Ready to Change Your Life? PART 2 Following our Today’s Woman readers on an adventure in weight loss. By Shannon White
Keep it Simple, Sweetheart is working!!
Last month, when the four Today's Woman readers were selected, partnered with an exercise coach and given a 1,200 calorie diet meal program, I still remained skeptical.
It seems each week a new diet craze hits the airwaves. Last week, Jamie Presley from My Name is Earl shared her cabbage soup detox diet to lose her recent baby weight. Yuck!
But, the KISS plan to exercise regularly while eating less, is working. In the past 30 days, the participants have lost a combined total of almost 50 pounds! This program has been life changing for many of the women, and they are thrilled to continue through the winter.
Shanion Thurman’s Exercise Routine For over 24 years, FITLife Personal Training (www.fitlife.biz) has provided successful, results-oriented personal training in the region with their “Train for Results” Program.
FITLife develops an individual plan for each of their clients. Sharron McAdams, owner, puts together a program that covers every aspect of what a person needs to accomplish their fitness goals for a healthy lifestyle. FITLife uses an individual body type evaluation system and psychological profile to produce results. She also incorporates a weight management certified dietitian to professionally design a nutrition program for lifestyle modification. And, a professionally designed exercise program completes the plan. caption: Two days a week, Shanion heads to FITLife Personal Training for an hour workout with a personal trainer (either Sharron McAdams or Mike Smith). She starts her routine with 20 minutes of treadmill or more if she can arrive earlier.
“We have consistently raised her intensity level,” says Sharron McAdams. “She now does an incline of 2 and works up to 3.5 speed. One of her goals is to complete the Derby Mini-Marathon this year” so she is working on her endurance.
Each day’s workout is a little different, however, Shanion always does a total body workout with stretching, chest, back, shoulders, triceps, biceps, inner and outer thigh, front and back of her legs, calves, and abdominals. The trainers use weight machines to tone and tighten her body and also use exercise bands and free weights. Pilates, yoga, and boxing are used to strengthen her core muscles and to add variety. “She works very hard and is making great gains in energy and stamina too!” says McAdams.
Other days, Shanion walks outside 30 or more minutes (at least two days a week). She will be going to a gym to walk soon because of the weather.
“She came to us not liking to exercise and now really looks forward to it,” says McAdams. “Thank you for sending her to us. She is a joy!”Shanion Thurman AGE: 39 WEIGHT: STARTING WEIGHT: 221.2 New weight: 205.6 Total weight loss to date: 15.6 lbs. HEIGHT: 5’7” WEIGHT LOSS GOAL: 70 pounds EXERCISE PARTNER FITLife (www.fitlife.biz) FITNESS ROUTINE Working with FITLife owner Sharron McAdams, MS, CPT who has designed the “Train for Results” program. It is a lifestyle training program, for a lifetime. Shanion works out on Mondays and Fridays while incorporating additional fitness into her weekly program.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST PART? “The fact that I don’t count calories, I haven’t cut out certain food groups, or do some of the other things all the ‘other diet plans’ ask you to do is wonderful. I love strength training 2 times a week at FITLife Personal Training with Sharron McAdams and Mike Smith. Lifting weights makes me feel so empowered.”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART? Being influenced by the people around me, it is hard when I am trying to change my behavior and exercise, realizing that I do not have a supportive network all of the time. Exercise and diet isn’t a choice for me anymore, it’s a must. It’s part of my daily life, just like showering or brushing my teeth.
Sasha Briseno AGE: 33 WEIGHT: STARTING WEIGHT: 232.4 New weight: 214.8 Total loss to date: 17.6lbs. HEIGHT: 5’8” WEIGHT LOSS GOAL: 50 pounds EXERCISE PARTNER: St. Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates (www.gokempo.com) FITNESS ROUTINE: Boot Camp kickboxing, mat or reformer Pilates, and working on the new Pilates Power Plate like NASA Astronauts. Sasha has been working out at least five times a week combining cardio and strength training. She is also working towards the first belt in karate.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST PART? “The Home Cuisine food is incredible and has allowed me to lose twice the amount of weight I would have on my own. It is delicious, easy to prepare, and keeps me on target. I have also made wonderful friendships at St. Matthews Karate. It is such a warm and inviting place, that it feels like going to a friend’s house instead of a fitness facility.”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART? “Adjusting to smaller portions and not grazing on snacks all day.” Marla Bright AGE: 51 WEIGHT: Starting weight: 200.6 New weight: 187.0 Total weight loss to date: 13.6 lbs. HEIGHT: 5’5” WEIGHT LOSS GOAL: 60 pounds EXERCISE PARTNER YMCA of Louisville (www.ymcalouisville.org) FITNESS ROUTINE Working with YMCA Team Training three days a week and walking at least twice a week as well. The Team Training concept allows Marla to work out in a group and form motivational friendships.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE EASIEST PART? “I am still enjoying the wonderful Home Cuisine meals.”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART? “I was in the hospital and after I was released, the doctor said that I could not continue with my strength training at the YMCA for almost three weeks. It was hard to lose my momentum.”Shannan McGuire
A weight loss journey takes perfect timing. Shannan was unable to complete the KISS program due to the fact that it was not the right time for her. We enjoyed having her enthusiastic personality involved and wish her luck in the future!THIS MONTH’S HOME CUISINE SAMPLE 1,200 CALORIE MENUS (WWW.HOMECUISINEONLINE.COM)
Day 1 Breakfast – Scrambled eggs with sundried tomatoes, and whole wheat English muffin Lunch – Low fat chicken salad on whole grain bread, apple Dinner – Whole wheat pasta and lean meatballs with steamed spinach
Day 2 Breakfast – High fiber cereal with raisins and currants with skim milk and fruit salad Lunch – Spicy Black bean soup, tangerine Dinner – Curry chicken with roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts