GRAND PRIZE WINNER - MH MAYNARD
2018 12 WEEK FALL CHALLENGE - SEPTEMBER 23rd to DECEMBER 15th
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of WLG Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $110)
PLUS a 4 Exilis Ultra Skin Tightening Treatments at Bella Rose (retail value $2100)
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of WLG Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $110)
PLUS a 4 Exilis Ultra Skin Tightening Treatments at Bella Rose (retail value $2100)
WEIGHT LOST: 38.5 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 14.5%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 20%
INCHES LOST: 33.4 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 14.5%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 20%
INCHES LOST: 33.4 INCHES
New Year, old me...
And this 616 ounce journey.
To think I wasn’t going to do this..crazy right? Well that’s where I was. Lying there trying to come up with some reason, some excuse as of why this wasn’t for me, why I couldn’t do this. The truth is that I have been lying to myself for some time now. A long time I should say. You see, the truth is that I was an athlete. I grew up as a competitive swimmer and played all the sports. I was a swim coach and a lifeguard for years, including the summers I worked on the Ocean City Beach Patrol. I kicked ass! I was always career driven and a go-getter. I’d uprooted alone from Canada, and hustled hard for everything I wanted to achieve. Where had this girl gone? She was there somewhere, and when faced with adversity, I’d get glimpses of her, but life has a funny way of unravelling itself sometimes though, and has a way of catching up to you.
Over the past years, my mind, heart and body have been challenged in ways I could’ve never imagined. I’d always been able to look at my blessings and know that everything would be alright, but this past year was particularly difficult as I saw myself crumble to pieces. I felt broken physically and my unresolved emotional struggles crept up. Partially unaware, I slipped into a severe depression..not the gloomy kind. The scary kind.. where you put your life’s purpose and existence into question. I battled with anxiety daily, and couldn’t seem to exit this vicious cycle. My husband and kids were my reason for getting out of bed everyday, but I no longer wanted to. I felt myself slipping away from my own life. I had nothing more to give. Be kind to yourself they said. You’ve been through so much and birthed 4 beautiful babies they said. I clung onto those things for dear life, because they’re all true, and because I do believe I should love myself no matter what..but also because they allowed me to stay in a safe place where I didn’t need to acknowledge where I was. I no longer stepped on a scale because “the numbers don’t matter..it’s all about how you feel inside”, or looked in the mirror. My oversized clothes became my very tight fitting clothes, or went to my “maybe one day bin”. I no longer smiled and I’d reached a low lower than any low before, and I didn’t know where to go.
I am writing this to show vulnerability and to share what this challenge became for me. What started out as a goal with the structure I needed amongst other supportive women sharing similar struggles to keep me on track, became my motivation to just keep going. What started out as me making a choice to avoid a deduction, turned into a choice to prove myself wrong about myself. What started out as a choice to get my bonus points, turned into a choice because I wanted to..because I was stronger than the day before, and because I COULD! Every choice was a victory. Balancing my husband's alternating work schedule with the fire Department along with being a mommy to 4 kids aged 6 and under along with 2 workouts a day was hard! But so worth it as I saw how proud of me they were. This challenge for me didn’t start one day at a time, but one moment at a time, one tear at a time and one genuine smile at a time, until one day it created this tunnel vision for my life, towards a vision of me I’d been longing to be again. This journey for me was not measured in pounds, but in ounces. Every step I took melted an ounce of fear away, an ounce of self-doubt and an ounce of sadness away. I often cried because I knew exactly what it was I was letting go of. One ounce at a time. 616 times.
The thoughts of all my failures turned into feelings of knowing that I am more than what I’ve become. Not because I am not grateful for all that I have and for all the parts of me that make me me, but because I know that my life needs to be a creation of my own making, and I was rediscovering that I still had the power within me to make it happen. My excuses became my reasons. This fall, I decided that the only Christmas present I wanted was to gift myself back to me, and for the first time in a very long time, I am going into new year not as a new me, but as the old me I knew I could be, with a new set of skills and strength to continue on this perfectly imperfect journey called life.
Yes, I am going into 2019 at a weight and a size I have not been at in over 10 years, but more importantly, I am going into it with a REAL smile on my face, and beyond excited for what is yet to be!
- Mh Maynard, WLG Athlete
And this 616 ounce journey.
To think I wasn’t going to do this..crazy right? Well that’s where I was. Lying there trying to come up with some reason, some excuse as of why this wasn’t for me, why I couldn’t do this. The truth is that I have been lying to myself for some time now. A long time I should say. You see, the truth is that I was an athlete. I grew up as a competitive swimmer and played all the sports. I was a swim coach and a lifeguard for years, including the summers I worked on the Ocean City Beach Patrol. I kicked ass! I was always career driven and a go-getter. I’d uprooted alone from Canada, and hustled hard for everything I wanted to achieve. Where had this girl gone? She was there somewhere, and when faced with adversity, I’d get glimpses of her, but life has a funny way of unravelling itself sometimes though, and has a way of catching up to you.
