2011 Fitness Challenge Finale

By Renee Wahlen Tillema

Amber Alvin

The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
The challenge made me realize how fortunate I am to have been given this opportunity to be in the magazine and have such a support behind me. Everyone at the YMCA and out in the community has been so encouraging and complimentary, and that has been a huge contribution to my success in this challenge. The motivating words from peers and community members kept me going many days. I want to thank all my friends for working out with me, and being so supportive of my goals. I encourage everyone to surround yourself with a support team of friends and family that will encourage you to succeed and make your goals, it is what really helped me. Having close friends to workout with or try organized classes with holds everyone accountable. This challenge held me accountable to myself. It also helped me attain my small goals to work towards my large goal of losing all my baby weight from my third pregnancy.

What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
One of the most difficult things is always finding the time. I would have to make sure I scheduled it just like I would a daily appointment. Working full time, being a full time mom of three kids and scheduling something for myself can be a difficult task. I also had some days that were difficult to stay motivated, but it took the encouraging comments and compliments from everyone that helped to keep going.  The positive results I feel and the changes that I could see also helped me stay on track.  When I initially began the challenge I had a huge weight loss and then it tampered down to 2 pounds per week; that was the most frustrating and a difficult part of the challenge.

Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?

I learned that you should always give something new a try, whether it is a new piece of cardio equipment or take an organized class. Variety in my exercise routine really does work.  I also learned that if you are interested in an organized class you do not need to be at the highest level of fitness to take the class. In the beginning I was extremely hesitant to take a Pilates or yoga class and once I put my guard down and tried I really enjoyed them and the instructors did a great job of instructing everyone even though we were all at different levels of fitness. Something that I am really proud of and take pride in is since starting Pilates and yoga I have become much more flexible, improved my posture and all my back pain and back issues are gone.

When I started this challenge I was hoping I could inspire other busy moms to find time to workout and do it guilt free, which can always be a challenge. But I feel that making the time to exercise makes me a better mom and wife. I also enjoy working out to meet new people and other moms that care about health and wellness as much as I do. So I encourage all moms and moms to be to make the time for yourself it is well worth it.

Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
When the challenge began I just had my third child and I had to be careful during my pregnancy due to high blood pressure. So there was no exercise for about seven months. I went to work, went home, did normal daily activities around the house, and with the kids. Mentally after having my third child I was ready to get the weight off and feel like myself again. But physically my schedule was the baby and the kids’ schedules, so I had to learn to schedule something for me. Stacy and Becky did a great job helping me accomplish the goal of finding myself mentally and physically, by teaching and incorporating variety in my exercise routine.

How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I will continue to take organized classes and I will definitely keep variety in my exercise routines. I will continue to meet with my trainer monthly for measurements, updates and new programs. I set short term and long term goals when I started this challenge and many of my short term goals have been accomplished and my long term goal of being at my pre-baby weight is amazingly not so far off. My new long term goal will be maintaining my weight and I will be able to accomplish my goal with the continued support from family, friends and members of the Y and the community. I encourage everyone to find some friends to work out with, surround yourself with friends that will support and encourage you; that is one thing I did and I feel it had a huge part in my weight loss success. I want to thank InSpire Magazine and the YMCA of Dodge County for this great opportunity.

Brooke Fuchs

The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
This has been a wonderful experience; I have learned so much about diet and exercise and am so grateful!

What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
The most difficult part of this challenge for me was making the time to take care of myself.  I have always been dedicated to others in my life and have put myself on the backburner.

Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?
I learned that I am capable of anything now!  I know that I have more to do to get to where I want to be, but I know I can do it!

Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
I had lost some weight prior to the challenge due to stress, but wasn’t working out and didn’t have the best dietary habits.

How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I will continue to work out as I am now and will continue to use what I have learned over the past few months to continue to lose weight and stay healthy through diet and exercise.

 

Lynn Mastalish

The challenge has wrapped up, what are your thoughts about the whole experience?
I really enjoyed my time with my trainer, Susan. She has worked really hard with me and is very dedicated. I am happy that I have lost inches and the pounds I did during this challenge.

What was the most difficult part of the challenge?
Definitely the holidays and some health issues that I feel somewhat hindered my weight loss. I am hoping when both conditions are under control, I will achieve great results.

Did you learn anything in particular about yourself during the challenge?
I need to change up my workouts regularly because my body gets too comfortable and then I plateau. Also I get bored when I do the same exercises all the time.

Where were you in your own personal fitness challenge before this started?
I was working out, eating somewhat healthy, I had lost 27 pounds before I started this fitness challenge.

How will you continue with your own fitness challenge and have you set any long-term goals?
I will continue with my workouts. My long-term goal is to reach my 140 mark, and to be healthy and strong. To eliminate some of my cholesterol meds if possible, and improve my sleep apnea without the machine.