GRAND PRIZE WINNER - JANINE WOLFORD
2019 12 WEEK SUMMER STRONG CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY 23rd to MAY 18th
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of Total Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $85)
PLUS a IPL Package or Laser Hair Removal at Bella Rose (retail value $1200)
PLUS a FREE Boudoir Session with Cat and the Fiddle Photography (retail value $1700)
PLUS 5 FREE Spray Tans with added bronzer and scents with Island Sun Tanning Salon or one FREE month membership (value $185)
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of Total Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $85)
PLUS a IPL Package or Laser Hair Removal at Bella Rose (retail value $1200)
PLUS a FREE Boudoir Session with Cat and the Fiddle Photography (retail value $1700)
PLUS 5 FREE Spray Tans with added bronzer and scents with Island Sun Tanning Salon or one FREE month membership (value $185)
My journey to Workout Like A Girl was not an easy one but I am grateful for my path because I don’t think I would have had the strength or determination to do the program without it.
When I started Workout Like A Girl I was five months post baby, breast feeding, exhausted, and frustrated with my inability to lose the baby weight despite working out and eating healthy. I was starting to reserve myself to the idea that this body was my new normal after three c-sections in three years which included the heart ache of two late term still births and now the joy of my miracle baby!
Despite the happiness I felt at finally having what I wanted so desperately, my baby boy, I was still suffering from self confidence issues with the “new normal” that my body had taken on. I was complaining to my good friend Emily Malone, who has also had three children but looks absolutely amazing, she told me to try the Workout Like A Girl Summer Challenge. She said what a difference it had made for her and that if I stuck with it I could achieve those results too. Of course I didn’t believe her, I told myself she is an athlete and I am not so I could never build muscle and get that fit. Thankfully, Emily kept after me, sending me texts and messages asking if I had signed up yet and encouraging me to do it despite the excuses I kept giving her. Finally, on the last day to sign up I decided to do it and see what happens.
I was really nervous for my first class and afraid I would never be able to keep up but from day one everyone was so kind, patient and encouraging. I started doing the Monday 6:00am classes with LaneAnn and she was so helpful as were the other women in the class. Right away they all worked together to explain the moves to me and help me through. I love the sense of community, the way these women encourage each other and the workouts themselves are amazing and gave me the added strength conditioning I needed. I kept adding more and more WLG classes as the weeks went on and by the end of the challenge I was doing (and still am) bootcamp, C3 and boxing each week in addition to the classes I was previously taking at my gym. Yes, this added up to working out hard seven days a week but I never felt better. My energy level went through the roof as did my fitness level so that I could work harder and harder at each class.
The other key aspect of the program for me was the diet/nutrition portion. I was a vegetarian for years and at the time I started the program I was eating mainly vegetarian during the week with the occasional seafood once or twice a week. I felt like my diet was pretty healthy, not a lot of sweets or fried food, lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains. However, after reviewing the recipes for WLG and talking to Kendra and LaneAnn, I realized I was way overdoing carbs (even though in most cases they were healthy ones) and barely eating any protein or neglecting to complete my proteins. I was also snacking all day long and not paying attention to calories. By sticking to three meals a day and limiting myself to two snacks a day I saw immediate results. Next, I focused on the nutritional content of my meals and snacks. Even when I didn’t follow the exact WLG recipes, because I was still trying to avoid meat, I followed the breakdown of protein, carbs, fat and calories. Third, I added the hydration aspect by including the recommended water intake that I had been lacking. This combination was the most crucial aspect of my transformation. My body finally had what it needed to fuel my workouts, build muscle and lose body fat. The big increase in my protein intake really helped me build the muscle I was looking for and the reduction in carbs allowed me to get leaner and finally lose the baby weight that I had thought was my “new normal”.
I couldn’t be happier with my results over the twelve-week period. My sincere hope is to keep it going, to continue to be mindful of the amount and content of the nutrition in my meals as well as the calories and stay on my fitness journey. I fully intend to keep up with the WLG classes and may even add more. My commitment to keeping it going is because I love the way I feel! I am addicted to the increased energy level, strength and endurance and want to see what more I can achieve!
- Janine Wolford, ESPC Athlete
When I started Workout Like A Girl I was five months post baby, breast feeding, exhausted, and frustrated with my inability to lose the baby weight despite working out and eating healthy. I was starting to reserve myself to the idea that this body was my new normal after three c-sections in three years which included the heart ache of two late term still births and now the joy of my miracle baby!
