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| Power Style Wellness Connections |
Ready to Change Your Life? Part 4
Following our Today’s Woman readers on an adventure
in weight loss. By Shannon White
The Results!
As the keep it simple, sweetheart program comes to a close
after three months, our ladies have shed unwanted pounds,
found new confidence, and committed themselves to a
new healthy lifestyle. Through diligent exercise and moderate eating,
each woman has undergone a transformation. They look and
feel incredible and we are so proud of their accomplishments!
This writer also took part in the journey behind the scenes and
can attest that this a plan works. Overall, I have lost 16 pounds;
feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. It has been an
incredible journey for me too!
Special thanks to Home Cuisine (www.homecuisineonline.com, 502.896.0666) who
provided meals for four months to each woman. Also, we are grateful to Baptist East
Milestone Wellness Center, FITLife Personal Training, St. Matthews Martial Arts and
Pilates Bodies and The YMCA of Louisville Team Training program which allowed each
woman to work out for three months at their own cost.
After: Here They Are!
After her hard work, each woman was treated to a makeover by Z Salon and Spa.
BeforeOur before photo also had Shannan McGuire who had to stop the program.“I had
an amazing two days of pampering, and have since received endless compliments about
my hair. Lori is such an artiste…”
— SashaSasha Briseno
STATS:
Starting weight: 232.4
New weight: 194.4
Total weight loss: 38.4 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’8”
WORKED OUT:
St. Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies
www.gokempo.com
“I can’t convey how it’s transformed my life! Did I take it for granted that I proudly shook my
rump BY MYSELF in the middle of the dance floor last Saturday night? Yes! That my
husband looks at me with the same twinkle in his eye as when we were dating? Yes! That I
jog to, and from my car lugging bags and a 30-pound kid from the furthest parking spot in
the lot? Yes! Do I love it? YES! I also aim to like myself a bit more each day…my days are
so much more productive now I don’t waste time to berating myself about my weight,and
feeding my inner misery. Most importantly, I’m determined to be a role model to my son — I
have every intention of being an over-zealous sports parent, throwing myself headlong
into any activity my son shows an inkling of interest in! Today’s Woman, St Matthews
Martial Arts & Pilates Bodies, and Home Cuisine YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE!”
Shanion Thurman
STATS:
Starting weight: 221.2
New weight: 185
Total weight loss: 35 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’7”
WORKED OUT:
FitLife Personal Training
www.fitlife.biz
“Lao-tzu, the famous Chinese philosopher said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with
a single step.” I began my journey October 1, 2007 when I was notified that I had been
selected to participate with the Today’s Woman fitness series. I made a covenant — to
lose weight, to start exercising and to run the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon by
the time I turned 40 years old (June 2008). Well so far, I have lost weight (35 lbs) and I am
committed to exercising and I am training for the mini-marathon, which is April 26, 2008.
When I first started this journey, I asked God to give me the strength and the power to
finish. As much as this has been a physical journey for me, it’s also been a spiritual one.”
Marla Bright
STATS:
Starting weight: 200.6
New weight: 177
Total weight loss: 23.6 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’5”
WORKED OUT:
YMCA of Louisville Team Training
www.ymcalouisville.org
“I have more energy. I know now that the right combination and quantity of foods can give
you energy, almost like a car. The better it is maintained the more efficiently it operates.
My body has changed so much that I can actually wear clothes that have been in my
closet for years taunting me. I actually look in the mirror now instead of looking away. My
mind, body, and spirit have been renewed. I feel so empowered; I can set goals and
achieve them.
And, I hope that my comrades and I will stay in touch. I believe that this was no
coincidence that we were brought together for this journey. A journey means to travel
from one place to another. But it also means any passage from one stage to another. We
have definitely passed to another stage. This is only the beginning.”Ready to Change
Your Life?Workout FocusSt. Matthews Martial Arts & Pilates Bodies
St. Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies offers classes in karate, pilates, boxing, and
cardio boot camp. Owner Joan Richert holds a 9th degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo
karate. She practices Tai Chi and teaches women’s self defense. During her years of
fitness training, she recognized the similarities between the Martial Arts and Pilates and
decided to open Pilates Bodies. Her goal is to make it available and affordable for
everyone.
