Fitness Challenge 2009
Name: Mary Bobinger
Current weight: 185 pounds
Amount of loss or gain last month: 0
Total loss since beginning of challenge: 5.6 pounds
Measurements:
Waist – 37½
Hips – 42
Bust – 42
Changes in inches this month (+/-):
Waist – 2½
Hips – 0
Bust – 0
Changes in inches since beginning of challenge (+/-):
Waist – 2½
Hips – 1½
Bust – 3
The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
It has been an interesting three months. Typically, this time of year is a difficult time to lose weight for me. This year has been no different. This experience has held me more accountable on days when I just wanted to go home from work instead of work out. I tried to get my dog out for walks more often when I couldn’t work out. I have met some wonderful people at Wellness Works who have been very encouraging. Meeting the other challengers was very exciting. They were all very positive and dedicated to losing weight. I wish we could have met sooner in the challenge instead of at the end. We could have encouraged each other. I would like to thank Inspire Magazine for the opportunity to participate in this challenge. I would also like to thank Shane Brown, Fitness Specialist and Erica Hanson, Dietician, at Wellness Works, as well as my Small Changes, Big Results friends for all of the encouragement they have given me. All in all, this has been a great experience.
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
For me, the most difficult part of the challenge was not losing weight. I was getting discouraged, but found out in early February I have some sort of underlying thyroid problem. The weather did not help either. There were several days I could not get to the gym due to snow. Motivation is also a big issue. Having a workout partner would have been very helpful.
Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?
I have learned two very important lessons in this challenge. One came from some information I read and the other from the Small Changes, Big Results class I take. The first is “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” I have a difficult time planning time for grocery shopping and meal planning. On nights when I work out I don’t get home until 6 or 6:30 p.m. I am starving by the time I get home. My husband is now starting to cook so we may have a plan for that. Also, keeping food in the car for the ride home is helpful. The other lesson is that “activity is key to weight loss.” Keep moving. I have to work on that at night and on the weekends. Goal setting is also very important. That way you have something to work towards. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. Remember, you ARE worth it.
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this?
I was going to Small Changes, Big Results, a Wellness Works class and had started working out at Wellness Works in September, 2008. I also get daily e-mails from several health and weight loss websites.
How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I have a long term goal to lose 40-50 pounds, but will break it up into short term goals of 5 pounds increments as short term goals. I feel it is easier to manage that way, without getting discouraged. I am also looking forward to the Organic Food Store opening in Beaver Dam in April. Hopefully I will learn a lot about healthy eating there, as well as meet some interesting people. Thank you, Brenda.
Name: Mary Beth Gehl
Current weight: 151
Amount of loss or gain last month: -8
Total loss since beginning of challenge: -22
Measurements:
Waist - 31¾
Hips – 43
Bust – 38½
Changes in inches this month (+/-):
Waist – -¾”
Hips – -1”
Bust – -3/4”
Changes in inches since beginning of challenge (+/-):
Waist – -3 ¼”
Hips – -4”
Bust – -4 ¼”
The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
It has been a wonderful opportunity to jump start my fitness routine. It helped me to stay accountable knowing that my results would be recorded for others to see. I would like to especially thank my trainer and teachers at the TAG Center in Mayville, Sue Retzlaff, Dan Rambo, Kari Smalley, and Jaime Krapfl. I would also like to thank those around me who motivated me to keep going. This challenge has also helped me to balance my priorities in other areas of my life.
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
The most difficult part was sticking to the commitment of time it takes to get in shape. I have never set my physical fitness as important before. Sometimes I had to get up really early and go to the TAG Center to fit everything in my day. At first I felt guilty about leaving my kids and husband at home, but now they are joining me in the evenings. It was also hard not to eat junk food when I felt tired or stressed out.
Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?
I learned that anyone is capable of getting in shape, no matter where your starting point is. I also learned that I actually like to work out and feel a great sense of accomplishment after a physical workout. Losing weight and starting to get in shape has improved my mood and feelings about life in general. I have greater confidence in myself to do anything I set my mind to.
