Nicole knows the road ahead isn’t going to be easy

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 25, 2010 | 0 Comments
Not the last early morning workout.

Not the last early morning workout.

This morning I finished my last 6:30 a.m. workout as a contestant with “Team Alicia.”

It is a little bittersweet, the end of the contest, but every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end (yeah!). It’s not to say this morning was my last 6:30 a.m. workout ever – since I have a toddler at home, it is probably the only time I can squeeze in exercise since she will be asleep, plus I still have work and school obligations!

Realistically, now that the Weight Race is over, I will probably have to work twice as hard to achieve my personal weight loss goals. I’m OK with that. One of the most crucial lessons I have learned is that there are no short cuts for healthy weight loss. It really does take hard work, and an attitude adjustment. It takes support, which I am lucky to have from family and friends. I have lost just under 20 pounds (19.8 but who’s counting?) over the last nine weigh-ins, of which I am extremely proud.  The last 10 weeks at Elevations have been truly educational, in so many ways. I have done so many things that I never thought I was capable of, like running on the treadmill with no hands! (OK, it was only for a minute, but still, accomplishment). Or even this morning, using the TRX strap like a pulley, I was able to pull Alicia across the group fitness carpet three times. So no matter what the scale reveals tonight at the Lounge, I all ready am a winner.

“Willpower is also a muscle – EXERCISE IT” Alicia Colgan, Elevations trainer

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Hey Beth, how’s your weight loss going?

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 25, 2010 | 0 Comments
Don't be afraid to stop her on the street.

Don't be afraid to stop her on the street.

With only a few hours to the last weigh in I have mixed emotions.

I am really happy the contest is wrapping up as my job gets busier this time of year and I am WAY behind on my daily duties as housewife and mother. On the other hand I am gonna miss “Big Brother” (or “Big Trainer”) watching over us. There is a certain fear factor that keeps me motivated to lose weight each week. In the beginning I didn’t want to be the first one to gain. In the middle I wanted to get ahead of my fellow racers and in the end I am trying to hold on to first despite hitting a little plateau.

After the final weigh-in no one will know if I gained or lost weight. It’s all up to me. When left to my own devices in the past I have had some degree of success as long as I maintain my healthy eating and exercise regime. Over time I have fallen off the wagon in the past and put the weight back on. This time I am promising to myself and my family that I will remind myself daily how important they are to me and me to them. I want to stay around as long as possible and be the healthy happy mom and wife.

It’s a lifetime commitment. I am not blessed with a speedy metabolism so exercise and healthy diet are the only ways to go. So if you see me on the street ask me how it’s going with my commitment. It will remind me that someone is watching!

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One easy way Nancy lost the weight. Well, two ways.

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 23, 2010 | 0 Comments
An educational experience, no doubt.

An educational experience, no doubt.

In these past 10 weeks I have made several accomplishments. I am so proud to say that with my loss over 33 pounds, I am one-third on my way to my 2010 goal of 100 pounds.

I chuckle as I read the various postings on Facebook congratulating the contestants and then asking, “How did you do it??”

So, how did I do it? With diet and exercise.

Previously, when I heard the word diet, I always associated it with limiting yourself to 1,000 calories daily and eating bland boring food. Through April Pansy our trainer coordinator and Christine Brecht, our nutritionist for the contest, I learned that diet actually means eating healthy. Portions, balance and selection of food is important. You can have a chocolate covered strawberry, or that glass of red wine – just don’t over indulge.

Whenever I heard the words exercise and gym, I had always pictured “Wonder Woman” with built-up muscles from lifting weights. Then I had the excuse of bi-lateral knee replacement to avoid exercise.  When trainers April, Jen, Alicia, Lindsay and Sarah introduced us to the weight room I was surprised to see a lot of the equipment I had previously used in physical therapy. I was also quickly taught by the trainers that the exercises can be modified to accommodate for handicaps. Can’t get on the floor to do push-ups? Do them on the wall. I also learned that so much can be accomplished in the pool.

But there is more than just diet and exercise to succeed with weight loss. The roller coaster of emotions during the weigh-in sessions went from tears of joy on the first week for the big number, to feeling like I failed when the scale showed less than a 2-pound loss. Then comes the fear of embarrassment and the frustrations when you are hindered in getting to the gym (i.e., employment, bad weather, illness, transportation or personal obligations).

Support is crucial to staying with the program. I had an excellent support system:

–My daughter Nicole by participating with me and motivating me.

–Fellow contestants Rob, Kevin and Joe for encouraging me along the way.

–The trainers who were not only our teachers, but motivators and provided constant inspiration.

–The contestants who were team players and acted as a support group by sharing their own personal experiences.

–Other support came from our friends Debbie and Bob who rearranged their schedule to babysit while Nicole and I were at the gym.

–And then we have our fans who consistently congratulated us on what we have accomplished so far, no matter what the weekly weigh-in result was.

Thank you to Mike and April for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to all of the trainers. Thank you to all of the supporters and fans of the contest. Thank you to the other contestants for your support. Special hugs to the 6:30 a.m. group (aka “Team Alicia”) of Rob, Joe, Janet and my daughter Niki.

