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| Power Style Wellness Connections |
Ready to Change Your Life?
MONTH 3
Following our Today’s Woman readers on an adventure
in weight loss.
By Shannon White
As New Year’s Resolutions begin to fade and the treadmill
starts collecting dust, KISS (Keep it Simple, Sweetheart!)
continues to work.
OUR participants have shown solid commitment to the
program and endured the temptation of the holidays.
They have continued to enjoy the Home Cuisine meals and
exercise regularly for maximum results.
As we turn the corner into the last month of the program, all of the women agree they
look and feel better than they have in years!
Marla Bright’s Exercise Routine
YMCA OF LOUISVILLE TEAM TRAINING PROGRAM
For her fitness routine, Marla Bright has been attending YMCA Team Training, a six-
week personal training group program that meets three times a week. Each day the
team focuses on a different set of muscle groups during each session. They may work
on biceps, triceps, and back strengthening one day and the next work on abdominals
and legs.
The room is configured in a circuit and the participants complete the circuit twice. The
first two weeks each exercise is completed twice for 60 seconds and by the end, each
exercise is performed for 90 seconds. Marla has been using free weights, bands,
medicine balls, and stability balls. The group never does the same workout twice, and it
is intended to always be fun.
“The best part of Team Training is the group dynamic,” says Abbie Richard, a Team
Training trainer. “Most participants come to the class not knowing each other and over
time they become really good friends. They help each other make working out as
enjoyable as possible. They celebrate each ther’s accomplishments.
“Marla fits my definition of a perfect client,” says Abbie. “She always keeps a positive
attitude even at her weakest moments. She is using the treadmill comfortably now, and I
even have her running! Marla is doing great with her cardiovascular exercises and has
lost 3 percent body fat in addition to her weight loss. It is so rewarding to know that I am
helping someone reach their goals to become a healthier person.”
Home Cuisine
Home Cuisine, as our participants can attest, has been a great part of the entire
process. Being able to eat delicious portion- and calorie-controlled meals while
exercising regularly, has helped each woman lose weight.
Sandy Pike, the owner of Home Cuisine, prepares healthy, portion-controlled meals that
happen to be delicious. Sandy follows the American Diabetes & Heart Association’s
guidelines in preparing the foods, while offering foods rich in color, texture, and flavor.
“The best thing about our service is how life-changing the food is,” says Sandy. “I hear
constantly from our clients how amazed their doctors become at their improved health.
The food really is medicine. I read somewhere that if your great grandmother didn’t eat
it, you shouldn’t either. We make simple, fresh, delicious meals that are great for your
health.
“Our client base is very diverse and people of all ages enjoy our meals. We have
women who refuse to cook after taking care of families for years, teenagers, busy
professionals, quite a few single men, diabetics, people losing weight for their wedding,
as well as aging baby boomers that are making their health a priority.”
Sandy says, “I truly admire all of these women. They are so enthusiastic and grateful.
We’ve all welled up with tears more than once at their transformation. They have each
stated that this has been life changing, and healthy eating and exercise are now
ingrained in them.
“Shanion Thurman said she would never go back to her old ways. She looks so
beautiful with her million dollar smile and new svelte body. Sasha Brisieno, who always
lights up the room when she arrives, has totally amazed me. I didn’t recognize her after
a month and half of dieting and exercising. And lovely Marla Bright, who has lost the
least amount weight, but honestly, she looks like she’s lost the most. They’ve certainly
touched my life.”
Marla Bright
STATS: Starting
weight: 200.6
New weight: 182.2
Total weight loss
to date: 18.4 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’5”
HOW IS IT GOING?
So far, so good.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
Exercising with the ladies at the YMCA. They are a fun group and very dedicated. It has
been wonderful to work out in a team setting and cheer each other on during
our sessions.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST?
The Home Cuisine Meals. They are delicious! I am so grateful for this experience. The
weight I’ve lost and the energy I have now would not have happened. I am indebted to
Today’s Woman magazine, Home Cuisine and the YMCA of Louisville for all of their
support!
Shanion Thurman
STATS: Starting
weight: 221.2
New weight: 193.4
Total weight loss
to date: 27.8 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’7”
HOW IS IT GOING?
