What's Your thing?

After talking to some amazing women last night I started thinking about the 'thing' that has kept me going with my weight loss journey.

For you to truly be successful with your weight loss journey you need to find your 'thing' that keeps you going.

For some people it is running. When you get out there and run the rest of your world floats away and its you, the pavement and sometimes your music.
I've done the C25K running program, and while I did it, I really enjoyed it. I found that if I was outside I was more likely to enjoy myself, so I didn't go crazy staring at a wall while I was running (unless I changed my music playlist EVERY time, and even then I was often 'clock watching'). Unfortunately, my body doesn't like me running. I injured my foot 2 years ago and haven't been able to run the same since. (Trust me, I tried, and ended up hurting my foot again). One day I could get back to it, but at the moment, its not my 'thing'.

For some people its cardio. Be it aerobics at the gym, or any number of the cardio equipment. These people like to go fast and hard.
I am defiantly not this type of person. I've done Zumba and enjoyed it, but I cannot handle being in a aerobics class or going full ball on the cardio equipment until 50% of my body's water supply is flooding the floor around me. I love the x-trainer and the rowing machine and even the bike, in moderation. But not to the point of physical exhaustion. It just not my 'thing'.

For some people its Water-based activities. The pool is great for people with injuries who still want to have an amazing workout, but are concerned about their backs, knees, ankles etc. There are lots of different activities you can do in a pool that will improve your fitness level and help you lose weight.
I enjoy going into the pool (especially when I'm at TBLR), but I don't think it is something that I could say I could do everyday. I know for my mum that this is her 'thing' and I'm sooo happy that she has found it.

For some people its Weight lifting style activities. Lifting weights be it lots of reps or a small amount of reps until your muscles are exhausted, weight lifting generally keeps your heart rate down, but burns fat over a longer period of time.
This is definitely my 'thing'. I LOVE going to x-fit multiple times a week. I really enjoy going to body pump. And even though I often feel like i'm going to puke at the end of it, I really love being there. I've started a weekly routine where I'm doing. Sun: Body Pump, Mon: x-fit, Tue: Body Pump, Thurs: Body Pump, Fri: x-fit, and I love every minute of it. Even thought my weight loss on the scales is slowly going down, i feel fitter, leaner and stronger doing this type of activity. This is definitely my 'thing'

I've just covered 4 different types of training, there are plenty more out there as well. The point of my post is. Find your 'thing'. It is what can make your weight loss journey a success! You want to enjoy the physical activity that you are doing - if you don't, it will be easier to make excuses and fall off the rails.
(FYI: your 'thing' could change as you change. So make sure you are always trying new stuff to challenge yourself.)

Now ask yourself.
What's my 'Thing'?

-- Jackie

Reflection

If someone told me in May I would have lost 16kg in 5 months I would tell them that they were crazy!

Below there is a photo of me at the end of April           and then a photo of me just one week ago.
I know the photos aren't the same size, but you get the idea.

and here is one that is a close-up of my face

This is all thanks to a combination of the 12wbt and staying 3 weeks at The Biggest Loser Retreat (once in July and once in September)

I know I have a long way to go, but its great to reflect on what I've achieved.

--Jackie

The Biggest Loser Retreat DEAL

I've had a few people ask me how much it costs to stay at The Biggest Loser Retreat, and a few people wish they could stay but they are concerned about the cost.

(for those interested in the cost here is the website http://www.biggestloserretreat.com.au/reservations/rates-packages/ )

I've just seen this on Bidnow.com.au

The Retreat has just put up
- 10x 1 Week's accommodation for one person and
- 5x 1 week's accommodation for two people

The bonus is, that you can use the voucher anytime between now and the 30th June next year.

Hope it helps those who really need it!

Single Stay: https://bidnow.com.au/the-biggest-loser-retreat-for-one-a-44771.html
Twin Stay: https://bidnow.com.au/the-biggest-loser-retreat-for-two-a-47522.html

-- Jackie

Music to Encourage You #1

Pink - Try

I'd like to put some posts of songs (or parts of songs) that can be inspiration to help you lose weight. While at the gym I heard this song. Now I know most of the verses are about relationships, but the chorus and one of the verses also works with exercise/weight loss. Take a read. I've also attached the song to the bottom of the page if you don't know it. My favourite line is 'but just because it burns doesn't mean you're gonna die' I know that I feel that sometimes when I'm working out :-) But 'You gotta get up and try, and try and try'

Ever worry that it might be ruined
And does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing
Are you just getting by?
Tell me are you just getting by, by, by?

