GRAND PRIZE WINNER - Danielle Cervantes
2018 12 WEEK SUMMER STRONG CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY 24th to MAY 19th
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of WLG Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 90 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $110)
PLUS a Complete MAKEOVER with hair, make-up and photography ($600 value)
GRAND PRIZE: One FREE YEAR of WLG Training Retail Value $1700
PLUS a 90 minute full body massage with Massages by Jess (retail value $110)
PLUS a Complete MAKEOVER with hair, make-up and photography ($600 value)
WEIGHT LOST: 22.5 POUNDS
BODYFAT % LOST: 6.6%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 12.4%
INCHES LOST: 22.2 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 6.6%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 12.4%
INCHES LOST: 22.2 INCHES
I’ve dreaded exercise since gym class in elementary school. I actually used to hide behind the bushes during the “presidential fitness test” mile run, then pop out when everyone was finishing to avoid breaking a sweat. I was able to get away with this as a kid, but my adult body definitely didn’t let me escape exercise, and I still hated it. Unfortunately for women, parking yourself on an elliptical for 30 minutes 3 times a week doesn’t cut it, and the temptations of girls nights out, takeout food and bottomless mimosa brunches got the best of me.
I didn’t realize how big I let myself get before it was time to buy a bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding. I knew I had to make a change to avoid being the annoying person who hates the way she looks in every single photo. My friend posted about WLG on Facebook, and I spent a week debating whether or not I could commit to driving from Easton to Kent Island multiple times a week to workout. I also spent the week having maximum social anxiety about how out of shape I was, panicking that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with class and worried about looking like a fool in front of everyone. I made excuses to avoid trying the first class, tried working out on my own, then my bridesmaid dress got delivered (things were bad) and I knew I had to make moves, and I signed up for the 12 week challenge.
I barely got through the first class, but I knew that if I stuck with it I’d have positive results. The WLG community was the most supportive and encouraging group of people I’ve ever met. Classes with Kendra, Tracie and LaneAnn were always hard, but went fast and were FUN! Having a gym buddy held me accountable and kept me looking forward to class. I maintained a ketogenic diet throughout the challenge with the help of Kendra, Tracie and some other gym friends and got great results, so I’m definitely sticking with it!
What I mostly loved about the challenge was changing my lifestyle. Working out is something I look forward to now, and really my day doesn’t feel complete until I get a good sweat on. I love the way I feel! Not only am I fitting in my old clothes (and buying smaller sizes!), I’m feeling more confident and I’m healthier and happier all around.
Advice for future challengers: commit to it! You owe it to yourself to see what kind of changes you can make when you’re invested in it. Don’t focus on what the scale says, focus on how you feel. Don’t stop until you’re proud.
I’m so grateful I came across WLG and for the support and encouragement I received from the coaches and everyone at the gym over the last 12 weeks, and I’m really looking forward to being part of this community long term!
- Danielle Cervantes, WLG Athlete
I didn’t realize how big I let myself get before it was time to buy a bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding. I knew I had to make a change to avoid being the annoying person who hates the way she looks in every single photo. My friend posted about WLG on Facebook, and I spent a week debating whether or not I could commit to driving from Easton to Kent Island multiple times a week to workout. I also spent the week having maximum social anxiety about how out of shape I was, panicking that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with class and worried about looking like a fool in front of everyone. I made excuses to avoid trying the first class, tried working out on my own, then my bridesmaid dress got delivered (things were bad) and I knew I had to make moves, and I signed up for the 12 week challenge.
I barely got through the first class, but I knew that if I stuck with it I’d have positive results. The WLG community was the most supportive and encouraging group of people I’ve ever met. Classes with Kendra, Tracie and LaneAnn were always hard, but went fast and were FUN! Having a gym buddy held me accountable and kept me looking forward to class. I maintained a ketogenic diet throughout the challenge with the help of Kendra, Tracie and some other gym friends and got great results, so I’m definitely sticking with it!
What I mostly loved about the challenge was changing my lifestyle. Working out is something I look forward to now, and really my day doesn’t feel complete until I get a good sweat on. I love the way I feel! Not only am I fitting in my old clothes (and buying smaller sizes!), I’m feeling more confident and I’m healthier and happier all around.
Advice for future challengers: commit to it! You owe it to yourself to see what kind of changes you can make when you’re invested in it. Don’t focus on what the scale says, focus on how you feel. Don’t stop until you’re proud.
