I Definitely Have More Energy… And my Muscle Tone is Improving Each Week!

“After the birth of my second child, three years ago, I wanted to return to my previous weight. I began exercising but after several months of hard work I was disappointed in my results. I figured there was something I missing, so I tried a different approach.

I decided that if I wanted to be successful I would have to create a vision of the person I wanted to become, both inside and out. I realized what I wanted was a total lifestyle change. I set weight and body shape targets for myself and developed a diet I could follow. I also set the goal of becoming a non-smoker.

I wanted my exercise to be fun, so I joined a ladies slow-pitch team and combined that with regular workouts at the gym. My eating plan included foods I wanted to eat combined with foods that nourished my body. I measured and decreased my portion sizes as well. I quit smoking seven months ago.

My results have been great! I definitely have more energy. I can run the bases without hyperventilating and my muscle tone is improving each week. I am very quickly becoming the person that I envisioned stronger, healthier and happier.

I have learned that the motivation for change must come from you. Only you know what you truly want. However, figuring out what you want is the easy part, you must also stick to your plan in order to see results. Making exercise an enjoyable experience will help you maintain your vision. Positive and determined attitudes are also helpful allies on the road to success.”

Sharleen Collins, 30, School Bus Driver/Daycare Worker

Within a few months, the excess weight came off, my muscle increased and I was preparing to run my f

“I made the decision to relieve myself of my pack a day habit on February 28, 2007 at 11:59 precisely. I had been a habitual smoker for over three decades and understood that in order to be successful I was going to have to replace my old habit with a new one. Knowing that weight gain is the biggest hurdle many soon to be non- smokers face, I choose exercise. I began a 2-year mission that I liked to call “Redefinement & Reinvention”.

Before starting anything I made a quick trip to the Doctor’s office where I received the green light to increase my physical activity. I joined the local gym and began phase one of my mission. It had been quite some time since I’d been in a gym so I signed up for the free orientation session to familiarizing myself with the equipment. I worked out regularly on my own for almost a year and was pleased with the results. However, I wanted to set some new goals and engaged the help of a personal trainer to achieve them.

My trainer became one of my greatest inspirations and motivations to succeed. Her dedication and unwavering enthusiasm propelled me forward. Within a few months, the excess weight came off, my muscle increased and I was preparing to run my first half marathon!

I look forward to 2009 with an increased will to succeed and have set the goal of three half marathons for this year. If I could offer any advice to smokers looking to quit it would be this: Your mind and your heart has to will it. Choose an alternative habit, such as an exercise program, that will be easy to follow. Make healthy food choices a part of your lifestyle and always remain positive in your thinking. Focus on your goal each day, and you will change for the better.”

Joe Alcaraz, 54, Electrical Technician

I have gained muscle, increased my endurance and actually gained weight! I am able to play and be ac

When a serious car accident left John Baines with severe nerve damage, a weakened left side and poor co-ordination a return to an active lifestyle was furthest from his mind. Following an extended hospitalization, John began intensive physiotherapy. For two years he worked to regain the strength and coordination he had lost. After completing therapy, his therapist suggested he join the local gym and begin a strength training regime.

Armed with a program outlined by his therapist, John opened a membership and continued to rebuild his body. “As well as a strength training program I began taking body sculpting classes to increase my co-ordination” explains John. “The instructor suggested options for my situation, which I still benefit from today.”

Now, 15 years since the accident, John is in better physical condition than doctors ever predicted. “Although I will always have a problem with coordination, I have gained muscle, increased my endurance and actually gained weight! I am able to play and be active with my daughter which is my greatest success.”

If you are considering lifestyle changes for yourself John has some advice to offer. “ Begin where you are. Start comfortably by setting small goals that will eventually lead to larger ones. And most importantly, make the commitment to yourself first.”

John Baines, 47, Married with one child, Club Link Employee