She’s Shaping Up…for Life!

It is now early February. I have a question for you. Are you still going strong with your New Year’s resolution to be healthier and happier? I do hope that you can respond with an enthusiastic “Yes!” However, if you are moving a little slower toward your goal than you had hoped, I want to remind you that a slow and steady commitment can and will enable you to reach your goals. I also desire to encourage you by sharing a brief story. With the permission of one of my students, I wish to tell you about her recent experiences. As a teacher and trainer, I have great respect for all of those who have given me the opportunity to be part of their journey. However, this one particular student is extra special. She is my beautiful wife, Kelley. So, I hope that you will indulge me as I elaborate on her extraordinary accomplishments of late.

With a desire to take shape for life, Kelley began a wonderful new health program on August 29th. I wholeheartedly supported her decision, because this program is designed to teach its participants many of the very principles of health and wellness which I have endorsed and preached for almost twenty years. Kelley was prepared to do what was necessary to increase the chances of success. She embraced the philosophy that one’s spirit, mind, and body must all be actively engaged in the pursuit of self-improvement. Each should be strengthened for the ultimate desired outcome to be produced. Keep in mind that one can become healthier and still not be satisfied. Happiness is not automatically achieved by simply losing weight. But speaking of weight loss, Kelley’s progress in that department has been remarkable. She has lost fifty pounds! That is more than our five year old son weighs! Like many working moms, she had become very discouraged with the prospect of reclaiming her former shape. No more attempts with hard to stick to meal plans. No more battling cravings. No more frustration due to the yo-yo affect, losing a little, gaining it back, and repeating several times. I used the term remarkable to describe her efforts, but I must admit that it was actually quite predictable.

By adhering to the prescribed approach set forth in the program, Kelley was certain to see a difference in the mirror, feel different in her clothes, feel an increase in energy and a desire to help make a difference in other’s lives. I had complete confidence that this time was going to be quite different. And, indeed, it has been. By focusing on learning to control her eating habits, Kelley has gained confidence in herself. I cannot take any credit for her results. She started to eat on a set schedule every day. Five nutritionally balanced “mini-meals” combined with a heavy vegetable mix and lean selection of protein for a sixth meal has proven to be easier to follow than Kelley had anticipated. Now she better understands my strict eating regimen, which highlights the need to fuel the body regularly with nutrient rich foods in place of infrequent gorging on calorie dense garbage. Her first hand experience has taught her to make the connection between eating and blood sugar levels. Kelley has learned what “hunger” should actually feel like, and just as importantly, how to respond to it appropriately. I am so very proud of my wife for the personal progress she has made since the end of summer. But, she is not finished yet!

For the past four weeks, my wife has been making the time for exercise. Now that she has lost her excess weight, she has more energy and motivation to work out. With her busy schedule and desire to spend time with our son after work, Kelley has shown such great determination to make exercise a priority early in the day. At about 6:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, I have been thrilled to have a pretty face in my gym! In twenty to thirty minutes, I put her through a thorough workout. We combine stretching, strength training, and short bursts on cardio machines to create a fun, action-packed, complete workout routine. A wonderful way to begin the day! As someone who has previously despised this type of exercise, Kelley is already feeling great. A month has passed and the habit is already formed! I’m not sure who looks forward to these sessions more! Perhaps, the answer lies in the fact that Kelley usually beats me to the gym. She may never enjoy the training as much as I do, but that is of no significance. She is doing it. Trust me, Kelley would be the first to say, “If I can do this, anyone can!” What I love most about the things I have witnessed is Kelley’s blossoming desire to share her experience with others. Her smile is more beautiful than ever as she encourages people to give it a try. I think you should listen to her. She knows what she is speaking about. I echo her sentiments. You can do this! You can have it all! You can be healthier and happier! What are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid to contact me or my amazing wife if you want to learn more about how you can achieve optimal health too.