Despite the happiness I felt at finally having what I wanted so desperately, my baby boy, I was still suffering from self confidence issues with the “new normal” that my body had taken on. I was complaining to my good friend Emily Malone, who has also had three children but looks absolutely amazing, she told me to try the Workout Like A Girl Summer Challenge. She said what a difference it had made for her and that if I stuck with it I could achieve those results too. Of course I didn’t believe her, I told myself she is an athlete and I am not so I could never build muscle and get that fit. Thankfully, Emily kept after me, sending me texts and messages asking if I had signed up yet and encouraging me to do it despite the excuses I kept giving her. Finally, on the last day to sign up I decided to do it and see what happens.
I was really nervous for my first class and afraid I would never be able to keep up but from day one everyone was so kind, patient and encouraging. I started doing the Monday 6:00am classes with LaneAnn and she was so helpful as were the other women in the class. Right away they all worked together to explain the moves to me and help me through. I love the sense of community, the way these women encourage each other and the workouts themselves are amazing and gave me the added strength conditioning I needed. I kept adding more and more WLG classes as the weeks went on and by the end of the challenge I was doing (and still am) bootcamp, C3 and boxing each week in addition to the classes I was previously taking at my gym. Yes, this added up to working out hard seven days a week but I never felt better. My energy level went through the roof as did my fitness level so that I could work harder and harder at each class.
The other key aspect of the program for me was the diet/nutrition portion. I was a vegetarian for years and at the time I started the program I was eating mainly vegetarian during the week with the occasional seafood once or twice a week. I felt like my diet was pretty healthy, not a lot of sweets or fried food, lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains. However, after reviewing the recipes for WLG and talking to Kendra and LaneAnn, I realized I was way overdoing carbs (even though in most cases they were healthy ones) and barely eating any protein or neglecting to complete my proteins. I was also snacking all day long and not paying attention to calories. By sticking to three meals a day and limiting myself to two snacks a day I saw immediate results. Next, I focused on the nutritional content of my meals and snacks. Even when I didn’t follow the exact WLG recipes, because I was still trying to avoid meat, I followed the breakdown of protein, carbs, fat and calories. Third, I added the hydration aspect by including the recommended water intake that I had been lacking. This combination was the most crucial aspect of my transformation. My body finally had what it needed to fuel my workouts, build muscle and lose body fat. The big increase in my protein intake really helped me build the muscle I was looking for and the reduction in carbs allowed me to get leaner and finally lose the baby weight that I had thought was my “new normal”.
I couldn’t be happier with my results over the twelve-week period. My sincere hope is to keep it going, to continue to be mindful of the amount and content of the nutrition in my meals as well as the calories and stay on my fitness journey. I fully intend to keep up with the WLG classes and may even add more. My commitment to keeping it going is because I love the way I feel! I am addicted to the increased energy level, strength and endurance and want to see what more I can achieve!
- Janine Wolford, ESPC Athlete
EMILY ZAN - 2ND PLACE OVERALL
PRIZE: 6 MONTHS OF UNLIMITED WLG (MON-SAT) OR C3 TRAINING (RETAIL $774-834) or APPLE IWATCH
The WLG 12-week Summer Strong Challenge by Kendra Eichler at Eastern Shore Performance Center was tough, motivating and delicious! When I saw the post on Facebook that WLG was hosting another challenge, I immediately messaged Kendra to see if I could participate remotely. She said yes. I had tried the January WLG mini-challenge and did not give it much effort at all. I was in the midst of the winter blues and at my heaviest weight ever. I felt very defeated and discouraged with myself. I was very stressed and really nervous that I wouldn’t be able to break the cycle of my lifestyle before where, for years, I would yo-yo diet and cause havoc on my digestive system and body as a whole. I would go to extremes, always gaining a lot of weight during the winter months and then freak out when summer was coming and be very restrictive. With my recent dietary restrictions (no gluten, soy and dairy) and medical issues (leaky gut ßthat just sounds gross! and adrenal fatigue), I have to be committed to a healthier me. With this new, deeper commitment to health and the knowledge and motivation from Kendra, Workout Like A Girl and Eastern Shore Performance Center, I am feeling fit and amazing again!
