If you’ve ever taken a class from Peloton instructor Rebecca Kennedy, you know that she radiates energy and strength. What many might not realize, though, is that her own fitness journey has been one of perseverance, self-discovery, and a profound transformation—not just of her body, but of her mindset.

In an exclusive conversation with Rebecca, she opens up about her emotional and physical journey of losing 40 pounds, moving from 170 pounds to 130 pounds. This isn’t just about the pounds she shed, but about a deeper transformation, one that involved shifting her mindset, embracing balance, and cultivating strength in ways that extend beyond the physical.

Rebecca’s story is one of empowerment. It’s a story of how she took control of her health and well-being through a balanced approach that combined strength training, intuitive eating, and a focus on mental wellness. Her transformation isn’t just about fitting into a smaller size; it’s about reclaiming her power and discovering a sustainable way to live a healthy, vibrant life.

Struggling with Low Energy and Self-Doubt

Rebecca’s weight loss journey didn’t begin with an “aha moment” or an overnight decision. Like many people, she struggled for years with her body image and her health. At her heaviest, Rebecca weighed 170 pounds, and while she didn’t feel unhealthy, she knew something had to change.

“I was tired all the time,” Rebecca recalls. “My energy was low, and I felt like I wasn’t being the best version of myself. I was constantly in a battle with myself—feeling guilty when I didn’t work out or when I ate something that didn’t fit into my idea of ‘healthy.’ It wasn’t just physical; it was mental and emotional too.”

It was during this time that Rebecca began to question her approach to fitness and health. “I was doing a lot of cardio, but I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I didn’t feel strong. I felt like I was stuck,” she shares. “It wasn’t until I made a shift in my mindset that things began to change.”

Embracing Strength and Balance

What followed was a monumental change in both her approach to exercise and her relationship with food. Rebecca realized that strength wasn’t just about how much weight you could lift in the gym; it was about developing mental fortitude and emotional resilience as well.

“I started focusing more on strength training,” Rebecca says. “It was a game changer for me. I love how strong it made me feel, not just in my body, but in my mind. I felt empowered. Every time I lifted a heavier weight or did a new move, I felt like I was pushing my limits—and that made all the difference.”

Strength training became a cornerstone of her fitness routine, but it wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about improving her overall wellness, and most importantly, it was about building mental toughness. “The mental component of fitness is often overlooked. But it’s huge,” Rebecca emphasizes. “When you start to feel stronger physically, it changes the way you see yourself. It builds confidence, and that carries over into every part of your life.”

Her fitness routine wasn’t just about hitting the gym harder—it was about embracing a balanced approach that included low-impact cardio, mobility exercises, and stretching, all while avoiding overtraining. She made sure to include rest days in her schedule, something that she admits she used to neglect. “Rest is just as important as the workouts,” she says. “I needed to give my body the time it needed to recover, so I could continue to push myself and avoid burnout.”

Intuitive Eating: Listening to Her Body

Alongside her strength training regimen, Rebecca also adopted a new approach to food. Intuitive eating, which involves listening to your body’s hunger cues and eating without restrictions, became a key component of her transformation.

“Before, I was obsessed with calories and what foods I could and couldn’t eat,” she shares. “But when I started practicing intuitive eating, I allowed myself the freedom to enjoy food without guilt. I started listening to what my body needed, rather than following a rigid diet.”

This shift wasn’t easy. For years, Rebecca had been conditioned to believe that the key to weight loss was deprivation. But the more she learned to trust her body, the more she realized that balance was the true secret to sustainable health. “I realized that food is meant to fuel us, not make us feel bad about ourselves. I started focusing on nourishing my body with foods that made me feel good,” she explains.

Her diet became a mix of whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables, while also allowing room for treats when she craved them. “It’s about finding that middle ground,” Rebecca says. “I don’t deprive myself, but I also don’t overindulge. It’s about moderation.”

The Breakthrough: Achieving Her Goal

After several months of consistency, Rebecca began to notice the physical changes. Her body felt stronger, her energy improved, and she began shedding the extra weight. As she continued to focus on strength training and intuitive eating, she gradually lost 40 pounds, bringing her weight down from 170 pounds to 130 pounds.

But the real breakthrough came when she realized that her transformation wasn’t just about the physical changes—it was about the way she now felt in her own skin. “It wasn’t just about the number on the scale. It was about how I felt—how strong, confident, and empowered I was,” she says. “This journey taught me that true health isn’t just about the weight we lose. It’s about the strength we gain, both physically and mentally.”

The Role of Mental Wellness: Overcoming Self-Doubt

Rebecca credits a significant part of her success to the work she did on her mental wellness. “I had to shift the way I thought about myself,” she explains. “For so long, I saw myself through the lens of my insecurities. I had to work on my mindset just as much as my body.”

She began to practice mindfulness and self-compassion, and she learned how to let go of the negative self-talk that had once held her back. “The mental aspect of this journey was huge. It wasn’t just about focusing on how I looked, but about focusing on how I felt and how I treated myself.”

For Rebecca, this was a transformative experience—one that allowed her to break free from the cycle of guilt, shame, and self-criticism. “I had to learn to love myself through the process,” she shares. “That’s what allowed me to finally get to a place where I could feel proud of my body, no matter what size I was.”

How You Can Start Your Own Journey

Rebecca offers some valuable advice for anyone looking to embark on their own weight loss or fitness journey:

1. Start with Strength: “Strength training is not just for building muscle; it’s for building mental resilience. Find a routine that challenges you and makes you feel empowered.”

2. Listen to Your Body: “Intuitive eating is a game changer. Learn to trust your body and listen to its cues. Don’t restrict yourself, but also don’t ignore what your body needs.”

3. Embrace Balance: “Fitness isn’t just about working out harder. It’s about finding a balance that works for your lifestyle. Make time for rest, stretch, and recover.”

4. Focus on Mental Wellness: “Your mindset is just as important as your physical health. Be kind to yourself, practice mindfulness, and work on improving your self-talk.”

5. Stay Consistent: “The key to success is consistency. Stick to your routine, be patient with yourself, and trust the process.”

More than Just Weight Loss

For Rebecca, this journey is not just about shedding 40 pounds. It’s about reclaiming her power, learning to love herself, and embracing a balanced approach to health that supports her long-term well-being. It’s a journey that has not only transformed her body but has also shaped her into the confident, strong individual she is today.

Rebecca’s story is a testament to the power of balance, strength, and mindful living. It’s proof that true transformation comes not just from the physical changes, but from the mental and emotional growth that occurs along the way.