Fit Challenge Competitor, Brittany Rinker - Week 3

What a week! I am seeing and feeling the results of my efforts to be healthy and give it my all. My whole body felt extreme soreness a few days this week but what shocked me is the hurt made work harder and because I know its working! Eating healthy isn't so bad and I enjoy having so much more energy during the day and I sleep sooo much better at night! Still can't do the Greek yogurt but I am expanding my horizons and I am happy I say it's going great! Ready for weigh ins next week! Exciting! I must say I love how this is turning out! See ya all soon!

Fit Challenge Competitor, Chelcie Holguin - Week 3

Hi, my name is Chelcie and I'm addicted to my scale. Yes, I admitted it, I can't stay off of it. It run's my life, or at least it did for the past few years. I have always thought that the only thing that matters is what the scale says. But that all changed the beginning of the week. I have noticed a whole entire roll is missing from my side. But the scale says I've gained weight. That made me furious. So I told my husband to hide the scale. I am done with it running my life. I will define what is important to me and how everyone else will perceive me. That said, I haven't weighed myself all week and that is such a great feeling.

I am so dedicated to this life change, that I have done 7 days of cardio. I even went in at 2:30 am because I had to be to work at 5:15 am. I have never been prouder of myself. I am seeing life in a whole new way and I will admit it, I am addicted to the elliptical. It such a great stress release and I can burn 600 calories in 60 minutes.

I have the greatest husband a women could ask for. He tells me daily how proud he is of me and how he can see a difference. If it wasn't for him I'd over sleep and never last.

I kicked week 3's butt and can't wait for week 4. Bring on Stacey, Nicole and Ashely.

Fit Challenge Competitor, Emily Hanson - Week 2

Dobrodosli natrag prijatelje, zavrsila sam sedmicu broj dva!!! – which is Bosnian for…Welcome back friends, I’ve finished week two!!!  And what a second week it has been.  I have so many thoughts racing through my head as I try to sit down and recapture my week on paper, it’s simply impossible!  How about we just start from the beginning, eh?

On Sunday, I was feeling extra ambitious and decided to map out a nice little run by my house to start off my day.  However, my nice little 3 mile run turned into a .25 mile run and a 2.75 mile hike because I totally spaced on the fact that living on the Riviera means UPHILL all the way!  But nonetheless it was amazing.  Within an hour of getting back home however, I came down with the absolute worst flu-like symptoms I have ever had!  I was so proud of myself for going on the run out of my own will and excited to continue my second week of training and now my excitement was blown.  I was practically laid out for 3 days.  Eating was rough.  I probably had the equivalent of one bowl of chicken soup from Sunday to Tuesday.  But I pressed on and continued the workouts and I have to say, I think they helped!  I felt stronger as the days went on.  I kind of wonder if my body just needed to de-toxify and if it did, then it was a success!

The physical part of the challenge is starting to feel more like a regular part of my life/schedule.  I’ve finally got a little more accustomed to going to bed earlier and waking up at the ass crack of dawn.  I’ve been an night owl my entire life, so going to bed early three days a week is a challenge for me!  But I’m definitely feeling more energized and, well, healthier!  The muscles are sore, but it’s such a good sore   My coworkers laugh as I groan while going up the stairs first thing in the morning but the cool thing for me is… I’m no longer out of breath when I get to the top like I used to be!  It’s the small things like that that totally make it worth it on a daily basis.  And then there’s of course the whole pants fitting a little looser part!  I mean, sometimes seeing is believing, right?  Well, seeing and feeling my clothes fit better is a wonderful feeling.  But of course I sometimes wonder if I’m just imagining things… but when my boss actually added to our meeting agenda, “Emily is shrinking!” that was all the “seeing” I needed to believe.

As for the emotional side of things?  Still a little bit of a rollercoaster   But I find, a good re-arranging of all of the furniture in my house will help solve that! (And be a little workout all in itself…bookshelves, elliptical, coffee table and sitting chairs are pretty darn heavy for one to move!)  My grandma was finally able to go home from the hospital but is now in hospice care.  She has been such a huge part of my life and I only hope that my children someday could have the amazing relationship with their grandparents as I have with mine.  Which brings me to another dip in the coaster… each of my parent’s health is not the greatest.  They’ve both battled cancer amongst other problems and living a healthy lifestyle is sometimes a challenge.  Even in just these first two weeks, sharing on a regular basis with them my triumphs and tribulations in this challenge, I somehow hope that it will stick in their minds… and I think it is.  I’m sharing with them what I’m eating and even little exercises they can do in their own homes and they’re genuinely interested!  Only time will tell and I’m excited for my results to be the kick in their pants to make a difference in their own lives.