My story is not so much a weight loss story (although I did lose 20.2#!) as it is a story of gaining mental, emotional and physical fitness. For years, I have attributed my successes to others and my failures to myself. I am the loudest negative voice in my head. At the beginning of this challenge and at my unhealthiest, I was 145lbs. Because of feelings that I didn’t deserve to be my best, I would sabotage every effort to get fit for whatever reason. I have a tendency to find positives and beauty in everyone else but only see flaws in myself. I am now seeing myself as a sum of all my parts, not in parts individually. During this challenge, I am made small steps and did small things that added up to big changes over the 12 weeks. By no means am I at the finish, but small things have big impact. Think of a pebble in your shoe, small thing, BIG impact.
I am still working on not allowing the number on the scale to make or break my day and cause me to view my self-worth by those numbers. I am learning when I slip up and revert to old habits, not to give up altogether and to not be so hard on myself. Because of this challenge, Kendra, WLG and Eastern Shore Performance Center, I am more physically, emotionally and mentally fit now than I have ever been. I have started to acknowledge my own accomplishments and feel proud and empowered. Intrinsic motivation is a beautiful thing! I am learning to take compliments and criticisms for what they are worth and consider the source. What I am starting to realize and want others to realize is that you are a product of your OWN efforts and your OWN success is due to those efforts. Celebrate them, OWN them!
Thank you so much, Kendra and the whole team at WLG and Eastern Shore Performance Center! The challenge was very well organized (every aspect from weigh-ins to meal plans to the recording book), motivating (intrinsically and extrinsically) and rewarding. Thank you for encouraging a healthy lifestyle and being a model of one as well.
P.S. I am working to overcome my fear of that big, terrible bridge between us!! 😊
- Emily Zan
My story is not so much a weight loss story (although I did lose 20.2#!) as it is a story of gaining mental, emotional and physical fitness. For years, I have attributed my successes to others and my failures to myself. I am the loudest negative voice in my head. At the beginning of this challenge and at my unhealthiest, I was 145lbs. Because of feelings that I didn’t deserve to be my best, I would sabotage every effort to get fit for whatever reason. I have a tendency to find positives and beauty in everyone else but only see flaws in myself. I am now seeing myself as a sum of all my parts, not in parts individually. During this challenge, I am made small steps and did small things that added up to big changes over the 12 weeks. By no means am I at the finish, but small things have big impact. Think of a pebble in your shoe, small thing, BIG impact.
I am still working on not allowing the number on the scale to make or break my day and cause me to view my self-worth by those numbers. I am learning when I slip up and revert to old habits, not to give up altogether and to not be so hard on myself. Because of this challenge, Kendra, WLG and Eastern Shore Performance Center, I am more physically, emotionally and mentally fit now than I have ever been. I have started to acknowledge my own accomplishments and feel proud and empowered. Intrinsic motivation is a beautiful thing! I am learning to take compliments and criticisms for what they are worth and consider the source. What I am starting to realize and want others to realize is that you are a product of your OWN efforts and your OWN success is due to those efforts. Celebrate them, OWN them!
Thank you so much, Kendra and the whole team at WLG and Eastern Shore Performance Center! The challenge was very well organized (every aspect from weigh-ins to meal plans to the recording book), motivating (intrinsically and extrinsically) and rewarding. Thank you for encouraging a healthy lifestyle and being a model of one as well.
P.S. I am working to overcome my fear of that big, terrible bridge between us!! 😊
- Emily Zan
JENNIFER LOH - 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
Wow I’m very humbled to be in third place. This challenge was all about me finding balance. I don’t believe I can continue a super restrictive regimen and stay successful and happy. So this time I took my deductions and I found what worked for me. I was able to keep the weight off and continue losing while changing my body composition. I allowed myself to have my adult beverages and I allowed myself to indulge in chips and salsa or whatever it was I was craving.
I worked out consistently and I continued my nutritional program. I took up yoga to help incorporate stretching since I am so bad at allotting time for it. It all paid off. While my not show my scale might not have shown great success the InBody was able to show me the amount of body fat I lost......13.9%. PURE FAT! My clothes fit better my body looks different and I now know I can continue this regimen throughout my summer to fight the summer weight gain that I usually find.
Thank you WLG for a push to find myself again and congratulations to the amazing changes all the challengers made. May you all continue your journey to be the best version of you!
