Ginny's Skinny Challenge Reflections

Pre-Challenge—Lots of excitement and enthusiasm at being chosen. In recent years I’ve been plagued with a number of health problems that could be alleviated or even eliminated with proper diet and exercise. I’ve bought all kinds of exercise videos, equipment and diet books, but just couldn’t go the distance on my own—lots of false starts, lots of videos and exercise gear never even used. But I knew, if I could participate in the program with others, the commitment and drive deep within me that thrives on a good challenge, and the over achiever in me that has brought me success in my work life, would kick in and carry me through this personal challenge.

Let the Challenge Begin—Enthusiasm coupled with sheer exhaustion. You want us to climb how many flights of stairs? Again? Then there was those nasty sit-ups, the ones where you lie flat on your back, arms stretched out above your head and you’re just supposed to lift your upper body up and, with arms still extended, touch your toes. The fact that my abdominal muscles had been in hibernation and practically nonexistent, and a mountain of toxic omentum fat around my middle proved to be an insurmountable obstacle in reaching my toes. Try as I may, I couldn’t even do one of those sit-ups. I could barely get my shoulders off the ground.

I had to make a number of modifications along the way, marching in place instead of jogging, half-jacks instead of jumping jacks, and lots of other low impact variations. But I kept moving, kept pushing myself. Exhausted and drained of what little energy I had, I relied on grit, sheer determination and lots of support and encouragement from Rick and fellow Skinny Challenge and Fit Camp participants to get me through the first two weeks.

Outside the gym, I was making better choices about the foods I was consuming, avoiding the high sugar, high fat stuff and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins. I knew it was important to stick to the high-grade fuel if I was going to survive the fitness challenges.

"What a Feeling!"—Then, after just a few weeks, there were these “Eureka” moments when I marveled at various fitness accomplishments, like when we had to climb up and down the stairs of the Gateway Office building, non-stop for the first 30 minutes of class. My first thoughts, “no way!” After three rounds of stairs I looked at Rick and said “again?” “Oh yes,” he said, “You've got plenty of time left. Keep going.” I remember thinking, “how in the world am I going to do this?” But I kept trudging along, and at the end of the 30 minutes I had climbed up to the top level and back down six times! Something I didn’t think was possible, I was doing. I could barely do one round of stairs in week one. Then there was the time when we had to do those awful sit-ups again. The type I couldn’t even do one of in week one—I managed to do twelve! Awesome!

With my increased fitness came increased energy in and out of the gym, along with decreased body fat, and three inches gone around my middle by week six.

And then, at the end of week seven, there was the Al Toll Masters 5K Race. It had been 25 years since I participated in a 5K race, but I remembered how much fun they could be and I signed on for the race, knowing I would be doing a brisk walk, at best. But the feeling on the day of the race, despite the chilly 30-degree temperature, was magical. What fun and excitement. I found myself jogging a few spurts of the race route, and amazingly, I managed to finish third in my age group. Incredible!

Incredible—That word pretty much sums up the entire 11-week experience. What a wonderful gift it has been. I’m stronger, healthier, and a whole dress size smaller! I now have more energy to get back into life and so much more of the things that bring me joy. I’ve even started cooking again, actually opening my “light” cookbooks, and trying out leaner, healthier recipes. But my fitness journey is not over, it’s just begun. I’ve already signed up for another round of Fit Camp. I plan to keep the challenge going and making some lasting lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, I think the following lyrics from Irene Cara's "What a Feeling" from the movie "Flashdance" sums things up beautifully—

First when there's nothing, but a slow glowing dream,
that your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind.
All alone I have cried, silent tears full of pride,
in a world made of steel, made of stone.


Well, I hear the music, (actually, Rick's shouts)
close my eyes, feel the rhythm,
wrap around, take a hold of my heart.


What a Feeling! Bein's Believin',
I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life.
Take your passion, and make it happen.
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life.

Thank you Rick Cain, Chris Horne, Gateway Fitness and the Eleventh Hour for providing the music and rhythm that showed me how I can have it all. I will always be grateful!