Well that’s the week in a nutshell, or kind of a nutshell; what can I say, I sometimes talk a lot when I’m passionate about something.  Speaking of passions… I’ve spent some time in Bosnia and met one of my dearest friends while there.  I was talking to her this week and she is truly an inspiration in my daily life.  I was sharing everything about life right now – the challenge, my grandma, the breakup, work, everything! and she was just so encouraging.  It’s so great to know that I have such a strong network surrounding me during this complete life change.  From friends, to coworkers to family, I know they’re there cheering me on.  Until next time - vidimo se laku noc! (see you soon and good night!)

Fit Challenge Competitor, Saul Zevada - Week 3

I've been paranoid about stepping on a scale for literally years. For some reason, I felt compelled to weigh myself at the gym after an arduous workout last Thursday. It's crazy what a string of good decisions and hard work can reward you with. The reward wasn't necessarily what the scale read back to me (although I was thrilled with my progress), the reward was how OK I felt with challenging myself to step on the scale in the first place! I feel so good about the discipline I've shown myself. I've definitely had people approach me with praises and kind words about the change they're seeing in me physically. As much as I love how that feels, I'm so much more grateful for feeling proud of myself and holding my head up higher than I have in years. One of my primary goals in this program is to get back to playing the recreational sports that had always been a part of my life up until a few years ago. My ego, pride and self worth take a huge hit every single time I step on a basketball court, a soccer or softball field, and I am not able to compete at a level that I am satisfied with. I know that machismo and competitiveness are really at the core of my feeling bad about myself when this happens. Regardless, staying on track in this program will hopefully satisfy my desire to play some competitive team sports soon! 3 weeks down and a lifetime to go!

Fit Challenge Competitor, Heather Wright - Week 3

We all have good days and bad days. That is just life. There are so many things all of us are going to get on this three month journey, one of which is really learning how to take care of ourselves on the bad days and enjoy the good days to the nth degree. One thing I do when I have things on my mind is I go to the beach before sunset. I watch the sun go down and stay for the glory that it leaves, taking in the bright colors and clouds that paint the sky until I have talked myself through whatever it is. I did that last night and I really need to do that more. I think no matter where it is, we all need to find a physical happy place to go. To me, being somewhere in nature and connecting with the earth on some level helps, as crunchy as it sounds.

Hopefully if I do that enough, I won't be so hard on myself. It's funny, I have learned I am a bit of an extremist. Either I am hardcore exercising, eating right and worried it isn't enough--- or I go the other way and let loose and toss back the drinks and eat whatever. I think by learning how to take care of myself in ways other than eating, drinking, online shopping- I won't be so extreme because I have found other panacea. Usually my go-to is a whole pizza and a bottle of red wine when I am feeling tired, down, or just in a bad mood. It is important that I do a self-check in- figure out the root cause of how I got into that mood. Then, find some way to take care of myself that is still supportive of my goals. So if I am craving pizza, I might just be sleep-deprived or needing to connect with a friend. If sleep or a phone call fails-music, magazines, movies and manicures are all better options that don't leave me with guilt and a hangover the next morning!

Fit Challenge Competitor, Brittany Rinker - Week 2

Adios Week #2!!!

Holy Moly this week flew by! Monday we got to train with Ashley instead of Stacey. It's fun to switch it up and get different workout methods. She worked us just the same. My body isn't too sore this week but boy oh boy can I feel the difference! It really is quite a crazy change in eating. But it's nice to have energy after you eat instead of feeling like you need a nap. Sure it's a little more costly and takes a little bit more time to prepare but I am seeing everyday how worth it this really is. In training, as we are being shown what to do, I tend to doubt if I can do it. But with the support of my trainers I seem to do more then I think I can."Doing good Mama" is just one of the comments I hear across the training area not even realizing she's watching me, makes me smile on the inside. FEELS GOOD to know people believe in you and what your doing. Watching the other girls around me training for different things, gives me something to look forward to eventually being able to do. What's cool is everyone I have come across during these first 2 weeks has been nothing but nice and supportive. But what question I probably will never have answer too is: "Do overweight girls work out?" I mean all I ever see is normal size girls working their booty's off to maintain their shape. Then I realize without the strength, courage and support I have gained I sure as hell wouldn't be busting my booty at 5:00am, keeping a journal of the food I eat, learning and changing my eating habits etc etc.. But I know that eventually I will be a normal size girl busting my booty to maintain my shape, and that right there is a goal I WILL reach and once I get there won't give up and will maintain it!! Between Stacey and her girls, my sister, mom, close couple friends, and the others in this challenge and the EXTREME amount of strength and support they give me on a daily basis that goal is not to far out of reach.. SO onto week 3 and I think I will give it an extra push this week... So BRING IT ON BABY!! #WINNING!!