- Jennifer Loh
I worked out consistently and I continued my nutritional program. I took up yoga to help incorporate stretching since I am so bad at allotting time for it. It all paid off. While my not show my scale might not have shown great success the InBody was able to show me the amount of body fat I lost......13.9%. PURE FAT! My clothes fit better my body looks different and I now know I can continue this regimen throughout my summer to fight the summer weight gain that I usually find.
Thank you WLG for a push to find myself again and congratulations to the amazing changes all the challengers made. May you all continue your journey to be the best version of you!
- Jennifer Loh
TRANSFORMATION PRIZES
CHELSEA KAY - 1ST PLACE (AGES 16-34)
WEIGHT LOST: 15.5 lbs
INCHES LOST: 16.7 INCHES
INCHES LOST: 16.7 INCHES
NIKKI SINDORF - 2ND PLACE (AGES 16-34)
PRIZE: 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
My entire adult life, I would say honestly since the age of 20, I have struggled with my weight. I was never an “athlete” by normal standards. I loathed running but was a competitive cheerleader; used to lifting heavy weights and knew my way around the gym. In college I adjusted to the freshman 15, turned into a cardio bunny and briefly took up a second major in nutrition. As a pre-med student I was fascinated in all things health, reading every scientific article I could about wellness and nutrition. Despite my best efforts I could never control my own weight. After college I moved back home and found Work Out Like A Girl. I had a few friends that were working out there, they enjoyed it and had a ton of physical success. I still remember my first class like it was yesterday. It was so hard but somehow so addictively rewarding. Fast forward more than 5 years and I am still here. So what was different about this challenge?
First, I think everything leading up until now has paved my transformation journey. This was my sixth challenge and each one has taught me something about my body or equally as important, what didn’t work for me. Any progress is progress. So, I believe what was different this time was my persistence and my headspace. I had tried everything before (literally everything) so I knew I had nothing to lose. I entered this challenge 6 weeks after starting a new journey with a ketogenic or metabolic approach to eating. In all the past challenges I remember binge eating everything I could before weigh-ins and the dreaded upcoming 12 weeks “without”. That was different this time. I didn’t binge eat, I weighed in right where I was, proud of the initial progress I had made with changes to my diet, but eager for what this program could do for my overall body composition. My goals for this challenge were mostly accountability related. To get back into the gym with likeminded people and continue to see progress in more ways than just the number on the scale. I knew I needed that push that only Kendra and her team can provide, to challenge my workouts and get me out of my comfort zone. I committed to finishing this challenge and not giving up on myself. In the past my commitment would fade between week 8 and week 12 but not this time.
This challenge has done just that - kept me accountable. I have learned to work in some kind of activity every day. It may not be an intense workout but every day I am moving. 95% of the time I follow a strict keto or as I prefer to call it, metabolic approach to diet. My biggest tip would be to invest in the In-Body testing. Sometimes seeing a 3 pound weight loss and a small drop in inches can be discouraging but there is nothing more rewarding than watching your progress of turning pounds of fat into pounds of muscle. I will maintain these changes by continuing to choose myself, eat for fuel and make time for fitness. I plan on never abandoning the metabolic approach to eating or leaving Work Out Like A Girl. Even if you didn’t reach your goal this challenge, keep going- repetition creates habits.
- Nikki Sindorf
First, I think everything leading up until now has paved my transformation journey. This was my sixth challenge and each one has taught me something about my body or equally as important, what didn’t work for me. Any progress is progress. So, I believe what was different this time was my persistence and my headspace. I had tried everything before (literally everything) so I knew I had nothing to lose. I entered this challenge 6 weeks after starting a new journey with a ketogenic or metabolic approach to eating. In all the past challenges I remember binge eating everything I could before weigh-ins and the dreaded upcoming 12 weeks “without”. That was different this time. I didn’t binge eat, I weighed in right where I was, proud of the initial progress I had made with changes to my diet, but eager for what this program could do for my overall body composition. My goals for this challenge were mostly accountability related. To get back into the gym with likeminded people and continue to see progress in more ways than just the number on the scale. I knew I needed that push that only Kendra and her team can provide, to challenge my workouts and get me out of my comfort zone. I committed to finishing this challenge and not giving up on myself. In the past my commitment would fade between week 8 and week 12 but not this time.