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try
You gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try
Gotta get up and try, and try, and try

This is It by Dannii Minogue

As I said in my first post 'This is It' By Dannii Minogue is a great song to encourage you that this time you are going to achieve your goals. This is it!

This is it
Oh This time I know it's the real thing
I can't explain what I'm feeling
I'm lost for words
I'm in a daze
Stunned and amazed
By your open ways

Group training classes

On Monday I bit the bullet and signed up for a gym membership.

Every 6-12 months I get an urge to go to a gym for some reason or another. So lets hope this time it sticks. 

I have heaps of equipment at home, but I'm currently really interested in group fitness Classes. So I thought I'd give a  perspective of the more popular group fitness classes from a beginner's point of view.

During this last week I went to 4 different group fitness classes. 

Day 1: Cross fit/Boxing: 

This class started very overwhelming, everyone there knew the warm up routine, so the instructor just yelled out what to do while he set up the room.  Me? Well I had no idea what some of the moves were, so I tried my best to follow on. 
He assigned us pairs of similar ability, and we started by doing 5 sets of 2 mins of two activities.  One was push ups (the more advanced people did handstand push ups) and the other was lying down with a kettle Bell staying high in the air, and the standing up again, not letting your arm drop with the kettlebell (no idea what this actual move is called). The good thing about this activity is, you go hard for 2 mins, but then your turn is over and your partner would go for 2 mins and you could rest (and encourage them).

The next was a list of activities. Luckily there was a beginner and an advanced option. Between the two of us we needed to complete X reps of each activity. So the first person goes until they are tired and the next one goes until they are tired, and the two of you keep going until you have done your reps. Each activity (for the beginner was 80-100 reps, depending on the activity). The Activities were : Kettle Bell Swings, 400m row, push ups, sit ups & squats. It was good, because even if you could only do 10 of an activity your partner was there to help you through it. My partner did over half of our allocation, except the rowing, where I smashed it (I could have done the full 400m, but I thought I'd let him have a go). We were really proud of ourselves when we finished, and it made you feel really great about yourself - and its a great way to actually interact with other people in classes (especially when you don't know anyone).

Finally, we did 15mins of boxing. The boxing included cross over punches, upper cuts and hooks. Then shuttle running in between reps. By the time I got to boxing (which I love!) I was totally buggered!

Verdict: I really enjoyed this class. Even though it started out overwhelming, I think it is great for a range of fitness levels. The team exercises allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment, without feeling overwhelmed. A must for those starting out at a new gym (at least a few times to see if it is your thing).

My Calories Burnt this session

Day 3: Sh'Bam

This is a LesMills designed workout http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/shbam/about-shbam/

 Now, one of the reasons why I wanted to join up to a gym was to do Zumba. I used to do it at my old gym, I've done it at The Biggest Loser Retreat and I even have the Wii Game. I really enjoy Zumba. However, when looking for a new gym I noticed that all the gyms near me don't do Zumba anymore, which was really disappointing. I was told that Sh'Bam had replaced Zumba and if you like Zumba you will LOVE Sh'bam.

Now going into the class, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of ability in the room. There were teenagers, there was a 70 year old lady (she told us she was 70), there were larger people (like myself) and there were the 30 year old slim fit girls up the front (no boys today, but we were told that there are usually a couple), and pretty much everything in between. 

The class used very simple dance moves like the grapevine, step forward, step back, combined with a range of arm movements (some people did them, others focused just on their feet).

I felt that this class was very simple, and it was up to the individual to increase the intensity they worked at (putting more effort into each move VS just walking through the steps)

Verdict: This class is much more accessible to beginners than Zumba, but my personal opinion is that I like Zumba more - I really enjoyed the style of dance Zumba was. I can see myself going again - maybe it will grow on me. But in my eyes, Zumba burns more calories and forces the 'lazy' individual to burn more, whereas Sh'Bam appears to allow you to breeze your way through it if you don't have the drive. But for beginners -- Sh'Bam is WAY more accessible for all ages, fitness levels and injuries. 

(sounds like I am a bit on the fence)

I guess what I'm saying is they both have their strengths, it is purely up to the style of dance you like and your overall level of fitness.