Fit Challenge Competitor, Barbara Byrge - Week 2

Week 2 done! That feels great. I feel strong, and have been getting great sleep at night! My body is finally adjusting to the earlier wake up time, I can feel things slightly firmer here and there, and things are getting easier. Well, not all things are getting easier, but I'm starting to get into a routine and that feels good.  I'm starting to really enjoy the workouts, the sunrises, and I feel so accomplished all day when I get my early workout in. 

What didn't feel good this week were my calves from all the tough workouts. Soreness just comes with the tear-itory (ha ha)  and it was rough this week. I think there are some natural frustrations when you take up a new routine, and its hard to give up control to your trainers and give in to the process. 'Are you sure I'm not doing too many lunges?'  Going through a complete live overhaul means there are going to be some tough moments to work through, but my trainers and my family and friends were there with me to pull me through. I have been overwhelmed with love and support, and I'm so thankful for all those  who have been cheering me on! 

This week we also had our second weekly nutrition counseling session. Uh oh. Over the last few weeks Stacey gave us a crash course in healthy eating, continuing from her advice on day one. She started talking about portion sizes, when to eat carbs and fruits, and when to focus on protein. And then she comes the news: 'No white food!' I fight off the urge to crack a joke about egg WHITES because I know that white food she loves us to eat. But I know what she means. No white bread, no white rice, no white pasta (sigh). 

'But how MANY calories?' I would ask Stacey. 'I need a NUMBER!' Of course its not just about calories,  and a number, its about being healthy in general, clean eating, organic and veggies and all that stuff. And its also about the timing of the macronutrients (whoa fancy PT jargon), activity level, metabolic rate, etc. I mean yes, it is calories in minus calories out, but what I discovered with counting calories was that I was trying to shave calories off my earlier meals, and skip snacks during the day, thereby plunging my metabolism, then binging on high sugar, high carb snacks just before bedtime which of course would just be stored as fat. Its about keeping your fat burning furnace stoking all day. Its about making sure protein is there when you eat carbs. 

'What, you mean bacon is not on the diet? Oh ok!'
I was sure that if I just counted the calories I could eat bacon. Uhg, I guess that's why 3/4 of diet is DIE, there is a sense of missing all the greasy, salty, sugary, yummy, foods that got me where I am today. This change is not a temporary thing, its about forever eating a healthy diet. Its not just about sticking to a number, and eating that number's worth of bacon a day, its about fueling your human machine with good stuff, the stuff we were made to run on. And for the time being, sure I have to turn down the excitement on ice cream sundaes and french fries, and embrace spaghetti squash in lieu of pasta. I am really living the idea that dieting doesn't mean DIE all tasty foods, because that is a recipe for breakdown. I'm learning to redefine what it means to indulge, curb cravings with healthier treats, make a game plan in advance for eating out healthfully, and to explore new and different foods I might not otherwise eat. There is so much to know and learn, and I keep hearing more at each session. I think in the beginning  I expected the trainers to download all of their knowledge about exercise and fitness to my head at one time, but its a process. It takes time. 

There will be a day I will eat bacon, just not today. Not while I'm losing fat. Someday I'll be my ideal weight and I can strive to maintain weight rather than loose and then I will have any food I like, just in moderation, and in balance with my activity level.  So this last week for me was definitely about diet. We keep weekly logs about what we ate, and yes my app counts calories which is useful in learning how calorie dense certain foods are if nothing else. Between eating 6 times per day, logging it, the 'shop chop and mop' required for healthy homemade meals, and drinking a gallon of water per day (and the related peeing), I feel like IT is invading every minute of my life. It? It! This healthy living thing. I find myself reading articles on the health benefits of kale instead of seeing what celeb got surgery at the grocery store checkout, and picking up 'eating light' and searching out healthy recipes. I am learning to eat healthier foods and even to enjoy them. Today I even made kale chips, and they weren't half bad. And after reading all those articles about what a super food it is, I'm feeling like super Babs! 

Fit Challenge Competitor, Heather Wright - Week 2

This is the beauty that I enjoyed today at my 6am workout. My alarm ironically woke me up to Hurt So Good which actually for the first time I didn't since I treated myself to a massage yesterday. I actually felt so good that when the next song came on, an 80's classic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDnxxYDx5nc that I wanted to dance at 5 something am and actually this song has been in my head ever since. Something I learned today that is key to me- I need good music to inspire me to wake up and start my day in a great mood. And honestly, I'm not even a huge 80's fan. Perhaps more than the music, I feel happy because I am doing something good for me.

