I grew up being called "fat" names (even though I wasn't fat at all); this was extremely destructive to my self-image. Therefore, as a young adult I quickly swung right into the obese category. I've had numerous attempts of weight loss, some fairly successful, but somehow I always found myself gaining the weight back - embarrassed at the weight gain and super unhappy. The closest I got to where I am emotionally and physically now, was right before I was pregnant with Seamus in 2011. As my pregnancy progressed, I made excuses, and lost my energy and momentum. I ended up back at my "starting" point. What I had in 2011 that made me successful was the support I had and my personal commitment. My goals were solid, I was writing blogs, supporting others and being supported. Other attempts were done quietly, or at least with less gumption and definitely with less personal commitment.
So, I started THIS journey on May 1, 2015. Looking back, I realize started a little aimlessly. I had a "failed" attempt of weightloss the year previous and my weight jumped back up. Good friends of ours, Tom and Shannon, had started doing the BeachBody programs in early 2015 and it was working for them (and boy do they look amazing), so I figured, why not. It's true that exercise can become an addiction. I absolutely LOVED it. I started eating healthier too. Then in July of 2015 I started the BeachBody 21 day fix. My husband and I did the program 6 times. I lost 35 pounds from May until November 2015. Then, I got burned out on the program and decided to take a break. Worst decision ever! TAKEAWAY NOTE: Don't take breaks, just find new workouts or new challenges. So in December and January I found myself losing steam and gained 15 pounds back. I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself.....again.
Then, I realized I need the one-on-one support. I need the accountability. I needed the push. So I joined Challenge Fitness in Charlevoix and hired Christopher Demaneaus as my Personal Trainer. My first day was February 1, 2016. We started with cardio circuits to get me to reach my initial goal of losing the 15 I had gained. When I reached that goal, I was ready to push for more. I'm usually able to get into a weight-loss routine and lose 30-40 pounds, but that's where I find myself yo-yo'ing most. I needed to break through that. I had only done it once before in 2011. Chris encouraged me to try the Isagenix 30-day Weightloss plan in April. The April Isagenix challenge showed great results which can be found here! I fell in love with the product - the taste, the consistency, the nutrients. I'll likely do the entire 30-day program again (which includes a once a week nutritional fasting) but for now I use the Isagenix shakes as my go-to. This has proven to be super effective since I'm always on the run. In mid-July Chris switched me to lifting (which has always been a secret dream of mine). From May until now, I have lost an additional 13 pounds putting me at a total loss of 52 pounds and I have gained a lot of muscle too.
At this point, I'm in new territory. I've never been this fit, this healthy or this small as an adult. Most times still, I look in the mirror and see the bigger girl I have come to know myself as. I was shown a recent picture of myself and didn't recognize it was ME. I hold my breath trying on clothes that I never dreamed of fitting (and guess what, they fit). My brain is still wrapping the fact that I am no longer a "large" or "extra large" - I am a medium, and sometimes small, depending on the brand ;)
I know that my progress is attributed to MY hard work, obviously I wouldn't be here without it. It's also attributed to the support I receive from my hubby Patrick and my girl Bri. It's attributed to the support I receive on social media posts - encouraging and motivating me. It's attributed to many of you who inspire me to push for more (Karen, Denise, Michelle, Rebecca, Liz, and SO many more!).
However, a major piece of my progress is because of Christopher. Chris, you have given me not only the absolutely fabulous (cough cough...yea right....ha ha) workouts, but you've given me the accountability, the support and the encouragement I needed to get me to where I am today. You're more than just a PT, you're my friend and confidant. I know you will continue to push me to reach all of my goals. (Handstands, chin-ups and lifting, here I come!) I am so thankful to have you in my life. Happy 6 month gym-versary Chris. I feel like I just cannot eloquently express my gratitude, but I hope you're getting it.
Below are a couple of my current progress pictures. The first one is not something I ever planned to post! In fact, in March (2016) when I took the originals, I took two pictures: one with my shirt down and one with it pulled up. The one with the shirt down is the progress picture I was comfortable posting on social media (which you can see in my previous blog). But, what's the point of having the the other pictures if I don't celebrate my achievements. Here's to risk taking! Even though I personally have more I want to work on, I can honestly say I am VERY PROUD of my accomplishments thus far. *CELEBRATING*
This progress picture shows a loss of 20 pounds with a lot of muscle gains and toning!
This second comparison is with my friend Jessica - the left picture was from February of 2015 and the picture on the right is from today (August 5). Jessica has also been working her ass off (literally) as you can see in this comparison! Great work Jess, I'm proud of you! She has a total loss of 34 since the left picture in 2015!