Day 3: Body Balance 

This is also a LesMills designed workout http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/bodybalance/about-bodybalance/

Now, I've done Body Balance before around 12 months ago at another gym, and when I did it there I loved it! I felt that it was great to stretch out your muscles when they are sore from workouts that week. I used to go every week at my old gym. There was a range of movements you could do depending on your flexibility. But this class was different...

Now, everyone else in the class would have been no bigger than a size 12, most would have been a size 8-10. Other than me...

Most of the moves that we were asked to do required you to not have a stomach - Like I would try to do the moves and physically can't. Now I've been told that I'm very flexible, and I've done Body Balance before - but during this class I was holding back the tears not to cry... The moves he was asking us to do were impossible, and it was very frustrating that there wasn't an alternate option for me to do. I closed my eyes and held back the tears, and tried to find my own version of the workout.

Verdict: As I said before, I've done Body Balance before and I have loved it! But, I can't see myself going back to a class until I know the routine has changed. If you are a larger person, I honestly believe you will be better doing your own stretches. I was very disappointed :-(

My Calories burnt after the two sessions

Day 4: Body Pump

This is also a Les Mills designed workout : http://w3.lesmills.com/global/en/classes/bodypump/about-bodypump/

Now after my bad experience I didn't really want to do another class that was far beyond my ability. I went to the gym to go over my beginner program (the one they give you when you start at a new gym), and I spoke to some of the ladies about my experience with Body Balance. I told them I didn't want another experience like that, but wanted to know what classes would be good for a lower ability. They suggested I went to Body Pump that night. Before I went home, I spent a bit of time talking to one of the instructors (for another class) and she eased my mind a bit about Body Pump.

I got to the class and the instructor I was talking to earlier, introduced me to the instructor for the class, I told him that I was a beginner and he found the bar and the weights that I needed for the class. He told me to keep it light for my first session, and always go up to more weight next time.

The class was basically moving a weight bar in different positions, from standing to laying on a bench. It worked a range of muscles and wasn't a very difficult class to feel confident in (the weight of your bar was the only thing that could hold you back).

Verdict: I LOVED this class. When I left I told the instructor that it was the best class I had done this week. I left feeling confident that I could come and do this every week and easily see results. Now, at the end of the class my muscles were shaking cause I'd worked them so much, but I felt amazing! This type of class (low intensity) is GREAT for beginners because you feel like you have achieved something, you don't feel like your weight is limiting you and you know you will get results since your muscles will burn your fat long after the class has finished. It also is really obvious to see yourself improve, when you go to a higher weight.

I didn't take a photo of my watch, but I think it was only 300cal for the hour session

Overall:

My overall opinion of the classes that I've done this week. In order of how much I liked them.

1. Body Pump is a MUST for beginners - it allows you to do the exercises, without the issue of rising your heart rate up and feeling out of breath. It builds your muscles so you can burn fat for longer and see results.

2. CrossFit/Boxing - Can feel overwhelming at the start, but great when you get started. You are able to share the load with another group member and it allows you to actually interact with another person, where most classes have you facing the front and keeping to yourself.

3. If you are new to exercise Sh'Bam is really accessible for all ages and fitness levels. But if you are at a slightly higher fitness level, you need to push yourself to get the same results as you would in other dance style classes.

4. Body Balance can be a good class - but is really difficult for a larger person. If you are unfit but slim, this class could be really useful, but if you are a larger person I would go to the class very aware that you may not be able to do the activities they ask.

I'm going to try a few more classes over the next few weeks. I'll let you know what I think of them as a first timer.

-- Jackie

You're the Winner

Sometime in May about a month after starting 12WBT,
 I was watching the nightly show of The Biggest Looser TV show & they advertised that they were giving away  a weeks accommodation, flights, meals, personal trainers at the new Biggest Looser Retreat on the Gold coast for 2  valued at $6,000. 

So after sobbing through another episode I completed the application  and filled in  25 words why I should win.
What did I write…I really have no idea… I think it was something about  stoping obesity in my family & I wanted to take my daughter with me…
I really didn't think twice about it  as I am often filling things in online hoping I would win something.

Then in June, I arrived home late from work, around 9.30pm  & decide to check my emails.

My hubby had gone to bed as he gets up at 4am for work.