My body has quickly adjusted to getting to bed earlier for my morning workouts. I think it is because my body is so tired from the exercise that it is getting more restful sleep. I was so sore up until getting that massage, especially in my lower back which Stacey let me know was a result of tight hamstrings. So I have ordered a foam roller and will have to commit to using that so I can prevent injury and continue with my workouts.

The first week I was also doing a couple extra kickboxing classes and added another strength training class which I think was taking a toll on my body. So I have cut that back and am just doing these workouts plus plan to do yoga tomorrow. Besides if I go full force now, it will be hard to top that going into my third month so I will have to wait until then when my body starts to plateau a bit.

Challenge Competitor, Samantha McVee - Week 2

Phew! I made it through the second week! I am feeling much more comfortable with my workouts this week. I love working out.. It is absolutely the easiest part of all of this for me. The eating part is still my biggest obstacle. I already don't really eat red meat, pork products, fish or seafood, so my options for lean proteins is pretty limited. I am learning new ways of cooking which is fun, time consuming when trying to be creative, but all in all fun! I've been finding lots of new fun recipes that are super healthy and proving to satisfy my cravings for Mexican food! I am cutting out my big carbs from my dinners and enjoying them with my lunches. I totally got the gallon of water thing down, which is great.. I feel SOO much better already and I still have 10 weeks left. Woohoo

Now I have to be completely honest. I have not lost a single "pound" per the scale. I will admit I am totally obsessive with getting on the scale daily. Sometimes twice a day.. I'm betting I am not the only person out there that does or has done this. But I have made a "deal" with myself. I am only allowed on the scale twice a week. Monday morning & Friday morning. Otherwise I am going to discourage myself in not seeing the lbs drop off that 12x12 piece of plastic, that previously controlled how I felt about my day. I need to remain positive and that is NOT the way to do it. I am working hard and eating healthy.. I'd even go as far to say I am eating "clean"!!! Eat Clean & Train Dirty is becoming my motto! I love the new lease I am getting on life. I am also learning what exactly "triggers" my emotional eating/cravings and learning new ways to deal with the emotions and such that comes up in a more PRODUCTIVE way then stuffing it all down with food. Since I'm doing confessions I will even confess I tried to "cheat" and it backfired, BIG TIME.. My body already does NOT like "crap" food! Still kind of a catch 22, since I craving the bad stuff, but it literally makes me sick. Here's to hoping my mind can catch up quickly! 

I am betting that my body fat is going down, since I can see the shape change my body is taking even without the lbs disappearing from the scale. I know that for me personally I have a body type that gains muscle mass quickly, especially since I used to be so active in sports, etc. Which means I am losing fat pounds as fast as I am gain muscle pounds, which is great because muscle takes up less room then fat. I know that if I continue to push through these first weeks my body will realize that I am not going to give up when I normally would and catch up to the program and I will continue to see results in other ways. 

Number one thing I am shocked about is the support system I have. I have so many people in my corner cheering for me! I honestly didn't even think about how many people would be interested in my journey to loose weight. I was just doing this for me and my daughter, but now I have encouraged other people to get out and be active and start eating healthier. It's great because we can compare success and share our experience together. It's like I always get an extra boost of motivation and encouragement right when I need it most. So thank you to everyone who is standing behind me in my corner and making lifestyle changes with me. I love knowing I am making a difference.. But it all wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for Stacey and her girls taking a chance and believing in me first. Excited for week 3 and whats to come!!! 

Go Team Challenge Go!!!

Samantha 

Fit Challenge Competitor, Saul Zevada Week 2

So it's refreshing to know that my body is not nearly as stubborn as my brain! I tend to be a person that can be extremely set in his ways like a grandfather in a recession. Once I believe I have the world, and the meaning of life aaaaaaall figured out, there is little hope to convince me to turn the page and read the rest of the chapter. But eating clean food every 2-3 hours has been a great, refreshing experience. Sure, I have plenty of moments where i'm hungry and craving the most delectable deliciousness that any respectable steakhouse has to offer. But there is no intense hunger, weakness nor any feeling of suffering or deprivation. On the contrary, feeling lighter on my feet and energized for any random activity makes me think my body is really thanking me and motivating me to push even harder. Done and done. "What else might my body have to teach me?", wonders Grandpa Saul :P

