GRAND PRIZE WINNER - MARIE MULLOY
ONE YEAR UNLIMITED WLG/C3 TRAINING (retail value $1,600)
PLUS 4 Sessions of Emsculpt at Bella Rose Medispa (retail value $3600)
PLUS Customized Style Session with Lauren Clough at Hope Boutique!
Consultation, style session, hair, make-up, and photo session with the BEST local talent on the Shore!
PLUS Kovach Chiropractic & Wellness Center consultation with exam, Foot Scan,
Body Pillow, Sombram, Pro Enz and Ice Pack (retail $320)
PLUS 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $85)
PLUS 5 FREE Spray Tans with added bronzers and scents with Island Sun Tanning Salon (retail value $150)
or one FREE Month Membership (value $185)
PLUS 4 Sessions of Emsculpt at Bella Rose Medispa (retail value $3600)
PLUS Customized Style Session with Lauren Clough at Hope Boutique!
Consultation, style session, hair, make-up, and photo session with the BEST local talent on the Shore!
PLUS Kovach Chiropractic & Wellness Center consultation with exam, Foot Scan,
Body Pillow, Sombram, Pro Enz and Ice Pack (retail $320)
PLUS 60 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $85)
PLUS 5 FREE Spray Tans with added bronzers and scents with Island Sun Tanning Salon (retail value $150)
or one FREE Month Membership (value $185)
MARIE'S CHALLENGE EXPERIENCE IN HER OWN WORDS
“Athlete,” “Coach,” and “Team,” are all words that speak to my heart as a kid who grew up playing sports. ESPC is not just any old gym and the Workout Like A Girl (WLG) Summer Strong Challenge isn’t just any old game to win at. They are ALL THE THINGS – fitness, nutrition, guidance/educators, motivators, limit pushers, community, support, and so much more when it comes to elevating individuals willing to put in the work to achieve success with their health and fitness goals……. they’re BIG LEAGUE in sports talk.
2020 Summer Strong Challenge Personal Take-aways:
Following on much personal success with WLG’s 2020 January reset diet, I was already hooked, and I knew there was no way I was not going to do the 2020 Summer Strong Challenge. I had to further explore my potential with ESPC’s offerings. Like many others, my personal journey included some major pivots to adapt to a new norm brought to us by the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, I was forced to learn new ways, which also encouraged me to try some new things out.
Due to my pre-pandemic work arrangements, I was not an ESPC monthly member, but at that point, I was a 2-month regular to the Saturday WLG class. I was coasting in my norm until the pandemic hit and then we were asked to stay home. I was trying my best to do what I know with I what I had, but I found myself feeling idle. I mean I knew my own personal workouts were nowhere near as intense as what I was doing at a WLG class with Coach Kendra. Committing to a monthly membership seemed risky when I didn’t know if I would have to return to my DC office in a week or two, but while sitting idle, part of me couldn’t help but think and be bothered by the thought of the edge up the others who were competing in the Summer Strong Challenge and that were members would have over me and that was enough to push me over. Aside from the long duration of the stay at home orders, I am still so glad I made the decision to commit because what I learned is that it wasn’t just a matter of purchasing workout classes at a gym, but you’re joining a community and within that, acquiring a vast array of resources from knowledge and other athletes. The ability to rent gym equipment from ESPC when you couldn’t buy any anywhere in conjunction with the live classes online and playback feature was an absolute game-changer! I would not have had the success I did if those resources were not made available to me.
In my 37 years of life, NOTHING has worked for me and I’m incredibly thankful for what ESPC offers to athletes to better themselves! When I started the 12-week Summer Strong Challenge, I simply wanted to see if I could continue progressing. I was particularly interested in the Nutrition Accountability Meetings to help me better understand why what I was doing was working for me. On the one hand, I’d think, “I wonder if I’m just going to hear more eat healthy and exercise jargon” and “what could I possibly learn that I don’t already know,” but I still joined every session because part of me wanted to remain open and I kept hope that I would learn some new golden nugget of info that would be THE THING/the trick/or magic that would work for me. While the meetings were not 60-minutes of all new knowledge to me, every session I did learn something and in hindsight, I see these were the building blocks I needed to get me where I am today.