This challenge has done just that - kept me accountable. I have learned to work in some kind of activity every day. It may not be an intense workout but every day I am moving. 95% of the time I follow a strict keto or as I prefer to call it, metabolic approach to diet. My biggest tip would be to invest in the In-Body testing. Sometimes seeing a 3 pound weight loss and a small drop in inches can be discouraging but there is nothing more rewarding than watching your progress of turning pounds of fat into pounds of muscle. I will maintain these changes by continuing to choose myself, eat for fuel and make time for fitness. I plan on never abandoning the metabolic approach to eating or leaving Work Out Like A Girl. Even if you didn’t reach your goal this challenge, keep going- repetition creates habits.
- Nikki Sindorf
ALLI KERR - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 16-34)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
After I had my second child in August, I was lacking the motivation to go to the gym or even drag myself onto my treadmill. I have always played sports and been active. I used to laugh when people said they only had time for an hour workout, but now I have kids and struggle to get 20 minutes! The mac n cheese, chicken nugget, and pizza roll diet was not helping me either.
The WLG challenge seemed like a perfect way to get back to eating healthy and working out again. I sucked it up and started working out after my kids went to bed. I may have slept walked a few nights on the treadmill to get my 45 minutes in haha! My husband also has been crucial in encouraging me to workout and go to class even when I was feeling lazy. I swear I am a better person with a regular workout routine.
Exercise has always been a sort of therapy/stress reliever for me. I shut my brain off and just do it, hence why I have trouble keeping count and remembering what exercise comes next. WLG has been amazing! I love that I can push myself the whole time without getting bored and there are options/modifications for each level. WLG has made my other workouts, which I used to struggle with, seem so easy that I find myself looking for ways to make them harder. Hopefully, I can continue to eat healthy and push my physical limits. I will definitely be back at WLG. Thank you to everyone who was a part of it!
- Alli Kerr
The WLG challenge seemed like a perfect way to get back to eating healthy and working out again. I sucked it up and started working out after my kids went to bed. I may have slept walked a few nights on the treadmill to get my 45 minutes in haha! My husband also has been crucial in encouraging me to workout and go to class even when I was feeling lazy. I swear I am a better person with a regular workout routine.
Exercise has always been a sort of therapy/stress reliever for me. I shut my brain off and just do it, hence why I have trouble keeping count and remembering what exercise comes next. WLG has been amazing! I love that I can push myself the whole time without getting bored and there are options/modifications for each level. WLG has made my other workouts, which I used to struggle with, seem so easy that I find myself looking for ways to make them harder. Hopefully, I can continue to eat healthy and push my physical limits. I will definitely be back at WLG. Thank you to everyone who was a part of it!
- Alli Kerr
SUSAN SWEITZER - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
My story is no different than anyone else’s. I’m a mom. End of story. Thankfully for me, not end of story. I was just like every other mom, too busy raising, & running my kids around to take time for myself, & I had a husband that loved me, regardless. I mean my kids are happy, my husband’s happy, so what’s there for me to not be happy about. Clearly, I was succeeding at both the mom & the wife thing. Unfortunately, it was the ME thing I was failing at, but that was all covered by comfy sweats, & staying home.
I ran into my ‘ol WLG workout buddy LaneAnn, at Optical Galleria & I believe she saw right through me & knew what I needed before I did. A year later I ran into her again & she hadn’t given up on me & pushed me again to do what was needed & talked me into letting her train me 2 days a week. Through those trainings she keep me informed of all the new & exciting things happening back at WLG & encouraged me to go back or at least join the challenges again.
After the holidays, I had finally hit that point that just working out with LaneAnn 2 days a week was not enough. It was definitely moving me in the right direction, but it was also time for me to up my game, so I started with the January Challenge. Small bite, just 4 weeks. 4 weeks later between her butt kicks & Kendra’s nutrition tools, I was picking up speed in getting back to where I wanted to be, and winning that challenge was yet another boost I needed. Throughout it LaneAnn kept encouraging me to go further & sign-up for the next challenge.
Here I am today, winner in my age bracket, completing the devil’s mile, the Murph, & now looking forward to working out instead of dreading it. I now have my kids & my kids’ friends wanting to workout with me & sometimes I even manage to kick their butts. My hugest compliments have come from them, often without them even realizing they were complimenting me.
