My final results were 32lbs lost which was the second most anyone lost, along with a total of 18 inches gone - 4 from my chest, 6 from my hips and 8 from my waist. Those are the actual results that have people commenting on how I look, or how my clothes fit. The other measurable results include what I now know I can do. My interval training on the treadmill is up to a speed of 6.5 with a recovery speed of 4.5. When I started 4.5 was my top speed. I also use 8 or sometimes 10lb dumb bells instead of 5. I have climbed Knox mountain, gone swimming, taken yoga, done a couple of spin classes and through it all I have learned that I can do a lot more than I ever thought was possible. When you are 48, over-weight and out of shape you start to wonder if its too late. There were times through this whole process where I did wonder that but my trainer is a little older than I am and she runs crazy trail races for fun. It has become apparent that I have no excuse and with Stephanie's help, I gained the most important thing of all......confidence in myself and what I can accomplish. I have tried so many things, like jumping up on a step with 4 risers, that if Stephanie wasn't there telling me I can do it, I would have walked away. She said I could, so I would try, and discover she was right.......I could do these things.
I can't thank Stephanie and Global Fitness enough for the opportunity they gave me. It has become so much more than the weight I've lost. Its more than the compliments I receive from the people at work or the smaller clothes I can now wear. Its even more than how much better I feel. Its about realizing that I can do this and that I actual enjoy being active. I love pushing myself on the treadmill, or along the Greenway or up Knox mountain. For the first time in my life I am enjoying seeing how hard I can push myself, how fast I can go or how much I can lift, and I wouldn't have discovered that if someone hadn't pushed me first. Stephanie pushed me hard, sometimes harder than I thought I could be pushed and there is nothing I can say that would come close to expressing my appreciation.
I am continuing on with this journey. I want to lose more weight, be able to run faster and longer and just see what this body of mine can do if I give it the opportunity. I am also more than willing to answer any questions anyone has about what I've done, about Global Fitness or about Get it Back - Give it Back. I am sure the opportunity will be there next year for a new group. Maybe it will be your turn to make a change? Remember, its never too late.
