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Andrew
I was thrilled when Colleen asked me to be in the monthly newsletter due to my success in the men’s weight loss contest. I lost almost 25lbs and feel better then I have in years. The best part is that people are actually asking me for pointers on losing weight. I have been starting and stopping a weight loss / exercise program for many years. Like a lot of people, I always had an excuse for every failure.
This time was different for me. A life-long friend of mine had a heart attack at age 40. He has made a recovery but this made me realize that if I did not do something about my weight I could end up like my friend. I love playing with and coaching my three kids and I wanted to make sure I could continue to do this for a long time.
The competition was the perfect opportunity to finally commit to changing my eating and exercise habits. With the help of my self and my trainer, Donna, I had a great support group as I undertook the goal of trying to get down to my law school weight. Now my goal is to keep the weight off permanently and maybe I can even get down to my high school weight!
Instead of trying one of the commercial diets, I decided to keep it simple. I basically cut out all the good stuff; fried foods, dairy (except milk), high fat meats, potato chips, pizza, ice cream and beer. Instead I ate high protein lean meats, chicken and fish along with lots of fruits and vegetables. I never really felt hungry and was still able to go out to dinner frequently. I think my secret weapon was my trainer, Donna. She was always positive even at 5:30am. She also motivated me each time I went to the gym to stay on my diet and exercise routine. Now my goal is to keep the weight off permanently and maybe I can even get down to my high school weight!
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Anonymous
A few years back, I began working out at a local gym. It was difficult to find the time to exercise since I am a principal at a fairly large middle school and work well over sixty hours a week. I was unable to stick to the routine and stopped exercising for about two years.
Because of my high-stress job, I could no longer move my neck to one side and I had severe pain in my shoulder, so bad that it hurt to take a deep breath. I decided to start taking Pilates Reformer classes about two years ago to help alleviate some of my symptoms of stress. Because Pilates stretches your muscles as your exercise, I had found relief from the pain after only a few weeks. My posture improved and I began to feel more confident. I continued to take Reformer classes for a year and decided I needed to mix things up and I began personal training with Joe.
Although I noticed a huge difference in my strength and endurance, I was not losing any weight. In November, I increased the amount I exercise to four days a week, and included at least one cardio session a week. On the advice of a nutritionist, I began to limit the number of carbs I ate. Since November, I lost ten percent of my body weight and almost 12 total inches off my body. I have a lot more energy and I have never been in better shape. It still remains difficult to find the time to exercise, but the results are definitely worth it. The different classes at Studio ONE Fitness keep me from getting bored with a routine.
Colleen asked me to share my dreams in this piece—this is definitely the hardest part to write. Other than dreaming of opening a vegetarian restaurant in Hawaii one day, I don’t have any other long-term dreams. I try to live my life one day at a time and enjoy the blessings that I have.
I truly don’t think that I could have made these healthy changes to my lifestyle without the support from my loving family and the staff at Studio ONE Fitness. I can’t thank you enough for being there for me when I needed you the most.
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Kerry
(33)
Wow, I finally did it! I’ve lost 100lbs. This is one of my many successes lately. My name is Kerry Debski. I’m 33 years old and started my journey to Studio One Fitness last year. You see, I’ve been overweight most of my life. I was the “fat girl” in school. I’ve tried most of the fad diets as well as most of the prescription aids. Every time I lost weight , it came back and with a little more. It never really bothered me until my kids became really active, and I couldn't do things with them. I was sick and tired of only being able to shop in one store, and I was growing out of that store.
After a good friend of mine had gastric bypass, I truly started to consider surgical options. Was it really the right thing to do? I mean there are a TON of risks. But the outcome… well it would be a completely new life, a chance to start over and stay healthy. My husband, Jason, and I went on the internet and researched and talked. The surgeon felt I was an excellent candidate, aside from my weight my general health was good. I decided it was what I needed to do for me..and Jason was behind me 100%. So on 4/2/07, I had bypass surgery. Boy, was I scared. The surgery went fine. However, I was in pain for the first 2 months and had no energy, but I followed the program. I changed what I ate and how I ate. Slowly the pounds started coming off. With the doctor’s approval, I began walking. In June I was advised to kick up the exercise a notch. I found Studio One Fitness. With the help of Christine and Donna, I have lost more weight in six months than I thought possible.
I am 45 lbs from my goal weight and 6 sizes from my personal goal size. I’m pleased to report that in the last 4 months I’ve gotten rid of eight 30-gallon garbage bags of clothes. I no longer buy plus sizes!!! I smile much more and my personality has been energized!
There are still days I look in the mirror and see that fat girl, but I’m starting to see her less and less. I’m beginning to feel the way Jason sees me. Now I like who I see in the mirror! I’ll keep working on my weight and my lifestyle. Little by little my successes keep building up!
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Maria
(22)
Maria Roselle, just turned 22, is the winner of our women’s weight loss contest. This contest began the Monday after Thanksgiving and lasted all through the holidays ending January 7th. Maria weighed in, like everyone else, with a little determination, drive and discipline. However, Maria determination grew as she saw the inches fade away and her body changing. The goal was more important than the holiday treats! She ate healthy, keeping her portions small and saying "no" to treats. She increased her cardio and kept exercising vigorously! She was neck and neck with another contestant until the bitter end. Her final weigh in brought her down a total of 16 pounds and 11% in only 6 weeks time! If you see Maria, give her a high five or a pat on the back because she absolutely deserves it!
Good Job Maria! We are all so very proud of you! You are an inspiration to all of us!
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Nadine
My name is Nadine Olsen. I guess everyone has a story, and mine began when I was told I needed a total hysterectomy at the age of 41. I was very nervous, but I knew that something had to be done. I had always done some form of exercise but since I was in such pain, I wasn't able to. I had everything to do just to get through the day. I was very embarrassed when I weighted in for my pre-op. I had never been that heavy.
Weeks after the operation, I couldn’t believe how well I felt. I started to take long walks. I stepped it up a notch when I started working out Studio One Fitness back in 2004, before they purchased the Pilates machines and we use to do just Mat Pilates and toning classes. I was hooked! Now, I do Pilates twice a week, yoga twice, personal training twice and cardio 6 times per week, all while working a full time job. I’m usually the oldest one in class, but that doesn’t bother me. I am 40 pounds lighter, and have never been stronger. I love Colleen. She has supported me through 2 knee operations, and she is not only my trainer, but also a special friend.
My dream is one day to be a trainer for women over 50. Who knows?
Thank you to Colleen for not giving up on your dream and being there for all of us!
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