Beverly Fitness Challenge Winner: Jane Ash!

Before: After:


Weight Lost: 7.8 pounds
1 inch lost from arms
1.5 inches lost from waist
2.5 inches lost from hips
1.5 inches lost from thighs

Seven weeks ago I felt really down on myself! I’ve never been that big before and did not like the way I looked. While I knew the basic techniques of exercises already, I wasn’t giving 100% to my workouts.

I wanted to change so I would feel better, look better and have the strength and stamina to play the sports I enjoy like tennis, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing.

Three weeks into The Challenge I was really on a roll. I had actually eliminated alcohol. I drank green tea instead of coffee. I was drinking a lot of water; packing snacks for work. I doubled up on vegetables and eliminated the rice, pasta, potato side dish that was part of our nightly dinner. I had water with every meal instead of wine or juice and no sugary desert. I was doing pretty well at alternating strength training one day and intervals the next. A quick stop by Spectrum Fitness to evaluate the interval part was really helpful. I thought I was doing that right, but apparently not!

Just about the time I was feeling results, I got laid off from work! I finally had a healthy routine down, was feeling better and actually dropped about 4 lbs so I was really motivated to keep up. Now my routine was thrown all out of whack. You may think it would be easier to stay on track, but truth be told, I am a creature of habit and not having a job to go to everyday really threw me off. With the help of a workout buddy, I did continue with the exercising. Having someone expect you to show up was really helpful, and a lot more fun than exercising alone.

At seven weeks I have lost 7.8 lbs! I can feel more core strength and less pudginess around the middle. I look less chubby in my face. I can hold a plank position for one minute! I am doing the one arm dumbbell row with 20lbs. My thighs are a lot more toned. I’m feeling much better about myself. I feel stronger and healthier and I’m much better at avoiding sugary snacks and dessert. And I don’t even miss them as much as I thought I would.

I actually look forward to meeting with my workout buddy. And it’s great that we can complete and interval workout in such a small amount of time. Staying on a regular workout routine really makes playing tennis and going cross-country skiing a lot more fun. I find the quick bursts of energy I need to get around the tennis court. And the day after cross-country skiing, I wasn’t nearly as sore as usual. It’s great tot having the energy and strength so I can enjoy the sports I love.

I definitely see myself sticking to this routine. But I have to be honest with myself and make sure I continue to challenge myself.

In the future, I see myself continuing to lose weight at a healthy place and becoming even stronger. The food part is challenging, especially around the holidays. Saying on track with everything could have me down 20lbs by next summer and into a size 10, which is the size that I think is MY BEST BODY!

Great story, great results, for a great person! Take a look at the items I bolded - this is where the secrets for success lies. Understanding the scope of the problem, having specific goals and knowing why they are important, identifying key strategies, seeking help and accountability, overcoming major obstacles, and knowing that continuing to challenge yourself is the key for sustained success.

The results? Happier, feeling better, performing better, looking better, a routine that is efficient and works.

Nice work Jane, and we look forward to training with you over the next several weeks!

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