Thrive Success Story: Tasha Parnell
“My doctor told me it was her job and my job to keep me alive, and we were both failing.”
Lost and Found: One Student’s 100-Pound Hot Pilates Transformation.
In this month’s Thrive Student Spotlight, Tasha Parnell shares the importance of consistency, setting long-term goals, and how a holistic approach to her health helped her overcome excuses and lose 103 pounds.
When you first meet Tasha, it's easy to be taken in by her charm, the sparkle in her eyes, and the positive energy she emits. You would never know that a few years ago, she was pushing 300 pounds and facing the daunting task of saving her life.
“My doctor told me it was her job and my job to keep me alive, and we were both failing. When she said that, it hit me,” Tasha remembers. “I sat there and cried. It was an ugly cry.”
Tasha had discussed her weight with her doctor before, but had always brushed it off with a promise to do better. But when her doctor said those words, something finally clicked, and Tasha realized that she needed help.
All part of the equation.
For the past 3 years, Tasha has been working with her doctor to create a healthy lifestyle, one step at a time.
She has been learning about nutrition, the science and biology of food, and how it affects our bodies. She’s also managing her stress levels, ensuring that she gets enough sleep, drinks enough water, and maintains a higher level of activity.
“I meet with her virtually every 3 weeks, and we discuss everything. It's almost like a therapy session,” says Tasha. “It holds me accountable because I also have to weigh in every day. My smart scale sends a message to her office, so if she sees my weight fluctuate, she will call me. It's not to get me down, but just to get me thinking, like, okay, you went out to dinner. You went out to lunch. Now you see the effects that it has on your body, and you can make better choices, make better decisions.”
Hot yoga, or Hot Pilates in Tasha’s case, plays a crucial role in helping people achieve health goals, overcome chronic pain, and even reduce the need for certain medications.
While there is no quick fix, the emotional and physical gains that come with a consistent practice are undeniable.
Up for the challenge.
Tasha started at Thrive back in 2015, but a year later, a new job and new schedule forced her to put her practice on pause.
Fast forward to 2024. Tasha felt that she was stalling out in her latest workout regime, and recalled the good feeling she had when she used to attend yoga classes at Thrive. Imagine her surprise to find that not only were we still in business (for 18 years as of last April!), but that we had also expanded our class options.
“I love to tackle a challenge. And so, honestly, that’s what kept me coming back. I was like, I’m gonna get this!”
“I saw the Hot Pilates class listed, read the description, and it had me,” says Tasha. Between the heat and the HIIT, the class was difficult for Tasha at first, especially because it had been years since she had practiced yoga.
“It was a new challenge to my body. But I love a challenge, that's how my mind works,” Tasha explains. “I love to tackle a challenge. And so, honestly, that's what kept me coming back. I was like, I'm gonna get this!”
And over time, Tasha did, indeed, prevail.
“I love feeling my core getting stronger, my arms getting stronger, just my whole body getting stronger from practicing, and having to hold up my own body weight in the heat,” says Tasha.
Many people start a new fitness regimen hoping for instant results, but that’s not how it works. Part of Tasha’s success can be attributed to the fact that she understands this. At Thrive, we always recommend taking at least five classes. If you're a beginner, one class is just enough for you to hate us and think we're horrible. However, if you continue, we find that by the 5th class, people are smiling and starting to see results in how they feel, even if the physical results aren’t there yet. Showing up is half the battle.
“I love feeling my core getting stronger, my arms getting stronger, just my whole body getting stronger from practicing, and having to hold up my own body weight in the heat.”
Leave it all on the mat.
Another aspect that keeps Tasha coming back to Thrive is that she has found it also helps her manage her stress levels.
“I leave the studio feeling balanced mentally and emotionally,” says Tasha. “I do other activities during the week, but at Thrive, I just sweat out every problem that I have to solve. It's gone because I left it on my yoga mat. I just sweated it out. Coming to Thrive really helps center me.”
“Yes, some days are hard,” Tasha admits, but she just wants others to know that it's possible. “It's not easy. It's not quick, but it's for longevity. It's for the rest of our lives to live as long as we possibly can. To be as healthy as we possibly can.”
Tasha adds, “You know, we're going to have good days. We're going to have tough days, but we're here to help and encourage one another. And your body will love you for it. Will thank you for it.”
PRACTICE LIKE Tasha
On average, Tasha loves to exercise 4-5 times a week. Her favorite class at Thrive is Inferno Hot Pilates and how it helps strengthen her core. Discover what works best for you and establish your routine.
Check out our class schedule and click on the new student special if you haven't been to Thrive in 12 months.