#AlwaysForward Ambassador Spotlight - Annestia Steyn

This week, we are featuring the driven and bubbly Annestia Steyn - aka Curvy Girl. Annestia's journey towards a healthier and happier life is a testament to the power of personal commitment and self-motivation. By taking charge of her mental and physical wellbeing, she transformed herself into an awe-inspiring example of determination and resilience. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can achieve their goals if they put their mind to it and never give up on themselves.

Below Annestia shares with us how she stays motivated and keeps moving forward.

What got you started to take on this journey?

It all started at a family braai. I was flipping through the photos someone took at the braai and it stopped me dead in my tracks. I saw a girl smiling back at me, but I couldn't recognize her as myself. It was a wake-up call - I knew I needed to make a change or face some serious health issues in the future.

So, I decided to take accountability for my goals. I knew that in order to achieve something I had never achieved before, I needed to do something I had never done. And that's when I made the decision to be vulnerable and post my weight online. It was scary, but it was also liberating. It was like saying to the world, "this is where I'm at, but it's not where I'm going to stay."

From there, I took it one day at a time. I focused on small, sustainable changes that I could stick to long-term. And you know what? It worked. The weight started to come off and I started to feel better, physically and mentally. It wasn't always easy, but looking back, I'm so grateful I took that first step.

So, if you're thinking about making a change, know that you're not alone. It's okay to be vulnerable and ask for help. And remember, sometimes the scariest things we do are the things that lead to the biggest rewards. Keep pushing, girl, you got this!

What role does SOX Footwear play in helping you achieve your goals?

They're like the hype man for my gym game. When I slide those bad boys on, it's like I'm transported to a whole new world where burpees are a breeze and squats are a party. They're like the Robin to my Batman, the peanut butter to my jelly, the beat to my rhyme. Plus, I feel like a gym fashion icon with those funky fresh designs. SOX Footwear helps me crush my fitness goals with style and sass, and I'm here for it!

How do you stay motivated when times get tough? What advice would you give people out there that are thinking of giving up?

Oh, let me tell you - losing 40 kg's was no easy feat! There were definitely times when it felt like the world was against me and the progress just wasn't coming fast enough. But, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, am I right?
For me, the biggest motivator was remembering why I started in the first place. Every time I hit a roadblock, I would remind myself of how far I had come and how much better I felt both physically and mentally. I also surrounded myself with positivity - I sought out friends and family who were supportive and celebrated my victories with me.

My advice for those who are struggling and thinking of giving up is to take it one day at a time. Progress may not always be linear, but every small step forward is still a step in the right direction. And don't be afraid to ask for help! Whether it's a personal trainer, a friend, or a therapist, there are people out there who want to see you succeed and will support you along the way.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Losing weight is a journey that requires time, patience, and a lot of hard work. But trust me, when you start to see and feel the positive changes, it's all worth it in the end. Keep pushing, girl, you got this!

What new challenges are you looking forward to in the new year?

The new year is going to be filled with so many exciting challenges and opportunities for me! Firstly, I am determined to reach my goal weight and continue living a healthy and active lifestyle. It's a journey that requires constant effort and dedication, but the payoff is so worth it.

But that's not all - I'm also planning on starting an accountability plan to help other ladies who feel as hopeless as I did when I first started out. I want to be that support system that I wish I had when I was just beginning my own weight loss journey. It's so important to have someone in your corner who understands what you're going through and can offer guidance and motivation when you need it the most.

And get this - I'm also planning on launching my own leggings line for curvy girls! I want to make sure that all women, regardless of their size or shape, feel confident and comfortable in their workout gear. Curvy is the perfect body, and I want to celebrate that by offering leggings in sizes that go beyond the limited range we see in most stores.

And if all of that wasn't enough, I'm even considering stepping on a bikini stage in the Arnold's transformation category! It's a challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone and require me to really dial in on my fitness and nutrition. But hey, the world is my oyster, and I'm ready to take on whatever challenges come my way. Bring on the new year!

How do you relax and give your mind and body a break? Do you think that rest is just as important as hard work?

Taking time to relax and give your mind and body a break is so important! For me, it's all about finding activities that help me unwind and recharge. Sometimes that means curling up with a good movie or taking a hot bath with some candles and soft music. Other times, it means going for a walk in nature with our little Yorkie baby or trying out a new yoga class.

And let me tell you, rest is just as important as hard work. In fact, I would argue that it's even more important. Our bodies and minds need time to recover from the stress and strain of daily life, especially when we're pushing ourselves to achieve our goals. Without proper rest, we're more susceptible to burnout, injury, and illness.

That's why I make sure to prioritize rest and recovery in my own life. I listen to my body and give myself permission to take breaks when I need them. And you know what? It actually makes me more productive in the long run. When I'm well-rested and refreshed, I have more energy and focus to tackle my goals with renewed vigor.

Instagram: @the_curvygirl_sa