Great speaking with you this morning. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Last challenge I completely bombed, but you didn't give up on me.
This time I have rallied the support of my family - and we're all in on it together. I'm forwarding you pictures of my two little guys holding their "weights" - for the 3 days a week that we do strength training. I'm using actual weights, and they are using magnets that they build with-sticks and balls- and if you put them together right, they look like dumbells - which helps them fell like they are working out too!
The other three days a week we do a Crazy Dance Party for 40 minutes in the living room. We go completely bonkers - and burn up all sorts of energy and I get an awesome Cardio Workout - and at the same time we are playing our heart out! The kids love it and it totally works for me. I'm red in the face and sweating when I'm done. Right now, I feel every muscle in my body. Nothing hurts - I'm not overdoing anything - but I can feel every muscle, which makes me think I'll start showing definition at some point.
My husband and I are working together to have really healthy meals full of lean protein, and lots of Framer's Market yummy vegetables and fruit. We're using whole wheat or brown rice whenever we can. I feel satisfied after dinner now. I don't feel sleepy because it was too fatty. I feel good, and energized, but not weighted down.
Years ago, I bought a treadmill thinking I could use it while the kids were napping - which never ended up happening. We sold it recently and got me a Very Cute Girlie Bike (Beach Cruiser style with high handlebars and Hawaiian flowers painted on it) with a big basket on the from and a child carrier on the back for the baby. We ride our bikes after dinner Every Night with the kids. I so enjoy including them in our healthy lifestyle rather than trying to getting shape while they're sleeping!
One further note - we don't do Farmer's Market anymore because we planted our own gorgeous garden in the back yard. The kids love picking strawberries and eating them, and we have squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, peppers, lots of herbs for cooking, and so much more - all growing in our own back yard. I would love to take all sorts of credit for all these healthy lifestyle changes - but I truly believe that your encouragement and support in the Women's Chamber Weight Challenge had a LOT to do with it. I am incredibly blessed to know you!
Thanks again for your support!
Liesl Garner
Garner Tree Services, Inc
(559) 264-3485 www.GarnerTreeToday.com
Begin. Be Fit. Believe. 2008
Dear Lisa,
As the final weigh-in approaches tomorrow morning at the conclusion of the Losin’ for the Cruisin’ weight loss challenge, I reflected on what the challenge has meant to me personally. It has succeeded in motivating me where other weight loss attempts have failed. I have dropped a full dress size (and quite possibly two) and have kept the weight off during the entire three month challenge period.
Clothes that once fit like a sausage casing now drape flatteringly giving me a renewed sense of confidence. I’ve had the intense pleasure of altering my clothes, reducing them once, and in some cases twice. I have a renewed desire for healthy eating and exercise. I am now more fit and tone than I have been for over eight years. As a result, Iwas able to join an adult soccer league for the first time in my life. I am playing soccer without the worry and risk of injury from being out of shape. This has led to an expanded circle of friends and the joy of a new found hobby. Although I will not win the coveted first place prize in the weight loss challenge, I have won a far more priceless gift. I no longer have sciatic nerve pain, and my low back pain has all but disappeared entirely. I have the gift of pain free health.
My goal will not end on April 4 at the conclusion of the final weigh-in. I will continue with this new found lifestyle until my personal goal is fully met. So I thank you for the inspiration and the courage to make these beneficial changes. My two Ausies, Frisbee and Boomer, also thank you for they have benefited from this program too. How can I possibly resist the overwhelming enthusiasm of these gentle dogs whose greatest pleasure in life is to go for a walk!
What a pleasure it is to watch an idea come to life. I would like to congratulate Lisa Bennett, for an extremely successful event. Losin for the Cruisin 2008 made and continues to make a difference. It was an honor to be part of the challenge and to see the friendships forged as well as, the wellness amongst our members. Simple outstanding! The challenge gave me that little extra, to keep me focused on my health and watch what I eat. It also helped me see just how important taking care of ourselves DAILY is. My only other feedback on this event would be, when is the next one? Thank you for all the time, dedication and passion.
Many thanks,
Juli Amodei , FCWCC President www.12toes.com