A few weeks in, I started seeing posts from others putting up big numbers of pounds and inches lost and to be honest, from them on, I NEVER thought I stood a chance at being able to compete for the grand prize, but I didn’t want to check out so I decided to make my focus on the Transformation prize. My personal journey was filled with dabbling with increasing my calories to gain muscle, a miserable and unsuccessful “cut” experience (I removed all starchy carbs from my diet with the intention and hope that I would shred some weight to show off my newly earned muscle), and evaluating my macros to better fuel my body during peaks and plateaus and make nutritionally valuable tradeoffs.
My motivation to get healthy always starts out with a vision of what I want to look like because usually at the time, I am far from it. Knowing that you must move your body and eat right, I just began going through the motions. The motions then became mindless habits until one day I took notice to how great I felt and somewhere in between, the thought of or drive to look a particular way was lost. But, the perk of doing things that make your body feel good is that they tend to help make you look good too so eventually my body started taking shape and at that point, it just felt like the cherry on my sundae. I was feeling great and looking healthier; win-win! I’d like to highlight too that I’m not the fastest, nor am I the strongest. I often eye rolled at Evan’s suggested weight in C3 (thank goodness for camera fuzziness on Zoom), but I just tried a little every day at giving it what I had. And now that the challenge has ended, not too much has really changed in what I do given that I made a concerted effort to create a maintainable schedule and rhythm for myself. My plan going forward is to stick to the plan because it just feels too damn good now to go back to not feeling good!
In summary, ESPC’s Workout Like A Girl 2020 Summer Strong Challenge was a great platform to help me learn and grow. I highly recommend the challenges to anyone who really wants to push their health and fitness goals and to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities that ESPC offers, to include participating in the extra programs even if you think you won’t learn something or that it’s “not your thing.” Try it. I’m extremely appreciative of everyone in the ESPC community who keep going, keep me going, keep me motivated, and keep raising the hustle! Thank you all!
- Marie Mulloy
2020 Summer Strong Challenge Personal Take-aways:
- Listen to Kendra (#inkendraitrust) and listen to your body so that you can pivot when needed
- Leave yourself open to learn, explore the why and try, try, try
- You don’t have to be miserable to achieve your fitness goals
- You don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest; consistency counts for something
Following on much personal success with WLG’s 2020 January reset diet, I was already hooked, and I knew there was no way I was not going to do the 2020 Summer Strong Challenge. I had to further explore my potential with ESPC’s offerings. Like many others, my personal journey included some major pivots to adapt to a new norm brought to us by the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, I was forced to learn new ways, which also encouraged me to try some new things out.
Due to my pre-pandemic work arrangements, I was not an ESPC monthly member, but at that point, I was a 2-month regular to the Saturday WLG class. I was coasting in my norm until the pandemic hit and then we were asked to stay home. I was trying my best to do what I know with I what I had, but I found myself feeling idle. I mean I knew my own personal workouts were nowhere near as intense as what I was doing at a WLG class with Coach Kendra. Committing to a monthly membership seemed risky when I didn’t know if I would have to return to my DC office in a week or two, but while sitting idle, part of me couldn’t help but think and be bothered by the thought of the edge up the others who were competing in the Summer Strong Challenge and that were members would have over me and that was enough to push me over. Aside from the long duration of the stay at home orders, I am still so glad I made the decision to commit because what I learned is that it wasn’t just a matter of purchasing workout classes at a gym, but you’re joining a community and within that, acquiring a vast array of resources from knowledge and other athletes. The ability to rent gym equipment from ESPC when you couldn’t buy any anywhere in conjunction with the live classes online and playback feature was an absolute game-changer! I would not have had the success I did if those resources were not made available to me.
In my 37 years of life, NOTHING has worked for me and I’m incredibly thankful for what ESPC offers to athletes to better themselves! When I started the 12-week Summer Strong Challenge, I simply wanted to see if I could continue progressing. I was particularly interested in the Nutrition Accountability Meetings to help me better understand why what I was doing was working for me. On the one hand, I’d think, “I wonder if I’m just going to hear more eat healthy and exercise jargon” and “what could I possibly learn that I don’t already know,” but I still joined every session because part of me wanted to remain open and I kept hope that I would learn some new golden nugget of info that would be THE THING/the trick/or magic that would work for me. While the meetings were not 60-minutes of all new knowledge to me, every session I did learn something and in hindsight, I see these were the building blocks I needed to get me where I am today.
