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!

Priscilla- No Cain No Gain

I am mid way through my last week of the Eleventh Hour Fit Camp Skinny Challenge.
How 11 weeks have flown by is beyond me. I recall talking about it to friends before starting, planning events, and going through my SoChi life in general. Now all those things are behind me. Events occurred, festivals had, cocktail parties attended and of course 11 weeks of intense workouts. I am left with a blur.

I decided to take a stroll down those stairs I have been climbing for 11 weeks, to the blog postings that started it all.

My PHAT is turning to FAT. Well that pretty much said it all. While my life is still busier than ever, I did lay off the grape for the first few weeks. But as I became more fit I decided to reward myself with a few glasses of my favorite vin from time to time. Lo and behold my muffin top is nothing more than a crumb now.

Sleep deprivation- While it is a good thing that I hop right out of my delicious bed at 5 AM when I have a morning workout, it is NOT a good thing that my body clock tells me to wake up at that hour when I don't. Especially after one of our MANY late night parties. No this isn't good at all! And as far as Vanity being a bigger bitch that me, we hashed it out and it's a tie.

Who is paying those water and gas bills? Well considering that we HAVE running water, I guess "Jimmy Leg" does or I'd be bathing in the neighbor's pond. I still stand under the scalding water with aching muscles but I find that I have to work SO much harder to attain that same level of pain. I know, it's nutty of me to WANT that soreness.

Did you hear that? When JL first made his cheeky comment to massage my thighs, I shot daggers at him through my eyes. It was the only thing I could muster given my total exhaustion. Now 2 a days are just part of the routine, and along with them came an increased energy level. I find I am the one offering the massage now! (Sorry you had to read that kids! No one wants that mental picture of Mom and Dad)

Gold bricking- I stuck through it. No excuses. Some nights I came home and the "Cankle" was grotesquely huge. Some days it was just tomato sized. But I learned to change somethings up if I knew certain exercises were going to irritate those torn ligaments. I'm am still no goldbricker. I won't ever be.

25 things- What has changed and stayed the same? I can now jump rope and do a plank for longer than a minute.
A 4 point push up is still the devil. Stairs are terrible but doable. People still fart when squatting. Rick Cain really is my friend. It takes 11 weeks to be rid of the muffin top. And strangely, I actually LIKE doing certain exercises because they are "fun". It's cuckoo!

6 inches...yes I can even take 6 inches now. Thankfully Rick never walked by and placed a sand ball on my ankles.
But now after writing that I am assured he will and even that's ok.

My ears are bleeding- I guess in those early weeks of working out I was so focused on the physical exertion and muttering under my breath that I didn't pay heed to what was on Rick's Ipod. Although I swear he has since changed the play list from the beginning of Fit Camp. Where as before it was insipid rap and metal, now I am finding Veruca Salt,the Fixx,the Specials,INXS and Linkin Park. Who knew, all bands I like.

I can keep going on about all the changes that have occurred over these past eleven weeks. From grabbing 7 pound weights now to actually liking those long treks across town (sometimes in the rain). I found that in having to write about what I was experiencing during these workouts, that I like to write! So the blog will continue in the "Fabulous SoChi Life" and so will the Skinny Challenge. Only now it won't be the 11th Hour's but my own personal Skinny Challenge. I am signed up for Round 2 and looking forward to it. But first I need a much deserved two week hiatus and a trip to the beach...then I'll be back at Gateway amongst my friends.


Thank you Eleventh Hour and especially you Rick Cain for the priceless gift you have given me. I have really tried to make the most of it and I hope I've made you proud.

Katy- Random Thoughts on our Last Week

I am…thrilled that I can ALMOST do the plank for one minute.
I think…that the stairwell of the Gateway Building is Macon's best kept workout secret.
I know…that I can always do 10 more seconds.
I want…to be able to run up the stairs.
I have…too much fun watching people to attempt the hula hoop.
I wish…I started this whole fitness regiment before January.
I hate…the jump rope.
I miss…Zaxby's. and Chick-fil-a. :)
I feel…more energetic.
I love…the 1 1/2 hour sessions!
I care…about my health now.
I always…enjoy the workout stations.
I am not…graceful when doing crab walks or spiderman crawls.
I believe…I'm on the right track.
I win...my health and my life back through this experience.
I lose…my fat and some inches.
I never…thought I could carry weights up the stairs.
I listen…for Rick to call out "3-2-1 and stop."
I’m scared of…doing the plank on that ball.
I forget…to set my alarm for am workouts.
I just…can't believe that I'm almost 10 lbs. down after this experience.