Richert has enjoyed introducing Today’s Woman participant Sasha Briseno to martial arts.
“Sasha’s not only gone down three sizes, but she’s become so much stronger, fit, and
flexible; and she seems to love the confidence she’s gained from doing karate,” says
Richert. “She looks incredible and has gone up a belt level in karate each month.”
One of the nice benefits to this exercise option is that it is a small, non-intimidating
environment where the instructors really get to know you, and your goals so that they can
offer individual support and motivation.
On any day at St. Matthews Martial Arts, you can find people of all ages in the same
facility. At St. Mathews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies there can be 4 year olds doing
karate with their dad while their mom is performing Pilates, Women over the age of 50
becoming black belts, while couples use the Power Plate which builds muscle tone,
reduces fat, and improves circulation and bone density for private sessions.
Four months ago when I started at St. Matthews Martial Arts I was so unfit ,” says Sasha.
“I broke a sweat and became breathless thinking about exercise! Now instructors say
“watch Sasha do it” to demonstrate a pilates or karate move. Although outwardly collected,
I’m internally screaming with excitement, or crying with pride — don’t they know I’m the FAT
girl!?
I feel like my former self was unconscious, now I’m health-conscious — and proud of it! My
endurance and fitness has come so far I now need to up the ante to feel the effects of a
workout.”Workout FocusBaptist East Milestone Wellness Center
The Milestone Wellness Center is a large facility that offers a variety of amenities for its
members.
Knowing that exercise is not the same for everybody is a great reason to use a personal
trainer. A personal trainer can cater to an individuals needs, ability, preference, and even
motivational requirements. They can be an excellent source of education, accountability,
and fun for clients.
Beth Robards, Milestone assistant fitness director and personal trainer says, “Results vary
based on current fitness and health levels and how much you are willing to put into an
exercise and nutrition program. When just starting an exercise program, you can expect to
notice increases in energy and decreases in stress. If you stick with it, the weight loss will
come!”
Robards has enjoyed working with the Today’s Woman participants (including your truly)
due to the healthy, realistic expectations. She says, “The ladies were exercising on most
days of the week for a decent amount of time, but not overdoing it to the point where burn-
out and injuries become an issue. The nutrition plan followed a well-balanced plan that the
ladies enjoyed sticking with.”What would you tell others who hope to copy your success?
Don’t try this at home...I mean, get HELP — I tapped all the support I could, including from
myself; praise yourself if your butt’s in the gym when it could be on the couch or when you
leave food on your plate, or even turn down an invitation to avoid temptation.
• Drink a lot of water and herbal tea — so often, when I thought I was hungry, I was thirsty.
• Eat! I feel like I fed my metabolism, dividing meals in two and eating 6 times a day.
• I’m no longer spoilt by Home Cuisine, but their meals educated me on portion size (I now
eat off a saucer not a plate) and healthful eating: veggies, veggies everywhere — I had no
idea food was capable of energizing me!
• Find some way to be held accountable —weigh in at a friend’s house or with your doctor
— or in front of 150,000 readers!
Do pilates! It will change your body, and you’ll discover muscles you never knew you had!
— Sasha
One word…commitment. Each day I could think of a million things to do instead of
exercise. And, every day I was around food that I loved, I had to stay focused on what I
wanted to accomplish. Have a structured plan that includes a daily menu plan or prepare
your meals ahead of time. I was more motivated working in a group than I ever was
exercising alone. Last, keep a daily journal. You can look back and celebrate your
accomplishments.
— Marla
Take personal responsibility for yourself. Change your eating habits. Build an
accountability team. Set reasonable goals. Get a personal trainer. Seek divine
intervention. Don’t let a slip keep you down; be your biggest cheerleader and reward
yourself by doing something you enjoy! I am so glad that I put down the Big Mac, and said
my last goodbyes to Krispy Kreme.
