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DEL.ICIO.USThe Challenge comes to an end, but my fitness pursuit does not!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in the AJC Fitness Challenge. I’m so glad the AJC sponsored this Challenge and thankful that I was a winner. And I especially want to thank all the trainers who were involved and gave of their time. Especially, of course, Fitness Together Sandy Springs, owned by Kelly Huggins. It was a truly great experience as I was placed into the hands of a knowledgeable and caring fitness professional who has taken my life down an entirely different path from the one I was on!
I know that sounds dramatic, but listen to where I was going. I was a 43-year-old woman well into the obesity category and gaining weight at scary pace of about 5 to 10 pounds a year. My eating was not only unhealthy, it was out of control due to my heavy reliance on processed carbs (mostly crackers) as snacks - keeping me in a hunger cycle and zapping my energy. My resting heart rate was extremely high, and climbing a flight of stairs was not easy. I didn’t even know what muscle tone felt like.
So, I won the Challenge. And I walked into Fitness Together Sandy Springs with preconceived notions about personal trainers as well as misinformation about nutrition and exercise. (The three biggest ones: “Crackers are healthy because they are not fatty like chips.” “Walking 30 minutes a day, three times a week will get me into shape,” and “Personal trainers are jocks who train jocks.” All wrong!)
Well, I’m still 43 (Kelly couldn’t help with that one). But I no longer “feel” like I’m 53! In fact, I’m headed back to 33! I’ve REVERSED the weight gain cycle and have steadily lost a pound a week. At this rate, I’ll be at a healthy weight - NOT 10 lbs. heavier - by the end of the year. I know how to eat in a way that supplies my body with nutrition and energy. I can actually feel the muscles in my arms, legs and back. I have soooooo much more stamina and energy. As my waistline, thighs and hips shrink, a whole new world of clothes is opening up to me, and clothes feel and look better on my body. I have more self-confidence. I haven’t been back to the doctor yet, but I am 100% sure my blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, etc. are way down. And I ENJOY exercise (yes, you read that right!)
My final testament to the success of this program? Today I just wrote a check for my next 17 weeks at Fitness Together Sandy Springs. Yes, it was that good. If you have weight to lose or health to gain, I’m not shy about this - You need to call this guy! Go see the private training rooms. Meet his wonderful staff - Candice, Andrew and George. You couldn’t ask for nicer, more inspiring people to work with! Just see what he has to say. His number is 404-303-8305. Otherwise, where are YOU going to be at the end of the year??
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Jennifer
Comments
By Sheila
June 25, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Hey Jennifer, Keep up the good work. I am so happy for you.
Sheila
By Gayle
June 25, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Jen- You are looking great and more importantly, you are feeling great. You are an inspiration. Love ya!
By Edie
June 25, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Your blogs have really inspired me. I am so sorry I will not be able to read them any longer. You have changed my attitude and my behavior. Every week you have touched on a problem that we all confront in our endless effort to become healthier. I know you will keep up the good work. I hope I can also continue my progress. Even though I have not commented before now, I had to tell you how much I appreciate your honesty and inspiration. Good luck. Edie