Fit Challenge Competitor - Chelcie Holguin - Week 2

As I stroll along on my Tuesday night walk, all by myself, listening to my music and I start thinking about all the food I CAN'T have. I start day dreaming of cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, pizza, chips, fast food and I tell myself I miss it. I walked into Xanadu bakery and I smell the sweet aromas of all the delicious pastries and I go to get my money out of my pocket to buy a nice piece of Cake. But I stop myself and a small voice pops into my head. It's my dad’s voice. It's telling me "well you just walked a mile, do you really want to waste all the hard work for a piece of cake? Come on Chelcie, your better than that and you want this more then you want that cake." and bam I'm brought back to reality and I walk out of the bakery. I turn up my music and start thinking about what I will reward myself with when I am done with challenge, maybe new work out gear from one of those awesome, expensive and adorable shops like lululemon and Lucy. This challenge has changed the way I view everything. Not just food and exercise, but my view on everything. I always wanted a quick fix, a diet to make me skinny NOW. I know this is not realistic.  This challenge has opened my eyes to see that its hard work and dedication that makes a life change work. It's nice to see my girls look at me and tell me they are proud of me. I'm blessed with a husband that wakes me up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:30am and stands there till I wake up. He even reminds me after my long day at work that I didn’t do cardio and to go for a walk. He even told me tonight how proud he is of me. I call my dad every morning after my 5:00 am work out and tell him how great I did and how great I feel. I can hear it in his voice that he is proud of me. I have the best support system out there and they are what keep me going.

I'm sitting at work and I’m having a very bad day. I am a very big emotional eater. When I'm sad and blue I turn to food. That should be my motto.  It's horrible and I think it the hardest pattern to break. I went and had lunch with my mom. This is after I just had the worst morning at work. I'm tired and sore and just want to crawl in a dark hole and sleep. I get my menu and I’m all ready to get bad food, comfort food, greasy, no good for your body food.  But I chose the higher road and got chicken and steak fajitas. I cheated and had the 3 small flour tortillas. But I stayed away from the sour cream, cheese and rice. That's a huge step for me. 2 weeks ago I would have been all over the biggest, fattest, yummiest thing there. I came back to work and BAM; the fresh baked cookies are ready. So I'm sitting here writing to you guys instead of devouring an Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip cookie. If that's not progress then I don't know what is. :) 

So I got up this morning and went to the gym, not because I had Stacey, Nicole or Ashley there waiting for me, but because my body woke me up. (Oh and my husband kept pushing me to wake up and go. Thanks hubby). I was so proud of myself for going. I hooked my ear buds into my Ipad and I watched TV while sweating, can’t beat that. On my way home, all I can think about is my breakfast. I’ve never been a breakfast person, so for me to be excited about cooking egg whites and vegetarian sausage is huge. I am so into egg whites right now. The yokes make me want to gag. So I had a bagel, sausage, cheese and egg white sandwich, THE BEST EVER. Next time I’ll leave out the cheese. I have now come to realize I’m not a melted cheese kind of girl. I am now going to go searching for turkey bacon, so I can change up my bagel sandwich. All those out there that love their bagels and can’t live without them, I have one word for you, BAGEL THIN. Go out and get them. They are the best. Not to think and when you toast them, oh my word are they good.  

So my 2^nd week of this challenge is over. I’m feeling excellent and motivated. I am going to push myself harder these next few weeks and give it all I’ve got . 

Fit Challenge Competitor, Christopher Kowitz - Week 1

This was a very challenging week, challenging but rewarding. I really enjoyed meeting all the others in the contest. They are all very nice and genuine people and I feel lucky to be among such good company. I thought waking up would be hard but after the first day I was so tired I was falling asleep by 8pm and thus waking at 4:30am! Started to think I was in boot camp again.  I suppose in a way I am. I feel like I failed at tracking my diet this week, next week I am going to be dedicated to my food journal so I can give insight to myself about what I consume. 

Fit Challenge Competitor, Emily Hanson - Week 1

Stand For Something or Fall For Anything

Before starting to write this blog post, I decided to re-read my essay that I submitted for this challenge.  It’s incredible how much can and HAS already changed in just a week and a half.  I’m amazed.  This week has been an interesting week to say the least.  I feel a little bit like I’m in the middle of a whirlwind.  Lets go back one week ago…  

On Wednesday of last week my really good friend emailed me and told me about this challenge that her personal trainer was offering.  I don’t know exactly what happened to me at the moment of reading her email but something inside of me jumped and I knew this was something that I needed to do.  So, I poured my heart out onto paper – well, technically on the keyboard.  Then I realized, “Crap, I need before photos and this is due tomorrow!”  My friend took my pictures the next day, I submitted the essay, I found out the next evening that I was chosen and then… it’s go time.

I knew that changes would happen, both physically and emotionally – but I surely didn’t expect them on day 2!  In hindsight, I realize that all the changes that happened this week are because I am finally treating myself as #1, which is something I’m definitely not used to.  I’m a very nurturing person!  I almost always put others before me, which is something I’m totally ok with!  But there is a point in time where I realize that it is actually doing more damage not just to myself, but the people I’m enabling as well.  So without going into too much detail, because as I’m writing this I'm realizing this is a public blog (damn, what have I already written?!  I’ve totally been treating this as a journal entry… oh well!) and in a nutshell my week has consisted of breaking up with my boyfriend who I've been with for a year, finding out that my grandma most likely was not going to make it to see Thursday morning and just a downright crazy week with everything else.  

As I sit here and reflect, I would have thought I'd be kind of down and out about the happenings of the week... But in reality, this week has been pretty eye opening to the more important things in life. I was able to see my grandma looking happy in what may be her very last days, I stood strong in my decision of knowing what I needed for my future, I worked my butt off (literally!) at every workout and I kicked ass at our client meeting at work.  I never would have thought that throwing in a few workouts would change my life, but this is only the beginning of a new lifestyle ad I can't wait to see what's in store for next week.  

Yes, I know, I know. I'm supposed to write more about what I'm eating and how sore I am ;) but not tonight.  Tonight the emotional side pulled rank on the physical and I'm ok with that. I heard a saying earlier in the week and it really stuck with me. It said, "Stand for something or fall for anything." I think I'll stand. I welcome you to join the roller coaster of the next 11 weeks.

Ciao!

Fit Challenge Competitor, Brittany Rinker - Week 1

Week Numero Uno of the NEW me!!!!

As I wind down from my first week of this amazing new lifestyle, I can sit here and SMILE! I did darn good. My arms are slowly coming around from feeling like jello and being oh so sore. Monday morning when my alarm went off at 4:15am, I didn't hit snooze. (quite shocking since I am a "hit snooze 20 times" kind of girl.) I got right up and ready to go!! BootycampSB here I come is what I was thinking in my head. I thought for sure Stacey would ease me into working out, boy was I wrong! She worked me! I could feel the burn before I even left. For the first time in my life I thought "hey this burn feels good" That's when I knew I could handle this lifestyle and wouldn't give up. It's amazing how eating right can give you energy and totally change your attitude. Eating ALL day is a little chaotic but my body seems to like it, and tells me when its time to eat. Protein, Protein, Protein!!! I am so excited to see the results of my hard work and determination to become healthy and loose weight. I am forever grateful to Stacey, Nicole and Ashley for taking the time to help me not only as trainers but as friends and role models as well! It also helps that I have my little sister in this challenge with me. We can compare notes, how training was, what we eat and boost each others egos. Not to mention the other girls/guys in the challenge and their happy go lucky attitudes and support . We are all rocking this!!! I will say this right now, it's only the first week and the support system I have is simply amazing and I know that right there is going to be one of the main reasons I can do this. Plus my husband in heaven who is rooting me on... I know he is looking down on me and smiling at the person I am becoming.. So with that said... Bring on Week #2!! 

See you next week!!  Brit

Fit Challenge Competitor, Barbara Byrge - Week 1

Its 9 am and I’m spent. Its day 2 of my 12 week workout program, and I’m spent. I’m a dollar in the hands of a fat kid at the ice cream truck. I AM SPENT! Winning Stacey Cooper's BootyCampSB ‘Biggest Loser’ fat loss challenge essay contest is most definitely the best prize I’ve ever won. I haven’t done the math, but at 5 days per week  for 12 weeks I’m sure it would the cash value is great! But the real price is not the monetary value. The real prize is that I get to change my life. The prize was someone putting faith in me, perhaps even more than I currently have in myself. The value of that is something that can't be measured in dollars, or even inches. It is because of them that I have a hope to accomplish a goal i never thought I could! 

We started out with orientation this past Saturday. I looked around me and saw a range of sizes and shapes, and it felt good to know that 'normal' people workout too, not just athletes, and trainers. There was nutrition counseling, and we got an overview of our program. Wait, you mean you want us to train OUTSIDE at 6 am 3 days per week? Then in the gym for 2 more? Ok. Ok. Sure. Yes. I can (secret doubt).

Workouts day 3.  Today I was very very sore, and dreading my 6 am cardio blitzkrieg! I was afraid of being injured, and I was afraid that moving the achy muscles would just hurt more, and that each step would be painful. To my surprise, this was not the case! Ashley had us do proper warm ups and stretches and all the sudden, my muscles were not achy and sore. They were warm and workin' hard, just right!