I’m so grateful I came across WLG and for the support and encouragement I received from the coaches and everyone at the gym over the last 12 weeks, and I’m really looking forward to being part of this community long term!
- Danielle Cervantes, WLG Athlete
Photography: Sara Thomas of Willow Roots Photography
Hair: Melanie Torre of Levity Hair Studio
Make-Up: Chelsea Clarence of Maskcara Faces By Chelsea
Spray Tan: Island Sun Tanning Studio
Hair: Melanie Torre of Levity Hair Studio
Make-Up: Chelsea Clarence of Maskcara Faces By Chelsea
Spray Tan: Island Sun Tanning Studio
SECOND PLACE WINNER - JENN NAECKER
PRIZE: 6 MONTHS of Unlimited WLG (Mon-Sat) or C3 Training (retail $774-834) OR At-home WLG Training Gear!
Kettlebell, Slamball, BOSU, Ballast Ball,TRX, Ab Mat, Battlerope and Speed Rope (retail $600)
WEIGHT LOST: 21 POUNDS
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.3%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 14.3%
INCHES LOST: 21.5 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 9.3%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 14.3%
INCHES LOST: 21.5 INCHES
Seriously, this can’t be real...️️️️
I am having a hard time putting into words what it means for me to have accomplished all that I have during this challenge. I am just so honored to have competed and trained next to some of the most bad ass athletes around. When I set out, my goal for this challenge was to just stay consistent and give it my absolute best effort!
Throughout my entire life from the age of 4 to 17 my sport was cheerleading (yes it is a sport, and if you say other wise....we can’t be friends..hahaha). I stayed in shape and active as a young adult and felt confident as most of us do. I started my family early and was for the most part able to get back to a place where I felt pretty good about my body. As I started to get a little older and found myself working an office job and my activity becoming less and less, I was unhappy with how my clothes fit and just didn’t feel great about myself. I tried Beachbody after Beachbody with little to no results. I couldn’t stay motivated.
Finally I joined a gym and the awesome Fergie Ferg met me there at 5:00am most mornings. I started feeling like myself again and was in pretty damn good shape. As time went on more often than not, I would send a text in the early morning hours saying I couldn’t make it. Again, I just couldn’t stay motivated and it was back to sporadic Beachbody workouts with literally no result. I guess you could say I was just never really in love with working out.
Fast forward a couple of years, I left my desk job to stay at home with my boys. After battling with no energy, lack of confidence, not going to the pool with my kids because I wasn’t comfortable in a bathing suit, being on our boat covered from head to toe, I was done. I watched my girl Brittany Clarence compete in the challenge and saw her amazing results. With a little persuasion, she convinced me to try WLG for the first time. I walk into my first class with my partner in crime Ashley Beth Gertz and it was a mess, I thought I was literally going to vomit🤢🤣. But strangely I had the urge to go back. Day after day, I went back to this place that nearly killed me each time. The challenge came along and I thought ok I’ll try it, it will keep me consistent and I was determined to put forth my best effort. The more I went to class the more I fell in love....with the feeling after I left, with the athletes I was working out with, and with the absolute best coaches, HANDS DOWN! I was falling in love with working out, but more importantly the way I felt. I was fueling my body with healthy food and staying consistent with my exercise. The weekly meal plans were great. I meal prepped every Sunday and it set me up for success each week. Tracking my points and having the ability to earn extra bonus points allowed me to be human and cheat a little on the weekends...lol!
I feel amazing inside and out! My energy is back, and I am committed! I have found my forever home. I couldn’t have made it this far without Kendra Eichler, Tracie Nelson, Lane Anne and all the awesomeness that is WLG! It’s a family, and that keeps me coming back class after class! Thank you Brittany for convincing me to join. Thank you to my husband and boys, and my forever partner as well. They deal with my crazy workout schedule and give me constant encouragement! I love you all! My journey is far from over but it all started and will continue with Work out like a Girl!
- Jenn Naecker, WLG Athlete
I am having a hard time putting into words what it means for me to have accomplished all that I have during this challenge. I am just so honored to have competed and trained next to some of the most bad ass athletes around. When I set out, my goal for this challenge was to just stay consistent and give it my absolute best effort!
