The latest addition to our "Gallery of Champions"
is Heather H., a Fitness Defined client who recently achieved her fitness goal, and
wishes to share her story with you. When Heather
H. initially started with Fitness Defined, her main weight goal was
to once again weigh what she had weighed in college. Like most
people, Heather and her trainer, Amy Gilson, had to work
hard to fnd the right combination of exercise and nutrition that
would eventually allow Heather to realize her goal. Success
came rapidly once they hit on the correct combination - frequency of
one-on-one personal training sessions, frequency and intensity of
private cardio sessions, and correct nutrition - consisting of daily
caloric intake, frequency and number of daily meals, and
proper percentages of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Heather
further facilitated her results by investing in a BodyBugg (a product she
highly recommends). At Fitness Defined, we always emphasize the
importance of maintaining a food journal or other method of carefully
tracking your nutrition.
Amy - What inspired you to take your
fitness to the next level?
Heather - I was frustrated with my weight! I was meeting with my
[former]trainer three times a week for resistance training and doing three
30 minute cardio sessions a week, yet my weight stayed the same for a
period of three years. I had a co-worker who had a BodyBugg and she was
having good results with it. I talked to my [new] trainer and we agreed,
together, to try it. I made the commitment to follow the program's
suggested diet for a weight loss strategy and to maintain my exercise
regimen.
Amy - What would be the first bit of advice you would share with
someone who wants to lose weight?
Heather - Exercise is such a small part of it,
diet is the key. The difference is what you are eating, or not eating. It
is important to have a balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates
appropriate for you. The other thing I remind people of is that you didn’t
gain the weight in a week; you sure won’t lose it in a week. This is about
a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
Amy - Support has been proven to aid in achieving goals. Who
did you get your support from and how was this helpful to you?
Heather - I supported myself by keeping track of my calorie intake
and keeping my weekly goal of cardio and resistance training. My
trainer [Amy] was a positive motivator and helped me stay on track by
checking in about my diet and by weighing and measuring me every two
weeks. She also maximized my workouts for optimal weight loss. My husband
also supported me by eating the same things I did. He gave up eating out
for three months to support my changes. I also had daily support
from BodyBugg and the computer program that comes along with it. By
downloading my calories burned and entering my calories consumed, I had
instant feedback about whether or not I was in a calorie deficit or
surplus. This helped me to adjust my activity almost real-time.
Amy- What is the most valuable thing you learned about
yourself?
Heather - I have learned to listen to my body and not ignore what it
is telling me. I don't deprive myself of sweets or junk food. I just limit
it to once or twice a week in small quantities. I also realized that I am
a couch potato and that I really need to be conscious of moving more. I
thought doing cardio three times a week was enough...it isn't.
Amy - What was the most challenging obstacle you faced on your
journey?
Heather - My head...I have a tendency to sabotage myself with
the thought that "I have lost weight so now I can eat more of what I
want:, cookies, dessert, etc." or, "I don't have to work out today because
I am losing weight".
Amy - How do you celebrate your successes?
Heather - I have to say I really enjoy buying new clothes in a size
8-10 instead of the old size of 14-16. I still celebrate on my weight and
measure days by having a non-suggested meal...Something like a hamburger
and fries or just going out to a restaurant for dinner. This reminds me
that being bad every once in a while is ok and realistic.
Amy - It is January 2010 and unlike most people, you have already
reached your goal of weight loss. It must feel great to be ahead of the
game! What fitness goals do you have for 2010?
Heather - I want to maintain my current weight and possibly lose a
little more. I would love to see me at 149lbs, but I am not unhappy with
where I am at. I just want to enjoy the new me and continue what I have
been doing.
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