A few weeks in, I started seeing posts from others putting up big numbers of pounds and inches lost and to be honest, from them on, I NEVER thought I stood a chance at being able to compete for the grand prize, but I didn’t want to check out so I decided to make my focus on the Transformation prize. My personal journey was filled with dabbling with increasing my calories to gain muscle, a miserable and unsuccessful “cut” experience (I removed all starchy carbs from my diet with the intention and hope that I would shred some weight to show off my newly earned muscle), and evaluating my macros to better fuel my body during peaks and plateaus and make nutritionally valuable tradeoffs.
My motivation to get healthy always starts out with a vision of what I want to look like because usually at the time, I am far from it. Knowing that you must move your body and eat right, I just began going through the motions. The motions then became mindless habits until one day I took notice to how great I felt and somewhere in between, the thought of or drive to look a particular way was lost. But, the perk of doing things that make your body feel good is that they tend to help make you look good too so eventually my body started taking shape and at that point, it just felt like the cherry on my sundae. I was feeling great and looking healthier; win-win! I’d like to highlight too that I’m not the fastest, nor am I the strongest. I often eye rolled at Evan’s suggested weight in C3 (thank goodness for camera fuzziness on Zoom), but I just tried a little every day at giving it what I had. And now that the challenge has ended, not too much has really changed in what I do given that I made a concerted effort to create a maintainable schedule and rhythm for myself. My plan going forward is to stick to the plan because it just feels too damn good now to go back to not feeling good!
In summary, ESPC’s Workout Like A Girl 2020 Summer Strong Challenge was a great platform to help me learn and grow. I highly recommend the challenges to anyone who really wants to push their health and fitness goals and to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities that ESPC offers, to include participating in the extra programs even if you think you won’t learn something or that it’s “not your thing.” Try it. I’m extremely appreciative of everyone in the ESPC community who keep going, keep me going, keep me motivated, and keep raising the hustle! Thank you all!
- Marie Mulloy
LISA FOLLUM - 2ND PLACE OVERALL
When I signed up to participate in February, I seriously had no confidence that I was going to stick with the program. Though you see that putting yourself first, great meal plans, great trainers and staff, most of all a support system, it made the challenge less difficult and definitely doable!
My goal was not to place but a true win was to develop a life-style change. I wanted to be taught and learn how I can be a healthier version of myself. Each day of the challenge, I felt the change happening every day. I felt better, slept better, ate better, drank the water, did not feel deprived, scale moved, measurement decreased, clothing fit better, most of all a mindset change!!!
We all faced challenges with COVID that truly interrupted all our lives, family lives, businesses, and our ability to go to the gym for the one on one and group training, which really has SUCKED. I was looking forward to the classes and how they could enhance my training and results. I am not the best at the virtual/online training. As soon as classes begin again I am looking forward to attending.
Since the challenge I have continued to drink my water, follow the meal plan, exercise every day, walk a 3k a day, and put my health first. Am I where I want to be NO. Am I headed in the right direction YES. I would like to thank Kendra and her amazing staff, all the fellow members, and looking forward to the future challenges.
- Lisa Follum
My goal was not to place but a true win was to develop a life-style change. I wanted to be taught and learn how I can be a healthier version of myself. Each day of the challenge, I felt the change happening every day. I felt better, slept better, ate better, drank the water, did not feel deprived, scale moved, measurement decreased, clothing fit better, most of all a mindset change!!!
We all faced challenges with COVID that truly interrupted all our lives, family lives, businesses, and our ability to go to the gym for the one on one and group training, which really has SUCKED. I was looking forward to the classes and how they could enhance my training and results. I am not the best at the virtual/online training. As soon as classes begin again I am looking forward to attending.
Since the challenge I have continued to drink my water, follow the meal plan, exercise every day, walk a 3k a day, and put my health first. Am I where I want to be NO. Am I headed in the right direction YES. I would like to thank Kendra and her amazing staff, all the fellow members, and looking forward to the future challenges.