Throughout my entire life from the age of 4 to 17 my sport was cheerleading (yes it is a sport, and if you say other wise....we can’t be friends..hahaha). I stayed in shape and active as a young adult and felt confident as most of us do. I started my family early and was for the most part able to get back to a place where I felt pretty good about my body. As I started to get a little older and found myself working an office job and my activity becoming less and less, I was unhappy with how my clothes fit and just didn’t feel great about myself. I tried Beachbody after Beachbody with little to no results. I couldn’t stay motivated.
Finally I joined a gym and the awesome Fergie Ferg met me there at 5:00am most mornings. I started feeling like myself again and was in pretty damn good shape. As time went on more often than not, I would send a text in the early morning hours saying I couldn’t make it. Again, I just couldn’t stay motivated and it was back to sporadic Beachbody workouts with literally no result. I guess you could say I was just never really in love with working out.
Fast forward a couple of years, I left my desk job to stay at home with my boys. After battling with no energy, lack of confidence, not going to the pool with my kids because I wasn’t comfortable in a bathing suit, being on our boat covered from head to toe, I was done. I watched my girl Brittany Clarence compete in the challenge and saw her amazing results. With a little persuasion, she convinced me to try WLG for the first time. I walk into my first class with my partner in crime Ashley Beth Gertz and it was a mess, I thought I was literally going to vomit🤢🤣. But strangely I had the urge to go back. Day after day, I went back to this place that nearly killed me each time. The challenge came along and I thought ok I’ll try it, it will keep me consistent and I was determined to put forth my best effort. The more I went to class the more I fell in love....with the feeling after I left, with the athletes I was working out with, and with the absolute best coaches, HANDS DOWN! I was falling in love with working out, but more importantly the way I felt. I was fueling my body with healthy food and staying consistent with my exercise. The weekly meal plans were great. I meal prepped every Sunday and it set me up for success each week. Tracking my points and having the ability to earn extra bonus points allowed me to be human and cheat a little on the weekends...lol!
I feel amazing inside and out! My energy is back, and I am committed! I have found my forever home. I couldn’t have made it this far without Kendra Eichler, Tracie Nelson, Lane Anne and all the awesomeness that is WLG! It’s a family, and that keeps me coming back class after class! Thank you Brittany for convincing me to join. Thank you to my husband and boys, and my forever partner as well. They deal with my crazy workout schedule and give me constant encouragement! I love you all! My journey is far from over but it all started and will continue with Work out like a Girl!
- Jenn Naecker, WLG Athlete
THIRD PLACE WINNER - NICOLE NICHOLS
PRIZE: 3 MONTHS Unlimited WLG (Mon-Sat) or C3 Training (retail $387-417)
OR $300 NIKE Gift Card
WEIGHT LOST: 16 POUNDS
BODYFAT % LOST: 7.1%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 11.6%
INCHES LOST: 16.5 INCHES
BODYFAT % LOST: 7.1%
BODYWEIGHT % LOST: 11.6%
INCHES LOST: 16.5 INCHES
I kind of fell into WLG in a totally unexpected way. One day, I was looking at the KI Happenings Facebook page and someone posted that they were looking to meet new people. My now-friend Elissa (I didn’t know her then) commented on it saying how great WLG was and how everyone is so nice and supportive. So I messaged Elissa, she gave me details, and I met her at the next Saturday class. I was super nervous because I didn’t know anyone and the room was packed! Elissa was great, she let me follow her around everywhere that first class, lol! I was also nervous because I HATE strength training, but within the class atmosphere, it was actually kind of fun! The challenge happened to be starting right around that time, so I decided to sign up.
I have always been a pretty active person, but have always had to “watch what I eat” and have struggled with maintaining what I feel is a good weight for me. When I was pregnant with my son, I told myself that was the only time that I would be able to eat whatever I wanted, and I did, and gained 50 pounds! As soon as I recovered from the c-section, I was back to running so I was able to lose all but the last 5 pounds. I told myself “well those 5 pounds will probably never come off” and continued to do my normal routines of running combined with Beachbody programs (of which I’ve done many!) However, strength training was never part of it (did I mention how much I hate it?!) This past fall, I was involved in a bicycling accident and hurt my elbow, so was unable to do a lot of working out. I gained an additional 5 pounds. This past winter, I knew I needed to switch things up, that my body was used to the cardio routine that I had been in for years. That’s when WLG came at the right moment (thanks Elissa!)!