Over the past years, my mind, heart and body have been challenged in ways I could’ve never imagined. I’d always been able to look at my blessings and know that everything would be alright, but this past year was particularly difficult as I saw myself crumble to pieces. I felt broken physically and my unresolved emotional struggles crept up. Partially unaware, I slipped into a severe depression..not the gloomy kind. The scary kind.. where you put your life’s purpose and existence into question. I battled with anxiety daily, and couldn’t seem to exit this vicious cycle. My husband and kids were my reason for getting out of bed everyday, but I no longer wanted to. I felt myself slipping away from my own life. I had nothing more to give. Be kind to yourself they said. You’ve been through so much and birthed 4 beautiful babies they said. I clung onto those things for dear life, because they’re all true, and because I do believe I should love myself no matter what..but also because they allowed me to stay in a safe place where I didn’t need to acknowledge where I was. I no longer stepped on a scale because “the numbers don’t matter..it’s all about how you feel inside”, or looked in the mirror. My oversized clothes became my very tight fitting clothes, or went to my “maybe one day bin”. I no longer smiled and I’d reached a low lower than any low before, and I didn’t know where to go.
I am writing this to show vulnerability and to share what this challenge became for me. What started out as a goal with the structure I needed amongst other supportive women sharing similar struggles to keep me on track, became my motivation to just keep going. What started out as me making a choice to avoid a deduction, turned into a choice to prove myself wrong about myself. What started out as a choice to get my bonus points, turned into a choice because I wanted to..because I was stronger than the day before, and because I COULD! Every choice was a victory. Balancing my husband's alternating work schedule with the fire Department along with being a mommy to 4 kids aged 6 and under along with 2 workouts a day was hard! But so worth it as I saw how proud of me they were. This challenge for me didn’t start one day at a time, but one moment at a time, one tear at a time and one genuine smile at a time, until one day it created this tunnel vision for my life, towards a vision of me I’d been longing to be again. This journey for me was not measured in pounds, but in ounces. Every step I took melted an ounce of fear away, an ounce of self-doubt and an ounce of sadness away. I often cried because I knew exactly what it was I was letting go of. One ounce at a time. 616 times.
The thoughts of all my failures turned into feelings of knowing that I am more than what I’ve become. Not because I am not grateful for all that I have and for all the parts of me that make me me, but because I know that my life needs to be a creation of my own making, and I was rediscovering that I still had the power within me to make it happen. My excuses became my reasons. This fall, I decided that the only Christmas present I wanted was to gift myself back to me, and for the first time in a very long time, I am going into new year not as a new me, but as the old me I knew I could be, with a new set of skills and strength to continue on this perfectly imperfect journey called life.
Yes, I am going into 2019 at a weight and a size I have not been at in over 10 years, but more importantly, I am going into it with a REAL smile on my face, and beyond excited for what is yet to be!
- Mh Maynard, WLG Athlete
SARAH SEELING - 2ND PLACE OVERALL
PRIZE: 6 MONTHS OF UNLIMITED WLG (MON-SAT) OR C3 TRAINING (RETAIL $774-834) or APPLE IWATCH
WEIGHT LOST: 34 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 12.8%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 19.7%
INCHES LOST: 27.7 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 12.8%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 19.7%
INCHES LOST: 27.7 INCHES
This journey of fitness for me is one that started years ago but since having my two children the journey has become that much more challenging. Weight gain from babies, being a new mom, working full time, finding balance, and trying to tackle life as best that I know how. More often than not, the balance I was finding, often meant dropping the “me” time. This challenge helped me find that and then some! For that, I will be forever grateful.
With support from friends and family, I decided that I would commit to the Fall 2018 Challenge; give it a go! The first week, I stepped into my first ever WLG class – Kickboxing. BRUTAL. Someone later told me that they burned something like 700 calories at that specific class! Welcome to Workout Like A Girl!!!! Since then I have grown to appreciate and really enjoy the classes. I know I am getting a well rounded workout. The workouts combined with accountability, paying closer attention to the fuel I am putting into my body, and just MOVING has helped me achieve goals I wasn’t even sure were possible.
I am thankful for this challenge and what it has given me. It has given me tools that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I know that the journey does not stop now, it has only just begun - BUT I am in a much better place now then before I started.
WOW – What a crazy 12 week ride! Congrats to all of the winners. So many people achieved big things and it really is inspiring to see so much effort and drive. Thank you to all of my friends and family for all of the love and support you have given me. It is appreciated more than you know! Especially my husband, children, and parents who made it possible for me to carve as much time as I did. Thank you to Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn for all of your support and motivation throughout the challenge and in classes.
- Sarah Seeling, WLG Athlete
With support from friends and family, I decided that I would commit to the Fall 2018 Challenge; give it a go! The first week, I stepped into my first ever WLG class – Kickboxing. BRUTAL. Someone later told me that they burned something like 700 calories at that specific class! Welcome to Workout Like A Girl!!!! Since then I have grown to appreciate and really enjoy the classes. I know I am getting a well rounded workout. The workouts combined with accountability, paying closer attention to the fuel I am putting into my body, and just MOVING has helped me achieve goals I wasn’t even sure were possible.
I am thankful for this challenge and what it has given me. It has given me tools that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I know that the journey does not stop now, it has only just begun - BUT I am in a much better place now then before I started.
