January | February | March | April | May | June | Trainer | Dietitian

Current Weight: 176 pounds

What is something that you've accomplished this month that you set out to do?
"I have taken my weight loss efforts to the next level. The combination of joining Weight Watchers and practicing the intuitive eating concepts Karen Giles-Smith is coaching me on has proved to be a winning formula for successful weight loss."

Is there anything you set out to do this month that you haven't accomplished yet?
"I want to get back to working out two to three times a week at home. Although I faithfully go to the Westside YMCA three times a week, it’s gotten more difficult finding time for home workouts. Now that my legs are stronger from large muscle group strength training, I want to add core/ab strength work."

Looking back at where you started, did you ever think that you would have accomplished as much as you have at this date?
"I am truly amazed at how far I’ve come. My biggest accomplishment has been feeling comfortable in the gym environment. I was intimidated using free weights in the area I call “testosterone alley” because there were mostly men there ‘grunting’ while lifting HUGE weights. Now I stand right among them doing my 10 pound bicep curls (but I don’t grunt)."

What's something that you still want to accomplish before the challenge is over?
"I want to lose 40 pounds to reach my goal weight. I also want to continue to build my strength and endurance through my workout sessions. I want the habits I have developed to become long term, so I can maintain my weight loss and fitness goals."

How has keeping in contact with the other two challengers helped you keep on track throughout this journey?
"Whenever we have contact, it’s always to offer each other encouragement and support. Because our goals are so varied, our routines are not the same so it’s interesting to compare notes. Kenny and Amy understand the effort and commitment I am putting forth to get healthy, because they are doing the same. It makes me feel less alone in my journey towards health and fitness."

Now that the weather is nicer out, and you are becoming more physically fit, what's an outside activity are you looking forward to doing?
"Since I took on snow shoveling in the winter, I’m sure my husband is hoping to see me pulling weeds in the garden this spring. After reading about “Hoopercise” in the April Healthy & Fit Magazine, I ordered a hula hoop and will be using that outside to strengthen my core muscles (and entertain the neighbors)."

What have you been focused on with your trainer this past month?
"Debbie is coming up with activities to do at home to keep me from getting bored from using the same fitness DVD’s. She has suggested jump-rope as a good cardio routine to do outside now that the weather is nicer. We continue to build on my strength training by continued use of the Nautilus machines that I’ve developed a real appreciation for."

What have you been focused on with your nutritionist this past month?
"We continue to explore intuitive eating concepts. Karen Giles-Smith is working with me on more than just the nutritional component of healthy eating. We are addressing the eating patterns that have contributed to my being overweight. Our biweekly coaching sessions are helping me break through these destructive patterns."

What physical changes have you noticed in the last month?
"I continue to fit into clothes I haven’t worn in years. My legs are getting stronger, my waist is starting to come out of hiding, and I’ve lost the extra chin I had."

What are others saying, if anything, about those physical changes?
"My coworkers are supportive on a daily basis. They notice any new clothes I fit into, and are quick to point out if my pants are getting too baggy. They ask about what my trainer and nutritionist are helping me with, and are interested in my progress. My new nickname is “Slim”."

At this point, what would you recommend to others who are interested in starting a weight loss routine for themselves?
"This experience has taught me that to lose weight and make changes in body shape, it’s essential to do strength training. It doesn’t require expensive one-on-one sessions with a trainer. The YMCA has many affordable programs and classes to get you started, no matter what fitness level you are currently at. The staff and interns in the YMCA Fitness Center are very helpful. They are willing to answer questions and even demo how the machines work. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you from achieving your goals. I am proof that it’s never too late to start."

Debbie Kennedy of the West Side Community YMCA on Christine

"We’re at the half way point of the challenge and Christine is exactly half way to her weight loss goal. She has lost 11 inches and 17.5 pounds. The new lifestyle she has adapted has given her new eating habits, a new exercise routine, and more energy than ever before. Christine has recently been shopping in her “bargain basement” which contains the storage of clothes she used to wear. She cleaned out her closet and filled it with what fits her now. She feels like she has a whole new wardrobe. The greatest change is her excitement to exercise. She’s even organizing a hula hoop class with her friends. Christine, like many new exercisers, used to get to this point and quit from workout boredom. In order to prevent mental and physical boredom—change it up. Change up your cardio and strength training (frequency, type, time, and/or intensity). Periodization training is not just for athletes. Living in Michigan’s climate makes it especially important to incorporate seasonal changes in your exercise routine. We are all ready to get outdoors and enjoy new activities. In order to prevent injury and be ready for new activities, work on endurance and get lean. Whether you decide to attempt new activities such as overhauling a garden, hula hooping, jumping rope or biking, be sure to get your body prepared in the fitness center. No matter what it is you decide to try, always remember to continue using the fitness center strength equipment. Working on the equipment two to three days a week will help to maintain strength. Christine will continue her strength training and healthy eating habits. In order to enjoy the weather she’s moving her mini trampoline routine outdoors."

Karen Giles-Smith, MS, RD Registered Dietitian on Christine

"Taking better care of herself is the major component of Christine’s wellness vision. Ditching deprivation diets is one of the ways she’s nurturing herself. As a special treat for herself this month, Christine took a day off from work to celebrate her birthday and spent the day doing things she enjoys. What a wonderful gift. Christine continues to practice mindful eating: honoring her feelings of hunger and fullness, eating more slowly and paying attention to the experience of eating. (For more about intuitive eating, visit www.intuitiveeating.com and take the intuitive eating quiz). By using these skills, Christine had a stress-free birthday—she gave herself permission to eat whatever she wanted so enjoying the food was just one aspect of her special day. During previous years, Christine was on a strict diet on her birthday. If she stuck to her diet, she felt deprived, or if she splurged on birthday treats, she believed she’d blown her diet and felt miserable. Christine is grateful she’s not participating in that vicious cycle anymore. Now that the weather is warmer, Christine and I are meeting at the Mason River Trail so that we can walk and talk at the same time. We’re currently focusing on how to handle the emotions that surface when appearance and experiences change as a result of significant weight loss."