How Trainer Andi Lost 60 Pounds & 20% Body Fat

Meet Andrea: wife, mother, student, fitness instructor, Zumba lover, goal setter, motivator, and the newest trainer for Flat Abs Fitness. 

“I’m Andi Veenker! I was born and raised in Utah. I’m currently attending Utah Valley University pursuing a bachelor degree in Exercise Science. I’m married to the most wonderful, supportive man and together we have two perfect boys, Ashton (3) and Cohen (1), who are the most active, and happy kids you’ll ever meet.

Growing up, I actually never really liked exercise. Go figure! Looking back, I realize that this was mostly because I hadn’t yet found the exercise format or regimen that worked for me. This all changed in 2009 when I discovered Zumba and was instantly hooked. Who knew fitness could be fun?! I loved it so much that in 2010, I certified as a Zumba Fitness instructor. In the years that followed, I certified as a personal trainer, a Les Mills BodyPump and CXWORX instructor, and a few other additional certifications to round things out.

Making fitness a priority has worked wonders for my physical and mental health. Through lifting, clean eating and cardio, I’ve not only lost baby weight and gained muscle, I’ve also been able to beat the postpartum anxiety, and depression I suffered with after my first baby was born.

Ashton was born back in 2013.

He was perfect. I was not. I remember absolutely hating my body. I would look at myself with disgust, because I wasn’t as “hot” as I was before this new baby body. I tried all sorts of quick fixes: skinny wraps, “toning” creams, I even tried NOT EATING… I was over cardio-ing, teaching and taking a million aerobic classes just trying to shed weight…

THAT WAS NOT THE WAY.

Once I received some serious professional help, and was mentally okay, I discovered I was pregnant with our second little boy.

That pregnancy was rough. I lived in the hospital, because I had Hyperemesis, or HG. I couldn’t eat or take care of my little one, my husband or myself. I couldn’t teach or exercise. I was on complete bedrest.

I had every reason to feel depressed again- I thought. I was weak, helpless and felt like a burden to everyone around me.

INSTEAD of letting depression consume me, I turned to my God, and asked for strength. I made a deal with Him, that if I took the time to take care of myself, my health, and my family, he would take care of my body image disorders and insecurities.

I decided to take my depression by the reigns and take control of the few things I could at the time. I prayed with all my power and might to be able to love my body and all its imperfections during and after my pregnancy.

I surrounded myself with positive people who loved me and reminded me constantly about how amazing bodies actually are- mine included.

As soon as baby came – it was like that movie “Shallow Hall”. I saw myself and everyone around me as gorgeous, perfect beings. I couldn’t see imperfections in anyone or anything. It sounds silly, but it’s TRUE. I saw positivity and light in everyone around me! I took time to EAT and SLEEP.

I found joy in being a mom, wife and human for the first time in YEARS, because I took the time to take care of myself, ALONG WITH my family.

I sought out coaches to guide me, and hold me accountable. People to make sure I was eating and help me figure out how my new, post pregnancy body worked. They helped me be STRONG and learn HOW, WHEN, and WHAT to eat.

Their example and care motivated me to learn more and inspired me to completely overhaul how I trained my clients.

I went from the lowest of lows, to the highest of highs. I am now the healthiest and happiest version of me, EVER. Two babies and stretch marks, and I’m in the best shape of my life.

I love myself.

I love my body.

All I want is the opportunity to help others feel the same for themselves, through assisting in their fitness journeys.

I’m currently working as a fitness instructor at Utah Valley University while subbing at a couple other gyms. It’s the greatest job in the world! I can say without hesitation that fitness has changed my life. I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from so many different people! To see my students change and begin to love and care for their bodies and themselves is such a joy, and ultimately makes me want to work as hard as possible to create and provide fun, inspiring, results oriented workouts. I love them all so much!

In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I lift 6 days a week and add in cardio on most of those days too. I love walking into the gym first thing in the morning when the moon is still out, and finishing with the sunrise. This also works out best with my schedule so that I can be finished and ready for the day by the time my little ones are awake. My goal since having my last baby was to work hard and become my healthiest, happiest self. Any aesthetic results have just been a bonus!

I’m a goal setter. My initial goal with my weight loss journey started with the desire to re-learn to love my body by feeding it well, and working hard. I wanted to take my journey to social media (Instagram: @andimaree, Facebook: Trainer Andi) to show the world, or whoever would listen that there is no such thing as a quick fix. I want long lasting, and real results that can only happen with clean eating and hard work. I’ve set out to prove to everyone and anyone that if a mom of two can lose weight, they can too. If I can reach the best physical shape of my life, even after having children, going to school and working- anyone can! I want to inspire and empower women everywhere to let go of fear and limitations and become their best selves, because they absolutely can! I literally cannot wait to go on this journey with you!

Ready for a BRAND NEW 15 Day Challenge?

I’m SO EXCITED to launch the new 15 Day Flat Abs Challenge in September! It will have full length workouts with modifications and be a MAJOR jumpstart to your weight loss journey. In the challenge I will be teaching you all the principles I learned to drop 60 lbs & 20% body fat. Be on the lookout for emails from “Flat Abs Fitness” to learn more about the start date! You are going to LOVE IT!