This challenge for me has been life-changing. I remember driving home after my first Monday 5am class with LaneAnn, and literally saying out loud “that was freaking awesome!” I felt so energized and ready to start the day. I was so happy to have found a 5am class (because most gyms have 5:30am classes, which are too late for me to get to work on time). So I knew I had found a great fit for me. Everyone is so supportive and nice at WLG and it doesn’t feel cliquey like some gyms do. The amount of working out during the challenge was something to get used to, but I was determined to get my bonus points every week, because I knew I would have a good amount of deductions (because I really like beer)! I will say that having to write down and account for everything in the book made me really think about what I put in my mouth. Thinking “ugh, Kendra’s going to see this” definitely made me think twice about that cookie or piece of candy. I am super thankful for LaneAnn and Kendra being super supportive when I weighed in at times during the challenge and wasn’t happy with my numbers. They made me remember the bigger picture, that I was actually enjoying myself and still losing weight. Oh and the strength training—I wouldn’t say I LOVE it now, but I don’t mind it (except bicep curls, which I will never like!!) What I have learned is that for me, strength training pays off long-term. I used to always think that if I wasn’t pouring sweat (like I do when I’m running), that I wasn’t getting a good workout. But with the addition of strength training, I can see definition in my arms and legs that I’ve never seen before! Dare I say that I am actually looking forward to the Straight A’s Challenge to see just how defined I can get my arms?! Thank you so much Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn for pushing me farther than I ever thought I was capable of…I’m in this for the long haul!
- Nicole Nichols, WLG Athlete
I have always been a pretty active person, but have always had to “watch what I eat” and have struggled with maintaining what I feel is a good weight for me. When I was pregnant with my son, I told myself that was the only time that I would be able to eat whatever I wanted, and I did, and gained 50 pounds! As soon as I recovered from the c-section, I was back to running so I was able to lose all but the last 5 pounds. I told myself “well those 5 pounds will probably never come off” and continued to do my normal routines of running combined with Beachbody programs (of which I’ve done many!) However, strength training was never part of it (did I mention how much I hate it?!) This past fall, I was involved in a bicycling accident and hurt my elbow, so was unable to do a lot of working out. I gained an additional 5 pounds. This past winter, I knew I needed to switch things up, that my body was used to the cardio routine that I had been in for years. That’s when WLG came at the right moment (thanks Elissa!)!
This challenge for me has been life-changing. I remember driving home after my first Monday 5am class with LaneAnn, and literally saying out loud “that was freaking awesome!” I felt so energized and ready to start the day. I was so happy to have found a 5am class (because most gyms have 5:30am classes, which are too late for me to get to work on time). So I knew I had found a great fit for me. Everyone is so supportive and nice at WLG and it doesn’t feel cliquey like some gyms do. The amount of working out during the challenge was something to get used to, but I was determined to get my bonus points every week, because I knew I would have a good amount of deductions (because I really like beer)! I will say that having to write down and account for everything in the book made me really think about what I put in my mouth. Thinking “ugh, Kendra’s going to see this” definitely made me think twice about that cookie or piece of candy. I am super thankful for LaneAnn and Kendra being super supportive when I weighed in at times during the challenge and wasn’t happy with my numbers. They made me remember the bigger picture, that I was actually enjoying myself and still losing weight. Oh and the strength training—I wouldn’t say I LOVE it now, but I don’t mind it (except bicep curls, which I will never like!!) What I have learned is that for me, strength training pays off long-term. I used to always think that if I wasn’t pouring sweat (like I do when I’m running), that I wasn’t getting a good workout. But with the addition of strength training, I can see definition in my arms and legs that I’ve never seen before! Dare I say that I am actually looking forward to the Straight A’s Challenge to see just how defined I can get my arms?! Thank you so much Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn for pushing me farther than I ever thought I was capable of…I’m in this for the long haul!
- Nicole Nichols, WLG Athlete
TRANSFORMATION WINNERS
AGE CATEGORY 16-34
DANIELLE BONACCORSY - PRIZE 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
14.5 lbs. LOST
10.5 inches LOST
9.8% of Bodyweight LOST
Before discovering Work out like a girl through a coworker/friend Ive struggled with weight since my son was born in 2013. I did weight watchers before I became pregnant and tried it for a year after he was born but with that I feel it was hard to keep the weight off. Didn’t feel motivated with weight watchers like I feel with Work out like a girl. With the challenge and the other ladies I was in contact with made it fun!