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
I have made a big change in my life in 2008 by returning to Wisconsin last April after 25 years living in Japan. One of my goals upon return was to take better care of my body and have more energy. I started WeightWatchers in mid-September at 186 pounds. I began swimming in October. I wanted to do other things to get in shape, but felt a bit frightened to start since I have never used weights and machines before. There are more physical tasks involved in my lifestyle in Wisconsin than my teaching career in Japan. I knew I’d have to get in better shape.
How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I want to continue to work out by taking Zumba dance, swimming regularly, and strength training. I will continue to attend WeightWatchers and hope to lose 20 more pounds by September. I also plan to renew my lifesaving certificate at the end of March after nearly a 30-year lapse of life guarding. During the summer months, I want to spend time outdoors in the garden, in my parent’s farm pond swimming, and enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful landscape. The challenge to stay fit and eat well does not end here -- to continue to be healthy and enjoy my family and life I have to keep it up. Thank you, Inspire Magazine, for this chance. I hope those who read about ordinary people just like themselves can be motivated to try something similar. In only three short months it’s possible to notice a big change. Good luck to all of you.
Name: Emily Rottinghaus
Current weight: 210
Amount of loss or gain last month: -3 pounds
Total loss since beginning of challenge: 12 ½ pounds
Measurements:
Waist – 39 ½
Hips – 47
Bust –43
Changes in inches this month (+/-):
Waist – ¾
Hips –1
Bust –1
Changes in inches since beginning of challenge (+/-):
Waist – ½
Hips – 5
Bust – ½
Total: 6
The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
I really enjoyed the opportunity, especially working with Becky at the YMCA, I’ve learned a lot from her. The support was great all the time. It was fun to see and talk to the other fitness participants about how they felt and what they did. The Mane Stage staff was also fun and did a great job!
What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
Working through being under the weather. My eating habit continues to be the biggest challenge. It’s difficult trying to find and have time to fix healthy dinners when you’re continually on the go at night with activities
Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?
That I can work harder and that having Becky push me was the most important thing. I also find that both yoga and pilates were helpful in losing inches. These activities I’ve always stayed clear from, but they are relaxing, challenging and I feel great that I found the confidence to try them.
Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this?
Yes, I was lifting weights, elliptical, and treadmill. I’m always working on weight loss but changing up what I’m doing has been very helpful.
How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I’m going to continue with the personal training, yoga and pilates. Each aspect has really helped with my overall fitness and daily activities. My long term goal is to lose another 15 pounds by June. I’ve realized its gong to take time to get down to where I want to be weight wise.
Emily Rottinghaus
Makeover provided by:
Laurie Jeche, Independent Stylist
Mane Stage Hair Salon
407 S. Spring Street, Beaver Dam
920-356-1779 Ext. 4
Makeup & Skincare by:
Daune (Dawn) DeVries
Independent Beauty Consultant, Mary Kay Cosmetics
1-800-293-8555
www.marykay.com/ddevries
Laurie Jeche of Mane Stage Hair Salon started Emily’s makeover by giving her hair a full color of a gorgeous golden copper blonde. A few highlights were added throughout concentrating on the top and bang area. This gave her hair some interest and dimension. Laurie then gave Emily a textured haircut that could be worn either flipped in the back for a sassy fun look or straighter for a professional look. Eyebrows were given shape by waxing away the extra brow hairs.
Daune DeVries, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant provided the skin care and color cosmetics. First, Emily’s facial skin was cleansed, exfoliated, freshened and moisturized with Timewise skin care for combination skin. Next her complexion was protected with an ivory foundation. This provided a lovely palette for her color cosmetics. Her blue eyes were highlighted by lemongrass, precious pink and raisin eye colors, dark brown eyeliner and black/brown mascara. Emily was taught how to contour her round face with bronzing powder along the sides of the face to create a more oval appearance. Shy blush cheek color was applied to the apples of the cheeks. The Satin Lips set accomplished soft, smooth lips for Emily. It exfoliates the dead skin cells on the lips and adds needed moisture. Dusty pink lip liner, pink melon lipstick with gold rush lipgloss finished Emily’s makeover.
