LiveWell Colorado Get Movin' Challenge 2013

Originally posted by LiveWell CO on 12/30/13

Meet Amy and see her incredible transformation by doing nothing more than what she loves! Amy, you inspire us. Here's how she Lives Well:

"I'm 46 years old and just NOW figuring out that sustainable health comes from a place of enjoyment, challenge and variety! I've been down the weight-loss road multiple times and every time, I've gained the weight back. Something changed this summer when I began down that road again. My weight was out of control (232 lbs). I was unhappy and I had no energy. I decided this time would be different. Losing weight was always hard and exhausting. I wanted this time to be FUN and energizing.

So, I began doing physical things that I ENJOYED and that challenged me. I realized that things like the Colorado Get Movin' Challenge could help me stay on track.

Because of the goal to log 30 minutes of activity every day, I attended boot camps at Red Rocks, tried yoga, walked with friends, began swimming laps, and worked out with friends from church. I got to know people that I had never connected with, and my dogs enjoyed walking more than they ever have!

By the end of the challenge, I had some new activities that I really enjoyed and that were sustainable. I didn't feel the need to work out for 2 hours per day. Keeping it simple made me happy and willing to continue even after the challenge ended.

I wear my Get Movin' shirt all the time now as I continue my daily goal of 30 minutes of activity. I have lost 62 lbs, but more important, this time, it's NOT been about the weight. It's been about finding JOY in those 30 minutes. I swim about four times per week at 5:00 a.m. because I love the quiet before the day gets hectic.

This is health: looking forward to working out and knowing that challenges help me connect with people who want to be healthy also!"

Tabata...what?

On February 28, 2014, my former trainer (and good friend, Diane) and I spent a very INTENSE day at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs becoming certified as Tabata Bootcamp Trainers. I am excited to take a new journey helping others reach their goals and having FUN along the way. Tabata combines exercise and nutrition with COMMUNITY as a way to help people reach new wellness goals and make connections along the way. What a BEAUTIFUL concept.
Tabata Bootcamp™ is an 8 week group training program that is based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) using the 20-10 Microburst Training Protocol. Group members receive an easy and individually formatted program from a certified Tabata Bootcamp™ trainer located in your area, and participate in weekly workouts that will result in true, successful weight loss and muscle gain. These exercises are combined with metabolic tracking, and 24/7 web support that help deliver amazing body transformation results.

New Year, New Goals!

May 18, 2014...I'm coming for you!

It's been awhile since I've written... a couple years to be exact. What happened? LIFE. Lost some weight, gained some weight, lost some weight again. It's always a struggle to maintain weight loss, and I was not able to do during the 2012-2013 school year. BUT... I'm back and I'm down my 65 lbs (AGAIN). This time I've learned so much more....

Anyhow... going to run my first marathon in May 2014. I'm in the process of training daily (thanks to Hal Higdon's training expertise). Will be blogging more.

Inches...or FEET?

As of today, I have officially LOST 39 inches from my body...yes, that's 3 FEET and 3 inches!!!! INCREDIBLE. I've also lost 67.5 lbs. My students weigh that much...so, I've lost a 5th grader! Does it get any better than this? As a matter of fact....(yes it does, read on)...

I also saw my doctor and was told that I have officially hit "the place" where MAJOR health risks can be REMOVED from my health profile. In other words... me dying of a heart attack at 50 is NOT in my future. THANK GOD.

I feel so blessed today to have such an incredible support system in place... the people who love and support me so that I am able to dedicate time to this goal.

Eating is FUN...and beautiful!

Eating can be both healthy AND fun when you follow the rules of portion control. That's easier said than done... how many of us have spent money on, and messed around with scales and measuring cups just to make sure we are on the right track?

I saw these beautiful plates on a show the other day and have decided that I will purchase a set for myself when I reach my next goal. (I set MANY mini-goals and reward myself inexpensively EVERY chance I get!)

These plates have designs on them that allow you to recognize proper portions without scales and measuring cups! Just put your veggies on the biggest "flower" or whatever patten you prefer, carbs on the second largest and proteins on the smallest. SO COOL and these are just another way to make eating FUN!
http://www.slimware.com/default.asp

What is gait analysis and who cares?

The Boulder Running Company will provide a free gait analysis for free for anyone...just stop by one of their stores. Why is this important?

Watch the video and see.

Personally, I went in wearing a size 8 1/2 shoe. My knee has been hurting from running and I was told to check out my gait and current shoes. The gentleman at the Boulder Running Company in Littleton, CO spent over 1.5 hours with me checking my gait on video, trying on different shoes, and answering all of my running questions.

I left with a pair of size 10 shoes that fit me better than any athletic shoe I've ever worn! My foot is a 9, but runners need more room at the toe... who knew? No wonder my knees have been hurting... I also did not have proper support for the "pronation" on my left foot.

If you plan on running, visit these folks... they are amazing!

Motivator, oh motivator...where art thou?

You need to look for motivators along your weight loss journey. I have recently found two...

1. My school district is holding a "Team Lean Challenge". Schools are creating teams of staff members who want to lose weight and are tracking their individual loss. At the end of the challenge, the team with the most weight lost, wins. No prizes... just a fun motivator and way to support your peers!
2. Signing up for my first 7k run... I'm signing up tonight for the 2011 Denver "Runnin of the Green" for St. Patrick's Day. This is a 4.3 mile run. I've been running 4.2 on the weekends, so I feel confident I can do this one. I am enlisting friends to join me, so I won't back out.

Remember... do what is FUN for you in order to stay motivated. Don't do what others want you to do...do what is going to excite and motivate you! Good luck!