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Quite a difference from start to finish

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 23, 2010 | 0 Comments
"Can't" is replaced by "can."

"Can't" is replaced by "can."

As I sit down to write my last blog, I find myself reviewing my journey through this contest. I remember when I first met everyone and how nervous I was, but how excited I was to be working toward the same goal with a group of great people. I remember the first couple of weeks struggling to get through the workouts and wondering if I would be able to make it through 10 weeks of this.

Fast forward to the last couple of weeks — I was looking for every which way to challenge myself. I would work out longer and harder and even take three classes back-to-back.

As the last week rolls around, I am sad because I will miss all the trainers I worked with. They have taught me so much throughout these 10 weeks. I no longer use the term “I can’t” because they have taught me that “I can” do anything I put my mind to. Joey — you are an awesome trainer! You always pushed me to the next level and never let me settle. Thank you!

I will miss seeing all of the other contestants every week. We have all been very supportive and encouraging of each other on our weight loss journey every step of the way. The contestants of The Great Pocono Weight Race have become like an extended family to me. I love them all and I will miss them all, but Nancy, Nicole, Rob, Barbara and Debbie — you guys have a special place in my heart.

I know that at the end of this contest there will be an official winner chosen, but in reality we have all won because we have all lost weight and we have all lost inches! That’s something we couldn’t do before this contest. Thank you Elevations and Pocono Record for making this contest possible! Thank you Elevations for giving me the tools to continue this on my own!

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Barb is ready to continue her journey

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 23, 2010 | 0 Comments
Now what? Still more work.

Now what? Still more work.

One chapter ends and another begins in this never-ending quest to lose — and then maintain — weight and live a healthy, active lifestyle. If I’ve learned nothing in these past 10 weeks, I’ve come to truly understand that this is a lifelong journey. 

It is difficult to adequately express my gratitude for having been given the opportunity to participate in this program. Weight loss has been a side benefit. The greatest blessing has been getting myself back, along with my strength, energy and enthusiasm. I’ve never been a person inclined to experience depression and the level of frustration and inability to commit to my goals was leading me there. Fear that I was on a path I couldn’t find the way off was pushing me further downward and I felt trapped. As the race concludes, I’ve found my way back and am once again moving forward. I have a good deal of fear and concern that I can easily lose my way again but I am hoping we can maintain contact as a group to keep us all focused on what we are attempting to achieve. We’ve proved there’s strength in numbers. 

Seeing all of us push ourselves beyond what we thought we were capable of, whether struggling with 50 or 150 pound-loss goals, should be encouraging to everyone as it proved “I can’t” does not apply to most of us in this world. Even when our cries were “I hurt” we were each able to push further.

The credit for this goes to the trainers at Elevations, both at Scotrun and Marshalls Creek. They are a unique group of talented, enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individuals who have the ability to make every gym member feel as if their presence at the gym is valued and welcomed.

So, I’m starting a new chapter of forging ahead and seeking new and different challenges to keep working toward my goals. I understand Elevations is focusing on dance exercising next month which is perfect for me, not because I can dance but because I can’t. Somehow when you call it exercise and I keep moving it makes me feel like I actually can dance. That’s a feeling I usually only get with the inclusion of two Vodka Tonics, which often has embarrassing results. The added benefit is I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes in the process.

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April can’t wait to see what’s next

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 19, 2010 | 0 Comments
Excited, but sad.

Excited, but sad.

As I write this, my final blog, I have conflicting emotions.

I am so happy for what this contest has taught me. I have learned: I am stronger than I thought, I deserve to be healthy, I will not die if I am pushed beyond my comfort zone and — believe it or not — exercise can be fun. I am happy to have come in contact with each and every trainer, each one is so very different and that has helped me to experience so many unique forms of workouts. Some of them were even vital in helping me deal with the emotional stuff that goes hand in hand with losing weight. I am happy to have made some really good friends who understand what I am going through in my journey and who are willing to just tell it like it is. There is a unique relationship that has been formed and I know it is my desire to continue the friendships that have been made as we encourage one another to meet our ultimate weight loss goals. 5 K’s here we come!!

Along with all of the joy I also feel sad. This sadness comes from knowing I am at the end of something that has driven me for the past 10 weeks. I have been walking the path to weight loss with 11 other people, it is now time to branch off in our own directions and head for our individual goals. Jen, Beth, Nancy, Nicole, Janet, Christa, Barb, Debbie, Joe, Kevin and Rob I will miss each one of you I will be praying for you and know that you are strong enough to continue and meet your goals! Love you all! I will also miss the weekly training sessions with the insanely brutal trainers, the weigh-ins, the heart pounding group workouts and even Mike Sadowski’s weekly emails. It truly will be an adjustment to be “on my own.”  Ultimately I will not be alone, since Day 1 I gave this race to God and He has sustained me. Philippians 4:13 has been my guide — “I CAN do ALL things through Christ which strengthen me.” I am stronger in so many ways!

The race is over but the journey for me is not. I have accomplished so very much in the last 10 weeks and I cannot wait to see what the next 10 bring!!