— Shanion
Following our Today’s Woman readers on an adventure
in weight loss. By Shannon White
The Results!
As the keep it simple, sweetheart program comes to a close
after three months, our ladies have shed unwanted pounds,
found new confidence, and committed themselves to a
new healthy lifestyle. Through diligent exercise and moderate eating,
each woman has undergone a transformation. They look and
feel incredible and we are so proud of their accomplishments!
This writer also took part in the journey behind the scenes and
can attest that this a plan works. Overall, I have lost 16 pounds;
feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. It has been an
incredible journey for me too!
Special thanks to Home Cuisine (www.homecuisineonline.com, 502.896.0666) who
provided meals for four months to each woman. Also, we are grateful to Baptist East
Milestone Wellness Center, FITLife Personal Training, St. Matthews Martial Arts and
Pilates Bodies and The YMCA of Louisville Team Training program which allowed each
woman to work out for three months at their own cost.
After: Here They Are!
After her hard work, each woman was treated to a makeover by Z Salon and Spa.
BeforeOur before photo also had Shannan McGuire who had to stop the program.“I had
an amazing two days of pampering, and have since received endless compliments about
my hair. Lori is such an artiste…”
— SashaSasha Briseno
STATS:
Starting weight: 232.4
New weight: 194.4
Total weight loss: 38.4 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’8”
WORKED OUT:
St. Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies
www.gokempo.com
“I can’t convey how it’s transformed my life! Did I take it for granted that I proudly shook my
rump BY MYSELF in the middle of the dance floor last Saturday night? Yes! That my
husband looks at me with the same twinkle in his eye as when we were dating? Yes! That I
jog to, and from my car lugging bags and a 30-pound kid from the furthest parking spot in
the lot? Yes! Do I love it? YES! I also aim to like myself a bit more each day…my days are
so much more productive now I don’t waste time to berating myself about my weight,and
feeding my inner misery. Most importantly, I’m determined to be a role model to my son — I
have every intention of being an over-zealous sports parent, throwing myself headlong
into any activity my son shows an inkling of interest in! Today’s Woman, St Matthews
Martial Arts & Pilates Bodies, and Home Cuisine YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE!”
Shanion Thurman
STATS:
Starting weight: 221.2
New weight: 185
Total weight loss: 35 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’7”
WORKED OUT:
FitLife Personal Training
www.fitlife.biz
“Lao-tzu, the famous Chinese philosopher said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with
a single step.” I began my journey October 1, 2007 when I was notified that I had been
selected to participate with the Today’s Woman fitness series. I made a covenant — to
lose weight, to start exercising and to run the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon by
the time I turned 40 years old (June 2008). Well so far, I have lost weight (35 lbs) and I am
committed to exercising and I am training for the mini-marathon, which is April 26, 2008.
When I first started this journey, I asked God to give me the strength and the power to
finish. As much as this has been a physical journey for me, it’s also been a spiritual one.”
Marla Bright
STATS:
Starting weight: 200.6
New weight: 177
Total weight loss: 23.6 lbs.
HEIGHT:
5’5”
WORKED OUT:
YMCA of Louisville Team Training
www.ymcalouisville.org
“I have more energy. I know now that the right combination and quantity of foods can give
you energy, almost like a car. The better it is maintained the more efficiently it operates.
My body has changed so much that I can actually wear clothes that have been in my
closet for years taunting me. I actually look in the mirror now instead of looking away. My
mind, body, and spirit have been renewed. I feel so empowered; I can set goals and
achieve them.
And, I hope that my comrades and I will stay in touch. I believe that this was no
coincidence that we were brought together for this journey. A journey means to travel
from one place to another. But it also means any passage from one stage to another. We
have definitely passed to another stage. This is only the beginning.”Ready to Change
Your Life?Workout FocusSt. Matthews Martial Arts & Pilates Bodies
St. Matthews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies offers classes in karate, pilates, boxing, and
cardio boot camp. Owner Joan Richert holds a 9th degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo
karate. She practices Tai Chi and teaches women’s self defense. During her years of
fitness training, she recognized the similarities between the Martial Arts and Pilates and
decided to open Pilates Bodies. Her goal is to make it available and affordable for
everyone.
