Christina Mannarino

Introducing Christina!

Christina discovered that the support of online communities helped her to crush her fitness goals. Now she is inspiring others. Here is her story:

I have been overweight for my entire life and I felt like I never fit in physically or socially. I was always the biggest kid in the class. I was bullied from 1st grade until college and because of that I suffered deeply with depression.

In 2011, I lost 4 family members in 8 months. I finally broke all the way and let go of myself completely. When I was 23, I hit my highest weight of 296lbs. I was miserable and unhealthy. I decided it was time to make a change. I started Weight Watchers and began walking. The weight started to come off and I slowly found a girl inside of me I never knew existed. As my weight got lower I could start running, something I had never done in my life! I also developed a love of Zumba. I found confidence and strength to push through on the hard days. I have always struggled with body issues and now is no different. There are still days where I look in the mirror and see a 296 pound girl staring back at me. I lived so long as that girl that she's not just going to go away. I frequently pick up clothes that are too big for me because I don't realize the size that I am now. Every day it gets better and I'm learning to recognize my size. I love my body and all of its flaws because I have worked so hard for this body!

When I first started my fitness and weight loss journey, I decided to share the whole process on my Instagram so I could possibly help others struggling. This was the best decision I have ever made. I have found some incredible friends who lift me up on the days I fall. The online community is so powerful and welcoming that I know I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

Now, 138 pounds later, I have gained much more than I have lost. I have gained a real happiness and love for myself. I have gained a new life. I am going to start training for a half marathon because that is something I never thought would be possible for me! However, now I know I am capable of anything that I set my mind to!