Meridith
Shana understood at once my desperation, frustration, and anxiety over my situation. She did not judge or criticize me for the years of abuse I had imposed on my body. Instead, she was very encouraging and offered me positive results as long as I was willing to commit to the process. I walked away that day feeling my life was about to change — and for the better!
Within five months of working with Shana, I lost 54 pounds and gained some incredible insights along the way. First, it is not just about losing weight; it is about getting fit and healthy. Second, getting fit and healthy is REALLY hard work! It is the hardest work I have ever done in my life. Third, you have to have the right tools for the job. Shana has given those to me. I now have a better understanding of what it means to "eat right" and why I need to combine weight lifting with cardio exercise to attain my goals.
The information Shana gives simplifies my life. I no longer feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning my meals. I want to emphasize I am never hungry, and I eat really good food! As Shana says, "You can eat anything you want — it's just what you choose to eat." The reality is I had to make the tough decision to no longer include soft drinks, donuts, fast food, and all the other "goodies" in my life in order to be successful. They have been replaced with turkey, chicken, fish, veggies and whole grains... and I like it!
In the gym, Shana changes my routine so I don't get bored. She also challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. I am always surprised what my body can do. Sometimes she demonstrates an exercise and I say, "You have got to be kidding. I can't do that!" She says, "Yes, you can." You know what? She is right. There are mornings I wake up and my muscles are so sore I just want to stay in bed. The first day we met, she told me there would be lots of days like this. Once I get moving around, though, the soreness reminds me how fortunate I am to have these wonderful muscles to help me get through my day. I have come to appreciate how much my body works for me.
I am now working on my next 50 lb. weight loss. Some days it is harder than others to stay on track... to consistently make the right food choices, eat five meals a day and go to the gym six times a week. It is not easy, that's for sure. Shana is right there behind me, though, cheering me on, encouraging me to keep focused on my goals, to lift a heavier weight, or to raise the intensity level on the treadmill — usually all during the same workout session.
One of my short-term goals is to hike the South Rim Trail in Big Bend National Park. It's a 14-mile round trip adventure I plan to complete in one day. Shana assures me I will be prepared for this challenge. She makes me do squats and lunges (ugh!) until my legs burn and feel like rubber. Honestly, I hate doing them but the results are undeniable. These exercises are going to help me achieve my goal. The image of me NOT huffing and puffing my way along the trail — or stopping to rest every 5 minutes — is what motivates me to continue doing the hard work with her help. When I reach the halfway point on the South Rim Trail and am enjoying the view overlooking the Chisos Mountains, I will have her to thank for getting me there.
Shana has helped me make major changes in my life. I am still a work in progress but compared to where I was six months ago, I have come a long way. My success is her success. Without Shana, I would not have accomplished what I have so far. I cannot wait to see how much stronger and healthier I am going to be by the end of the year. Thank you, Shana!
Shana's comments on Meredith
What a spirit! This woman is determined to succeed and build a healthy lifestyle that will serve her for the rest of her life. She came to me dangerously obese and facing a possibly catastrophic health situation. I didn't pull any punches. I told her this was going to be hard, but that she had the power to transform her life and her health beginning that day. Well, every day since that first meeting, she's risen to the challenge. Meridith is on her way to success and I have absolutely no doubt that she'll get there. She's a joy to work with!
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