Don’t get me wrong, the workout was hard! Ashley had us doing stadiums (the mere thought of which had me uber anxious the night before), laps around the track, and a strength exercise alternating for an hour and it was HARD. But I did it. And it felt great to accomplish that. I had no idea I could do that! The other contestants lapped me, but I jogged and didn’t walk (except for a few yards that one lap that I almost puked on). I didn’t cheat on my reps, even when my arms were shaking. And the sunrise sure was pretty that day!  I left feeling accomplished, and ready to start my day! I was a bit sore at work, but nothing like before the workout. Ironic?! I doubt it. Probably something about release of lactic-glycogen-myofasial something something something that I know nothing about! But clearly my trainers DO know their stuff! So this was the day I learned to trust the trainers!!

Day 4. I'm not going to lie. It is HARD! That’s why everyone doesn’t ‘just do it!’ The workout itself is hard. Waking up is hard. Being outdoors in the cold is hard. But you know what? Being over fat is hard too! It is just hard in a different way. In a 'self-loathing, hiding from life, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure in the future' kind of hard. No big deal, right? Wrong! But the 900 calorie StarBUCK stops here! No more of my toxic ‘well, if Imma be fat, I might as well eat’ attitude. No more sacrificing tomorrow for chocolate and laziness today. Its time to take control of my life and LIVE. 

WEek #1 has been a challenge, but I'm already feeling stronger, accomplished, and most of all flooded with eternal gratitude for Stacy, and her trainers Nicole and Ashley. They are helping me to accomplish something I never could on my own. I always thought 'oh, I could just google the exercises' or 'I can just run for cardio' but I never did!!! The value of having someone on your side, keeping you accountable, watching your form to make sure you maximize benefit and don't get hurt is invaluable!! They keep you accountable, and most of all they care. They have a vested interest in my success, and the feeling that I can not let them down just keeps me going and going and going. Even...on that laaast shaky rep. It is truly their dedication, knowledge and kind encouragement that has allowed me to get through my first of these 12 tough weeks. 

THANK YOU! And we'll see you for our workout tomorrow :) 

Barbara Byrge

Fit Challenge Competitor, Heather Wright - Week 1

Two things were looming over me before I began:

1). I have been fortunate enough not to have to wake up at the crack of dawn for a long time, so the 6am was going to be an adjustment, and 2). The thought of everyone and their brother's uncle seeing my before and after pictures in the media

So interestingly, it was not the workout itself being too hard that scared me. Certainly I knew the workouts would not be easy but I took comfort in knowing there were other people in the same boat. Did I stop to think they might be freaked out about concern #2 as well? Not really, I guess we are all in our own heads when it comes to self-consciousness. We don't really stop to look around and realize we are all human and have our own insecurities and issues to work through, no matter who we are and what kind of shape we are in. 

I had this daunting thought of people I knew opening the paper and seeing my before and after pictures. The thought of how mortifying it would be was ruminating in my mind so much though that Stacey had to pull me aside and ask me if I was going to be ok with this. What a great opportunity I had before me, was I going to blow it basically because I am afraid of how I might be judged?

Well the question is- who exactly is it that I am worried about judging me when seeing those photos? Not my friends because otherwise they wouldn't be my friends. I think I was more worried about the 2 degrees of separation in Santa Barbara people- you know the ones you see around but don't really know, or maybe I was worried about people I hadn't even met yet. So was I worried that these people who I don't consider to be friends would think what- I was out of shape and then I wasn't? Therefore concluding what exactly? If I am going to be judged physically by anyone why would I want to know them? If I am going to be judged negatively that I had the balls to do this, same answer! I keep referring back to an amazing article I read that I keep referring back to http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/11/30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself/ where the very first item is this:

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.  If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you.  You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot.  Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth.  And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friend

I am going to have many mantras while I go through this journey. Epiphanies like I had today that it is mental just as much as it is physical and it is like having an "out of body experience" - where I can mentally disconnect from my body for a minute and not make it my identity. 

So while I am already sore, it feels good. I am not drinking alcohol presently and have been making healthy choices with what I eat this week. I am doing something positive for myself and if people are short-sighted enough to judge me either way, they are the wrong people.

Fit Challenge Competitor, Chelcie Holguin - Week 1

1/15 5:30 pm
I am so excited to start my 12 week challenge tomorrow. This is going to be so great. I have never been so ready to do something then i am right now. I am nervous about the food and what I have to stay away from. I love fast food and diet coke. I think the eating is going to be the hardest part for me. But I will try my hardest to stay on track and stay healthy. 
I never thought that someone would take a chance on me. But Stacey and Nicole have. I will not let them down. 

