley will gladly answer them, she has answered so many of mine.

I’m now on week 12 day 3 of SLAM Advanced. I love it and won’t ever go back to anything else.

One year ago I signed up for the SLAM program free trial to distract myself from the Covid blues…I was hooked!

THE SLAM DIFFERENCE

Ashley’s program is so fun and challenging it can all be done from home with minimal equipment. The focus is on growing and not shrinking, which helps for mindset and lifelong consistency. I’ve gianed 5 lbs this year, so much different than my goals ten years ago. My goals in the gym now mirror my mental health goals and sometimes a good session can bring on tears as I heal. It is so much more than appearance for me. My gym time is therapeutic.

MY SLAM GAINS

I have gained weight but gone down a pants size. Although filling out more in the booty LOL. I have way more energy on the days I work out. It keeps any and all aches and pains away when I’m consistent. Ashley prioritizes rest and not overtraining. My body is happy. This program is everything I’ve ever wanted.

I just want to share that the SLAM program has been pivotal in my healing from over a year of extreme postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and PTSD following almost dying from severe preeclampsia and then having my baby girl in the NICU.

MY JOURNEY TO HEAL FROM BIRTH TRAUMA

When I began Core Basics I would have a flashback almost every time I activated my deeper core or pelvic floor muscles. It is said that trauma is stored in the body and I know that to be true now.

Without the SLAM program, I very likely would have avoided my healing, both physical and mental. The only way out was through for me, and by allowing my body and spirit to reconnect through those muscles, I literally processed and released some of my birth trauma in my body.

I was in the darkest time of my life when I first began the SLAM program. I felt like my body was broken and had failed me big time through my pregnancy and afterwards. I felt shame and grief.

MY SLAM GAINS

SLAM along with therapy and medicine helped me to rebuild physical strength, but more importantly allowed me to give myself permission to feel. Permission to do the hard things. Permission to relearn my body. Permission to let go. Permission to take that control where I could. Permission to transform my mindset. Permission to appreciate my own strength again.