- Lisa Follum
JENNIFER LOH - 3RD PLACE OVERALL
Another one down and wow was this one different. How do you emerge from quarantine and not have gained weight....you do the WLG 12 Week Challenge!
This was literally the only thing that kept me on track. I knew I needed to get the workout in. I knew that every drink I had would count against me. I knew that my friends were doing what they were supposed to. See that’s the key for me, ACCOUNTABILITY.
We all had to find a new normal. A normal that consisted of not being able to go to the gym. A normal that included homeschooling. A normal that our family breadwinner was now not making any money. The normal of going to work scared I would bring the virus home to my babies. The only reason I didn’t fail was ACCOUNTABILITY.
Although I don’t follow meal plans I do make sure I get good nutrition which for me is Isagenix. I made sure I completed every bonus and got a sweat on each day. It was hard. There were days I want to quit but being accountable to someone else held me accountable to the real person who matters....ME.
- Jennifer Loh
This was literally the only thing that kept me on track. I knew I needed to get the workout in. I knew that every drink I had would count against me. I knew that my friends were doing what they were supposed to. See that’s the key for me, ACCOUNTABILITY.
We all had to find a new normal. A normal that consisted of not being able to go to the gym. A normal that included homeschooling. A normal that our family breadwinner was now not making any money. The normal of going to work scared I would bring the virus home to my babies. The only reason I didn’t fail was ACCOUNTABILITY.
Although I don’t follow meal plans I do make sure I get good nutrition which for me is Isagenix. I made sure I completed every bonus and got a sweat on each day. It was hard. There were days I want to quit but being accountable to someone else held me accountable to the real person who matters....ME.
- Jennifer Loh
TRANSFORMATION PRIZES
DESTINY COLLIE - 1ST PLACE (AGES 16-34)
The past few years, I fell into a very dark place. My boyfriend and I had a series of very unfortunate life events. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it took a toll of both my mental health and physical health. I was not taking care of myself either which did not make it any better. I would try different diets or workouts and always fell off the bandwagon early on because NOTHING seemed to work for me. I was at a point and I vividly remember thinking to myself “why even try anymore? I’ve gained too much, and I’m too far gone.”
Luckily, I have a few wonderful ladies in my life that have done Workout Like A Girl for several years and had been talking to me about it. I ended up doing the 100 Miles in January Challenge and when I started, I thought I lost my mind. It ended up being my get away from life. My time to escape. Something I looked forward to doing for myself. And it got to be addicting! When this 12 Week Summer Challenge was announced for this year, I thought about joining but hate spending money on myself. Especially when I haven’t had much success before. With some convincing from my boyfriend who knew I really wanted to do it, I ended up joining with my little tribe and am so incredibly thankful that I did.
To say it has been easy would be a lie. The second week of the challenge, a freaking pandemic hit! I now joke that when I decided to get myself together, the world fell apart. But in all seriousness, this group of badass ladies helped me through it, and I owe it all to them. I managed to be more conscious of what I am putting in my body and maintaining a balance between good and bad. I genuinely believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it. And if that isn’t convincing, just try it. What do you have to lose? You get so much support and motivation from these ladies, no one is judging you, this is your safe place. This isn’t just a workout program, it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. P.S. it does feel pretty amazing to put clothes on and notice the extra room in them!
- Destiny Collie
Luckily, I have a few wonderful ladies in my life that have done Workout Like A Girl for several years and had been talking to me about it. I ended up doing the 100 Miles in January Challenge and when I started, I thought I lost my mind. It ended up being my get away from life. My time to escape. Something I looked forward to doing for myself. And it got to be addicting! When this 12 Week Summer Challenge was announced for this year, I thought about joining but hate spending money on myself. Especially when I haven’t had much success before. With some convincing from my boyfriend who knew I really wanted to do it, I ended up joining with my little tribe and am so incredibly thankful that I did.
