Danielle Paschka

If you have been following me for awhile on IG you know that I am a die hard Orange Theory Fitness member. On January 2nd 2019, I walked into the studio that was closest to my house and said “I’m here to sign up, I’m ready for a change” and never looked back.

I put myself on the back burner when my girls were born & growing in those early years. As a stay at home mom it’s so hard remember to do things for yourself. I was always putting their needs over my own & that resulted in not being a happy or healthy me. I didn’t want to be that person anymore for myself, for my girls, for my husband.

I was told growing up by a family member that being heavier was just how the women in our family were, that I should just live with it. I was always so self conscious when I was younger, always being the heavier girl in class, always around “skinnier” girls & never looking like them & hating how I did look. I know we are all about body positivity but I NEVER felt comfortable in my own skin. I didn’t want my girls to grow up knowing I didn’t like my body or them having ill thoughts about their body like I did. It was a constant mental battle. ( I also want to say my mom was always & continues to always be my biggest cheerleader so she was not the one influencing these negative thoughts it was others & myself) When I first joined OTF I was at my heaviest I’d ever been in my entire life. After seeing a photo of myself I knew it was time to change!

Orangetheory brought so many things out in me — I became a runner (I never ran before in my entire life), I lost 60 pounds — I know only working out didn’t do that for me but it made me want to change my eating habits & try to only put in my body good things that helped me, I made so many new friends which became family, my mom joined & we got in the best health together, I gained confidence something I didn’t ever have, I mentally became so much happier. Just so many good things these last 5 years.

I have done 1,476 classes, 7 Dri Tris, soooo many benchmarks & other special workouts, multiple transformation challenges, & just so much more! I have been so supported by my family & friends through this but the coaches, staff & community at OTF is next to none & I’m forever grateful! I can’t wait to make it to my next goal of 1500 classes so soon & other 2024 goals!

If I have any piece of advice for people who want to start a healthy lifestyle journey but don’t know where to start.. JUST START & don’t look back! It’s going to be SO hard at first but after getting into that routine you will crave the feeling of being in a healthy lifestyle! I have been out of OTF with my broken foot & surgery since November 30th & I have CRAVED so much how badly I want to be back. It’s been apart of me for 5 years & I just can’t let it go & thank goodness for that. I will be back under the orange lights on Friday & I can’t even tell you how excited I am! Cheers to OTF & all the healthy goals you have this 2024! Let’s cheer each other on!

Xo, Dani