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Judith Galvan
"You've got to be pleased!" There was Matt again with his wise knowledge, confident tone and a very pleased smile. That comment had just been said for the very first time and it could only mean goodness. That day set the tone for the next level of training I thought I would never see.
Only 4 months have gone by since my last posting and so much has happened to me since then. By the end of July my weight dropped to 133 Lbs. My size 2 clothes fit me a lot better; some of them are even loose now. My whole body has shrunk somehow that it makes me look lighter than my own weight, not to mention all the comments and looks that I get from people I don't even know.
There have been numbers of comments about my arms and my shoulders and some others from people who know me talk about my "flabby-bye-bye arms" gone for good! Another comment sounded like this: "but honey look at her legs, it is a total transformation"! I could only feel proud since my legs have traumatized me all my life for being so thick and unshaped. My worst judge in my home town in Mexico (he has always criticized me for gaining so much weight) was very impressed by my new look that he even said I look much better now at 37 than when we were in high school (I was thin then, but not muscular). I could go on and on with this section but the last thing I'm going to say which gives me a lot of satisfaction is that I have been able to inspire a lot of people to fight the battle against obesity. My family in Mexico (a group of 7 people) has begun a weight loss program and via internet we keep in touch and the motivation high up. Some other family members here in the States have also taken steps to control their weight and they are very, very happy with their results.
Currently Matt has different workout routines for me. The focus has shifted from "loosing" pounds/inches to "tightening", "defining", and "shaping", he says: "just like a sculptor with his tools working on a statue, focused on the details, little pieces here and there…". I'm currently bench pressing 30 lbs free-weights (I started with 8 lbs.), which I though it could never happen. I do walk lounges and squats with 25's, and slowly working my way up to heavier weights. I have a bit of a limitation due to a back injury, but some how Matt has managed to have me work my way up without further damaging my back. I feel pain less often or maybe is there and I'm just too excited to acknowledge its presence, I don't know.
Another wonderful thing that is happening to me right now is that I have so much energy that I have taken the challenge to improve my running time for the weekly 5K runs. I have gone from over 1 hr. to now running the whole thing in 26 min and 20 sec. My age group is a bit tougher; I have seen women my age ran at a 7 min per mile pace and I'm working my way to becoming a better runner and some day win a first place medal, Who said it is not possible?.
"With weight training, you can function in almost any possible fitness area you want", said Matt, and once again he has proved himself right. If you, who are now reading these lines have your doubts about engaging in a weight-training program, please just give it a shot. Get knowledgeable about the real facts as there are a lot of misconceptions especially among women; I certainly was not the exception to the rule.
No one said we should be fat and remain fat and unshaped for the rest of our lives. We are the ones who decide what we want from life and under which terms. When it comes to fighting obesity and life becomes tough and the emotional pain is unbearable, we need to acknowledge at some point that we need help. Investing in a personal trainer and following a proper nutritional program is nothing when you compare it with all the expenses you will have to cover in the future if you get sick due to an obesity related illness. For all I know, I have just put an end to 15 years of struggle with weight issues so, I can safely say, just pick up the phone and make your first appointment because Matt will do anything possible to bring out the ATHLETE that lives inside you!
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Hi, I am back again and only 8 pounds away from my final weight goal, which is 130 Lbs... Amazing is in it?! The greatest thing is that, I'm not only looking slimmer but athletic, shaped and toned. Now I can see in my figure what Matt has always been telling me about the benefits of weight training (which, back in time it was difficult for me to picture them in my mind). I look slimmer and toned than the average 138 "pounder". The size clothes I'm wearing now is 2 or 4 depending on the brand name (I never thought this could be possible, and I don't remember wearing this clothes size even when I was 138 pounds almost 14 years ago). Weight training really makes a difference; it gives the "impression" of a lighter person. My mother in Mexico said there is like a "glow" that surrounds me even when she has not seen me in person, a co-worker called it a "Shine". So far, lots of enthusiastic complements, heads up, smiles, and looks. Also, what I have been waiting for a long time has arrived and which is, going on a shopping spree...! I'm also getting new more comfortable shoes, and not because my feet hurt (like in the past) but because my feet now can take me faster to wherever I need to go! Thanks Matt for all your support, your knowledge, professionalism and trust.
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"Keep your head in the game"...
 ...and when you loose all those extra pounds you will never want to go back again" (these are words of encouragement from my personal trainer). I often times find my self repeating this phrase in my head (when I'm in front of a piece of chocolate for example) and, to my surprise, it works. I'm finally seeing results; I am a 37 years old mom who has gone from a devastating post-partum weight of 197 to 162 pounds.
Weight training, cardio and a proper nutrition, they have all played an important role for my weight loss. With the experience that came with trying different nutritional programs, I finally feel like I found the proper food combinations that satisfy my appetite and control my evening cravings. It has not been an easy journey. I have tried and failed many times. I have read every single book there is out there promising to conquer a model figure. I have tried pills, powders, starvation, you name it. But thanks to all this information, I have gained a pretty good insight of what works and does not work for me. I know that if I want to continue loosing weight and reach my lowest weight numbers of 128 lbs again (my weight during my twenties, because I think anything is possible), I must be focused, determined and consistent with my program.
Today I feel a lot stronger and more confident; I can wear smaller size clothes again and people are there to notice it. My goals are to become a healthier mom, a faster runner for my Sunday races, feel much better and look ever greater and, Why not? Be an inspiration for other people who need it. This summer I won't be sitting in front of the pool wearing pants and covering my huge arms watching everyone else have fun. I'm excited and happy for the day when I can see that thinner woman I have not seen in at least 14 years, reveal through my own skin. Until then, I work and have fun at the same time.
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