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Christa knows she has a long way to go

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 19, 2010 | 0 Comments
Still dedicated ... it just amy take a little longer

Still dedicated ... it just amy take a little longer

Being in this contest has been challenging, frustrating and something I both will and won’t miss.

I have been pushed to the brink of sanity trying to keep up with my hectic schedule, and unfortunately I did not achieve all that I wanted to in this competition. I was blessed to be chosen to take part in this, and I know there is a lesson in everything you experience. I can say that it was inspiring to see people really care about each other, as the group showed week after week. I am confident that everyone will continue on their weight loss journey long after the contest ends. I am proud of each one of them for their success, and wish them the best.

As for me, I am still determined to succeed. I will, it just may take longer than I had planned. I am realistic about my limitations, but I also know that the weight won’t go away on its own. I will forge ahead and continue to take better care of myself, which has never really been my priority before now. I want to thank Mike, April, the staff at Elevations and especially Joseph (Joey) for believing in me even when I began to doubt myself. This has been a hard and eye-opening road for me.

But, I am not a quitter. I will lose this weight. I will overcome my past. I will learn from my mistakes. 

“A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure till he gives up.”

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Debbie is changing for good

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 19, 2010 | 0 Comments
The first step of a long journey.

The first step of a long journey.

My life will never be the same.

Sometimes it is just taking that first step to changing your life. That is what this contest did for me. I will miss the weekly weigh-ins – but at the same time I won’t. Now it will be up to me to continue taking care of my health with more responsibility and I’m ready to keep moving forward.

While the contest is ending, it is really the beginning of new things for me, as I will continue with Elevations, a place where I feel comfortable — the most important thing for me. I’m still excited about losing twice as much weight as I have lost already and I don’t feel overwhelmed by it anymore. I have new eating habits that feel good and are not difficult at all, and I really mean that. This experience has been a part of my life that will always have a special place in my heart.

I never felt like quitting, not even for a second from the time the contest started and now I feel even more motivated to continue once it ends. Perhaps now I will find love in my life after being single for 13 years. I’m ready!  :)

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Barb knows her pattern, and she’s heading it off at the pass

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
Making a plan and checking it twice.

Making a plan and checking it twice.

I’ve always been good at honoring commitments.

At work, my deadlines are always met and I put in whatever hours are necessary to get a job done well and on time. Friends and family can always rely on me to show up when needed and to do whatever is required. I never had any doubt I could fulfill the commitments necessary to participate in this race because that’s one thing I’m good at — being accountable to others.

Now that the race draws to an end, I’m faced with the knowledge that it will now be up to me to me to keep my commitments to myself and that it’s on me alone to keep putting in the effort needed to continue to work towards my personal goals. I will now be the only one I have to be accountable to and that’s a definite fear.

Being in this race has meant leaving home at 6 a.m, or even earlier, and most weekdays not arriving home until 8 p.m.  It’s meant finding the time on weekends, in between trying to do all the chores and errands that can’t be done during a work week, to get to the gym for at least an hour workout. I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner at home but I know he’s felt the strain of our limited time together before one of us has to turn in for the night. It has not been easy but has been worth the effort. 

Particularly, because I have to fight for every ounce I lose, I’m terrified that if I lessen the effort I’m putting in, in any way, I will completely stalemate. I know when the race ends, there will be changes. So, I’m forming my plan as to how to keep this my priority because I know I can’t lose sight of how much better I feel and, most important, that I’m getting back to being the person I always was. One thing I’ve learned through this race is that it takes a definite plan of action. Left to my own devices, the workout I put off today thinking I’ll do tomorrow, often doesn’t happen and the cycle begins again of putting everything and everyone else in front of me.

I hope I’ve learned a few lessons in this race, particularly that keeping myself healthy and fit is not an option but a necessity. I can’t trade off my well-being to take care of someone else’s. Hopefully, these incredible feelings I again have of strength, energy, sensuality and well-being will stay with me and keep me focused on what I need to do to keep those feelings.

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Janet is starting to see the difference

By Mike Sadowski | Published: March 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
She knows she looks good.

She knows she looks good.

As I pondered as to what to blog about this week, I had to sit and think about all I had done.

There was a part of me that just wanted to vent and whine about how I didn’t attain my weight loss goal for this week, but I couldn’t do it. I have accomplished so much this week. I took my first spin class, my first ab class, and my first cardio combat class this week. I took two of each of these classes right before my trainer sessions and I got through it. I didn’t quit! I pushed myself harder than ever before and got through it.

Then I had the wonderful privelage of getting a makeover by Joanne from the Adam Mitchell Color Studio before the weigh in. She did such an excellent job with my hair. For the first time during this entire contest when I looked in the mirror — I saw the difference!  When I got home and looked in the mirror, the reflection in the mirror was not the one I had when I began this contest! My reflection had finally changed in my eyes! My face was thinner! My neck and shoulders looked smaller. I actually said to myself “Damn! I look good” and it wasn’t some mantra I was using to convince myself — I actually felt beautiful! I may have only lost 2.6 pounds this week (it wasn’t the number I wanted), but I didn’t care because I looked and felt so fabulous.

Posted in Janet Ballard, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 0 Comments