Thats all for now. Woohoo for 5:00am class tomorrow


1/17 3:00pm
So I'm doing pretty good on my eating. I'm trying to remember to eat. It's harder then i thought. I feel better since im not eating the bad stuff. I miss my soda but I know I am better off with out it. I can't wait for tomorrows work out. I'm gonna go for a walk tonight after dinner. I think chicken and vegetables are on the menu. Yummy. I am so proud of myself. Its only the 2nd day but I am staying strong. 


1/19 8:00am
Had such a good work out yesterday. Even not feeling good. I still gave it my all. Im doing good on eating. I did have a diet coke yesterday. But only one and with dinner. I'm going to go to the gym tonight after work. I wanted to go this morning but mike was in la. 

3:00pm. I think I'm going to go to the track tonight with my sister to walk and do the stadiums. That will be really good cardio. I keep forgetting to eat every 3 hours. I set my alarm but I just turn it off and forget. Excited for our nutrition class tomorrow. I need to know if how I'm eating is ok. I don't feel as bloated and my clothes fit better and it's only been 4 days. Just seeing that progress makes me happy. My 7 1/2 year old told me the other day 

" man mommy, eating healthy and exercising sure does make a difference. I can tell by looking at you. And you are way happier." 

That's all I need to hear from my darling daughter to keep me going. 

Chelcie 

Fit Challenge Competitor, Samantha McVee - Week 1:

First things first... Food is your friend, not your enemy!! I always thought I had to starve myself, or cut all the carbs out of my diet for it to really work, and I am SO happy to say that is SO NOT true!!! I am learning to eat the RIGHT ones, at the RIGHT times and the RIGHT amounts. I love eating 5 or 6 times a day, NOW, and it's only been 5 days! But the first 3 days were hard. I had a hard time changing my eating patterns and drinking a gallon of water every single day. I know I have a lot to learn but I have THE best of THE best support system & Stacey & her girls. I am learning so much about the food/fuel we put into our bodies.. and I am so happy that I am learning it now so I can teach my 2 year old daughter the right things, the healthy things NOW. I am setting her and myself up for a much longer and healthier life and it feels amazing. 

The workouts have been GREAT!! I really tried hard to push myself and I am glad I am. I never regret a day I workout, only the times I don't. It has been hard for me to get up at 5:15 or 5:30 for a 6 am workout but the way I feel after working out is so awesome. It is definitely taking some adjusting to get used to be up that early.. and I am still working on it. It is really hard for me to get to bed early enough, but I think that will come with time as well. I keep telling myself, this is a LIFESTYLE change, NOT AN OVERNIGHT FIX.. and to my surprise I really have been a lot easier on myself then I normally am. If I make a mistake I just make a mental note to not do it again. I didn't get this big over night, so why expect it to go away overnight. I am learning to listen to my body and my emotions and really try to not "eat" anything away.. If I am hungry I know I get to eat again in 2 hours.. I drink water and I take a look at whats going on. If I am full I don't force myself to over eat just because it's there and I am supposed to. Your body really is your best guide. 

I am so grateful I got the opportunity to "restart" my life.. I'm learning lots and can't wait to see the results. Yay for week 1!!! :D

Fit Challenge Competitor, Saul Zevada Week 1:

My legs are stiff, my shoulders feel cramped and why can't I fall asleep before 11pm??!! With all that on my back-burner, life is good - life is very, very good :)

Any pain, discomfort and/or struggle I feel is just a bitter, yet hopeful, reminder of how much work I have to do in order to feel like I'm doing right by my own heart, body and soul. Life has blessed me with so many advantages and privileges, yet over the years my immaturity has led me to deal with difficult situations, misfortune and depression in all of the wrong ways. It's one thing to be ignorant and learn from those mistakes, but I don't have that luxury. I've knowingly committed many mistakes, while knowing full-well that they were mistakes as I was committing them! I know better than to have ignored my health, fitness, emotional and psychological well-being for so long.

Since mid-2010, for the sake of my own self-respect, and to salvage the respect and support I'm fortunate to receive from those around me, I've had to grow up quite a bit. In time I have made major changes in the way I approach my relationship, my family and friends, my finances and my career. My health is the one major thing that I have continually ignored and kept telling myself that I will address later. I'm really happy today because, despite my petty moaning and groaning, I feel really proud and energized about the fact that I still have the gifts of youth, health and desire. With all the cylinders now turning in the right direction at the same time, this little engine is gonna start to burn rubber very, very soon!

I have so many more things that I will accomplish in my blessed life, but they're just waiting for me to push through this major tune-up and engine overhaul to get back on the road ....