I never imagined myself writing about my weight, for two reasons: first because I wasn't sure I could successfully maintain a healthy weight; and second, because I couldn't imagine discussing it publicly. I a writing about it now as a "thank you" to those who hav ehelped me make this final attempt to lose weight a success!
My weight has ranged from perfect (in my estimation) to obese (by Dept. of Health standards), and everywhere in between. It;s been an on-going issue since high school, and has impacted both personal and professional decisions over the years.
In June 2008, my daughter was getting ready to graduate from high school and start college. Friends and family (some of whom I hadn't seen in several years) were coming from out of state to celebrate my daughters accomplishment. Instead of looking forward to the occasion, I wished it were over, or at least that I was somewhere else. How awful that something as superficial as how I looked was stopping me from enjoying this very special time with my family and friends. I realized then that I needed to resolve my weight issue, once-and-for-all.
I don't know why, but I really felt this time would be different! I knew it would require a chance in my eating habits as well as getting active. A personal trainer was the option for me. I hired Sondra Hopkins at Fit Life Studio (www.fitlifestudio.com) to guide my diet choices and exercise, and to kick my butt if I got lazy! (Trust me, get a trainer - it is worth the money!)
It is hard to imagine I have been on this journey for almost a year and a half! When I look back over the past 18 months, I can't think of any point where I was really discouraged or felt like quitting. My progress was always slow and steady, and I don't remember any point in time where I thought it wasn't worth the effort! (It was especially worth the effort whin I decided to splurge on a pair of Lucky jeans, and had to ask the sales clerk for a smaller size - the size 6 pair I took into the dressing room was too big!)
Someone asked me when I realized I had become a motivator for others, I never really looked at it that way until a friend said to me "I knew if you could do it, I could too!" This friend has now started her "journey" with the help of Fit Life Studio and seeing amazing progress! If I motivate others, that's great! Bur one of the lessons have learned is that you have to want this change for yourself! You have to make this change for yourself.....
Now, before I finish, there are several people I do want to thank! Because, even though you have to want this and do this for yourself, it helps when you have supportive people in your corner. I wan to thank my sister for getting me started on my journey; my sister-in-law for being my training partner; my husband for loving me enough to put up with brown rice and oatmeal; and my trainer (Sondra Hopkins @ Fit Life Studio) for guiding and encouraging me along the way!
Oops: I almost forgot the numbers! 18 months ago I weighed 228 pounds and wore a size 16. Today I weigh 122 pounds and wear a size 4! By body fat has changed significantly: from nearly 35% to an amazing 16%, and my strength has increased significantly! I feel like a different person!
______________________
Trainer Notes:
Hello Everyone! I hope you find Colleen's story a source of inspiration! I know I have. I continue to be amazed and inspired by her motivation and dedication. Collen has been an incredible client and fortunately for me a cherished friend.
My pride in her transformation transcends the obvious. After being at this for more than 18 months I have learned just as much from her as she has from me. There are times we all want to give up or take the easy road, but I can honestly say that Colleen has been the exception to this rule. Her motivation is relentless and her drive is more than amazing. This is one case where I can honestly say "I am the fortunate one!"
Thank you Colleen! For being you and reminding us all that we can overcome ANY obstacle! You are strong, brave and gorgeous!
My weight has ranged from perfect (in my estimation) to obese (by Dept. of Health standards), and everywhere in between. It;s been an on-going issue since high school, and has impacted both personal and professional decisions over the years.
In June 2008, my daughter was getting ready to graduate from high school and start college. Friends and family (some of whom I hadn't seen in several years) were coming from out of state to celebrate my daughters accomplishment. Instead of looking forward to the occasion, I wished it were over, or at least that I was somewhere else. How awful that something as superficial as how I looked was stopping me from enjoying this very special time with my family and friends. I realized then that I needed to resolve my weight issue, once-and-for-all.
I don't know why, but I really felt this time would be different! I knew it would require a chance in my eating habits as well as getting active. A personal trainer was the option for me. I hired Sondra Hopkins at Fit Life Studio (www.fitlifestudio.com) to guide my diet choices and exercise, and to kick my butt if I got lazy! (Trust me, get a trainer - it is worth the money!)
It is hard to imagine I have been on this journey for almost a year and a half! When I look back over the past 18 months, I can't think of any point where I was really discouraged or felt like quitting. My progress was always slow and steady, and I don't remember any point in time where I thought it wasn't worth the effort! (It was especially worth the effort whin I decided to splurge on a pair of Lucky jeans, and had to ask the sales clerk for a smaller size - the size 6 pair I took into the dressing room was too big!)
Someone asked me when I realized I had become a motivator for others, I never really looked at it that way until a friend said to me "I knew if you could do it, I could too!" This friend has now started her "journey" with the help of Fit Life Studio and seeing amazing progress! If I motivate others, that's great! Bur one of the lessons have learned is that you have to want this change for yourself! You have to make this change for yourself.....
Now, before I finish, there are several people I do want to thank! Because, even though you have to want this and do this for yourself, it helps when you have supportive people in your corner. I wan to thank my sister for getting me started on my journey; my sister-in-law for being my training partner; my husband for loving me enough to put up with brown rice and oatmeal; and my trainer (Sondra Hopkins @ Fit Life Studio) for guiding and encouraging me along the way!
Oops: I almost forgot the numbers! 18 months ago I weighed 228 pounds and wore a size 16. Today I weigh 122 pounds and wear a size 4! By body fat has changed significantly: from nearly 35% to an amazing 16%, and my strength has increased significantly! I feel like a different person!
______________________
Trainer Notes:
Hello Everyone! I hope you find Colleen's story a source of inspiration! I know I have. I continue to be amazed and inspired by her motivation and dedication. Collen has been an incredible client and fortunately for me a cherished friend.
My pride in her transformation transcends the obvious. After being at this for more than 18 months I have learned just as much from her as she has from me. There are times we all want to give up or take the easy road, but I can honestly say that Colleen has been the exception to this rule. Her motivation is relentless and her drive is more than amazing. This is one case where I can honestly say "I am the fortunate one!"
Thank you Colleen! For being you and reminding us all that we can overcome ANY obstacle! You are strong, brave and gorgeous!
This video showcases a typical upper body day for Colleen. Obviously in the sake of time this is a very shortened version, but gives a clear understanding of what a usual session will consist of for her. Her rest time is minimal during these circuits to help burn fat. As she is in a new phase of her fitness we will gradually begin taking longer breaks in her sessions and removing much of the plyometric work as well the high volume of cardio (this will be done at different times of the day).
For more info on Colleen and her fitness, email her trainer: sondra@fitlifestudio.com
For more info on Colleen and her fitness, email her trainer: sondra@fitlifestudio.com
This video again is a mere sample of a typical training day for Colleen. In this video we showcase an average lower body day for her.
Colleens progress is amazing and we are so proud of her. Her progress is the result of her die hard determination to always excel and NEVER give up!
Be sure to watch us LIVE on San Antonio Living as we focus on her success. WOAI News Channel 4 - Tuesday, Decemeber 22 @ 10am.
Colleens progress is amazing and we are so proud of her. Her progress is the result of her die hard determination to always excel and NEVER give up!
Be sure to watch us LIVE on San Antonio Living as we focus on her success. WOAI News Channel 4 - Tuesday, Decemeber 22 @ 10am.