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I first learned about The Challenge around a year ago when Dr Ian and The Tour came to St Louis. I heard about The Tour and concert that day and made the decision to drive downtown to attend the event. It wasn't until the first of the year that I got SERIOUS! I saw a picture of myself at my line sister's birthday party and I realized that I looked 8 months pregnant although my baby was already 13 months old!
I had already joined Weight Watchers at Work 2 months prior and managed to actually loose 4 pounds over the holiday season, instead of gaining. I was learning how to eat correctly and realized I had to kick in the exercise if I wanted to really see results. I am a wife, the mother of a toddler, a homeowner, a manager who works full time and very active in my church. I had to figure out how to fit exercise into my other responsibilities! My solution was to prioritize and exercise in the morning BEFORE going to work; therefore, I have no excuses to miss my workouts.
I signed up with a personal trainer at the gym near my home that I was already a member of. I also got a friend to sign up with me to keep the costs down and to work together to motivate each other. I now get up at 5 a.m. every weekday morning, and 8 a.m. Saturday mornings, and spend 45 mins-1 hour at the gym 5 days a week. I take step class, weight lifting class, spinning class, boot camp class, or do cardio and circuit training on my own or with the personal trainer. I work out and then come home, get myself dressed for work, finish getting my daughter ready for daycare (my husband gets her breakfast, bath, and clothes on) and we head out the door.
I found that I like being a part of a community and had to find a variety of activities that I enjoy, such as classes at a gym. I need accountability and I have to track my progress, logging what I eat, how much I exercise, and how much I weigh every day. It is very satisfying for me to SEE the progress and that motivates me to continue to make good choices. When I have a bad day or week, I just get up and get back on track, like the righteous woman God created me to be!
I recently stopped working with the trainer and I have lost 28 pounds and 7% body fat since the first of the year. My trainer took before and after pictures of me and I was very happy with what I saw in the photos this time! I have 25 more pounds to lose to meet my goal. I know I will make it with God's help and all of the amazing support I have from my husband, friends, co-workers, and Weight Watchers. It really is a community effort.
Comments (21)
I just want to know how can i lose my weight in about 2 month or so because i am just only 20 but about to be 21 so i would like to look good for only in my life....
Posted by Kimberly Williams | October 29, 2008 4:34 PM
Posted on October 29, 2008 16:34
Hello Rhonda!
Yes you look really great. My first time starting out, I been trying to lose weight now for years and it has been really hard for me to do, but like another reader stated seeing your progress is like ok if she can do it hey I can do sooo GOOD LUCK!
Posted by Jeanette | October 8, 2008 12:49 PM
Posted on October 8, 2008 12:49
Hello Rhonda, I would also like to thank you for your story. I am also doing WW. I was about to quit but after reading your story I decided to stay with it. I wish you all the luck. I'm sure you will be successful.
Posted by Amanda | October 7, 2008 5:08 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 17:08
Hi Rhonda!
I just joined the challenge this week and logged in this morning to print out my meal plans. Then I came to the blog and saw you on here! I got a little teary-eyed reading yours b/c not only do I already know you but your story sounds like what I've been dealing with. I do feel like I look pregnant and my daughter is going on 4 years old! I've got to do something to fit exercise back in my schedule so I'm going to try what you are doing. Thanks so much for your motivational post! Talk to you soon and much Delta love!
Keo'na
Posted by Keona H. | October 4, 2008 11:19 AM
Posted on October 4, 2008 11:19
Hi Rhonda, you really look great! I just started the challange on 9/22. It' has been a struggle for me since starting, however after reading your story, I've gotten a second wind. Your dedication and determination is to be admired. I hope to share my success story with you in a year.
Posted by Karen | September 30, 2008 5:36 PM
Posted on September 30, 2008 17:36
Hi Rhonda
Your background is very similar to mines. That's why I was so inspired after reading your story. I started this journey about a year ago, but am determined that now is the time to get serious. I want to loose 40 pounds and I know that I can do it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by Felicia | September 22, 2008 8:34 PM
Posted on September 22, 2008 20:34
Congratulations Rhonda! You look great!
Posted by Krista Thigpen | September 22, 2008 9:25 AM
Posted on September 22, 2008 09:25
Hi Rhonda
You look great and i am so happy for you i hope that i am woking toward my goal and what you have done will help me to make it.Thank you so much.
bernitha
Posted by Bernitha Mingo | September 20, 2008 11:13 AM
Posted on September 20, 2008 11:13
You're an inspiration, as always.
Posted by Lindsey | September 18, 2008 2:31 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 14:31
You look great,i hope to be where you are soon.
Posted by Jessica W. | September 18, 2008 11:25 AM
Posted on September 18, 2008 11:25
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is truly amazing! You are a superstar! Congratulations!
Posted by VICKI | September 16, 2008 9:10 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 21:10
I just want you to know you are lookin good. Keep up the good work. I have a story similar to yours and you inspired me to change my lifestyle.
Posted by kira | September 16, 2008 6:10 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 18:10
Congratulations Rhonda!
Girl, you look absolutely marvelous! I have to admit, I don't see you often and, therefore, was unaware of your weight gain. Nonetheless, you looked great when I saw you this weekend at the seminar......minus the 28 lbs you spoke of in your testimony. Keep up the great work.....you're a walking testimony and setting a fabulous example for everyone around you......especially your daughter. It's beautiful how you're allowing God to use you--what a BLESSING you are, girl!!
HAPPY LIFESTYLE CHANGE!!
Many Blessings,
Layi (Arnette's Friend)
Posted by Layi | September 16, 2008 3:20 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 15:20
It is so hard to stick with it. How did you do it? I have a weekens for sugar. How did you fight the carvings?
Posted by Lesia | September 16, 2008 2:05 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 14:05
Rhonda, you look great! Your story is truly inspiring. Keep up the work and I know you will meet your goal in no time. Having such a busy schedule myself, juggling as a new wife and mother, as well as a demanding job, it is great to hear how you have made exercise a top priority! Way to go Soror!!
Posted by Janelle T | September 16, 2008 12:34 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:34
Rhonda,
Good job! You look great and I know exactly what you mean about seeing yourself in pictures. Keep up the good work and you will definitely get to your goal.
Tyna
Posted by tyna | September 16, 2008 9:58 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 09:58
Congratulations Rhonda you look great!!!!! Keep up the good work.
Posted by Michelle | September 16, 2008 9:10 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 09:10
Congratulations, Rhonda! Soror, you look great! It is defintely a testament to your dedication. I wish you all the best in your continued efforts, and I know you will be successful.
Much Delta Love!!
Monica
Posted by Monica | September 15, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted on September 15, 2008 21:23
Hey Team!! I'm so proud of you. You look great! It has been fun sharing Dr. Ian stories and recipes on this journey. You can and will acheive your goal weight!!! See you in about 6 weeks!
Love,
Erica
Posted by Erica J | September 15, 2008 9:19 PM
Posted on September 15, 2008 21:19
I just wanted to let you know that your story has inspired me to change my lifestyle and fitness goals. Starting today, I will be a different person. (getting up at 5 and working out an hour each morning) Thank you
Posted by Tanika | September 12, 2008 7:38 AM
Posted on September 12, 2008 07:38
Hi Rhonda I just want u to know I think u look great and to keep up the good work. It makes me feel good to see u have a young daughter and husband and yet u stil make time to get your workout in. That lets me know that even with a busy life style u can still find time to do what u have to do. No more excuses for me. lol
Posted by Denise H. | September 11, 2008 8:21 AM
Posted on September 11, 2008 08:21