In my emails was an email saying;

“ Congratulations, You have been selected as our deserving winner,
I believe you are wishing to take your daughter on the experience. The package includes return airfares to QLD, a weeks accommodation for two, gourmet spa cuisine and daily health & wellness experiences.

 At first I thought great after a long day, a hoax email telling me I have won something…
then I read it again… & again..trying to work out if it was a hoax…
so I printed the email out and left it on the kitchen bench for my hubby to read & went to bed.

I posted  a message on Facebook to family & sent a text message to Jackie saying, “ I think I have just won us a holiday to the New Biggest Looser Retreat”. I still wasn't sure.

In the morning I rang hubby & asked him what he thought …he said  yea you one of ten possible winners…ok so I didn't win..he then said, “ I gave them your phone number didn't they ring you yesterday” I said, “ no,  but their is a number on this email to ring” “I’ll try & ring it today but I’m really busy today”.

Arriving at work I showed the email to my colleagues asking what they thought….I think they were more excited than I was.

Then I rang Channel 10 & asked to speak to Joanne, well what excitement, when I finally asked her did I win & she said yes, yes  we were so touched with what you wrote …hahaha little did she know I had no idea what I wrote ..still not believing I said so its not a hoax…No  No she said “You have won” …wow how my world was about to change…

I message Jackie & said  get ready we have won…
her words were “ wow  mum can you imagine the gym…
well no…. I didn't even think that…..
I thought wow I’ll be able to get a massage,  meals cooked…
I didn't even think of what their gyms would be like  cause I am really not into exercise at all.

Then the reality started to set in of what I had won..OMG they are going to kill me with exercise…
2 month ago I could barely  walk 100 meters without stopping puffing & puffing..
if they exercise like they do on the show I'm going to die….
                                
The Biggest Looser Retreat open their doors at the Gold Coast at the beginning  of July.
 I hadn't heard anything  about my prize other than I would be contacted to select a dates to go.
Jackie & I had the first 2 weeks of July on holidays.. we are both teachers, she went of to Melbourne for  a break & I was cooking up a storm with meal planning from 12WBT & walking. 

Then I got another email asking when we would like to come to the  Retreat …
we have a vacancy for next week if you would like to come then …
well, I would like to wait till I can move a better & have lost a bit more weight cause you guys are gona kill me ..is what I was thinking..

but I didn't say a thing & asked Jackie what she would like to do…
"we need to go now mum.. now" …. so 3 days later we were at The Biggest Looser Retreat on the Gold Coast.

Jackie has posted her experience there, mine post  is coming.

                                     