To say it has been easy would be a lie. The second week of the challenge, a freaking pandemic hit! I now joke that when I decided to get myself together, the world fell apart. But in all seriousness, this group of badass ladies helped me through it, and I owe it all to them. I managed to be more conscious of what I am putting in my body and maintaining a balance between good and bad. I genuinely believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it. And if that isn’t convincing, just try it. What do you have to lose? You get so much support and motivation from these ladies, no one is judging you, this is your safe place. This isn’t just a workout program, it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. P.S. it does feel pretty amazing to put clothes on and notice the extra room in them!
- Destiny Collie
KAITLIN HORVATH - 2ND PLACE (AGES 16-34)
I had never been to WLG before, but I had heard so many great things about it and seen amazing results from previous challengers. I saw the Summer Strong challenge pop up and felt like it was the perfect choice for me. I had 3 months right before summer work got crazy and I was determined to get myself in the best shape ever! I tried out the different classes and found that C3 was my jam. I love a schedule and I felt like the challenge really played into my affinity for checklists and also didn’t mean having to overhaul my whole life to make it work.
And then a pandemic happened. At first I was still feeling good. I got the WLG online workouts, I was doing my best to stay on track with eating right and working out at home. I had plenty of time to do what I needed to do, but as we approached month 3 I tanked. The scale wasn’t budging. I didn’t see the change I wanted to see in the mirror. I NEED to workout with other people to stay motivated and be held accountable. This was supposed to be a big transformation for me and it just wasn’t happening. I felt so defeated.
I kept it together just enough the make it to the finish line. I wasn’t trying very hard, I was giving myself lots of leeway, and I was looking forward to it all being over so I could mourn my challenge. I went for my final InBody testing with no hope. I analyzed the results and actually saw way more change than I had thought. It might not look like it in the mirror but I was getting healthier and stronger. Slowly. The lifestyle changes I learned will allow me to be a healthier version of myself and I never felt deprived during this challenge. I enjoyed the format so much that I got myself a journal to keep tracking. I can’t wait to be back in the gym!
- Kaitlin Horvath
And then a pandemic happened. At first I was still feeling good. I got the WLG online workouts, I was doing my best to stay on track with eating right and working out at home. I had plenty of time to do what I needed to do, but as we approached month 3 I tanked. The scale wasn’t budging. I didn’t see the change I wanted to see in the mirror. I NEED to workout with other people to stay motivated and be held accountable. This was supposed to be a big transformation for me and it just wasn’t happening. I felt so defeated.
I kept it together just enough the make it to the finish line. I wasn’t trying very hard, I was giving myself lots of leeway, and I was looking forward to it all being over so I could mourn my challenge. I went for my final InBody testing with no hope. I analyzed the results and actually saw way more change than I had thought. It might not look like it in the mirror but I was getting healthier and stronger. Slowly. The lifestyle changes I learned will allow me to be a healthier version of myself and I never felt deprived during this challenge. I enjoyed the format so much that I got myself a journal to keep tracking. I can’t wait to be back in the gym!
- Kaitlin Horvath
BRITTANY CLARENCE - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 16-34)
My story, nothing amazing or crazy when it comes to numbers but getting self worth back, making time for me, feeling stronger again, that is the best part of this challenge.
I went into this challenge, after a year of house work, injuries, life in general, and decided new year, let’s get back on track!! Then what we all didn’t see coming (at first) came, Covid and fear, anxiety, and working from home with the kids. Great, working from home and the constant access to food & kid snacks (will power had to step up). Then ESPC started providing online/zoom classes and I knew I needed it. The first couple weeks home with a 5 & 3 year while balancing work and worry of all going on, tested me on all kind of levels.
Taking that time to just sweat it out, helped reduce the stress and refresh my perspective. It is so important to take that time for yourself and not feel guilty. So many of my workouts the kids are joining in or watching me and I hope they are proud. I’ve gained strength back, endurance, and the ability to do more than 5 burpees without dying. I didn’t lose much but what I gained was so much more and I cannot thank Kendra, Evan, and all those that participated and help with the virtual classes.
- Brittany Clarence
I went into this challenge, after a year of house work, injuries, life in general, and decided new year, let’s get back on track!! Then what we all didn’t see coming (at first) came, Covid and fear, anxiety, and working from home with the kids. Great, working from home and the constant access to food & kid snacks (will power had to step up). Then ESPC started providing online/zoom classes and I knew I needed it. The first couple weeks home with a 5 & 3 year while balancing work and worry of all going on, tested me on all kind of levels.