Richert has enjoyed introducing Today’s Woman participant Sasha Briseno to martial arts.
“Sasha’s not only gone down three sizes, but she’s become so much stronger, fit, and
flexible; and she seems to love the confidence she’s gained from doing karate,” says
Richert. “She looks incredible and has gone up a belt level in karate each month.”
One of the nice benefits to this exercise option is that it is a small, non-intimidating
environment where the instructors really get to know you, and your goals so that they can
offer individual support and motivation.
On any day at St. Matthews Martial Arts, you can find people of all ages in the same
facility. At St. Mathews Martial Arts and Pilates Bodies there can be 4 year olds doing
karate with their dad while their mom is performing Pilates, Women over the age of 50
becoming black belts, while couples use the Power Plate which builds muscle tone,
reduces fat, and improves circulation and bone density for private sessions.
Four months ago when I started at St. Matthews Martial Arts I was so unfit ,” says Sasha.
“I broke a sweat and became breathless thinking about exercise! Now instructors say
“watch Sasha do it” to demonstrate a pilates or karate move. Although outwardly collected,
I’m internally screaming with excitement, or crying with pride — don’t they know I’m the FAT
girl!?
I feel like my former self was unconscious, now I’m health-conscious — and proud of it! My
endurance and fitness has come so far I now need to up the ante to feel the effects of a
workout.”Workout FocusBaptist East Milestone Wellness Center
The Milestone Wellness Center is a large facility that offers a variety of amenities for its
members.
Knowing that exercise is not the same for everybody is a great reason to use a personal
trainer. A personal trainer can cater to an individuals needs, ability, preference, and even
motivational requirements. They can be an excellent source of education, accountability,
and fun for clients.
Beth Robards, Milestone assistant fitness director and personal trainer says, “Results vary
based on current fitness and health levels and how much you are willing to put into an
exercise and nutrition program. When just starting an exercise program, you can expect to
notice increases in energy and decreases in stress. If you stick with it, the weight loss will
come!”
Robards has enjoyed working with the Today’s Woman participants (including your truly)
due to the healthy, realistic expectations. She says, “The ladies were exercising on most
days of the week for a decent amount of time, but not overdoing it to the point where burn-
out and injuries become an issue. The nutrition plan followed a well-balanced plan that the
ladies enjoyed sticking with.”What would you tell others who hope to copy your success?
Don’t try this at home...I mean, get HELP — I tapped all the support I could, including from
myself; praise yourself if your butt’s in the gym when it could be on the couch or when you
leave food on your plate, or even turn down an invitation to avoid temptation.
• Drink a lot of water and herbal tea — so often, when I thought I was hungry, I was thirsty.
• Eat! I feel like I fed my metabolism, dividing meals in two and eating 6 times a day.
• I’m no longer spoilt by Home Cuisine, but their meals educated me on portion size (I now
eat off a saucer not a plate) and healthful eating: veggies, veggies everywhere — I had no
idea food was capable of energizing me!
• Find some way to be held accountable —weigh in at a friend’s house or with your doctor
— or in front of 150,000 readers!
Do pilates! It will change your body, and you’ll discover muscles you never knew you had!
— Sasha
One word…commitment. Each day I could think of a million things to do instead of
exercise. And, every day I was around food that I loved, I had to stay focused on what I
wanted to accomplish. Have a structured plan that includes a daily menu plan or prepare
your meals ahead of time. I was more motivated working in a group than I ever was
exercising alone. Last, keep a daily journal. You can look back and celebrate your
accomplishments.
— Marla
Take personal responsibility for yourself. Change your eating habits. Build an
accountability team. Set reasonable goals. Get a personal trainer. Seek divine
intervention. Don’t let a slip keep you down; be your biggest cheerleader and reward
yourself by doing something you enjoy! I am so glad that I put down the Big Mac, and said
my last goodbyes to Krispy Kreme.
— Shanion