Kim

PS I didn’t die

Kim’s Journey

This  is about how I got to where I am today.
I started this current  phase of my journey 15 weeks ago when my daughter Jackie  ask me to do Michelle Bridges 12WBT with her.
My first  reaction was I don't think I can cope with failing again.
I have been on one  diet or another  for nearly 40 years and have manage to weight 163.5kg at my heaviest. For someone who is only 163cm  or 5’4” tall that's a lot of weight. Some  diets like weight watchers  I have done several times. I have done them all!!! from ever type of restriction diet like;  no fat, no sugar, no carbs, to: just soup diets, one food type each day, pre-package, meals, Lite n easy,Jenny Craig, protein only diets, Protein shakes, acupuncture, Hypnotherapy - where you think you have had lapband surgery..Its hard to remember them all. All were successful in getting me to loose 10 kilos or so  but all I could not maintain the diet   for one reason or another & I’m afraid I never really got into exercising regularly. Time frame  for sticking  to these diets  was also about the same time each time. I  would be brilliant first 2-4 weeks  seeing weight come off then slowly  I would start waving with old habits and by 6 to 8 weeks I would be lacking motivation to stick to it missing all my comfort foods. Sometimes I lasted longer  but eventually I would  gain the weight back  and a bit more as well.  So I am the classic yoyo dieter. Resulting  in  going from 80 kg (the smallest I ever remember being)  in my early 20’s to 163.5kg  in my 50’s.
At the time  when Jackie ask me  to do 12WBT, I  was at the end of 2 difficult years for me with my health. I had a workplace accident where I tore the tendon that goes from your big toe to your heel. When it happen I was still on one of the many diets & weighed about 140kg and treatment for nearly 12 months was have me sit with my foot up waiting for it to heel & putting me on a drug called Duromine- to stop me feeling hungry. What a mixture …. Duromine is basically speed  so here I am sitting not being able to move around, trying not to eat too much & having all this energy I could not get rid of.  By the time they agreed that sitting wasn't fixing the problem  I had put on another 10 kilos and  fitness wise, I could hardly walk anywhere without panting. After the operation I had no more pain  which was excellent  but now I had another issue. No pain but my heel was numb  which meant when I put it on the floor I cant not feel the ground…its a very strange feeling. So I learnt to walk again  with a numb foot and extra weight…I tried a few more diets & hypnotherapy, constantly at chiropractors  trying to fix my gait when walking. Then at the beginning of this year  I could hardly breath  and doctors  thought I had developed a clot on my lung, but  after testing  & being scared out of my life & seeing several Doctors, I was diagnosed with a twisting rib…it was like the straw that broke the camels back .. is this how life is going to be now…just pain all the time. I think looking back I was probably on the verge of a break down & I turned to comfort eating through the pain. Then through lots of treatments by caring medical professionals including my GP giving me  laser acupuncture, massages & chiropractic visits  my rib went back in…& I weighed 163.5kg. How could I be that heavy..scales must be wrong…
During this time I was watching  Biggest Looser  series on TV with parents and children with obesity problems and during most episodes I would just sob relating to so many things. And that's when Jackie asked  “do this with me mum…” I said  let me have a look at what it involves but I knew I would be doing it with her not wanting her to fail.  I would do it for her…I hated seeing her struggle with the same weight issues. Little did I know at the time it would change my life forever.
Our obesity  problems in our family go back through the generations. My father died at 46 of a massive heart attack when Jackie was only 3 months old,he was a big big  man, his father died 12 months before him also obesity related, my youngest sister also struggles with her weight and now my daughters have had weight issues. There has to be a better way other than having surgery, which I have had 3 doctors tell me I need to go have.
I am an intelligent educated woman why can I not  get my weight under control.
So we signed up to Michelle Bridges 12WBT that was 15 weeks ago

this was me

 

& this is me today 

after 12 weeks of healthy eating & walking

I have released 15 kilos-
bust = -10cm, waist = -24cm, hips= -7cm,
thighs = -9cm, arms = –2cm
& have just signed up to do another 12 weeks with 12WBT.
Jackie & I are going to document our journey hoping that our struggles and successes help others put an end to obesity.
I did not fail,  It was the diets that failed me…
This is not a diet we are on, its a lifestyle change with health eating and we are getting healthier and fitter every day.

Kim    

The Biggest Loser Retreat

The Biggest Loser Retreat

Mum and I left home on the 7th July not really knowing what to expect from TBLR. When we arrived we were greeted by a very excited Emma at reception :-)

We were given our keys and head up a MASSIVE HILL to our room (forgot to take a picture at the bottom of the hill - but here is our room)
We then head back down to the Dining Room (near reception) and waiting for our orientation.







We were greeted by Mick (RIGHT) one of the trainers for our Orientation. Mick showed us around the grounds and we soon discovered that there were hills EVERYWHERE. After our Orientation we had lunch and then had the afternoon to do our Body Scan and get settled in (unpack etc). We were also Introduced to Duncan (LEFT), another trainer. We were told that either Duncan or Mick will be doing our Body scan that afternoon.

I had my scan first up, so I head to the Spa and waited for my trainer - It was Mick. He had a little chat with me and then I went on the scanner. I was told that we would find out what all the mumbo-jumbo on the sheet means later in the week.

After my body scan I went to the Hanger (what ended up being my FAVOURITE PLACE at TBLR), did a bit of boxing and rowing. After my mum's scan I dragged her down to the Hanger and also showed her a bit of boxing - she seemed to enjoy it. We unpacked and then head down the hill for dinner.





After dinner we had a talk from Sharif - a previous contestant from The Biggest Loser. It was great to hear from him, his weight loss experiences and we were also happy to hear that he would be training us on Thursday :-)
We were also informed that we needed to meet at 'The Meeting Tree' at 6am in the morning for a walk.

Mum and I head back to our room, chat for a bit then went to bed, so we could be up for the walk. It was difficult to go to bed that early, and we were definitely feeling the lack of sleep it the next day.

