How did Jaclyn lose 20 pounds in 4 months?

How did Jaclyn lose 20 pounds in 4 months?

Countless people every day attempt the weight loss challenge and most people unfortunately either fail or fail to maintain their goal long term.

Why is this?  Various reasons but I believe it all comes down to two things: commitment and adopting meaningful changes.  When you are intent on something that is important to you and set your mind to it, you will accomplish it.  The weight loss challenge is hard.  Like most things in life, it takes dedication, drive and commitment.  Not to mention the sweat, muscle soreness and dread to get to the gym when you don’t want to.

So how do you do it and really why do you do it?

Let’s look at Jaclyn’s successful weight loss story and come back to this question.

My client Jaclyn came to me in May to start an exercise routine for the first time in her life.  She had a very active 3 year old and really was unhappy with how she felt day-to-day and her size.  She barely made it past the warm-up of her first session but knew she needed to push past the hard and uncomfortable beginning stage.  She came in with a friend twice a week, pushed hard and began to really enjoy and look forward to her sessions.  Through planning and counselling, we worked together to ensure she was taking the right steps in her activity and nutrition to get her to her weight loss goal.

“I was getting pretty tired of feeling gross all the time.  None of my clothes fit, I was tired all the time etc.  I have a 3 year old to keep up with, so I was pretty determined!  Having a friend to go with also helped a lot!”

Our initial goal was to lose 15 lbs in 3 months and to be able to do 15 push-ups from her knees.  We got off to a slow start and barely made the first two weigh-in goals.  But through continued monitoring and adjustments, Jaclyn did everything she had to do to get there.  She was determined and although she did cheat on her diet, she knew the reality of how hard it was and made sure she made up for the excess calories by doing her home workouts and cardio sessions.

Did she cheat?  “Yep.  Sometimes I just wanted to eat what is easy, so I did!  Lol!  It kind of sucks though, because I definitely noticed when I cheated!  I just end up feeling gross, or bloated, or lethargic etc.”

Although it was hard work and the muscle soreness was painful, she quickly started to feel and see the difference and was even more driven to continue.  She embraced the diet changes and began to really enjoy experimenting with different foods and recipes.  It was a lot of work but she was proud of what she was doing and felt better every day.

“Believe it or not, I enjoyed everything hurting!  It made me feel like I was actually making a difference.  Also, feeling stronger is pretty neat.  I can do things I’ve never been able to do before.  It’s really great feeling like you’re accomplishing something.  I also really enjoy this kind of gym environment.  It’s not stuffy and pretentious.  Everyone is friendly and encouraging!”

So…how do you do it and really why do you do it?

Because it is all worth it!  The pride of looking the way you want is actually the least rewarding part.  You discover that the way you feel, the pride in the work you’ve done, the goal you’ve accomplished, the strength and ability you have acquired, the quality of life and how happy you feel every day is really why you do it!

Now Jaclyn is 20lbs lighter from when she began, she fits into clothes from her twenties, she loves going to her workouts, she is starting to do push-ups from her feet, she has lots of energy throughout the day and most of all, she feels happy!

“I feel so much better day to day!  I wake up with more energy, and it seems to stay with me throughout the day!  I feel more confident about myself too.  I’m also sleeping better.  If I ever miss a class (because of holidays) and we go a week between classes, I find myself really needing the class!  Natalie pushes me harder than I push myself, and I need that!”

Looking back, Jaclyn felt there weren’t any misconceptions about the process.  “I was expecting it to be hard, and it is!  Which is a good thing, by the way!”   The hardest part she found was the meal planning.  “Sometimes I just want to eat what is easy, and usually what is easy is not very healthy!”

Her advice to others:  “Even if you have that “ugh, I just don’t want to do this today” feeling, go train.  You will feel a million times better after exercising!  And always remind yourself of the goal you’re trying to reach.  I wanted to hit my pre-pregnancy weight, so I hung a dress I wanted to wear after I lost the weight on my closet door.”

Now that she’s gotten to her goal weight, is she done?

Nope!  What’s next?  “Chin-ups!  I have to be able to pull myself up a cliff!  That’s my next goal! :)”

Reasons why I think Jaclyn was successful:

1. Her determination and commitment to her goal
2. Working out with a friend is so much more fun and gives you support and encouragement to continue
3. Being realistic with the process and setting realistic goals
4. Embracing nutritional changes by being excited about new foods and recipes rather than dreading having to eat only salads
5. Having fun going to workouts and trying new things at the gym
6. Making adjustments and continuing on, because life is never smooth sailing
7. Choosing an exercise option that is realistic for her lifestyle

Having a family Jaclyn doesn’t have the option of going to the gym before or after work so she attends noon-time Small Group Training Sessions during her lunch break 2 times per week and compliments her sessions with a weekend home workout and cardio sessions on the bike.  Finding exercise options that are realistic, enjoyable and accessible is a big key to success especially for busy people with careers and families.  But you CAN do it all!

Join Train with Nat‘s Small Group Training Sessions at Grant’s MMA Gym and transform the way you feel every day!  Not only is this program affordable, but it gives you the personalized attention and ongoing support you need to achieve your goals.

For more information visit TRAINWITHNAT.com or contact Natalie at 647.880.3116 or cometrainwithnat@gmail.com.