Yes, I’ve had people compliment me on how great I look with “You look amazing” “Look how skinny you are” ..., but this past weekend was the best when a friend that’s an instructor at a local gym said to me’ “Wow, you look strong!” That’s been my favorite compliment. Thank-you WLG both directly, & indirectly for guiding me back to ME!!!
- Susan Sweitzer
I ran into my ‘ol WLG workout buddy LaneAnn, at Optical Galleria & I believe she saw right through me & knew what I needed before I did. A year later I ran into her again & she hadn’t given up on me & pushed me again to do what was needed & talked me into letting her train me 2 days a week. Through those trainings she keep me informed of all the new & exciting things happening back at WLG & encouraged me to go back or at least join the challenges again.
After the holidays, I had finally hit that point that just working out with LaneAnn 2 days a week was not enough. It was definitely moving me in the right direction, but it was also time for me to up my game, so I started with the January Challenge. Small bite, just 4 weeks. 4 weeks later between her butt kicks & Kendra’s nutrition tools, I was picking up speed in getting back to where I wanted to be, and winning that challenge was yet another boost I needed. Throughout it LaneAnn kept encouraging me to go further & sign-up for the next challenge.
Here I am today, winner in my age bracket, completing the devil’s mile, the Murph, & now looking forward to working out instead of dreading it. I now have my kids & my kids’ friends wanting to workout with me & sometimes I even manage to kick their butts. My hugest compliments have come from them, often without them even realizing they were complimenting me.
Yes, I’ve had people compliment me on how great I look with “You look amazing” “Look how skinny you are” ..., but this past weekend was the best when a friend that’s an instructor at a local gym said to me’ “Wow, you look strong!” That’s been my favorite compliment. Thank-you WLG both directly, & indirectly for guiding me back to ME!!!
- Susan Sweitzer
KAREN TALBOTT - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
At the beginning of the year, I decided that I needed to stop complaining about my weight. I was not sure how I was going to do that since; I had tried every weigh loss process that is available. I would loss the weight and then gain it back very quickly. I was now the heaviest that I had ever been. Towards, the end of the month, I decided to start the Keto diet. That was a different challenge, learning what you could and could not eat and keeping hydrated. However, while I was on vacation in Key West, I kept seeing Kendra’s WLG post. WLG had always interested me however, I felt like I never had the time. So, on her very last night that you could sign up after being out on Duval Street all day. I signed up for the 12 competition. At 46, I knew that I needed a challenge and I knew I needed to do this for me.
I never went into this competition thinking that I was going to win. I went in the competition to have a structure and to be held accountable. I needed the weigh in days and to learn about my body. I could absolutely tell you my body weight since, I get on the scale every day. And I know that you should not do that but when I received my in body results that was shocking. I enjoyed learning how much of you is lean mass and how much is body fat. I really enjoyed learning how many calories it took to fuel your current lean mass at rest versus when you exercised. I loved the weekly WLG sessions plus having to calculate my bonus challenges.
I appreciate Kendra and Tracie for taking the time to teach my how do the workouts. I will never forget the firsts week, wondering what in the hell had I gotten myself into and I still have no clue what they are talking about. However, I keep coming back to almost every WLG 9:30 session and then on the other days, I would head to the gym. Thank you so much for this challenge I could have never done it without everyone support.
- Karen Talbott
I never went into this competition thinking that I was going to win. I went in the competition to have a structure and to be held accountable. I needed the weigh in days and to learn about my body. I could absolutely tell you my body weight since, I get on the scale every day. And I know that you should not do that but when I received my in body results that was shocking. I enjoyed learning how much of you is lean mass and how much is body fat. I really enjoyed learning how many calories it took to fuel your current lean mass at rest versus when you exercised. I loved the weekly WLG sessions plus having to calculate my bonus challenges.
I appreciate Kendra and Tracie for taking the time to teach my how do the workouts. I will never forget the firsts week, wondering what in the hell had I gotten myself into and I still have no clue what they are talking about. However, I keep coming back to almost every WLG 9:30 session and then on the other days, I would head to the gym. Thank you so much for this challenge I could have never done it without everyone support.
- Karen Talbott
KIM BERRY - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
I hadn’t done one of Kendra’s 3-month challenges in about a year. I was eating healthy most of the time and going to WLG classes 4 days a week. Over the holidays last year, I definitely let my good eating habits go a bit and ate ALL the carbs from Thanksgiving until the New Year. When Kendra announced the Summer Strong Challenge, I knew I needed something to motivate me and this was just the ticket!
