I started this challenge with mainly one thing in mind - weight loss. The main difference this time around was that I wanted to learn how to actually keep it off. I am a single parent with 2 small children ages 3 and 4 years of age. I am married, but my husband is out of the country and had been for the past 2 ˝ year's dues to immigration difficulties. I care for my elder parent at my home. Also, I work a full - time job as an RN. I have all the reason in the world not to take care of myself. But, I decided that it was time for a change. I was always tired and stressed out due to my hectic schedule. I have been unhappy with my weight for most of my adult life. Since I am caring for my bedridden mother with diabetes and hypertension I knew what may be in store for me if I continue with an unhealthy lifestyle. I needed to set aside some time for myself - for a healthier mind and body. So I decided to try this 90-day challenge.
The 90-day challenge was just the step I needed to take to motivate me to actually control my eating. It was my starting point. I really enjoyed all the class during the first month educating me on motivation and the types of exercise from specialist in the field.
Since December of last year, Kim Jones had been my personal trainer. I like working with Kim due to her knowledge and great personality. She taught me how to eat properly, get in shape and stay in shape. She was truly my trainer for the body and for the mind. She designed my workout regimen so that it was right for me. I kept a diary of all items that went in my month. I had Kim check the diary weekly and give feedback on what I could do to improve. It was challenging, and required a few changes, but it was attainable.
The result - I have lost 28 pounds and down 10% body fat. What a great feeling! I have more energy and actually like exercising. I still have all the responsibilities as I had before, but I feel a lot better about myself. I feel stronger and able to take on my challenge that life has to offer. I still have a few more ponds to go, but I know that I can lose the rest and keep it off.
I have learned that I can lead a healthy lifestyle and actually enjoy it. I have learned that it will always be a struggle, but so what. Anything if life wroth having is usually a struggle. A healthier and hopefully longer life is definitely worth it. Most of all I learned that the world will not fall apart if I take time out for MYSELF.
- - - Gail
The experience of the 90-day challenge has changed my life in many was. Since the challenge has started I have noticed my attitude toward everyday life has gotten better. I won't say I no longer live without stress but the stress of everyday life is a lot easier to deal with. I feel better after working out and on the days that I don't workout I feel guilty because I just cheated myself out of another healthier day down the road.
Since starting the challenge I have also noticed that I don't treat every meal as an eating contest. I no longer eat until everything on my plate and my wife's plate is gone. I have learned to eat healthier and to stop eating when I am full.
When I started the challenge I really didn't have a trainer per se. I would like to give Tim some props because he was the trainer that did my weight and measurements. I aw him often and he would always give me encouraging words. Another person has really help me along the way is Shawn, he join the gym soon after I started the challenge and has work out with me every morning since. The personal that deserves most of the credit for making sure I did what I was suppose to do and making sure I stayed committed is my wife Casey. If it weren't for her I would have never even thought about joining the challenge. She has early been that great loving drill sergeant that I wish every contestant could have. My relationship with my wife has only gotten stringer since we started the 90-day challenge. The afternoon workout, the early morning walks have really strengthened my relationship with her.
As the 90-day challenge comes to an end I was a little fearful at first because I have been told a lot of people do so great on it and once its over they go back to the way they were. I started thinking to myself that I don't want to just complete in the 90-day challenge I want to compete in the life long challenge.
- - - Dennis
My experience as a competitor in the 90-day challenge has been a phenomenal one. First of all, it was a personal challenge to actually enter. I was a bit apprehensive about "putting myself out there." I was absolutely mortified about exposing my weight and body measurements to anyone other than the reflection in the mirror. However, with the insistence of my personal trainer Anton I agreed to go for it.
I had recently become a Gold's member a couple of weeks prior to the start of the challenge. I decided right away that in order to reach the goals that I had set for myself that I would need help. On the other hand I knew that my body type…and I were very stubborn and difficult to change? So needless to say I had very little faith or hope in the process and that's where Anton stepped in.
Anton is excellent at what he does. Once I decided that 60% my way and 40% his way wasn't working for me, I gave into doing things 100% his way I began to see changes occur. That made the difference for me. As he has constantly said to me "listen, listen!" I have a long way to go, but I know that if I stick with him and "listen" I will be successful.
My energy level is great and I feel great. Since joining my changes have interested other to participate and I have had three coworkers and one friend to join as my referrals. So if anyone has any doubt about their capabilities, don't. Everyone need's a little challenge every now and then!
- - - Gwendolyn
The most important goal; for body changes is modification to eating and exercise. This will assist one achieve their desired goal. . My personal goal was to weight 159 pounds and to have my BMI under 25%. My target date is June 1, 2007. The easiest way to achieve this goal is by a proper mind set blended with proper eating habits interlaced with a planned exercise programs. The foods that one eats must be such that one achieves proper nutrients with only the number of needed calories. One must determine the proper amount of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Emphasis must be placed on a proper reduction of all unneccary calories and fat.
I was very fortunate to have a strong support system which include my wife, my children and many more around me. I have made many changes to my thinking and how to achieve my goal. Once I clearly defined what I wanted to achieve, the rest was very easy. I now have achieved a position where now only it is easy to select the correct foods; it is very difficult to eat any items which are not on my food list.
I am really blessed with all the support I have received. The biggest boost occurs when a person who has not seen me for awhile and makes a point to ask how I made the big change. This is just great. I hear this over and over again.
It has been very easy for me to focus each week on my goals. The main reason is that I was able focus, get motivate and to see steady results towards a better looking person and a better body.
There is no such thing as a quick fix. The step by step process is a much more satisfying feeling. The results will be more lasting.
It gives me personal satisfaction to be able to help those achieve what the person wants. I am proud of my personal achievement and am always willing to talk about how I achieved my goal and to help any one make similar achievements. Yes it will take determination but everyone can use encouragement. The results are worth the effort.
I have learned much about fitness and knowledge I know that there is much more fitness to learn. I may put what I have gleaned from my fitness travels into written form. Only time will tell.
I participated in the 90-day challenge as continuation of my long term fitness goal. I know that by reducing my BMI into a lower classification I will be able to do more and enjoy life more. My blood pressure has been lowered to a level that my cardiologist has taken me off a blood pressure medication. The Doctor asked me which one I wanted to stop taking, I said the most expensive one. The Doctor Agreed.
I have achieved a level which I know I will maintain from now on.
- - - Sandler
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