Day-to-Day

• Every day at the retreat started with a 6am walk (two days there was an alternative deep water running session instead). We had breakfast at 7:30 then we had an information talk/workshop from around 8:15. The workshop went for 1-2 hours depending on the content. Followed by morning tea.
• We then had 2+hours (depending on how long the talk went for) of high intensity activities with the trainers. The group was either broken up into 2 or 3 small groups (depending on the day) for the first part, and then we joined back together for the second part (generally a water activity).
• After the activity we had lunch. The afternoon consisted of a stretch and then 3 voluntary 'FUN' activities that keep you moving, but you don't really feel like you are exercising e.g. Zumba, Water Polo, Tennis etc.
• Afternoon tea was left out in the dining room for you to get sometime in the afternoon between activities
• Some people purchased 'spa' treatments in the afternoon instead of doing the activities.
• We had dinner at 5:30, chat to the other guests and then went to bed. Some guests put on a movie, or read books.

Thursday was special: We had a training day with Sharif in the morning, which was great! It was crazy that he was able to organise one workout for the entire group! But he did it and it was really rewarding! I even found out that I wanted to buy one of the sit-up helper thingys that he had, cause I was actually able to do situps in his circuit! WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON'T MISS SHARIF'S TRAINING SESSION!

MUST DO

There are a number of things that I think are a MUST at the retreat

• The Breathing Workshop (it was on Monday afternoon when I was there)
• The Cooking Demonstration by David (I purchased his book as well, and I've already used it 4 times and I haven't been home 2 weeks yet)
• The Morning Walks - I know it is hard to get up in the morning, especially when this is your holiday, but it is a great refreshing start to the day
• At least one 'Fun' activity each day (generally after lunch you may be really tired, but try to do at least one afternoon activity). Things like Water Polo, or Zumba are great fun and you'll be amazed about how many extra calories you will burn
• Sharif's training session and obviously the training sessions with the other trainers, since that is what you are here for :-)
• If you have some spare money, get yourself a massage or a facial. Your week/s at TBLR does put a strain on your body, so it is nice to remove some of that extra stress with a nice relaxing rub

Sometimes Bad Things Happen

I'm Hypoglycemic, which means I suffer from Low Blood Sugar. When I found out that we had won a trip to this retreat I said to myself that I wasn't going to leave saying that I didn't put in 110% every day. And unfortunately that bit me in the butt!

We are always told 'Make sure you put in 100%', but the trainers here had a slightly different philosophy, they ask people to work at 60-80%, not 100%. I couldn't tell you how many times Mike said to me 'are you at 80%?' and I'd have to rethink what I was doing and back down my intensity.

While I was at the retreat I had two 'bad' lows and a few more minor ones that I stopped before they got too bad. I used up all energy stores that my body had.

Body Scan: When I got my final body scan I was devastated to see that while I was at the retreat I had actually LOST muscle in my stomach and arms (gained it in my legs, but at the time I didn't want to focus at that). I was a mess - I kept saying to myself, what is the point of being here if I'm going to be worse off then when I got here? I felt like everything I had done in the week was pointless! I felt that they had picked the wrong person to give this prize to, and that I had wasted their time and money. I felt like I had let myself down, my mum down and that I had let the trainers down.

Duncan saw that I was upset and explained to mum and I how the body works when you have a sugar low (My brother is diabetic, so we thought we knew everything).  I found out that my body was eating my muscles as a way of getting sugar when I crashed, as it is easier for it to break down my muscles in that dire situation than to breakdown fat. They also told me that they were really impressed with how I worked this week and that they knew that I had worked my butt off!

At the time, I was a mess (getting a hug from Mick did make a bit better). But now I'm glad that it happened - because I'm able to see how my body works, and what I need to do in the future to ensure that get closer to my goals. I know now that my body can't handle the HIGH intensity training (e.g. Hill Intervals), but it thrives on strength training (weights) and Mid-Low intensity activities. 

I'm looking forward to my next trip to TBLR to see what I can do with this new found knowledge :-)

The Beauty of TBLR

There were a few places that I just LOVED at the retreat. I've said earlier that The Hanger was my favourite place. Here is a shot of the hanger sign with the beautiful Oak next it it (You can actually look at this oak from the Hanger while you are exercising - its great!)

