Alan

This was a week of ups and downs. My workouts were great, and while I did not eat poorly, I did have Chinese food one night. I think that the salt in the food made me feel bloated for the next two days and then I felt discouraged that I didn't see much improvement.

Last night I watched the movie Run for Your Life, a documentary about Fred Lebow, and the history of the New York City Marathon, and have been reinvigorated and motivated to stick to my plan and succeed at reaching my goals.
  

Alan

It's been a while since I've written, and while I'd like to say it's because I forgot, it probably has more to do with the ups and downs that I felt during this period of training. 

For about two weeks, I've felt that I was going backwards.  The training was becoming more and more difficult, I wasn't losing any weight, and it was becoming increasingly more difficult to stay on my appropriate food regimen.  The one thing that I'm particularly proud of is that I never gave up and always did what I was supposed to do, and now, a couple weeks later, I'm really happy to see improvement.

My last measurement I had lost a number of inches and close to 10 pounds, and I  believe my body fat had also lowered.  I'm not sure if that was the mental and emotional breakthrough I needed, but I'm finding that I'm getting more and more excited the night before my workouts to come into the gym and I'm finding that my eating is becoming more routine.  Halloween was a little bit of a struggle because I ended up having some chocolate, but to be honest, it was almost too sweet and I realized because I had not been eating it, I didn't really want it. 

I have to say, I feel that I've gotten over some kind of hump and am really encouraged and excited about my training and have started to think longer-term of goals for me and my fitness.

Doris

I must just start by saying that I love this program and the Fitness Matters staff!!! In the previous three weeks I have lost 7 lbs total, but it really is not JUST about the weight loss at all. I feel completely different in ways that I thought I had lost a while back with weight gain and age (not that I'm OLD, I'll be 44 in November) but I guess I had just given up. Now I know with help and direction, which is really what I needed, anyone can be successful – whether it’s just weight loss or taking back your good health. That is my second goal after weight loss. Well, I guess what I am really trying to say is that it all works together; you lose weight, start moving, eat properly and everything else falls into place. For example, well this is my own experience, I never slept more that 5 maybe 6 hours a night and they were never very restful. Now I sleep 7-8 hours and they are fabulous. My whole day is completely different now!

Next, I had chronic lower back pain. This pain literally would put me on my back for a week. Now with the help of Patrick and the team at Fitness Matters my core is building back up and I do not have the pain at the degree that it was. I used to be afraid to sneeze because of the severe pain which is now disappearing. YEAH!!! What a difference! The other benefit is working with Lisa Corrado, the nutritionist. I do most of my cooking and do enjoy it and she has taught me were my changes should be made. With her expertise I have bettered my food habits. She is a real pleasure to meet with and talk to.

Just believe in yourself and you can really do anything. I had given up, but knew if I just had that little hand at my back showing me and walking with me in the right direction, I to could achieve my goals, what ever they are. Now I just love getting to my workouts and doing my home cardio. I JUST FEEL BETTER.

Barbara

This has been quite an interesting time with learning proper nutrition and exercise routines, and my body, as well as my mind, has thrown some pretty good punches. In the beginning, I was amazingly awakened with the accountability from Patrick and Lisa regarding exercise routines and eating habits. There were even times I wanted to "cheat", but I would only be cheating myself.

Here I am, though, in week three and I am already starting to have more energy than I have had in years. I am even starting to sleep better -- averaging 4-5 hours straight through, without waking intervals (previously I was waking every two hours or so and then giving up sleep for the night). I have lost six pounds and kept it off!!! My clothes are starting to loosen – I am very much looking forward to shopping in a couple of months. A couple of friends that I haven't seen in a few weeks even commented this weekend on the changes they see in my face and figure. (They can see the change!)

There are times when I wish I could just indulge and run to my "comfort food", but I would not be comforting myself, I'd only be adding poundage and regretting it afterward. I have learned that I have to work through my emotions and find the core of the issues in my life without the comfort of food. This has been quite a struggle because I have had to deal with things that I would have rather put on the "back burner". But I cannot do myself that disservice anymore. I am also learning to accept accountability for allowing myself to become overweight and not dealing with issues that should have been dealt with a long time ago. Hard stuff, but very much worth it!

This past week brought a bit of bad news and a challenge regarding my back condition. There were a couple of minutes there when I wanted to "boo-hoo", but, amazingly Dr. Heather Gansel (the Fitness Matters chiropractor) called and we chatted. I have acquired a greater incentive to push forward and excel in physical activity as well as proper eating habits. I am bound and determined to avoid another back surgery!

I am looking forward to the new Barbara!

John

I have been consistently working out and following the nutrition plan for three weeks now. My energy level is through the roof as I have lost 8 lbs. And feel great. I have gone down one size and need to buy some new clothes. Of course, the compliments feel great too.

The workouts are intense but the trainer listens to me and makes it enjoyable. I never thought I’d live long enough to hear myself say that. The nutritionist is great and extremely thorough in explaining how to make better choices. This is the hardest part for me.

Overall it’s a great experience and I’m looking forward to even better results as time goes on.