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!

Priscilla- She Ain't Heavy...It's Just Her Head

It is really very frustrating not to be able to lose weight. Especially when one is working out like crazy and existing on green juice,tomato,and cottage cheese. My trainer tells me not to look at the scale. Ha! He obviously doesn't fully know me, so that is easy for him to say! He also doesn't know how obsessive I can be with those numbers. I hear others in class around me saying how much weight they have lost and it makes me crazy. Oh, I know the drill... muscle weighs more than fat. I've heard it a million times before. But what I want to know is why can't MY muscle be weightless and why can't I subtract the weight of my head from my body weight?

Priscilla- Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome is a strong psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed. I am almost certain I have developed this. Simply because in the past 7 weeks I have endured such physical pain at the hands of one man, yet I keep coming back for more. Now I even consider him a friend!
Being at the midpoint is even harder for me than when I first started this challenge. As "my captor" tells us, we must push ourselves if we are to see any results. Being highly competitive (with myself)I find myself reaching for heavier weights and am almost embarrassed to think of the day I grabbed those two pound dumbells. I have not reached the point of hitting two a days (yet). However it is crossing my mind more and more. Once my schedule lightens a bit, I am sure I will at least attempt them. So while I am no Patty Hearst, I am definitely hooked.

So as we pass over the hump - From Rick

Notes from the Badger!


As most of you guys know by now, I have decided to leave the blog alone and just sit back and read and watch each of your stories develop on the way to fitness. I thought if I chimed in all the time that it would seem that I was trying to control the flow of information and perhaps make some of you feel like you couldn't be honest on here without retribution from me. While I am not going to say that some blog post haven't found a way into our workouts, I will say that it is so interesting to go back and read the post and see the changes in attitudes as time passes. Keep up the good work and remember this is just a little over half way, don't quit on me now!

Here are some results after seeing most of you for measurements -

Attendance - I know that this is a horrible thing to take into account but the relationship between success and showing up is undeniable. Being consistent and taking this seriously is something you have to do if you want to see results. I think it is obvious the ones that see they have been given a $250 gift and understand the sacrifice that is for a small business and in return you have brought more than money can buy into each class.

Pricilla Esser - 27 classes
Ginny Cooke - 19
Maureen McCullough - 17
Pat Topping - 17
Deborah Horne - 17
Pat Judd - 15
Charles McCullough - 14
Mary Saltz- 12 - dropped out
Kim Wold - 12
Katy Thompson - 12
Chris Horne - 9
Amina Brown - 2 - dropped out

Results so far -

Down 35 pounds!
Down 8.6% Body Fat
Down 7.5 of collective Body Mass
Total loss of 20 inches!

These results are looking great and I can't wait to see what will happen over the next 4 weeks! I am so impressed with those of you that are seizing this opportunity to really change and improve your lives and I am so lucky to be a part of it!

Stay Strong we are only half way to the end of a never ending climb of well being!

Rick

Kudos from Ginny

I've had so many successes over the last six weeks watching my fitness improve by leaps and bounds (actually by stairs, planks, squats, etc.)! What a feeling! To climb all the way to the sixth floor and down four times in 15 minutes—I could barely make it to the 6th floor once during the first week. Awesome! I can feel my body getting stronger, my energy increasing and see my tummy shrinking—three inches as a matter of fact! (Rick measured and weighed me this morning). What an incredible experience! I'm so very thankful to Chris/11th Hour and Rick Cain/Gateway Fitness Studio who made this all possible, and to my fellow skinny challengers and boot camp participants who have lifted me up with encouraging words, enthusiasm and friendship. The tune playing in my head right now is a song from the movie "Flashdance" — WHAT A FEELING!

Katy- I love you, Rick Cain!!

Thank you Rick! Thanks for being there and pushing us so we can take our workouts to the next level. Last night's class was an hour of sweat, steps and cardio, and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not addicted to working out (yet), but there was a point in last night's class as I was trying to do the knee kicks quickly that I realized I was the one pushing myself- not just you. I couldn't believe it- I was jogging in the parking garage, and my stepping inside was in tune to the music- sometimes even faster- and when you said push, I actually pushed! I look at some of the fitness people who have obviously been at it a while, and they have the right thing going- they are working their bodies at 100%, and I'm excited about doing that too. For the first few weeks, it just seemed like if I could get through class without passing out, that was a victory. Last night I realized it's time to up the ante, and I feel great about my new goals. So, THANKS RICK CAIN! Your encouragement and persistance has rubbed off on me, and I'm ready to go to the next level!

Priscilla- Classifieds

Muffin Top, free to good home.

Owner has physically moved on and won't feed it anymore.
Relatively well behaved. House broken. Needs some discipline.
Does well in social environment. Consumes cocktails and French food.
Has been known to growl. Does not like to be confined in jeans.

Please consider adopting before it must be taken to the "pound"

Kim-Wanted:

One new (or slightly used) immune system. Must have ability to fight off simple infections and colds.

I swear, put me in a bubble! I absolutely refuse to miss another week because of being ill. See you all there today with kleenex in hand.

Priscilla- Mush (but not on my thighs)

Week 5

Normally I try and write something a little funny. A little wise crack here and there is just who I am. This blog is about as heartfelt as I get. I don't like mush, especially on my thighs.

Lately I have been snowed under with projects and events. The months of January through March have always proven to be swamped for me. These past few weeks have been crazy busy. Aside from all my regular SoChi duties and being a mom of four, I have managed to take on a few extra responsibilities.
MaGa being one. (By the way, a giant thank you all my Fit Camp volunteers!) Being an "agent" yet another (grrr...gp), and hosting a French family of 3 for one month is the icing on the cake. But somewhere in all the crazy that is my booked calendar, I have managed to find the time AND energy to make it to the gym 5 days a week. What has really kept me focused,aside from my upcoming beach trip, is the progress everyone has made. I really am so proud of you! (Kim you rock!)