Taking that time to just sweat it out, helped reduce the stress and refresh my perspective. It is so important to take that time for yourself and not feel guilty. So many of my workouts the kids are joining in or watching me and I hope they are proud. I’ve gained strength back, endurance, and the ability to do more than 5 burpees without dying. I didn’t lose much but what I gained was so much more and I cannot thank Kendra, Evan, and all those that participated and help with the virtual classes.
- Brittany Clarence
TERESA HENDERSON - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-49)
I am feeling very grateful for everything ESPC has brought to me. It has been many years since I was an athlete (or pretended I still was). I let life, stress, babies, etc, to get in my way. I've restarted my fitness journey many times over the years. I always let excuses eventually take over: Insomnia, kids, work, anxiety, stress, exhaustion, etc. I let myself get so unhealthy, I was scared to even attempt to get back to healthy. I took a chance and bought a Black Friday deal I saw for classes at ESPC and showed up ready to go for my first spin class! I didn't make it through and had to take a break halfway through because I almost barfed. But the kindness I felt from Andrea and everyone in the class to keep going made me come back.
Then I ventured into my first WLG class like a deer in headlights with Coach Tracie. Every single person in that gym helped and encouraged me, and I distinctly remember Sandi (another athlete) showing me through every move that day. Everyone, every day since has done the same. I was so scared to look silly and out of shape, but ESPC has created such a kind and welcoming place for every single ability. I could never have stayed on track on my or a different environment, and I'm so excited to keep it going.
- Teresa Henderson
Then I ventured into my first WLG class like a deer in headlights with Coach Tracie. Every single person in that gym helped and encouraged me, and I distinctly remember Sandi (another athlete) showing me through every move that day. Everyone, every day since has done the same. I was so scared to look silly and out of shape, but ESPC has created such a kind and welcoming place for every single ability. I could never have stayed on track on my or a different environment, and I'm so excited to keep it going.
- Teresa Henderson
MARISSA SMALL - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
8lbs. LOST, 12 inches LOST, 1.7% bodyfat LOST
CANDICE SCHMIDT - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 35-50)
I’ll start by saying the transformation photo is not from this challenge alone but from my first challenge last year to the end of this one. This process has been slow and steady for the past year and five months. The challenges through the WLG program have not ended at 12 weeks for me. They have proven to be a lifestyle change. Accountability and consistency have been the keys to my success. Honestly, I almost did not attend final weigh in because I was disappointed that I did not do what I set out to do. But then I realized, I did. I exercised everyday and ate pretty healthy. If I drank some vodka or ate some chips I took the deduction and worked a little harder the next day. I have tried many different weight loss “diets” and joined lots of gyms. I yo-yo with my weight and I end back up where I started with few extra pounds. Over the last year and half I have lost a little over 30 pounds, gone down 4 dress sizes and I feel strong. I was a walker in the beginning and during this challenge I ran a whole 5k. I did not walk it at all!!! I went from an 18-minute mile to a 10-minute mile. I can do sit ups like it's nobody’s business. And best of all, I impress my son!! He can’t believe how fast I can jump rope or that I can keep up with him running. That is what makes me feel like a winner.
As I said earlier I have joined gyms and followed weight loss programs. Never have I had the results that I am getting with WLG.
Joining ESPC has been my healthiest lifestyle investment! I work a lot and I love that I can now participate in online classes because the class times don’t always fit into my schedule. That was a game changer and the reason I changed my session passes to a monthly membership! The coaches push you to try harder and recognize when you are doing your best. I love that all the athletes work so hard during each class. It really inspires me to keep going. I feel great when I leave the gym or finish an online class. I think of each challenge as a new phase for myself and I am excited for the next challenge to see what that brings.
- Candice Schmidt
As I said earlier I have joined gyms and followed weight loss programs. Never have I had the results that I am getting with WLG.