Exercising at FitLife Personal Training is going great. I am pleased with the results that I
am getting.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
The fact that my family has witnessed the change in me and now is willing to do the
same. My husband is motivated to stop smoking and increase his physical activity and
change his eating habits. That is a blessing in and of itself. The best part is I FEEL
GREAT!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST?
Eating the delicious food from Home Cuisine.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST?
The hardest part is the high expectations I have put on myself over the years and since
starting this process. Now it seems that everyone knows about the process and I feel
like everyone is watching to see if I mess up. I constantly find myself scrutinizing
everything I eat. It is important, however, to emphasize that losing weight is not just
shedding pounds, it’s a whole LIFESTYLE change.
I once heard someone say “We are what we eat” and I have been thinking to myself if
that’s true prior to starting this process, I must have been a garbage can. All the
unhealthy habits I used to have were definitely detrimental to my health. I feel great and
this process has introduced
me to me.
Sasha Briseno
STATS: Starting
weight: 232.4
New weight: 199.4
Total loss to date: 33 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’8”
HOW IS IT GOING?
I love it! St Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies has become my second home —
Joan is unbelievably accommodating and motivating. I have become a Pilates convert,
as my “mummy-belly” is on its way out, and thanks to greater core strength, my lower
back problems are becoming a thing of the past.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
Yes I’ve gone down two dress sizes, but the highlight for me has been successfully
testing for a yellow belt in karate.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST?
The holiday season and dining out. It’s really difficult to be “on” all the time, and to not
indulge like everyone else. However, my sister did commend me on my “lifestyle
change” when she visited. She was shocked I went to workout before and after
Thanksgiving to counter the pig-out!
Overall, I am unbelievably happy, and feel so fortunate to have been introduced to
St Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies. I feel like I’ve discovered a hidden treasure.
Before this I never knew the merits of a small gym atmosphere with familiar faces and
genuine friendships being founded.
I am a different woman from two months ago. I am strong, flexible, fit, and I eat so much
less! By the time my son starts to walk, I’ll be running rings around him — instead of
watching from the couch!
MONTH 3
Following our Today’s Woman readers on an adventure
in weight loss.
By Shannon White
As New Year’s Resolutions begin to fade and the treadmill
starts collecting dust, KISS (Keep it Simple, Sweetheart!)
continues to work.
OUR participants have shown solid commitment to the
program and endured the temptation of the holidays.
They have continued to enjoy the Home Cuisine meals and
exercise regularly for maximum results.
As we turn the corner into the last month of the program, all of the women agree they
look and feel better than they have in years!
Marla Bright’s Exercise Routine
YMCA OF LOUISVILLE TEAM TRAINING PROGRAM
For her fitness routine, Marla Bright has been attending YMCA Team Training, a six-
week personal training group program that meets three times a week. Each day the
team focuses on a different set of muscle groups during each session. They may work
on biceps, triceps, and back strengthening one day and the next work on abdominals
and legs.
The room is configured in a circuit and the participants complete the circuit twice. The
first two weeks each exercise is completed twice for 60 seconds and by the end, each
exercise is performed for 90 seconds. Marla has been using free weights, bands,
medicine balls, and stability balls. The group never does the same workout twice, and it
is intended to always be fun.
“The best part of Team Training is the group dynamic,” says Abbie Richard, a Team
Training trainer. “Most participants come to the class not knowing each other and over
time they become really good friends. They help each other make working out as
enjoyable as possible. They celebrate each ther’s accomplishments.
“Marla fits my definition of a perfect client,” says Abbie. “She always keeps a positive
attitude even at her weakest moments. She is using the treadmill comfortably now, and I
even have her running! Marla is doing great with her cardiovascular exercises and has
lost 3 percent body fat in addition to her weight loss. It is so rewarding to know that I am
helping someone reach their goals to become a healthier person.”
Home Cuisine
Home Cuisine, as our participants can attest, has been a great part of the entire
process. Being able to eat delicious portion- and calorie-controlled meals while
exercising regularly, has helped each woman lose weight.