Thanks, Chris, Rick, Gateway, and all of my fellow "skinnys" for your support, encouragement, and giving me the chance to do this in the first place! It's been a GREAT 11 weeks!!!

Priscilla-Can You Spare Some Change?

It is so crazy to think this 11 week ride is coming to a close. It really does seem like yesterday that I went for my first weigh in. I think back to all that has transpired since Week One.
Has my lifestyle really changed that much?

In some ways YES!

I have ended my day at 5AM many a time. NEVER would I have thought to start my day at 5AM! Not even when we had tiny babies did I get up during the night or the wee morning hours. That was always Jimmy Leg's job (one of the perks of bottle feeding!) Now I hop right up and I am out the door by a quarter til six. Nutty!
When did green juice take the place of a cocktail? Well in all honesty it hasn't. But it has become a beverage I reach for more and more. Shocking!



Me lacing up my trainers everyday as opposed to strapping on a pair of heels? Preposterous! Before trainers were only worn when wearing cute velour jogging suits. Now it seems it's sports bras more often than push up bras.



With so many changes, I still would rather toss on a gown as opposed to workout wear.
Somethings about this girl will always stay the same!

Priscilla-Fit Camp Social Club

For a while now fellow FCers have wanted to have a little get together. Given my "Holly Golightly" ways I am always one to jump at the chance to entertain. So of course I offered to host. It took a while to narrow down a date given my crazy schedule of late. Following the MaGa Film Festival seemed like the perfect time to get together, relax, and enjoy talking with one another. Talking without the threat of being subjugated to the "Talking Step"!



So last night we gathered. How lovely seeing everyone in real clothes, the kind without the underwear sewn in. We ate some wonderful food, drank plenty of wine, and saw a "lighter" side of everyone...including Rick and Michelle.
I for one am delighted to be a part of such camaraderie and look forward to hosting our little group again.

Katy- Bye Bye IVP, Chick-fil-a and Mac & Cheese

After a week of nonstop eating (and it's funny how I think of it as nonstop eating when just 2 months ago, these were my regular habits), I was plenty nervous stepping on the scale at today's Weight Watchers meeting... I mean, I had a week of MAGA after parties, Happy Valentine's, Happy Anniversery & Happy Birthday celebrations nonstop- thanks to the BF who was in town for one week! Surely the scales were NOT going to be in my favor... there's nothing like a weekly weigh in to make you question your food choices. I was heavily regretting the garlic knots I enjoyed last Friday at Ingleside Village Pizza, AND the Chick-fil-a biscuit (10 points to fellow Weight Watchers!!!!) Adam suprised me with Monday morning at work.... so I wore my lightest clothes (leggings and a cotton T) and stepped on the scale...

.6 down!! I can't believe it! Even with the heavy indulgences, I'm 1/2 pound down this week...whew!! This makes 6.6 lbs since joining WW one month ago. I was sure this week was going to be a downer, and am now even more convinced than ever that these happy little foods are NOT worth the sweat and worry over a 30 minute Thursday meeting that includes the scales which have not been my friend for a LONG time. So, it's with gladness that I say goodbye to the biscuits and garlic knots (and the mac and cheese I scarfed down yesterday).... it's not worth the heart attack of nerves waiting for my time on the scale!! Thanks to Fit Camp, and FINALLY taking a serious look at food, I think I've found a balance of healthy living that is working for me!! The road is still uphill, but these little weekly victories have done wonders!

Priscilla- Spring

It has been a long winter. As the weather slowly warms, the first sure signs of the changing season have begun to emerge. Like flower bulbs buried deep underground, pushing through the cold earth towards sunlight, my burgeoning hip bones are beginning to peek out from under the layer of FAT that they had been nestled under.

Aahh, Spring has finally sprung!