Joining ESPC has been my healthiest lifestyle investment! I work a lot and I love that I can now participate in online classes because the class times don’t always fit into my schedule. That was a game changer and the reason I changed my session passes to a monthly membership! The coaches push you to try harder and recognize when you are doing your best. I love that all the athletes work so hard during each class. It really inspires me to keep going. I feel great when I leave the gym or finish an online class. I think of each challenge as a new phase for myself and I am excited for the next challenge to see what that brings.
- Candice Schmidt
GRETCHEN STUECKER - 1ST PLACE WINNER (AGES 50+)
My name is Gretchen Stuecker and would like to share my Why’s in going to WLG/ESPC and joining the 90 day challenge. EVERY SINGLE CLASS IS DIFFERENT AND IT’S JUST FUN! The Challenge helped build behaviors of exercising 6 days per week & reinforced healthy eating habits. (Love getting back into my favorite jeans J) The time with my core friends along with the new friendships created are priceless. I really like how everyone supports each other and it’s always about doing YOUR best. It’s a Gift I give myself.
This Challenge has been different because of Coronavirus restrictions. I jumped right in to the Challenge taking C3 with Adam the first few weeks and then got the word that gyms were closing. Thank goodness for my friend Debbie O’Malley who kept us moving every day until we could got back to outdoor classes with ESPC. Logging water intake, food, exercise and deductions also helped.
I’d like to wrap up by expressing my sincere gratitude to a few folks. First, my wonderful friend Debbie O’Malley who signed up with me for the Challenge, printed the menus, reminded me of classes, got me moving every day, held me accountable & encouraged me along the way. (I haven’t figured out how to get her to actually do the physical work!) Next, my husband and kids for the positive reinforcement. And lastly, Kendra Eichler for creating a business that continues to evolve, hiring fantastic instructors, providing technology to keep us engaged and making each of us feel loved.
- Gretchen Stuecker
This Challenge has been different because of Coronavirus restrictions. I jumped right in to the Challenge taking C3 with Adam the first few weeks and then got the word that gyms were closing. Thank goodness for my friend Debbie O’Malley who kept us moving every day until we could got back to outdoor classes with ESPC. Logging water intake, food, exercise and deductions also helped.
I’d like to wrap up by expressing my sincere gratitude to a few folks. First, my wonderful friend Debbie O’Malley who signed up with me for the Challenge, printed the menus, reminded me of classes, got me moving every day, held me accountable & encouraged me along the way. (I haven’t figured out how to get her to actually do the physical work!) Next, my husband and kids for the positive reinforcement. And lastly, Kendra Eichler for creating a business that continues to evolve, hiring fantastic instructors, providing technology to keep us engaged and making each of us feel loved.
- Gretchen Stuecker
DEBBIE O'MALLEY - 2ND PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
I had taken a break from WLG and not for any other reason other than I got lazy and fell into that “I will do it tomorrow” and tomorrow always turned into the next day and so on. When the 2020 Summer Strong Challenge was posted I was ready but I was also scared because I had gotten out of the routine and also embarrassed that I had gained weight. It only took maybe 2-3 classes under my belt and I was feeling good, happy to be back like I had never left. I promised myself I would stick to this challenge and I did it by following these steps:
1. Keeping Sweets out of the House
Remove temptation! If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it. My first big step was cleaning out the pantry and the freezer.
2. Having a Workout “Buddy”
Working out with a friend sounds like a good idea in the beginning. Problem is...it usually doesn’t last! You can’t afford to drop off just because your buddy can’t make it to a workout right…. Gretchen Stuecker and I made a commitment to each other to hold each other accountable and that’s exactly what we did!
3. Eating Before Bed
Eating dinner right before bed is one of the worst things you can do. Your body doesn’t have enough time to process the food and that’s how you put on weight. I always try to eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
4. Not Drinking Enough Water
I use to be really bad about not drinking enough water. I realized a lot of the time when I thought I was hungry...I was just thirsty! I made it a point to stay hydrated and purchased a water bottle off Amazon that lists the time of day (8am, 10 am, 12pm, 2,4,6 and 8pm) which made it easier for me to drink.
Of course no one would have thought we would have had to come to a halt when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit and actually it really didn’t slow us down ESPC/WLG reached out to everyone with so many options (virtual classes, equipment loaner program, etc.) Kendra would post works outs, daily motivational videos on FB that would keep us motivated as well as the weekly menu and work outs for the challenge participants so we had options.