I couldn’t wait to get started…there is something about the Challenge that gets me fired up! I love the meal plans and my family looks forward to the new recipes throughout the 3 months. It takes the guesswork out of what to eat and the food was amazing! I added a Saturday class to my weekday class routine and did most of the bonus workouts in the plan. Although I didn’t lose much weight during the challenge, the inches melted off…that was so motivating and kept me going.
The best thing about this Challenge is that you can be at any level of health/fitness and still improve in some aspect by the end…whether it’s to lose pounds, inches, bodyfat or just to get more energy, endurance or speed. Because I was at a pretty good fitness level and didn’t have lots of weight to lose, I had a lot of naysayers…”why are you doing a challenge”…”you don’t have any weight to lose”…”it’s not like you are going to win”…I was really just doing this for me because of the way I felt when I ate clean and exercised consistently, and when I placed in my age group I was thrilled! This is a “challenge” because to consistently eat well and exercise for 3 months takes some dedication…life happens…happy hours, parties, eating out…but sticking with it and seeing the results each month is worth it! Bring on summer!! #kimberry
- Kim Berry
I couldn’t wait to get started…there is something about the Challenge that gets me fired up! I love the meal plans and my family looks forward to the new recipes throughout the 3 months. It takes the guesswork out of what to eat and the food was amazing! I added a Saturday class to my weekday class routine and did most of the bonus workouts in the plan. Although I didn’t lose much weight during the challenge, the inches melted off…that was so motivating and kept me going.
The best thing about this Challenge is that you can be at any level of health/fitness and still improve in some aspect by the end…whether it’s to lose pounds, inches, bodyfat or just to get more energy, endurance or speed. Because I was at a pretty good fitness level and didn’t have lots of weight to lose, I had a lot of naysayers…”why are you doing a challenge”…”you don’t have any weight to lose”…”it’s not like you are going to win”…I was really just doing this for me because of the way I felt when I ate clean and exercised consistently, and when I placed in my age group I was thrilled! This is a “challenge” because to consistently eat well and exercise for 3 months takes some dedication…life happens…happy hours, parties, eating out…but sticking with it and seeing the results each month is worth it! Bring on summer!! #kimberry
- Kim Berry
RONDA RILEY - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
PRIZE: 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
My WLG challenge turned into a lifestyle change!
Let me tell you how the weight and inches piled on for years. I am 56 years old, a mom of 5 children and increased my inches and weight with each of them. But the worst part is they are now grown, with the oldest at 30 and youngest turning 18 soon and a lot of years to lose the “baby weight”, which NEVER happened. By this point I was always heavy and bigger than I wanted to be, and tried every fad diet around. My kids came first, and I was always rushing around from school/sports to family events eating whatever and whenever. I was injured in 2010 and as a result have a nerve problem that affects my foot/leg and limits what I can do physically now, again all reasons “why I can’t exercise or lose weight”. In the past few years I gained even more weight, using food and of course wine, as a stress reliever. My dad became sick and passed away in early Feb. 2016 and I was responsible for taking care of everything and helping my mom. Again, I chose food as my comfort zone. Then there was the ultimate final straw in my life and I said enough is enough!
I heard so much about WLG from others who were in my water class. Everyone said WLG was such an inspirational group and anyone could do it. I had a bit of fear of being too old and too out of shape to begin such a journey. But I really wanted to try it out. I was sick of shopping for clothes and having to buy what would fit, not what I would like to wear. My husband thought I would hurt myself. In fact he picked me up one day from it and saw everyone leaving. He said “you are too old for this, everyone is so much younger, they could be your kids/grandchildren”. But I kept on trying. The first class Kendra said “get a boster, boser or something like that for mountain climbers”. Like what the heck was that? I had to go home and look it up, oh, a bosu ball! One day it was we are doing the Devil’s Mile. It sounded horrible, but I wasn’t sure what we were going to do. But I did realize 10 minutes in that it was definitely horrible! I was always behind, in my own mind, in class trying to keep up with this great group of supportive women. Class number 10 was a breaking point for me. I finished the challenge! I can do this!
