Lauren Soter (Left)
Lauren works out at
A & B Fitness Concepts
159 Stark Street Randolph
Fitness Trainer, Amber Alvin
Measurements
Waist – 36 (lost a total of 6.5 inches)
Hips – 48 (lost a total of 4 inches)
Bust – 41.5 (lost a total of 2.5 inches)
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 219.4 (lost total of 15.4 pounds)
Now that Fitness Challenge 2014 has wrapped up, what are your thoughts on the entire experience?
I am so thankful to be a part of this whole experience. It has been an amazing journey, with struggles and bumps along the way but, I have learned a lot about myself. I learned how hard I can work if I put my mind to it, and there is always going to be some bumps in the road, but I can’t let them hold me back. Most importantly, I’ve learned that being active and making healthy choices isn’t a punishment; it’s a way of life. I would really like to thank Amber for helping me throughout this challenge. Not only has she been extremely motivating, we’ve developed a friendship along the way that I am extremely thankful for!
What has been the biggest lifestyle change over the past four months?
The biggest change for me is my eating habits. I’ve really learned to incorporate different whole foods into my lifestyle and to be more open to trying new foods. I will continue to prep food on the weekends so I have healthy options ready in the fridge when I don’t have time to make something for supper. The healthy lifestyle is a work in progress, but the more I make healthy choices, the easier it gets and it is becoming more of a habit.
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
Changing my eating habits was a challenge, but getting over my self-doubt at times was my biggest hurdle to overcome. I would get really down on myself at times, thinking that I wasn’t getting the results I should since I was working out 6 days a week and eating better. What helped get me through my struggles was the support that came and continues to come from family, friends and the studio participants. Without my support system I would have just given up, but their encouragement helped me work past my own insecurities.
Did you learn anything new about yourself during the challenge?
I’ve learned I can do more than I ever thought I could. When I first started working out, I couldn’t do a push-up, couldn’t hold a plank, let alone a side plank. Just recently during a training session with Amber I was holding a side plank and almost made it as long as she wanted me to go. Reflecting back to when I began my journey, I thought I’d never be able to do these exercises. I’m now doing them and continue to get stronger. I’ve learned that I shouldn’t ever put a limit on what I think I can do. The sky is the limit, not just in exercising, but in all aspects of life!
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
Before starting this challenge I was working out, but wasn’t giving it my all or making it a priority. I was wishing for instant results from a couple days at the gym every couple weeks. I knew I couldn’t keep that up and get where I wanted to be, but also had so much self doubt and wasn’t ready to give 100% to a healthy lifestyle. This challenge gave me the kickstart I needed to get on the right path. Amber was the key to my kick start, she not only gave me a workout plan and kept it interesting, but also worked with me on healthy eating and portion control.
How will you continue your success and have you set any long-term goals?
I’m more committed than I’ve ever been to working out. I will continue with my exercise routine and stay on track with my healthy eating, not just for a few months, but as my lifestyle going forward. I’ve already discussed with Amber what my next goals are and what I need to do to get there. I will continue to train with Amber on a regular basis until I’m at my goal weight, I feel like my training sessions are an investment in myself, my health and my future. I’m excited to keep working toward my goals and to keep seeing results! c
Sarah Hatch (Middle)
Sarah works out at
YMCA of Dodge County
220 Corporate Dr., Beaver Dam
Fitness Trainer, Stacy Woods
Measurements
Waist – 30 (lost a total of 7 inches)
Hips – 40 (lost a total of 6 inches)
Bust – 35 (lost a total of 6 inches)
Height 5’5
Weight 170(lost a total of 35 pounds)
Now that Fitness Challenge 2014 has wrapped up, what are your thoughts on the entire experience? It was tough but I have a lot to show for it. It has changed me for the better.
What has been the biggest lifestyle change over the past four months? Learning to eat clean. I have found out I love asparagus and broccoli and eat them all the time. I never eat fast food anymore.
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
During some of the workouts I wanted to give up but I had such a great trainer who pushed me.
Did you learn anything new about yourself during the challenge?
I don’t let anything stand in my way, no barriers to stop my workouts!
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
I did have plans to try to get back into working out, but I never expected these results.
How will you continue your success and have you set any long-term goals?
I will continue to come to classes and train and much as possible and keep working for my long term goal!
Lauri Retzlaff (Right)
Lauri works out at
Get Fit Health Club
N7156 East Plaza Drive, Beaver Dam
Fitness Trainer, Marie Cigelske
Measurements
Waist – 32 3/8 (lost a total of 5/8 of an inch)
Hips – 41 1/2 (gained a total of 1/2 inch)
Bust – 37 (lost a total of 1 inches)
Height – 5’1”
Weight – 146 (lost a total of 1/2 pound)
Now that Fitness Challenge 2014 has wrapped up, what are your thoughts on the entire experience? Exercise is good for everyone and I have lost body fat and gained some muscle. Even though the scale didn’t change much I know that I am in much better shape!
What has been the biggest lifestyle change over the past four months?
I quit smoking and that has been the biggest change and challenge. I am also eating healthier.
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
Getting motivated to get out of the house during this cold winter.
Did you learn anything new about yourself during the challenge?
Yes, that smoking artificially increases metabolism and now that my body is set to my normal metabolism and I have learned what that is, I have adjusted my eating habits accordingly.
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
I was tired of my weight, my eating habits and my smoking so I decided that this challenge would motivate me to accomplish my goals.
How will you continue your success and have you set any long-term goals?
I will continue to work towards my goals and I am happy to accomplish a major goal of no longer smoking. I may have not lost a lot of weight but I am happy that because I have lost body fat, I have been able to fit into pants that I have not fit into for some time. I will continue to work toward my goal of losing 20 pounds.