Here is a shot I took of the Oak at night (a bit hard to take without a tripod)

The top pool

We wanted to get photos with each of the trainers, but didn't end up getting them. But we did get a photo of us with Dr. Cris

and us with Vicki  We'll get the other photos next time :-)

All the people at The Biggest Loser Retreat are amazing. From Emma in the office, to Andrew the manager, to the trainers Mick, Duncan, Andrea and Sharif, and Vicki who was great at running the afternoon activities. It is really obvious that they genuinely care about our well-being and want us to achieve our goals.

Thanks Team TBLR for all your help and support while we were there. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future!

--Jackie

Website for the Retreat:
http://www.biggestloserretreat.com.au/

Michelle Bridges 12WBT

Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation

On the 1st May I started the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation (12wbt)

While doing the program I have learnt several things

• Weight Loss is MAINLY about food: Now I've done Weight Watches, Lite n Easy, Store Purchased Freezer Meals. I've starved myself and taken all that I love out of eating and I've still struggled to lose weight. Or I lose it, and then it comes back on. But the 12WBT program is different. It teaches you how to cook food that you love, food that you can say that you could see yourself eating for the rest of your life. I can't see myself EVER changing my eating habits that I've picked up while on Michelle Bridges (I may increase my calorie intake, but I won't completely change the types of foods I'm eating). Like, I can eat chocolate every day if I want - As long as I factor it in to my daily calories :-)
• Exercise Is Important, but it is just about MOVING MORE: Now Michelle Bridges has some fabulous exercise routines that she WANTS you to complete, but she also explains that it is better to be 100% with your food and 50% with your exercise then the other way around. So some weeks, I've been able to be 100% exercise and 100% food. Others I've been flat out with work and unable to fit in a major workout - but I've just focused moving more (walk that bit extra at work every day, park further away at the supermarket, if you can't fit in an hour walk of an afternoon, do 20mins)
• That this is possible: This is the first time I've been on what people call a 'Diet' and felt like I can actually do this! I've seen the weight come off, and it isn't SUPER HARD. I still need to eat right, but I wouldn't say it is difficult - because its more about what you put in your mouth than trying to fit in 3 hours at the gym everyday

I've signed up for Round 3, 2013!

-- Jackie

Jackie's Journey So Far...

This blog is for me to share my experiences of losing weight.

I'm 28 Years Old. I've been a larger person all my life, trying a range of diets, fads and exercise programs. This time something is different. I've been on the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation and I've also been to The Biggest Loser Retreat in QLD. The combination of these two programs have finally enabled me to see that THIS TIME, my weight loss journey WILL be a success!

At the moment - my theme song is 'This is It' By Dannii Minogue

How I Got Here: Short Version

On the 1st May this year I weighed 117 kg - my heaviest weight so far. 

Two years ago I weighed 90 kg for my wedding. Three months after I got married, I damaged my foot and struggled to walk for 3 months, which means I relied on quick/fast meals because it hurt to stand.

The following 6 months after that it hurt to do any activity for a period of time longer than 5-10 mins (walking, running, aerobics etc), so within 12 months I put on 20 kg. The following 9 months I slowly put on the final 7 kg. 

April this year I went to a Chiropractor, having tried everything else to try to get my foot back to normal. She found that my foot had been slightly out of its socket all this time, and that is why it hurt so much to be on it for an extended period of time (X-Rays, doctor appointments or seeing a physiotherapist didn't pick this up). Over two sessions she put my foot back into it socket (it was quite painful), and I was FINALLY able to complete activity like a normal person. I couldn't believe the vast improvement in my movement in such a short period of time.

After I could walk again, I knew I wanted to get rid of the weight I had put on in the last two years.

A friend of mine had done the first session of Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation for 2013 and recommended that I do it with her for round 2. I signed up and asked my mum to sign up with me.

Mum and I had completed 8 weeks of the 12wbt (more on that later) and she got a surprising email - she had won a trip for the two of us to spend a week at The Biggest Loser Retreat. We were both over the moon!

We spent the 7th-14th July at the Biggest Loser Retreat and it was the BEST experience ever! (more on that later)

Since the 1st of May, I've lost 11.5 kg, which leaves me 15.5 kg to go before I reach my first goal: To return to 90kg and to have a 'Drown the Gown' photo shoot in my wedding dress. That's me on the right --->

My goal after that is to get between 70-75kg or a comfortable size 12.

--Jackie