Hey, #RIPPEDFamily! Many of you have seen this superstar before in our R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE Family Fun Facebook Group, featured on our R.I.P.P.E.D. Fans Facebook page, or killing it in your R.I.P.P.E.D. and RUMBLE classes. She’s a former RUMBLE Rockstar and one of our Fall 2018 R.I.P.P.E.D. 2 Fit Challenge Winners. Allow us to reintroduce you to R.I.P.P.E.D. Instructor Sheila Sinsay, aka “The Sparkplug,” from Louisville, Kentucky.
Sheila took her 2017 fitness resolutions seriously when she joined our family in March of that year and then later became R.I.P.P.E.D certified in October. After participating in the R.I.P.P.E.D. 2 Fit Challenge three times, she has plenty of insight to share on what keeps her motivated, and the biggest lessons she learned.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: Why did you choose to do R2F?
Sheila: “This was my third time participating in the R2F challenge. In each challenge, we ask ourselves, ‘why we’re doing this,’ and my ‘why’ has never changed. It’s what has kept me engaged in the last two challenges and will keep me going the rest of my life. I don’t want to follow my family’s history of being filled with health issues, or burden my loved ones because I need surgery or can’t walk on my own. I want to be able to live whatever kind of a life I choose. I want to be that person that makes it to 90, and people say, ‘Hey, look at Sheila. She’s 90 and fit as a fiddle!’ And if at the end of all this, I’m so “fit” that I happen to look gorgeous, well, that’s a side effect I’m willing to live with too!”
You’re already gorgeous, Sheila! #RIPPEDFamily, don’t you agree?
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What were your main motivators through the challenge?
Sheila: “My ‘why’ was my main motivator both during and beyond the challenge. My local fit-family was also incredibly supportive, as most were also participating. We wanted to see each other succeed.”
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What was the most exciting part about the R.I.P.P.E.D. 2 Fit Challenge?
Sheila: “My drive and focus were there, always, but it was the support of the R2F community that kept me from failing. I truly believe the R2F community is one of the most encouraging, positive, and supportive folks out there. How could I fail with them behind me each step of the way?”
“Nutrition is the key to a healthier and stronger me. I look at food as fuel, not luxuries.”
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How did the R2F challenge change your lifestyle and fitness routine?
Sheila: “My fitness routines were already pretty established from the last two R2F challenges. But this recent trial further emphasized how completely different my lifestyle is today compared to before I ever started my fitness journey. It really clicked for me. I also understand that nutrition is the key to a healthier and stronger me. I look at food as fuel, not luxuries. I don’t have to eat to celebrate, grieve, socialize, etc. This challenge was truly eye-opening. I’ve also learned that it’s not about the pounds lost, but the inches—the confidence. I’m stronger, more focused, and willing to try new things now!”
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What advice would you give to someone doing R2F for the first time?
Sheila: “Don’t give up; just keep swimming! There’s a lot of information to sort through, and it will take time to understand how it will work for you. But, trust me, once you dive in, it’ll be easy as breathing!”
R.I.P.P.E.D.: Do you have any fitness/health-related goals for this year? If so, what are they?
Sheila: “I’d like to get back into running and see how my stamina and speed are now that I’ve found R.I.P.P.E.D.”
Thank you, Sheila, for offering so much wisdom about your experiences one again. We’re in love with your positive attitude and encouraging nature!
Last week, fellow R.I.P.P.E.D. 2 Fit Challenge Winner Alyssa Majeski shared a touching story of her daughter inspired her fitness journey. Prepare the tissues; it gets emotional.