Sandy Pike, the owner of Home Cuisine, prepares healthy, portion-controlled meals that
happen to be delicious. Sandy follows the American Diabetes & Heart Association’s
guidelines in preparing the foods, while offering foods rich in color, texture, and flavor.
“The best thing about our service is how life-changing the food is,” says Sandy. “I hear
constantly from our clients how amazed their doctors become at their improved health.
The food really is medicine. I read somewhere that if your great grandmother didn’t eat
it, you shouldn’t either. We make simple, fresh, delicious meals that are great for your
health.
“Our client base is very diverse and people of all ages enjoy our meals. We have
women who refuse to cook after taking care of families for years, teenagers, busy
professionals, quite a few single men, diabetics, people losing weight for their wedding,
as well as aging baby boomers that are making their health a priority.”
Sandy says, “I truly admire all of these women. They are so enthusiastic and grateful.
We’ve all welled up with tears more than once at their transformation. They have each
stated that this has been life changing, and healthy eating and exercise are now
ingrained in them.
“Shanion Thurman said she would never go back to her old ways. She looks so
beautiful with her million dollar smile and new svelte body. Sasha Brisieno, who always
lights up the room when she arrives, has totally amazed me. I didn’t recognize her after
a month and half of dieting and exercising. And lovely Marla Bright, who has lost the
least amount weight, but honestly, she looks like she’s lost the most. They’ve certainly
touched my life.”
Marla Bright
STATS: Starting
weight: 200.6
New weight: 182.2
Total weight loss
to date: 18.4 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’5”
HOW IS IT GOING?
So far, so good.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
Exercising with the ladies at the YMCA. They are a fun group and very dedicated. It has
been wonderful to work out in a team setting and cheer each other on during
our sessions.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST?
The Home Cuisine Meals. They are delicious! I am so grateful for this experience. The
weight I’ve lost and the energy I have now would not have happened. I am indebted to
Today’s Woman magazine, Home Cuisine and the YMCA of Louisville for all of their
support!
Shanion Thurman
STATS: Starting
weight: 221.2
New weight: 193.4
Total weight loss
to date: 27.8 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’7”
HOW IS IT GOING?
Exercising at FitLife Personal Training is going great. I am pleased with the results that I
am getting.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
The fact that my family has witnessed the change in me and now is willing to do the
same. My husband is motivated to stop smoking and increase his physical activity and
change his eating habits. That is a blessing in and of itself. The best part is I FEEL
GREAT!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST?
Eating the delicious food from Home Cuisine.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST?
The hardest part is the high expectations I have put on myself over the years and since
starting this process. Now it seems that everyone knows about the process and I feel
like everyone is watching to see if I mess up. I constantly find myself scrutinizing
everything I eat. It is important, however, to emphasize that losing weight is not just
shedding pounds, it’s a whole LIFESTYLE change.
I once heard someone say “We are what we eat” and I have been thinking to myself if
that’s true prior to starting this process, I must have been a garbage can. All the
unhealthy habits I used to have were definitely detrimental to my health. I feel great and
this process has introduced
me to me.
Sasha Briseno
STATS: Starting
weight: 232.4
New weight: 199.4
Total loss to date: 33 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’8”
HOW IS IT GOING?
I love it! St Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies has become my second home —
Joan is unbelievably accommodating and motivating. I have become a Pilates convert,
as my “mummy-belly” is on its way out, and thanks to greater core strength, my lower
back problems are becoming a thing of the past.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART SO FAR?
Yes I’ve gone down two dress sizes, but the highlight for me has been successfully
testing for a yellow belt in karate.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST?
The holiday season and dining out. It’s really difficult to be “on” all the time, and to not
indulge like everyone else. However, my sister did commend me on my “lifestyle
change” when she visited. She was shocked I went to workout before and after
Thanksgiving to counter the pig-out!
Overall, I am unbelievably happy, and feel so fortunate to have been introduced to
St Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies. I feel like I’ve discovered a hidden treasure.
Before this I never knew the merits of a small gym atmosphere with familiar faces and
genuine friendships being founded.
I am a different woman from two months ago. I am strong, flexible, fit, and I eat so much
less! By the time my son starts to walk, I’ll be running rings around him — instead of
watching from the couch!