WOW – What a crazy 12 week ride! Congrats to all of the winners. So many people achieved big things and it really is inspiring to see so much effort and drive. Thank you to all of my friends and family for all of the love and support you have given me. It is appreciated more than you know! Especially my husband, children, and parents who made it possible for me to carve as much time as I did. Thank you to Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn for all of your support and motivation throughout the challenge and in classes.
- Sarah Seeling, WLG Athlete
KEVIN MILLER - 3RD PLACE OVERALL
PRIZE: 3 MONTHS UNLIMITED WLG (MON-SAT) OR C3 TRAINING (RETAIL $387-417)
OR $300 TRAINING APPAREL GIFT CARD
OR $300 TRAINING APPAREL GIFT CARD
WEIGHT LOST: 51 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 18.5%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 21.3%
INCHES LOST: 33 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 18.5%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 21.3%
INCHES LOST: 33 INCHES
Extremely happy to be back at a healthy weight. Special thanks to WLG/Athlete Inc. for helping me with the push after a difficult year. I thrived on the discipline with food, water and working out and especially enjoyed how competitive this particular challenge was. Fall is especially tough with less sun, holidays and not great weather so it took extra dedication and discipline this go round.
I was fortunate to have a dedicated workout partner in Lori who I could not have done this without. I was lucky to not be injured and thrived on eating healthy. I found that the diet is so important and I highly recommend getting a FitBit or iWatch along with keeping track of your daily calories.
Find a routine, stick to it, modify as needed and enjoy the ride. Many Thanks for the support by Lori, sons, many friends and especially my parents. Dedicated to Carson.
- Kevin Miller
I was fortunate to have a dedicated workout partner in Lori who I could not have done this without. I was lucky to not be injured and thrived on eating healthy. I found that the diet is so important and I highly recommend getting a FitBit or iWatch along with keeping track of your daily calories.
Find a routine, stick to it, modify as needed and enjoy the ride. Many Thanks for the support by Lori, sons, many friends and especially my parents. Dedicated to Carson.
- Kevin Miller
TRANSFORMATION PRIZES
AUBREE NIEMIEC - 1ST PLACE (AGES 16-34)
PRIZE: 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 17 POUNDS
BODYFAT % LOST: 8%
INCHES LOST: 18.7 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 8%
INCHES LOST: 18.7 INCHES
The past two years were incredibly difficult. I was finishing up grad school while working full time and commuting over an hour and a half to work every day. I stopped taking care of myself and became quite unhappy. I used to eat healthfully and was fairly active, whether I was going for a walk on the trail, running 5k’s, or practicing yoga. I fell into a slump and the unhealthy choices and extra pounds weren’t noticeable at first, but then out of what seemed like nowhere, none of my pants fit (not even the rubber-band-around-the-button-and-through-the-hole-extender-trick worked anymore). I knew I needed to make a change, but I couldn’t find the motivation.
I took an amazing trip out to Colorado in August to visit friends, spending the whole trip outdoors taking adventures, hiking, and exploring... I was in my element. One of the stops was to Gunnison National Park where we hiked to the river at the bottom. It was only about one mile down but had a vertical drop of 1800 feet. I was mentally capable of making the hike back to the top, but physically I couldn’t do it. I was so mad at myself for not taking care of my body and finally had the come-to-Jesus moment I needed. (After a few tears and some incredible friends, I made it back to the top).
I signed up for WLG as soon as I returned, taking only one or two classes per week to see if it was something I’d like. I became hooked almost immediately and knew I needed to sign up for the Fall Challenge. Working out can be incredibly intimidating, especially with equipment you may not be used to and unfamiliar faces, but I never felt that way at WLG. Everyone is encouraging and willing to help, even at 5am, and the coaches are FANTASTIC. Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn are personable, helpful, and give you the push that you may need.
- Aubree Niemiec, WLG Athlete
I took an amazing trip out to Colorado in August to visit friends, spending the whole trip outdoors taking adventures, hiking, and exploring... I was in my element. One of the stops was to Gunnison National Park where we hiked to the river at the bottom. It was only about one mile down but had a vertical drop of 1800 feet. I was mentally capable of making the hike back to the top, but physically I couldn’t do it. I was so mad at myself for not taking care of my body and finally had the come-to-Jesus moment I needed. (After a few tears and some incredible friends, I made it back to the top).
I signed up for WLG as soon as I returned, taking only one or two classes per week to see if it was something I’d like. I became hooked almost immediately and knew I needed to sign up for the Fall Challenge. Working out can be incredibly intimidating, especially with equipment you may not be used to and unfamiliar faces, but I never felt that way at WLG. Everyone is encouraging and willing to help, even at 5am, and the coaches are FANTASTIC. Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn are personable, helpful, and give you the push that you may need.
