Update Jan 2014: Michele sent in an updated photo. She is now down at total of 82 pounds. Check out her video about her struggles with excess skin.
Today’s weight loss before and after: Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months with a great personal trainer. She has shared an interview with us that she did about her weight loss and her trainer.
“WHEN I FOUND MYSELF LITERALLY ROLLING TO THE FLOOR ON MY KNEES IN THE MORNINGS JUST TO GET OUT OF THE BED I KNEW IT WAS TIME” – Michele’s “OMG” moment was when she was made aware that she was pre-diabetic. Prior to that, she says “My doctor has been telling me for years that I needed to lose weight. I had been having all sorts of health issues (acid reflux, hiatal hernia, obstructed bowels, swollen feet, ankles) you name it, I had it. But, when I found myself literally rolling to the floor on my knees in the mornings just to get out of bed I knew it was time.”
MICHELE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THUS FAR….
– Reduced her Weight by 70lbs!
– A Total of 60” Gone from various parts of her body!
– Lowered her Body Fat percentage by 20.1%
– Nearly 13pt reduction in her BMI
– Dropped her dress size from a 14/16 to 4/6
THE INTERVIEW…..
Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?
“No. I have been overweight for about 13 years. I knew I was FAT but I just never used the term overweight or obese.”
Does overweight or obesity run in the family… meaning immediate members or grandparents?
“Knowing what I know now, yes my family is overweight.”
How do you feel now versus how you felt when you were overweight?
“While being overweight I was tired, sore and insecure about myself. I was embarrassed not just for myself but also my kids. I didn’t want to be around people and would tend to avoid going to certain functions. NOW, I feel more energetic and a lot younger. I feel like my old teenage self. I’m not tired and I like to walk. I am a lot more confident especially since I can fit into my children’s clothes.”
What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?
“I have a lot of support from my daughters, sister and my mom. Tomi Nelson who is like a mom to me has been rooting me on every step of the way. I have many friends who have supported my journey by telling me to keep it up or just by staying silent and letting me do my thing. Some family and friends were a little concerned about me losing too much weight but I realize they don’t understand the body and what we are supposed to look like. (Watch old episodes of Soul Train) We have been conditioned to think that plump, thick, chunky is ok BUT it’s not. (Check Monique out now!)”
Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs. other plans or programs you tried to follow?
“I have tried to lose weight several times on my own. I had DVD’s, I tried walking, I even had one of those silver space looking suits (the ones that make you sweat. lol) If you noticed everything I tried was related to the physical part of losing weight. Body Refined Inc. taught me that exercise is only 20% of the process; the other 80% is nutrition. This time around, I got the right HELP! Kurt guided me with nutrition tips and how to do the exercises properly.”
Was it a difficult journey? Are you satisfied with where you are now?
“Some aspects of the journey were challenging but not difficult, like disciplining myself to eat right when those around me aren’t but with Kurt’s help, I learned what to do when those around me aren’t eating healthy. My exercise was at a slow pace and gradually became more intense when my body became stronger.”
“Yes and No, I am satisfied with the progress thus far but I want more than just the weight loss. After realizing what I could look like plays a key factor in why I want more. I want my body to look a lot more toned and defined, you know like in the magazines. “
What have you learned about being healthy?
“I learned that my body functions so much better by eating the right foods and at the right times. I understand my body is not a dumping ground for all these foods that are so easily accessible. Just because it’s there and may seem convenient doesn’t mean I have to eat it. I now understand what my body needs to fuel itself. If I may say so myself, I feel and look younger, and I feel more confident about the way I look. “
How did you end up working w/ Body Refined Inc? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined Inc?
“I was referred to Body Refined by Nova Payton. Working with Body Refined has made my journey so much easier and stress free. I trust what Kurt has told, taught and showed me. Everything we do I understand is to teach me to be able to live a healthier life on my own. “
What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight?
“My advice to someone who wants to lose weight the right way is to seek help. Many times we try on our own and we MAY succeed but only for a short time. Getting the proper help to ensure you don’t do further damage to your body is key. “
Final words….
“Working with Kurt, I gained a wealth of information which included research and statistics about obesity in women, ailments associated with poor health/nutrition and lack of physical activity. Kurt has been patient, understanding and stern during this journey. His approach is more teaching rather than just telling. I have watched other “trainers” in the gym and I never hear them tell their clients why they are doing a particular exercise. Kurt explains each exercise and what it will do to my body. He has provided me with one-on-one nutrition and fitness training with an emphasis on NUTRITION. I eat better therefore I feel better.
Each individual must find their inner motivation for weight loss. With the help of Body Refined Inc., I am achieving goals that I never thought I could or would do on my own. I now have the DISCIPLINE and EDUCATION to maintain and continue a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.”
