Archives

I can’t believe how fast the weeks are flying by! I notice every day in the gym I am feeling a little bit stronger. I am learning so many ways to exercise that I never knew about and the smallest movements can really work out your whole body. I really enjoy that every day we mix it up and do different things. We do a little of everything such as aerobics, cardio and strength training. My favorite is cardio even though it is the one that kicks my butt the most! I enjoy working out in the mornings most because it makes me really want to watch what I eat the rest of the day.  I get so sweaty and out of breath but after I leave the gym, I feel so proud of myself for not giving up. This experience has definitely opened my eyes to how out of shape I am. I guess I was kind of in denial before, but now is the chance for everything to change! Being a 22-year-old girl, I shouldn’t have so many aches and pains at my age. Also, I am on high blood pressure medication and that is another thing I want to get off of. I have so many reasons as motivation to finally get this weight off of me.

On Tuesday night, I had a set back and tripped down my basement steps. I could hardly put any pressure on my left foot so I had my doctor take an xray. I am happy to say that there is nothing broken or fractured and that it is just sprained. My doctor cleared me to work out but to just take it easy for the next couple days. I am so thankful that it was just a false alarm. I am not going to let this get in my way of my goals. I know after a couple days my foot will be feeling as good as new. I am so glad I have such a great support system at home with my fiance Mike and in the gym with Lisa and all the girls. I am eager to start seeing big changes and start my new life.

Melanie

Wow, what another great week. I’ve been working out and training now for about a week and a half. Lisa and the other trainers have really shown me there are so many ways to exercise. Last Friday was really intense. We were running up and down a hill in 80 degree weather. I was so ready to give up but I stuck it out the whole time. It made me really proud because even though I was out of breath and sweating like crazy, I kept moving. It doesn’t matter that I did throw up afterwards haha, it’s moments like that make me realize what I am capable of. This week, we also have worked with kettle bells, which really work out your whole body. I can definitely feel it the next morning. Also, we have been doing lots of cardio whether it’s on the treadmill or doing aerobics. Sometimes I find myself not being able to keep up with the pace of the workouts, but Lisa reminds me just to keep moving and I’ll get there someday. I really appreciate the trainers encouragement and it feels really nice to have such a nice group of woman in this with me.

One of things Lisa keeps reminding us is that whatever you do outside of the gym is just as important as what you do inside the gym. Food is what got me to this weight and food is going to be the hardest challenge for me in losing the weight. I feel like I have made many great improvements like giving up soda and ice cream. But at the same time, I still find myself craving those fatty foods. I am trying to teach myself proper nutrition and it’s not easy. I am just going to take my struggle with food day by day. I want to just really try and think about what I am eating before I put it in my mouth. I need to stop using food for comfort and do other constructive healthy things instead. I want to become an all around healthy person again and exercise and healthy eating is the key.

-Melanie

Today was the first day of my new life. I will admit before going to the gym this morning, I was feeling anxious. At the same time, I was excited because I know this opportunity is going to give me the chance to finally be happy in my own skin. Today we were asked to do different exercises so the trainers could see where we stand. I got out of breathe pretty quickly but I kept moving. Normally this would discourage me but I know this is just the beginning of my journey. I truly believe I will get stronger and more capable in the gym.

My personal goal for this program is to lose around 50 pounds in these 12 weeks. Longterm, I plan on losing over 150 pounds total. My BMI is currently in the morbidly obese category and that is definitley not okay with me. My other goals are to relearn how to eat and make proper nutrition a priority. Most importantly, I want to be an all around healthy person and a carefree 22 year old girl. I am extremely thankful to be chosen for this competition. This competition will give me a chance to see all my goals come true and to live a healthy lifestyle. It would be awesome to win first place, but I know I am still a winner whether I win or not. The steps I am taking now will enable me to have a happier and healthier future.

-Melanie Frantz

I have a place, there is nothing special about the way it looks, four walls, a ceiling and a floor.  What makes my place special is what goes on inside those walls.  Women’s lives are changed!  They meet new friends, feel better about themselves, and mold the outside to match what’s on the inside.

I had an idea to help some very special people, people with the desire for a healthier lifestyle.  The idea was my version of the “Biggest Loser.” My version because no one gets kicked out.  One hundred and seventy four women wrote and stated their case as to why they should be among the chosen six. Thirty four were asked to come for a meet and greet … the plan was to pick the six to participate.  After meeting them all, the six became seven, seven more were given a free 3 month membership, and the remaining 160 women are being given the option to join the gym at half price.  All the women are special and have a different story.  After reading all the submissions I knew I couldn’t walk away from any of them.

My place is Flab to Fab, nothing special about the building or what it looks like, all the magic is on the inside. It’s a judgment free zone.  Women from 17 to 70 are there to better themselves physically, the magical part happens when they look in the mirror and like what they see.  With hard work and determination you can mold the body, the mind and the heart on the other hand it takes time and encouragement.  To all those women who submitted entries I say: “That was the first step, now take the second and use the half price membership.”  Make a new friend, feel better about yourself, get healthier, and be there for yourself and the ones you love.

– Lisa Desko, Owner, Flab to Fab

Thin It to Win It Participants: