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In the summer of 2007 I made a sound decision I would
spend time getting myself into better shape. My goal was not weight
loss, although I desperately wanted to be less than 200 lbs, as
much as it was becoming fitter and happier with me. This is my journey
from Big to ‘BAD’.
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My story is like many which you have read
before in Shape, Oprah or Oxygen magazine. I am no different
than you. I have similar trials and tribulations sticking
to diets, getting to the gym and staying focused on the positive
outcomes of losing weight. I easily get side tracked when
going out for dinner or running late at work, picking foods
that are convenient instead of healthy and then feeling frustrated
because I know better. Personal trainers, and new diet fads
became short term fixes as I could never commit to anything
longer than about 6- 8 weeks in duration.
I have hired several different personal trainers,
tried many different diets; Weight Watchers, Body for Life,
Bernstein, calorie counting and South Beach. Some were successful
for short periods of time but most were not. What these previous
diets identified for me were the pitfalls of dieting and others
reactions to my personal weight struggles but most of how
I would have to change my own self image in order to be successful
on this particular journey.
July 25th, 2008 was day one of what would turn
out to be a remarkable Phase I Fitness Journey. After spending
six months on a healthy diet provided by Kerry and working
out at the gym with her 2 – 3 times a week I decided
that I would attempt the pre-contest diet and fitness program
she advertised on her website. Kerry was extremely supportive
and very clear on her expectations. Kerry stated time and
time again that this was “a tough diet, there was no
room for Cheating and I would have to write down absolutely
everything that went past my lips!” This discussion
went on for three weeks before I signed up for the pre-contest
phase. I thought, OK, how hard can it be? It is only for 16
weeks. |
Sixteen weeks of logging the daily food diary and
identifying how I felt throughout each day, pitfalls and peaks was
very time consuming but as the weeks progressed I came to appreciate
the application. Kerry was quick to identify all the positives that
were accomplished each week and supported me during the days that
were not as clean. She never lectured me but always acknowledged
how well I was doing and provided positive quotes, text messages
and inspirational stories. Kerry became my one true supporter, who
was always there for me, now matter what, or where I was in the
world. I emailed her from Kelowna, Calgary and Scotland telling
her about my stressful time with food challenges or gym workouts.
She always got back to me and provided other options for food or
personal stories about how to cope with traveling situations. You
are doing great Arleigh and not allowing the forks in the road to
deter you... hang in there! Kerry had the experience of training
and completed in several women’s figure competitions and knows
of the dedication required and tribulations which occur. Kerry became
my personal nutritionist, cardio coach, weight trainer, guide, role
model, guru, and friend.
| Some workouts were grueling! When I got really
pissed I’d tell Kerry she was a “BAD MONKEY!”
and we would both laugh. After weeks of eating clean and working
out with Kerry 4 times a week, the weight was coming off,
the body was transforming shape and people were noticing.
Even I started to notice I actually had muscle under that
fat layers. Who knew? As I continued on through the weeks,
individuals were asking: What did you do to lose weight? How
much weight have you lost? You look great! My response over
time became easier and I would say with pride, “I hired
a personal trainer, she is fabulous and she provides the diet,
fitness, weight training and morale support.”
My personal journey took me from wearing a size
26 to a size 10. I cried the first time I tried on jeans at
Bootlegger. I bought size 15 pants in Calgary (September)
and size 10 skinny jeans November 28. I can cross my legs
while sitting in a chair, I take up one seat on an airplane,
and I can bend over to tie my shoes. Doesn’t sound like
much but this is a far cry from where I started in July.
At the end of the pre contest program, down
52 lbs, I decided to participate in a photo shoot to help
me adjust to my new body image. It is difficulty to change
an image of fat to thin that has been present for the past
25 years. The photo shoot was fun and I have wonderful pictures
to help remind me that I truly am fit and in the “best
shape ever”. |
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So you see my story is not different than yours.
My story is how I went from Big to Bad in 16 weeks.
As Kerry said “WOW woman, these are crazy results”
| Personal trainer four times a week
Cardio five times a week
Nutrition program seven days a week
Cheating zero days a week
Losing 52 lbs in 16 weeks
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Total Weight Lost 52 lbs
Total Inches Lost 38.5
Total Body Fat Lost 8%
Size 20 To Size 10
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I can’t put a price on feeling healthy
and looking fit but I can say it has been worth every struggle and
every penny spent. Being in the best shape ever at 44 years of age…in
my world…..PRICELESS!
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