While on the Challenge I found that it made mine and my families lives so much simpler and laid out! Dinners were never a question of what to have and was already figured out for me also it Opened our eyes to “clean” eating and showed me as person how to better my health just by taking out the “bad” stuff out of my diet. At first I questioned having my son thats a typical 4 year old boy eating what I was gonna eat but I never heard him complain and he enjoyed helping me meal prep and cook it all! Thank you so much for everyone that designed this great program!
- Danielle Bonaccorsy, WLG Athlete
14.5 lbs. LOST
10.5 inches LOST
9.8% of Bodyweight LOST
Before discovering Work out like a girl through a coworker/friend Ive struggled with weight since my son was born in 2013. I did weight watchers before I became pregnant and tried it for a year after he was born but with that I feel it was hard to keep the weight off. Didn’t feel motivated with weight watchers like I feel with Work out like a girl. With the challenge and the other ladies I was in contact with made it fun!
While on the Challenge I found that it made mine and my families lives so much simpler and laid out! Dinners were never a question of what to have and was already figured out for me also it Opened our eyes to “clean” eating and showed me as person how to better my health just by taking out the “bad” stuff out of my diet. At first I questioned having my son thats a typical 4 year old boy eating what I was gonna eat but I never heard him complain and he enjoyed helping me meal prep and cook it all! Thank you so much for everyone that designed this great program!
- Danielle Bonaccorsy, WLG Athlete
AMANDA NEISWENDER - PRIZE 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
7 lbs. LOST
12.7 inches LOST
3.5% Bodyfat LOST
4.7% of Bodyweight LOST
This is my second challenge that I have completed with Workout Like a Girl, and each time, I have learned something new and pushed myself to the max! I absolutely love the challenge experience! After the fall challenge, I had made great progress in getting back to where I wanted to be with my body, losing weight, losing percent body fat, and improving my overall appearance and how I look at myself. With that being said, I won second place overall in the fall, so I definitely wasn’t expecting to win anything this time; however, hard work really does pay off! I honestly contemplated just keeping up with my progress on my own, but the couple of weeks between challenges, I had already started to slack off- that’s when I decided to enter the summer strong challenge. I needed the accountability, and it really hit me hard when I had to write those deduction points in my book- I felt guilty when I made poor food choices! The weekly weigh ns also helped me to push myself, and looking at those pre/post pictures really helps me stay motivated! Not only does the program work, but there is a great support system that is there to boost you up and help you meet your goals. The coaches are AMAZING and I couldn’t have pushed myself without their support! I also had a small group of friends that completed the challenge with me, and they were a huge support- going to classes, talking about recipes, and sending motivational memes to each other- ladies, you know who you are- THANK YOU! There are so many parts of the challenge program that I love! To start, the recipes and weekly meal plans are awesome, and take the thinking out of going to the grocery store. Before, we would eat the same thing every week- and we were okay with that- but the recipes really pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me cook more, and I really enjoyed that! This challenge also introduced the weekly workout videos, and they were awesome for days that I didn’t make it to class. The Pinterest board of workouts is also helpful and an awesome resource, but the videos helped me to learn some of the exercise terminology and helped me to make sure I was completing the exercise correctly. Completing the challenge has not only helped me become more healthy and active, but has instilled a lifestyle change for me. I now look forward to going to classes and working out with great coaches and new friends, cooking and meal prepping healthy and delicious food, and overall making healthier choices for myself! The WLG challenge experience is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone! Thanks Coach Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn- You ladies rock!
