Cyndy
My Journey to a Better Me
August 2015
I knew I was overweight and have not been physically active for a long time. I had quit smoking 13 years ago – finally after several tries and went through other life changes. The weight packed on steadily. Junk food was my downfall. I couldn’t seem to get a handle on what to do. Finally my best friend, Diane, asked me to join Curves and exercise with her as she wanted to get in shape for her daughter’s wedding. Diane was the size I wanted to be and use to be. So off we went. Little did we know the Curve gym we joined would close in two weeks. Diane looked into several local gyms and we decided on Anytime Fitness at Nagog.
Enter Anthony the gym’s Personal Trainer. He took one look at me and knew I needed his help. He required me to get a letter from my doctor stating that I was medically approved to exercise. My doctor was very happy as he had been after me for quite awhile to get in shape. At my heaviest weight I was wearing size 20W pants. I hated shopping. I had a lot of nice clothes in smaller sizes that were just sitting in my closet because they were way too small for me.
Anthony asked me what my goal was. I said I wanted to lose 50 lbs. In reality I thought that was a dream. I would be happy if I lost 10 lbs. I had never joined a gym before and was a little intimidated by all the machines. I thought I’d try going to the gym for 6 months.
It was slow going in the beginning. I could hardly walk on the treadmill or do much weight training. But gradually I improved. I had sessions with Anthony twice a week. Diet was also a big part of my journey. Anthony helped me realize I needed portion control. A whole sleeve of Oreo cookies was out of the question. Don’t buy what you can’t eat. If you are going to treat yourself be sensible. Anthony’s favorite, “Just because it is being offered (cake, cookies, ice cream) doesn’t mean you have to have some.”
When I started on the treadmill I walked at a 1.5 incline at a speed of 1.5 for 52 minutes to burn 200 calories for a distance of 1.59 miles. Now I walk at a 7.0 incline at a speed of 3.6 for 47 minutes. I burn 400 calories and walk 2.87 miles. I can do a mile in 17 minutes. I have come a long way.
My sessions with Anthony were paying off. I could see a change in how I looked and felt. I could go to the gym by myself and walk on the treadmill or ride the bike. I slowly increased my speed and incline. Anthony introduced weight training to improve my core. Many times I was exhausted and ached all over, but I kept going to the gym. If I thought I couldn’t finish a work out Anthony would encourage me to continue. Some months I would be “stuck” at a weight and be discouraged. But I kept improving.
It took me a little over a year to reach my goal weight and actually lose 50 lbs. I now can shop in the misses section and wear a size 12 or 14. A far cry from what I wore a year ago. I love to shop and now have a whole new wardrobe. My family and friends have been very supportive. My husband knows that going to the gym is the start of my day. My daughters are proud of what I have accomplished.
Anthony has taught me that it is a continuing life journey to stay active and fit. It is a life style change and commitment to take care of yourself. I can’t thank Anthony enough for supporting me, encouraging me, and listening to me (especially when I was complaining). We have had many wonderful conversations during our workouts. He is upbeat and positive. When I think I can’t do something Anthony always says, “Yes you can.” He is a life coach and sees the whole person. He has made me see myself in a new light - I can do more and am more confident. He truly is in the right profession.
Cyndy
August 2015
I knew I was overweight and have not been physically active for a long time. I had quit smoking 13 years ago – finally after several tries and went through other life changes. The weight packed on steadily. Junk food was my downfall. I couldn’t seem to get a handle on what to do. Finally my best friend, Diane, asked me to join Curves and exercise with her as she wanted to get in shape for her daughter’s wedding. Diane was the size I wanted to be and use to be. So off we went. Little did we know the Curve gym we joined would close in two weeks. Diane looked into several local gyms and we decided on Anytime Fitness at Nagog.
Enter Anthony the gym’s Personal Trainer. He took one look at me and knew I needed his help. He required me to get a letter from my doctor stating that I was medically approved to exercise. My doctor was very happy as he had been after me for quite awhile to get in shape. At my heaviest weight I was wearing size 20W pants. I hated shopping. I had a lot of nice clothes in smaller sizes that were just sitting in my closet because they were way too small for me.
Anthony asked me what my goal was. I said I wanted to lose 50 lbs. In reality I thought that was a dream. I would be happy if I lost 10 lbs. I had never joined a gym before and was a little intimidated by all the machines. I thought I’d try going to the gym for 6 months.
It was slow going in the beginning. I could hardly walk on the treadmill or do much weight training. But gradually I improved. I had sessions with Anthony twice a week. Diet was also a big part of my journey. Anthony helped me realize I needed portion control. A whole sleeve of Oreo cookies was out of the question. Don’t buy what you can’t eat. If you are going to treat yourself be sensible. Anthony’s favorite, “Just because it is being offered (cake, cookies, ice cream) doesn’t mean you have to have some.”
When I started on the treadmill I walked at a 1.5 incline at a speed of 1.5 for 52 minutes to burn 200 calories for a distance of 1.59 miles. Now I walk at a 7.0 incline at a speed of 3.6 for 47 minutes. I burn 400 calories and walk 2.87 miles. I can do a mile in 17 minutes. I have come a long way.
My sessions with Anthony were paying off. I could see a change in how I looked and felt. I could go to the gym by myself and walk on the treadmill or ride the bike. I slowly increased my speed and incline. Anthony introduced weight training to improve my core. Many times I was exhausted and ached all over, but I kept going to the gym. If I thought I couldn’t finish a work out Anthony would encourage me to continue. Some months I would be “stuck” at a weight and be discouraged. But I kept improving.
It took me a little over a year to reach my goal weight and actually lose 50 lbs. I now can shop in the misses section and wear a size 12 or 14. A far cry from what I wore a year ago. I love to shop and now have a whole new wardrobe. My family and friends have been very supportive. My husband knows that going to the gym is the start of my day. My daughters are proud of what I have accomplished.
Anthony has taught me that it is a continuing life journey to stay active and fit. It is a life style change and commitment to take care of yourself. I can’t thank Anthony enough for supporting me, encouraging me, and listening to me (especially when I was complaining). We have had many wonderful conversations during our workouts. He is upbeat and positive. When I think I can’t do something Anthony always says, “Yes you can.” He is a life coach and sees the whole person. He has made me see myself in a new light - I can do more and am more confident. He truly is in the right profession.
Cyndy