I must say that after 5 weeks the stairs are not as daunting, especially when Ashley is pushing me on. What a doll she is!
And last night Coco my 17 year old daughter said, "Turn around Mom, I think you are getting a donk". HUGE!

This really has been a great experience. I am so glad to be a part of it. I am especially grateful for the friends (and donk) that have resulted.




This is the last bit of mush you will get from this girl.

Katy- loving week 5!!

I agree with Kim! Last night was a breakthrough for me! After missing class the week before and just trying the "home" workouts (by the way, Jane Fonda has nothing on Rick Cain!!!) I was nervous about this week. Lo and behold, last night was a revelation. After climbing the levels in the parking garage, squatting, kicking, etc. I was able to JOG all the way back to Gateway! WHAT?!!? JOG?!?! I can't believe it! That got me so excited I barely noticed the minute mark on the jumping jacks, and even the plank did not cause the anxiety that it normally does. Seeing the newbies start week one, it reminded me where I was and where I am now. So, now it's time for me to seriously look at what else I can do. I bought a (gulp) calorie counter and am going to do a full examination of food intake... if I can conquer the plank, I KNOW I can conquer my food. Is there anyway Rick could record his voice telling me "NO" every time I open the refrigerator???

Kim's 5th week = success

Tonight I did jumping Jacks for a full minute with no stops. I held The Plank, as well as both versions of the side plank, no stops there. I Glute kicked my way up the third floor of the parking deck and kept up with Rick and Amy, and I lead the way on the 6 flights of stairs, at which time I almost stopped, but didn't (thanks to Amy).

Endorphins have nothing on this rush. Honestly, after tonight, I don't care about my measurements as long as I keep this up.

Last week when I couldn't work out I really missed it, and I was so anxious when I started back this week. I didn't eat well last week, and my self-confidence was bust. I just knew that I would start back from scratch. Now I know that it's like riding a bike, and I'm not nearly as anxious.

It's about the go, not the show. Right? Right.

San Diego and back

Charlie here….sorry for tardiness on the reply; work has been calling...

Hanging in there….in San Diego all last week but Maureen and I walked the hills big time…..pretty intense for three days plus all the other strolling. Perfect weather. We burnt our candles at both ends doing everything Southern California had to offer. Ever get a chance to do San Diego, don’t miss it! After exhibiting at a trade show and playing all week, we returned late Sunday exhausted but resumed our sessions with Rick Tuesday. In fact, Maureen stayed for the second hour. A few injuries…wonder why? Maybe our bodies aren’t what they were 50 years ago…
But, have never felt better – twice the energy. Pretty good comments from a couple of old folks.
Last night was good; crunches are so tough for me but can you believe it, I can actually jump that stupid rope a little bit. I think I figured it out : it is all about rhythm. Can I purchase some stamina anywhere? Maureen’s knee has seen better days so she rode the bike machine for three miles while, you guessed it, we did the stairways to hell. The “yahoo” wall sitting and kicking screams were a nice addition by Rick. I cannot imagine what Rick has in store for us tonight.

Chris, now that the “Dooley Chat” edition is done, you have no excuse. Maybe try to limit the beer to only 8 a day.

Charlie

Priscilla-Stairway to Heaven

I woke at 4:45 AM still "Grrr...y" from the previous night.
A little physical exertion was sure to get my anger out. So off to the gym I went. Where I was greeted with 18 spots on a circuit, 2 of those being stairs. It never fails though. No matter where I start out on a circuit, it ALWAYS seems that I come back around to the stairs one time more. Today however instead of swearing like a sailor as I ascended them I said a rosary. Granted it was a little huffy and puffy, but I managed to get through a good bit of it. I don't think God minded the heavy breathing. Who knew 24 flights of stairs would actually bring me some much needed peace of mind.




I guess this must be what Led Zeppelin was singing about.

Priscilla and the Duke

I am a John Wayne girl. I always have been. Something about the swagger, the voice and those hands just makes me swoon. Fall over, head over heels, knees to mush SWOON.
I was reminded of my JW this morning. This was the first sunny morning we have had in a while. I knew we would be going outside by Rick's cryptic facebook status.
Upon arriving to the gym, my deductions proved to be correct, we were going outside. Nice, I thought.
Then I found out where we were going. The Indian Mounds. Which is totally far away!
I thought of the many field trips the kids had out there and how I always got out of going. For some reason walking up a big mound has never been my bag. Now here I was,not only going but walking there! Double Yikes!

Then I started thinking about Indians and of course those thoughts naturally segued into the Duke.
Ok, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad walk. I thought of The Searchers, Ethan Edwards, and of course Debbie. I always wanted to be Debbie. Before I knew it we had gotten to the Mounds. Don't ask me how, I don't pay attention where I am going...I just follow. About the time we passed the "sleeping puppy" my legs began to feel that this was in fact becoming a work out. Suddenly my swoony thoughts of John Wayne left my head. I began to focus on the burning sensation in my thighs as we walked up a hill. And then there was another, and yet another hill before me. Before you knew it we had trekked around the entire place and I knew my decisions all those years ago NOT to go on those field trips were the right ones.

Walking back, my thoughts went back to JW. Not to The Searchers though, but to The Quiet Man, my all time favorite movie. In particular the line where Mary Kate tells Sean they are walking the 5 miles into town.

"Just a good stretch of the legs." she says.



Just a good stretch of the legs...indeed. Now all this girl needs is for Jimmy Leg to grab and kiss me like that when he comes in the door. SWOON