- Aubree Niemiec, WLG Athlete
TAYLOR BEACH - 2ND PLACE (AGES 16-34)
PRIZE: 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 15 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 4.9%
INCHES LOST: 14.5 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 4.9%
INCHES LOST: 14.5 INCHES
I can’t believe I get to write a success story for once! I have always struggled with my weight, and would definitely call myself a chronic yo-yo dieter. I have tried diet after diet in my lifetime, all of which were extremely restrictive. I would lose 20 pounds in a short time, only to gain it back just as quickly as I lost it. It has been a frustrating, mentally exhausting cycle for me. I reached a point I was happy with before my wedding day, and then a beautiful wedding and a 2 week honeymoon later, I started noticing all the “happy weight”. I was gaining again, and fast. I started working out on occasion to try and manage it, when I injured both my shoulder and my knee in the same week.
Fast forward to 2018 – my injuries became an excuse to do virtually no exercise at all, and there was a lot more wine in my diet than vegetables. I stepped on the scale, and was shocked to see I had reached the 200s - a number I had never seen before. Not long after that, WLG posted about their fall challenge, and I decided to take the leap. I had tried it the year before, but that time I decided to do my own eating plan (read: restrictive fad diet). Big surprise! It didn’t work. This time I decided to do it exactly as Kendra and her team designed it, and thank goodness I did!
The most helpful part of the challenge, for me, was the meal plans. My restrictive habits and the “all or nothing” mentality was taking a toll on my mental health, and doing nothing good for my physical health either. The WLG meal plans were not only delicious and easy for busy schedules, but they included so many of the things I was conditioned to believe were “bad”. Potatoes, fruit, grains, and cheese were added back to my diet in moderation, I was losing weight, and I was not miserable dreaming about all the food I couldn’t have. Nothing was “off limits”, I just had to decide whether the deduction was worth it to me. Suddenly, my mindset surrounding food started changing, and now I am so much more intuitive with what my body needs, my binge eating habits have disappeared because I have stopped forcing foods out of my diet, and my mental health is improving.
The connection with others through the facebook page was also a huge factor. It motivated me to keep going as I saw others continue to succeed around me. I saw people posting their long walks when they were sick, tired, busy, and I realized that even though my injuries prevented me from doing what I used to do, I could still do something. Walking and yoga became my go-to exercises, and I finally stopped criticizing myself for not being able to do more. The weight was falling off, and I was actually enjoying the process! I am so thankful to WLG for helping me find the balance I have needed for years, and bringing self love back into my life again. The community of people Kendra and her team have created is really something special.
- Taylor Beach, WLG Athlete
Fast forward to 2018 – my injuries became an excuse to do virtually no exercise at all, and there was a lot more wine in my diet than vegetables. I stepped on the scale, and was shocked to see I had reached the 200s - a number I had never seen before. Not long after that, WLG posted about their fall challenge, and I decided to take the leap. I had tried it the year before, but that time I decided to do my own eating plan (read: restrictive fad diet). Big surprise! It didn’t work. This time I decided to do it exactly as Kendra and her team designed it, and thank goodness I did!
The most helpful part of the challenge, for me, was the meal plans. My restrictive habits and the “all or nothing” mentality was taking a toll on my mental health, and doing nothing good for my physical health either. The WLG meal plans were not only delicious and easy for busy schedules, but they included so many of the things I was conditioned to believe were “bad”. Potatoes, fruit, grains, and cheese were added back to my diet in moderation, I was losing weight, and I was not miserable dreaming about all the food I couldn’t have. Nothing was “off limits”, I just had to decide whether the deduction was worth it to me. Suddenly, my mindset surrounding food started changing, and now I am so much more intuitive with what my body needs, my binge eating habits have disappeared because I have stopped forcing foods out of my diet, and my mental health is improving.
The connection with others through the facebook page was also a huge factor. It motivated me to keep going as I saw others continue to succeed around me. I saw people posting their long walks when they were sick, tired, busy, and I realized that even though my injuries prevented me from doing what I used to do, I could still do something. Walking and yoga became my go-to exercises, and I finally stopped criticizing myself for not being able to do more. The weight was falling off, and I was actually enjoying the process! I am so thankful to WLG for helping me find the balance I have needed for years, and bringing self love back into my life again. The community of people Kendra and her team have created is really something special.
- Taylor Beach, WLG Athlete
BLAIR DORAN - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 16-34)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 9 POUNDS
BODYFAT % LOST: 3.4%
INCHES LOST: 13 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 3.4%
INCHES LOST: 13 INCHES
This was my 3rd time participating in a 12 week WLG Challenge & by far my most successful. I never really fully committed to the challenge in the past. I usually dropped off completely right after the 4 week weigh in & then was disappointed when it came to the end of the 12 weeks and I really had nothing to show. This time, I was determined to stick with the challenge the entire 12 weeks & know that at the final weigh in I did the best I could.
I went into this challenge feeling very positive and strong mentally. I was already consistently attending WLG classes and was ready to get meal prep happy. The first 4 weeks flew by. I went to the weigh in & was happy with inches and body weight lost. I felt really motivated to keep going. Then – I got to week 6 and I hit a wall. I was feeling a little burned out. My daughter hit a sleep regression and an old back injury flared up, so getting up for the 5AM WLG classes was brutal. In addition, I had followed the meal plan to a “T” and burned at least 500 calories a day that week, but only lost .40 ounces. After feeling like I was doing everything right and not seeing a bigger number on the scale – it was hard not to give up. In the past, I would allow something like this to be my excuse to stop altogether. This time, I tried something different and I switched up my routine a little bit. I tried the WLG boxing class and instead of doing the elliptical I switched to an indoor bike or a walk outside. These little changes helped me push past the wall I hit. It still felt like I fight to lose every inch and pound, but I felt a renewed sense of motivation that I carried through to the end.