Overall I feel so much better physically, I still have some more work to do and with the help and support of ESPC I will get it done. I look forward to waking up and heading out to the ESO class with LaneAnn and or Tracie it makes my day! So incredible thankful for Kendra and Evan and all the coaches of ESPC xoxoxo
- Debbie O'Malley
1. Keeping Sweets out of the House
Remove temptation! If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it. My first big step was cleaning out the pantry and the freezer.
2. Having a Workout “Buddy”
Working out with a friend sounds like a good idea in the beginning. Problem is...it usually doesn’t last! You can’t afford to drop off just because your buddy can’t make it to a workout right…. Gretchen Stuecker and I made a commitment to each other to hold each other accountable and that’s exactly what we did!
3. Eating Before Bed
Eating dinner right before bed is one of the worst things you can do. Your body doesn’t have enough time to process the food and that’s how you put on weight. I always try to eat at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
4. Not Drinking Enough Water
I use to be really bad about not drinking enough water. I realized a lot of the time when I thought I was hungry...I was just thirsty! I made it a point to stay hydrated and purchased a water bottle off Amazon that lists the time of day (8am, 10 am, 12pm, 2,4,6 and 8pm) which made it easier for me to drink.
Of course no one would have thought we would have had to come to a halt when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit and actually it really didn’t slow us down ESPC/WLG reached out to everyone with so many options (virtual classes, equipment loaner program, etc.) Kendra would post works outs, daily motivational videos on FB that would keep us motivated as well as the weekly menu and work outs for the challenge participants so we had options.
Overall I feel so much better physically, I still have some more work to do and with the help and support of ESPC I will get it done. I look forward to waking up and heading out to the ESO class with LaneAnn and or Tracie it makes my day! So incredible thankful for Kendra and Evan and all the coaches of ESPC xoxoxo
- Debbie O'Malley
THERESE LEWIS - 3RD PLACE WINNER (AGES 51-70)
Not sure where to begin except that once again I found myself heavier than I had been and unhappy about the weight gain and the way it made me feel and look. Fortunately workout like a girl had a new Summer Challenge and I decided to go for it! My sister's wedding was coming up and I wanted to look the best I could!
I joined, I also talked my niece (my sister's daughter and her maid of honor) to do it with me. It was nice to have a partner who shared in the same goal. We were determined to be "wedding ready" by the end of April. There was nothing that was going to get in the way! We were ready! We had our food plan and planned to work out together!! We went to the gym a few times and we're each other's cheerleaders!
THEN COVID19 happened!! This made for a completely new challenge!! It bring a lot of new life stresses and worries. Life As We Knew It it's not the same! We could no longer be together at the gym and were quarantined in our homes! Fortunately, we still had support from Kendra and the other coaches at work at like a girl! They continued to provide support throughout the whole challenge! So ... I decided to make "lemonade out of lemons".
12 weeks later I found myself not only 15 pounds down but third place winner in my age group! I feel so blessed to have been apart of this challenge. Fortunately, my sister still had her beautiful wedding in North Carolina. I was able to look and feel my best once again with the help of Workout Like A Girl And not letting life get in the way!
- Therese Lewis
I joined, I also talked my niece (my sister's daughter and her maid of honor) to do it with me. It was nice to have a partner who shared in the same goal. We were determined to be "wedding ready" by the end of April. There was nothing that was going to get in the way! We were ready! We had our food plan and planned to work out together!! We went to the gym a few times and we're each other's cheerleaders!
THEN COVID19 happened!! This made for a completely new challenge!! It bring a lot of new life stresses and worries. Life As We Knew It it's not the same! We could no longer be together at the gym and were quarantined in our homes! Fortunately, we still had support from Kendra and the other coaches at work at like a girl! They continued to provide support throughout the whole challenge! So ... I decided to make "lemonade out of lemons".
12 weeks later I found myself not only 15 pounds down but third place winner in my age group! I feel so blessed to have been apart of this challenge. Fortunately, my sister still had her beautiful wedding in North Carolina. I was able to look and feel my best once again with the help of Workout Like A Girl And not letting life get in the way!
- Therese Lewis