Half way through the class I could see a difference. I was losing inches, which I really wanted. Although in the past I just wanted to lose the pounds, I realized the inches were more noticeable and meant that I was gaining strength at the same time. The eating plans that Kendra provided were great and enable me to meal plan for the week. The trick about water intake helped a great deal. I used to drink 8 glasses a day. But in reality that wasn’t enough for someone with my original weight. Having faith in WLG didn’t make my challenge easy but it made my new lifestyle possible. I love my WLG support group, and love that modifications can be made while still getting the same level of difficulty in a workout. A lot of the group also mentioned trying yoga. They said it can help with mobility and flexibility so the WLG classes can be more attainable. So I jumped right in at Foundations Island Yoga and it did help my stiff joints. I can’t wait to see what my future challenges/new lifestyle have ready for me. I am so happy I found WLG, my only wish is that I wished I started sooner! I’m looking ahead and saying goodbye forever to all 19.2 inches!
- Ronda Riley
Let me tell you how the weight and inches piled on for years. I am 56 years old, a mom of 5 children and increased my inches and weight with each of them. But the worst part is they are now grown, with the oldest at 30 and youngest turning 18 soon and a lot of years to lose the “baby weight”, which NEVER happened. By this point I was always heavy and bigger than I wanted to be, and tried every fad diet around. My kids came first, and I was always rushing around from school/sports to family events eating whatever and whenever. I was injured in 2010 and as a result have a nerve problem that affects my foot/leg and limits what I can do physically now, again all reasons “why I can’t exercise or lose weight”. In the past few years I gained even more weight, using food and of course wine, as a stress reliever. My dad became sick and passed away in early Feb. 2016 and I was responsible for taking care of everything and helping my mom. Again, I chose food as my comfort zone. Then there was the ultimate final straw in my life and I said enough is enough!
I heard so much about WLG from others who were in my water class. Everyone said WLG was such an inspirational group and anyone could do it. I had a bit of fear of being too old and too out of shape to begin such a journey. But I really wanted to try it out. I was sick of shopping for clothes and having to buy what would fit, not what I would like to wear. My husband thought I would hurt myself. In fact he picked me up one day from it and saw everyone leaving. He said “you are too old for this, everyone is so much younger, they could be your kids/grandchildren”. But I kept on trying. The first class Kendra said “get a boster, boser or something like that for mountain climbers”. Like what the heck was that? I had to go home and look it up, oh, a bosu ball! One day it was we are doing the Devil’s Mile. It sounded horrible, but I wasn’t sure what we were going to do. But I did realize 10 minutes in that it was definitely horrible! I was always behind, in my own mind, in class trying to keep up with this great group of supportive women. Class number 10 was a breaking point for me. I finished the challenge! I can do this!
Half way through the class I could see a difference. I was losing inches, which I really wanted. Although in the past I just wanted to lose the pounds, I realized the inches were more noticeable and meant that I was gaining strength at the same time. The eating plans that Kendra provided were great and enable me to meal plan for the week. The trick about water intake helped a great deal. I used to drink 8 glasses a day. But in reality that wasn’t enough for someone with my original weight. Having faith in WLG didn’t make my challenge easy but it made my new lifestyle possible. I love my WLG support group, and love that modifications can be made while still getting the same level of difficulty in a workout. A lot of the group also mentioned trying yoga. They said it can help with mobility and flexibility so the WLG classes can be more attainable. So I jumped right in at Foundations Island Yoga and it did help my stiff joints. I can’t wait to see what my future challenges/new lifestyle have ready for me. I am so happy I found WLG, my only wish is that I wished I started sooner! I’m looking ahead and saying goodbye forever to all 19.2 inches!
- Ronda Riley
BELLE SAMPSON - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
WEIGHT LOST: 7 lbs
INCHES LOST: 14 INCHES
INCHES LOST: 14 INCHES
SHELLEY HILLYER - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
PRIZE: 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
Wow! Another 12 week challenge in the books for me! As always, I enjoyed all the challenge had to offer: classes, bonus workouts, meal plans (my favorite thing), support, camaraderie and competition. This was my sixth challenge and honestly, exercise, drinking lots of water and following the 80/20 rule or better with clean and healthy eating has just become a way of life. I guess you can call it the standard of practice in the Hillyer household. I have educated a lot of my friends, family and coworkers about this way of life and I have even convinced some of my friends to join the challenge with me…congrats Belle!! Thank you WLG! Here’s to a great summer! Looking forward to seeing all of you at SPIN class!!
- Shelley Hillyer
- Shelley Hillyer