I’m happy to say that I finally made it to all of the weigh ins and am happy with the effort I put forth this challenge. I was finally able to push past my excuses and find a balance that works for me. Previous challenges, I went into them thinking “I have to win”. This challenge, I went into it with me in mind. I told myself I would do the best I could and that’s all that mattered. I feel like that’s why I was successful this challenge vs others. Instead of putting pressure on myself to win the whole thing, I set goals for myself that I wanted to accomplish and focused on those. My advice for anyone signing up for a WLG challenge is to go into it with a clear mindset – don’t worry about how you’ve done with past challenges. Set goals for yourself and intend on staying committed and crushing those goals.
- Blair Doran, WLG Athlete
I went into this challenge feeling very positive and strong mentally. I was already consistently attending WLG classes and was ready to get meal prep happy. The first 4 weeks flew by. I went to the weigh in & was happy with inches and body weight lost. I felt really motivated to keep going. Then – I got to week 6 and I hit a wall. I was feeling a little burned out. My daughter hit a sleep regression and an old back injury flared up, so getting up for the 5AM WLG classes was brutal. In addition, I had followed the meal plan to a “T” and burned at least 500 calories a day that week, but only lost .40 ounces. After feeling like I was doing everything right and not seeing a bigger number on the scale – it was hard not to give up. In the past, I would allow something like this to be my excuse to stop altogether. This time, I tried something different and I switched up my routine a little bit. I tried the WLG boxing class and instead of doing the elliptical I switched to an indoor bike or a walk outside. These little changes helped me push past the wall I hit. It still felt like I fight to lose every inch and pound, but I felt a renewed sense of motivation that I carried through to the end.
I’m happy to say that I finally made it to all of the weigh ins and am happy with the effort I put forth this challenge. I was finally able to push past my excuses and find a balance that works for me. Previous challenges, I went into them thinking “I have to win”. This challenge, I went into it with me in mind. I told myself I would do the best I could and that’s all that mattered. I feel like that’s why I was successful this challenge vs others. Instead of putting pressure on myself to win the whole thing, I set goals for myself that I wanted to accomplish and focused on those. My advice for anyone signing up for a WLG challenge is to go into it with a clear mindset – don’t worry about how you’ve done with past challenges. Set goals for yourself and intend on staying committed and crushing those goals.
- Blair Doran, WLG Athlete
JANKI RICHARD - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 26 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 11%
INCHES LOST: 24.7 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 11%
INCHES LOST: 24.7 INCHES
In preparation for writing this, reflecting on what it means to have undergone a transformative change, I realized that I have undergone several transformations in my life thus far, the most powerful being that of motherhood. The creation and care of two tiny people is likely to be the single greatest and most powerful part of my entire being. I will be ever so grateful to the universe for these children I have been gifted, however, this emotional and experiential transformation comes with a physical one.
I set out in this challenge to lose the weight I had gained through pregnancies, child rearing, and, honestly, complacency. I had a baby I was still nursing, a husband who was 100% committed to supporting me, a brain full of fear and excuses, and I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. The idea of doing this challenge while breastfeeding was daunting, but I also wanted to show my kids that I can do things I set my mind to, just as we encourage them to. I started out strong, grocery shopping and meal prepping but was unsure if it would be like so many other failed attempts at fitness in these past few years where momentum would dwindle as the weeks progressed. This challenge was different in many ways for me and the accountability factor was the biggest. Having to log all my points forced me to be more mindful of my choices and the potential of logging point deductions proved to be the thing that fueled my will power when I started to feel weak. This, coupled with the changes I felt and saw in my body kept me mentally strong and focused on my final goal.
Through this challenge, I have undergone not just a physical transformation, but a mental one as well. I have noticed an intrinsic change in my ability to realize that I am capable of so much more than I was ever willing to give myself credit for. This challenge has encouraged me to set new goals, goals that I have never been willing to consider because of fear of failure, with a newfound confidence that I’m going to crush them.
- Janki Richard, WLG Athlete
I set out in this challenge to lose the weight I had gained through pregnancies, child rearing, and, honestly, complacency. I had a baby I was still nursing, a husband who was 100% committed to supporting me, a brain full of fear and excuses, and I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. The idea of doing this challenge while breastfeeding was daunting, but I also wanted to show my kids that I can do things I set my mind to, just as we encourage them to. I started out strong, grocery shopping and meal prepping but was unsure if it would be like so many other failed attempts at fitness in these past few years where momentum would dwindle as the weeks progressed. This challenge was different in many ways for me and the accountability factor was the biggest. Having to log all my points forced me to be more mindful of my choices and the potential of logging point deductions proved to be the thing that fueled my will power when I started to feel weak. This, coupled with the changes I felt and saw in my body kept me mentally strong and focused on my final goal.