- Amanda Neiswender, WLG Athlete
7 lbs. LOST
12.7 inches LOST
3.5% Bodyfat LOST
4.7% of Bodyweight LOST
This is my second challenge that I have completed with Workout Like a Girl, and each time, I have learned something new and pushed myself to the max! I absolutely love the challenge experience! After the fall challenge, I had made great progress in getting back to where I wanted to be with my body, losing weight, losing percent body fat, and improving my overall appearance and how I look at myself. With that being said, I won second place overall in the fall, so I definitely wasn’t expecting to win anything this time; however, hard work really does pay off! I honestly contemplated just keeping up with my progress on my own, but the couple of weeks between challenges, I had already started to slack off- that’s when I decided to enter the summer strong challenge. I needed the accountability, and it really hit me hard when I had to write those deduction points in my book- I felt guilty when I made poor food choices! The weekly weigh ns also helped me to push myself, and looking at those pre/post pictures really helps me stay motivated! Not only does the program work, but there is a great support system that is there to boost you up and help you meet your goals. The coaches are AMAZING and I couldn’t have pushed myself without their support! I also had a small group of friends that completed the challenge with me, and they were a huge support- going to classes, talking about recipes, and sending motivational memes to each other- ladies, you know who you are- THANK YOU! There are so many parts of the challenge program that I love! To start, the recipes and weekly meal plans are awesome, and take the thinking out of going to the grocery store. Before, we would eat the same thing every week- and we were okay with that- but the recipes really pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me cook more, and I really enjoyed that! This challenge also introduced the weekly workout videos, and they were awesome for days that I didn’t make it to class. The Pinterest board of workouts is also helpful and an awesome resource, but the videos helped me to learn some of the exercise terminology and helped me to make sure I was completing the exercise correctly. Completing the challenge has not only helped me become more healthy and active, but has instilled a lifestyle change for me. I now look forward to going to classes and working out with great coaches and new friends, cooking and meal prepping healthy and delicious food, and overall making healthier choices for myself! The WLG challenge experience is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone! Thanks Coach Kendra, Tracie, and LaneAnn- You ladies rock!
- Amanda Neiswender, WLG Athlete
EMILY MALONE - PRIZE 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
.5 lbs. LOST
6.5 inches LOST
1.5% Bodyfat LOST
Here I was, coming off my Fall Challenge win and feeling great! However, I also knew I didn’t want to stop. I was proud of the results I achieved over the last 12 weeks, but I wanted another goal. I wanted to stay focused and dedicated, and I wanted to further my journey.
I decided to sign up for the Summer Challenge with no real intention of winning anything. I wanted to be able to relax a bit more, and since I had given what seemed like well over 100% in the last Challenge, I was not looking to be as super strict. I just knew I wanted to stay on the right track.
My goal this time was to increase my muscle mass, which means continuing to decrease my body fat percentage. I was not looking to lose any more weight. Kendra told me to try & slowly increase my weights in class, thus giving me a chance to turn more fat into muscle. I immediately increased those weights, sometimes even adding weights to other exercises to make everything a lot more challenging. Consequently, I made sure to always try & give my MAX effort with each rep, each run, each exercise. I love the motivating atmosphere at WLG – and having others around me working-out gives me incentive to push even harder. But the Summer Challenge was now very personal for me, as I was not competing with anyone but myself— to go farther and harder than before in terms of my fitness!
Thanks to setting the goal to increase muscle mass, I have seen a big difference in my strength and endurance. I have drastically improved my running time these past couple of months. That is a big deal for me because running is a huge part of my life. I was thrilled to place 3rd overall in the women’s group for the Chestertown 10-Miler. That felt incredible and I never once let up or wanted to give up! I have never felt so strong and so fast with so much stamina. There is no better feeling than feeling STRONG! I feel it in WLG classes too--being able to keep going during class at 100% or during my training runs, really energizes and drives me.
My workouts are key, but in addition to hitting class three days a week and incorporating steady cardio 35-45 minutes at least three days a week (sometimes back to back), I also focus on my nutrition as much as possible.
Nutrition/healthy “diet” have been a huge part of my life for a long time now. I have been a vegetarian for over 12 years, with the exception of some seafood. In fact, my entire family is vegetarian—my husband 10+ years and my children all since birth. It’s just what we know, what we believe and what works for us.
When it comes to eating, having a plan—a daily plan—one day at a time, is how I make it work. I pretty much know each day what I will eat for each meal as well as each snack. I use a ton of the WLG recipes offered during the Challenges to this day! For my snacks, I bake vegan chocolate chip almond cookie bars, and amazing blueberry banana bread, among other snacks. (Yes, I eat banana bread & cookie bars every day for my two snacks!) Being a creature of habit helps too, as I tend to repeat a lot of dishes at breakfast and lunch! Ha! I eat a big ol’ (healthy) egg sandwich every morning and a healthy veggie burger or fish burger wrap pretty much for lunch every afternoon.
