2009 Fitness Challenge

With the help of four capable trainers, our fitness challenge participants have gotten a running start on their 2009 fitness goals. Here is their progress since January.

Annie Kitchen · PROVO
Lost 4 pounds, 1 waistline inch
Starting Weight 215
Current Weight 211

This has been a challenging two months for me. I started out in January being motivated and determined. The workouts Kami had me do were awesome. Kami and I sat down and set realistic goals and talked about nutrition, and everything was going well until reality set in.

I loved the exercise and it helped me cure the winter blues, but my diet started to go south. I have no excuses — I just made poor choices. I’m now back on track with my diet. I’ve noticed a big increase in my energy level and my body is starting to become firmer. Two months down, 10 to go!

Katie Kitchen · Springville
Lost 10 pounds, 2 waistline inches, Age 16

Success! I’ve lost 10 pounds since we started, and I’m learning a lot from Kami about muscles, calorie intake and general nutrition. I’m getting stronger — I can feel it!

I’ve been able to increase my cardio workouts and I’m making a better effort to watch what I put in my mouth. I wear a bodybug, which keeps track of the calories I burn, even when I’m asleep.

My goal is to lose 1.5 pounds per week, and so far I’m right on schedule. I have a chart where I log my progress, and it’s fun to see that line keep going down. I can do this and I will!

Kami Price · Energy Explosion · 801.602.7057· energyexplosion@gmail.com · www.energyexplosion.biz

KAMI’S FITNESS TIP
Despite what the media would like you to think, weight loss doesn’t just magically happen. You have to work for it.  No quick fixes. It takes time and consistency. It’s 80 percent diet and 20 percent activity. If you justify having dessert because you worked out that day, the harsh reality is that you can’t. Once you have reached your goal and you’re just maintaining, then you can have the dessert. Not before. Otherwise, you will just keep repeating the same vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight.

Mike West · Lehi
Lost 4 pounds, 1 waistline inch
Starting weight  230 pounds      Current weight  226 pounds

The goal over these past couple of months has been to build — so the lifting has been intense! Having been away from the gym for so long, sore muscles and Jell-O legs have definitely been more of the norm than the exception. In spite of it all, it’s been fun getting back on the horse.

I am nowhere near where I want to be . . . yet. One of the challenges I have faced is changing my mindset about getting into shape. I am accustomed to killing myself right out of the gates in both diet and exercise. While I would experience quick dramatic results, I would lose my intensity and fall back into old habits. While working with Luanne, I’ve realized that this is a process, not a singular event. The past two months have been full of hard work, but I have appreciated the stepped approach we have been taking, and feel that it’s the key to staying engaged and making long term changes.

Overall, it’s been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to the next phases. I feel stronger than I have in a long time and it’s allowed me to more fully enjoy what Utah winters have to offer — great snow and great skiing!

LuAnn Van Akin · corefit Personal training and nutrition · 801.792.3184

LUANN’S FITNESS TIP
To curb your cravings, add fiber-rich foods to your diet such as broccoli, almonds, apples and spinach.

Amy Weiland · Cedar hills
Lost 16 pounds, 1.25 inches off waistline
Starting weight  217 pounds      Current weight  201 pounds

I feel like the wicked witch of the west — I’m melting! At first I was really shocked at my progress. In the past, I would work really hard for a few weeks and maybe drop a few pounds, but I’d be right back to where I started in no time. Here’s the difference — this isn’t a diet. This is a lifestyle change.

I eat eight times a day. I exercise four to six times a week. I’m never hungry and I’m never tired. And I found something out about myself — I love to exercise!  I used to think feeling good meant sitting on the couch, exerting only enough energy to dip Oreos in milk. But I’ve realized that the real secret to feeling good is to treat my body to regular exercise and healthy foods.

My first few times at the gym, I had to suck up my intimidation and lift my five pounders with confidence. Now I’m totally secure in what I’m doing and completely comfortable next to a burley guy benching more than I weigh, and I’m amazed at how strong I’m getting.

The biggest challenge for me has been giving up my role as treat maker after every meal and chocolate supplier to friends in need.  But I’m really enjoying being the friend and mom who can go to the mall and be excited about clothes shopping. Here I come, skinny jeans!

DAN WILCOX · total health and fitness · 801.762.6207 · www.thfonline.com · dan.wilcox@thfonline.com

DAN’S FITNESS TIP
A common mistake people make is working out “on the fly” — heading into a workout without a plan of attack or desired outcome. These five tips will help you get more organized and reach your fitness goals.  1. Assess where you are right now. 2. Set smart goals. 3. Develop a plan of attack. 4. Follow your plan to the letter. 5. Measure your results weekly. 6. Make adjustments based on your weekly results.

Roylence Croft · lindon
Lost 13 pounds, 3.5% body fat
Starting Weight 245
Current Weight 232

Kevin Croft · Lindon
Lost 4 pounds, 2 waistline inches
Starting Weight 208
Current Weight 204

The first three weeks, I (Roylence) was doing great with the weight loss. Kevin and I were trying new recipes, new foods and new drinks, but we soon realized that eating healthy on a long term basis was tough, and nothing tasted very good. Rather than eat something I didn’t like, I just stopped eating, and the weight loss came to a screeching halt. I gained three pounds in a couple of days even though I was eating less than 1,000 calories a day. After consulting with John, we learned that we must maintain the right amount of calories in order to effectively lose weight. So our goal for the next few months is to get creative and eat the proper amount of calories.

Everyone has been so supportive. We are very comfortable working out at Gold’s Gym, and John is the greatest trainer ever. I am doing a lot more than I could in January, and Kevin is a working machine. We have never been bored or tired of our workouts — John always has new and exciting things for us to do. We can do this!

JOHN GIBSON · gold’s gym · 801-636-4277 · www.goldsgym.com
FITNESS TIP
A mistake people make is eating too few calories or poor quality calories. To ensure proper nourishment for your weight loss, have a handful of vegetables and a protein with every meal, and fruit with most meals. To learn more about the eating habits I teach my clientele, go to www.doperformance.com.

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