Through this challenge, I have undergone not just a physical transformation, but a mental one as well. I have noticed an intrinsic change in my ability to realize that I am capable of so much more than I was ever willing to give myself credit for. This challenge has encouraged me to set new goals, goals that I have never been willing to consider because of fear of failure, with a newfound confidence that I’m going to crush them.
- Janki Richard, WLG Athlete
JENNIFER LOH - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 32 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.5%
INCHES LOST: 28.2 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.5%
INCHES LOST: 28.2 INCHES
Working out has generally been part of my life for a long time. I enjoy working out and find myself mentally clearer when I do so. However with lots of changes in life such as struggling to get pregnant and a new marriage I seem to slip away from that. We all know how easy it is to get off track and how hard it is to get back on. So over year and a half I gained weight to a shocking number that was close to the weight I gave birth at to my two older children.
Throughout my pregnancy I told myself I would get back to where I was as soon as I had my baby. But with postpartum hypertension struggles and readmission to the hospital I seem to lose track of that motivation. Thankfully with a push from Debbie O'Malley I decided to join the work out like a girl challenge and start holding myself accountable.
There were a lot of excuses I could’ve used such as a husband who travels and three kids to take care of. The truth is you always find time for what matters to you. 5am at the gym every morning was not my ideal time however I knew if I didn’t go Debbie O'Malley would call me out and more importantly I would struggle to find the time to get my daily workout in. So my daily workouts coupled with Isagenix nutrition I was able to start getting myself back. There was nothing better than having friends and family comment on your accomplishments as you’re losing weight it kept me motivated and my eye on the prize.
Am I where I want to be yet… NO but I am getting there and I am motivated now to make sure I reach that goal. Here’s to a great new year and a summer body in the works.
- Jennifer Loh
Throughout my pregnancy I told myself I would get back to where I was as soon as I had my baby. But with postpartum hypertension struggles and readmission to the hospital I seem to lose track of that motivation. Thankfully with a push from Debbie O'Malley I decided to join the work out like a girl challenge and start holding myself accountable.
There were a lot of excuses I could’ve used such as a husband who travels and three kids to take care of. The truth is you always find time for what matters to you. 5am at the gym every morning was not my ideal time however I knew if I didn’t go Debbie O'Malley would call me out and more importantly I would struggle to find the time to get my daily workout in. So my daily workouts coupled with Isagenix nutrition I was able to start getting myself back. There was nothing better than having friends and family comment on your accomplishments as you’re losing weight it kept me motivated and my eye on the prize.
Am I where I want to be yet… NO but I am getting there and I am motivated now to make sure I reach that goal. Here’s to a great new year and a summer body in the works.
- Jennifer Loh
BARBARA-JEAN DOHERTY - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 27 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 7.6%
INCHES LOST: 22.5 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 7.6%
INCHES LOST: 22.5 INCHES
When I received a message from Kendra about receiving a transformation prize, I was in disbelief! I stuck to the diet, drank so much water, basically no alcohol, and results! My journey started with a message to Kendra asking about WLG and recruiting my sister-in-law to join me in this challenge. I explained to Kendra I never worked out before, so I was intimidated by the thought of going. Of course she said don’t be intimidated, but easier said then done. My sister-in-law Patty was my support system and I could not have survived this challenge without her! We text each other each day, “ did you get in your water.” Lol. We went to “ class” WLG 101 and kept going! After the first class, I could not move much the next day, but survived!
I did not realize how much weight I had gained over the years, I really just did not see it! (I have been married 27 years!) Both my boys played hockey, so we were always on the road. My youngest played in PA last year, we were traveling every weekend and always eating out! I have always been challenged with diet because I do not each much protein, but this challenge has helped my diet more then I can explain.
I did not even know I was really living on carbs, but I never thought no real pasta in 12 weeks would ever happen. The menus were awesome and that is how I survived this challenge.
As I sit here the night of the Winter Classic (yes we went to Notre Dame today to watch the Winter Classic) snacking and maybe having a glass of wine, I will regroup tomorrow!
Kendra has been amazing and I look forward to the next challenge!
- Barbara Doherty, WLG Athlete
I did not realize how much weight I had gained over the years, I really just did not see it! (I have been married 27 years!) Both my boys played hockey, so we were always on the road. My youngest played in PA last year, we were traveling every weekend and always eating out! I have always been challenged with diet because I do not each much protein, but this challenge has helped my diet more then I can explain.
I did not even know I was really living on carbs, but I never thought no real pasta in 12 weeks would ever happen. The menus were awesome and that is how I survived this challenge.
As I sit here the night of the Winter Classic (yes we went to Notre Dame today to watch the Winter Classic) snacking and maybe having a glass of wine, I will regroup tomorrow!
Kendra has been amazing and I look forward to the next challenge!
- Barbara Doherty, WLG Athlete
THERESE LEWIS - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
PRIZE: 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 23.5 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 6.2%
INCHES LOST: 20.4 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 6.2%
INCHES LOST: 20.4 INCHES
In September 2018, I was recovering from a knee surgery I had in June. My weight had crept up and none of my clothes fit me anymore and I was feeling pretty defeated. I knew I had to do something to get back on track. I became aware that WLG was having a fall weight loss challenge, so I decided to look into it. After reading about all of the success stories and what each package included. I was intrigued and wanted to be a part of it, so I signed up, weighed in and started my journey.
I have dieted many times before, and the diet part has never been a problem for me. The challenge has always been staying consistent on the exercise part of the diet. In this challenge, I was required to exercise 45 minutes per day, plus bonus workouts. I started on a Monday with a 101 WLG class. That class kicked my butt! I was sore in places that I never know you could get sore in but I LIKED IT! I knew it meant I was working hard. I did have some soreness and swelling in my knee that I had to work through. This left me very frustrated because I wanted my body to perform the way it used to. The trainers at WLG helped me modify the workouts so that I could work through my injury.
I knew that in order to be successful in this challenge, I needed to involve everything in my life. This included my husband, my new puppies and my work. Eventually I started working out whenever and wherever I could! I was even able to incorporate ways that I could work out while I was working. I am a childcare provider and each morning I would load up the kids in the triple stroller and walk to the park. We would also have what I called "dance parties."
The diet part of this challenge was much easier with the shopping list and the meal plans. There was also an option for eating out, which we do on a regular basis. The amount of water you had a drink was a challenge in the beginning, but eventually that even became a normal routine.
Eventually I started seeing the weight drop. The biggest part that kept me going was how I felt! I noticed during exercise and my dance parties that I was able to move more fluently! This made me feel so good about myself! Before I felt like my body was aging and now I felt as if it had new life. As I started to come to the end of this challenge and evaluate all the benefits, I am so thankful for Kendra and work out like a girl. I got myself back!!! I am leaner and stronger and more confident then I have been in a long time!
- Therese Lewis, WLG Athlete
I have dieted many times before, and the diet part has never been a problem for me. The challenge has always been staying consistent on the exercise part of the diet. In this challenge, I was required to exercise 45 minutes per day, plus bonus workouts. I started on a Monday with a 101 WLG class. That class kicked my butt! I was sore in places that I never know you could get sore in but I LIKED IT! I knew it meant I was working hard. I did have some soreness and swelling in my knee that I had to work through. This left me very frustrated because I wanted my body to perform the way it used to. The trainers at WLG helped me modify the workouts so that I could work through my injury.
I knew that in order to be successful in this challenge, I needed to involve everything in my life. This included my husband, my new puppies and my work. Eventually I started working out whenever and wherever I could! I was even able to incorporate ways that I could work out while I was working. I am a childcare provider and each morning I would load up the kids in the triple stroller and walk to the park. We would also have what I called "dance parties."
The diet part of this challenge was much easier with the shopping list and the meal plans. There was also an option for eating out, which we do on a regular basis. The amount of water you had a drink was a challenge in the beginning, but eventually that even became a normal routine.
Eventually I started seeing the weight drop. The biggest part that kept me going was how I felt! I noticed during exercise and my dance parties that I was able to move more fluently! This made me feel so good about myself! Before I felt like my body was aging and now I felt as if it had new life. As I started to come to the end of this challenge and evaluate all the benefits, I am so thankful for Kendra and work out like a girl. I got myself back!!! I am leaner and stronger and more confident then I have been in a long time!
- Therese Lewis, WLG Athlete
KATHY ULLRICH - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
PRIZE: 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 17.5 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.7%
INCHES LOST: 17.7 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.7%
INCHES LOST: 17.7 INCHES
I’ve always been conscious about fitness. I remember in my early twenties, watching Richard Simmons Sweatin’ with the Oldies (don’t judge) and The Twenty Minute Workout with their sexy tights colorful bodysuits and slouch socks. Being a single parent I always found a way to exercise. I couldn’t afford the fancy gym memberships,My daughter would ride her bike with her Pomerania puppy in the basket as I would run 5 plus miles through Rock Creek Park and come home to my own twenty minute workout.
Fast forward, 2017, neck pain sent me to the orthopedist to an MRI that showed a pretty damaged cervical spine from an old injury and their Recommendation: no more long distance runs. What did I do, I stopped taking care of me, I stopped exercising, I gave up on Kathy. I’ve signed up, weighed in, menu planned and prepped for many WLG challenges, I still have the recipes saved, in the past and failed at them all. I had convinced myself that “I” wasn’t important enough. “I” wasn’t supposed to do “it”. “I”didn’t have the time. I became a product of my own self destructing analysis. I had convinced myself I Could Not Do it.
What was different this time.. my thoughts.. Change your thinking! Kathy!!..I am worth it, I can do this and I will do it! Dr said no long runs but never said I couldn’t be fit. Enter kickboxing, WLG classes and Self accountability and most important, two people, Debbie O’Malley and Tracy Zador, my team. I couldn’t wait for Monday and Wednesday night WLG classes with my daughter and Saturday’s with Debbie, my NBFF. I couldn’t have done it without them. Never feeling judged and always getting encouraged by the instructors Kendra, Tracy, Laneanne and to myself a reminder that I am worth it and I can do it! Being accountable for Myself, Believing in myself! Pushing myself when I wanted to give up. The meal plans work! The work outs work! But only I can commit to the challenge!
In the words of Snoop Dogg, I want to thank ME for working hard, thank ME for committing to ME. Because in the end, like my mom always said, the only person that can take care
If you.....Is you. So if You think you can’t do it, change your thinking! Be your best cheerleader! In the end You Do Matter and WLG WILL help get you there!
- Kathy Ullrich, WLG Athlete
Fast forward, 2017, neck pain sent me to the orthopedist to an MRI that showed a pretty damaged cervical spine from an old injury and their Recommendation: no more long distance runs. What did I do, I stopped taking care of me, I stopped exercising, I gave up on Kathy. I’ve signed up, weighed in, menu planned and prepped for many WLG challenges, I still have the recipes saved, in the past and failed at them all. I had convinced myself that “I” wasn’t important enough. “I” wasn’t supposed to do “it”. “I”didn’t have the time. I became a product of my own self destructing analysis. I had convinced myself I Could Not Do it.
What was different this time.. my thoughts.. Change your thinking! Kathy!!..I am worth it, I can do this and I will do it! Dr said no long runs but never said I couldn’t be fit. Enter kickboxing, WLG classes and Self accountability and most important, two people, Debbie O’Malley and Tracy Zador, my team. I couldn’t wait for Monday and Wednesday night WLG classes with my daughter and Saturday’s with Debbie, my NBFF. I couldn’t have done it without them. Never feeling judged and always getting encouraged by the instructors Kendra, Tracy, Laneanne and to myself a reminder that I am worth it and I can do it! Being accountable for Myself, Believing in myself! Pushing myself when I wanted to give up. The meal plans work! The work outs work! But only I can commit to the challenge!
In the words of Snoop Dogg, I want to thank ME for working hard, thank ME for committing to ME. Because in the end, like my mom always said, the only person that can take care
If you.....Is you. So if You think you can’t do it, change your thinking! Be your best cheerleader! In the end You Do Matter and WLG WILL help get you there!
- Kathy Ullrich, WLG Athlete
DEBBIE O'MALLEY - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
WEIGHT LOST: 18 lbs
BODYFAT % LOST: 5.7%
INCHES LOST: 21.2 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 5.7%
INCHES LOST: 21.2 INCHES
WOW, I never expected to place 3rd in my age group or place at all in this challenge. September 2018 family vacation looking back at the photos we took on the beach oh dear that’s what did it for me..... omg how did this happen do I really look like that? When my grandson was born my lifestyle changed because my priorities changed. Spending my time with my family and grandson became a priority. I continued to run 3 to 5 miles daily but my gym and WLG time was reduced and my food choices weren’t the best. I decided it was time to get back to feeling like “me” so I entered the 2018 WLG Fall Challenge.
Did I mention I am a "challenge junkie" LOL, yes I think I have done all but 1 challenge. I even won 1st place in 2015 Fall Challenge. So here I was 3 years later starting all over again basically. Thank goodness for Kendra and the WLG program it keeps me motivated, holds me accountable, the camaraderie of the group work outs, weekly weigh-ins, weekly menu and meal prepping, and not to mention the many friendships I have made over the years. WLG is like one big happy family, although I love the boot camp class I have a new found love for the boxing class even got a pair of gloves for Christmas I can't wait to use!!! I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I am done with any WLG class.
I must give credit where credit is due thank you to my husband for putting up with my craziness over the past 12 weeks and to Jen Loh, for pushing me and for meeting every morning at 5am to lift... every squat, skip, plank, crunch, burpee, leg lift, etc. was worth it! A special thank you to my lifting/boxing buddy Lori Freedman and to Kathy Ullrich, Tracy Zador, Arlette Cross and Gretchen Stuecker for all the classes, running, walks we did together your friendships and support mean the world to me. The WLG program works for me and I am most thankful for Kendra, Tracie, and Laneann the faces of WLG you girls are the best!!!! Xoxoxo
- Debbie O'Malley, WLG Athlete
Did I mention I am a "challenge junkie" LOL, yes I think I have done all but 1 challenge. I even won 1st place in 2015 Fall Challenge. So here I was 3 years later starting all over again basically. Thank goodness for Kendra and the WLG program it keeps me motivated, holds me accountable, the camaraderie of the group work outs, weekly weigh-ins, weekly menu and meal prepping, and not to mention the many friendships I have made over the years. WLG is like one big happy family, although I love the boot camp class I have a new found love for the boxing class even got a pair of gloves for Christmas I can't wait to use!!! I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I am done with any WLG class.
I must give credit where credit is due thank you to my husband for putting up with my craziness over the past 12 weeks and to Jen Loh, for pushing me and for meeting every morning at 5am to lift... every squat, skip, plank, crunch, burpee, leg lift, etc. was worth it! A special thank you to my lifting/boxing buddy Lori Freedman and to Kathy Ullrich, Tracy Zador, Arlette Cross and Gretchen Stuecker for all the classes, running, walks we did together your friendships and support mean the world to me. The WLG program works for me and I am most thankful for Kendra, Tracie, and Laneann the faces of WLG you girls are the best!!!! Xoxoxo
- Debbie O'Malley, WLG Athlete