Whenever I get asked though, “What’s your secret?”—well, I do have one and I swear by it: I measure my food. Every day! For. Every. Meal! I don’t know any different now. It goes a very long way. I don’t have to be in a challenge, or following a strict meal plan to stay on track. As long as I am measuring my food and paying attention to (about) how many calories I should be getting for my meals and snacks, then I always stay on track. If you don’t measure a sauce or a serving of almond butter for example, you could be taking in a few hundred more calories. I am able to make a big pasta dinner for my entire family for instance, and partake while staying completely on track, all because I measured my servings! And knowing how many servings of grains, cheeses, even vegetables and how many times a day are very important. Once you study it, you’ll know it. I also am strict about sodium. I do not add salt to my food. It sucks at first, but you get used to it. I find it to help me tremendously. I also stay away from dairy as much as possible, using avocados a lot in lieu of cheese.
Though I live a healthy lifestyle, I do love to indulge & live a little, but I try to never let that negatively affect me. I won’t let a few slices of pizza or a couple beers (or whatever!!) derail my week ahead. I just get back on track and I realize I won’t always be perfect. It’s important to look forward and not backwards.
I love WLG so much. I give the trainers so much credit. For me, Kendra and Tracie are such an important part of my journey and my goals. Without them, and without the WLG community, I don’t think I could have reached my hard-earned targets. I appreciate their insight, encouragement and knowledge. I will be a WLG lifer!
- Emily Malone, WLG Athlete
.5 lbs. LOST
6.5 inches LOST
1.5% Bodyfat LOST
Here I was, coming off my Fall Challenge win and feeling great! However, I also knew I didn’t want to stop. I was proud of the results I achieved over the last 12 weeks, but I wanted another goal. I wanted to stay focused and dedicated, and I wanted to further my journey.
I decided to sign up for the Summer Challenge with no real intention of winning anything. I wanted to be able to relax a bit more, and since I had given what seemed like well over 100% in the last Challenge, I was not looking to be as super strict. I just knew I wanted to stay on the right track.
My goal this time was to increase my muscle mass, which means continuing to decrease my body fat percentage. I was not looking to lose any more weight. Kendra told me to try & slowly increase my weights in class, thus giving me a chance to turn more fat into muscle. I immediately increased those weights, sometimes even adding weights to other exercises to make everything a lot more challenging. Consequently, I made sure to always try & give my MAX effort with each rep, each run, each exercise. I love the motivating atmosphere at WLG – and having others around me working-out gives me incentive to push even harder. But the Summer Challenge was now very personal for me, as I was not competing with anyone but myself— to go farther and harder than before in terms of my fitness!
Thanks to setting the goal to increase muscle mass, I have seen a big difference in my strength and endurance. I have drastically improved my running time these past couple of months. That is a big deal for me because running is a huge part of my life. I was thrilled to place 3rd overall in the women’s group for the Chestertown 10-Miler. That felt incredible and I never once let up or wanted to give up! I have never felt so strong and so fast with so much stamina. There is no better feeling than feeling STRONG! I feel it in WLG classes too--being able to keep going during class at 100% or during my training runs, really energizes and drives me.
My workouts are key, but in addition to hitting class three days a week and incorporating steady cardio 35-45 minutes at least three days a week (sometimes back to back), I also focus on my nutrition as much as possible.
Nutrition/healthy “diet” have been a huge part of my life for a long time now. I have been a vegetarian for over 12 years, with the exception of some seafood. In fact, my entire family is vegetarian—my husband 10+ years and my children all since birth. It’s just what we know, what we believe and what works for us.
When it comes to eating, having a plan—a daily plan—one day at a time, is how I make it work. I pretty much know each day what I will eat for each meal as well as each snack. I use a ton of the WLG recipes offered during the Challenges to this day! For my snacks, I bake vegan chocolate chip almond cookie bars, and amazing blueberry banana bread, among other snacks. (Yes, I eat banana bread & cookie bars every day for my two snacks!) Being a creature of habit helps too, as I tend to repeat a lot of dishes at breakfast and lunch! Ha! I eat a big ol’ (healthy) egg sandwich every morning and a healthy veggie burger or fish burger wrap pretty much for lunch every afternoon.
Whenever I get asked though, “What’s your secret?”—well, I do have one and I swear by it: I measure my food. Every day! For. Every. Meal! I don’t know any different now. It goes a very long way. I don’t have to be in a challenge, or following a strict meal plan to stay on track. As long as I am measuring my food and paying attention to (about) how many calories I should be getting for my meals and snacks, then I always stay on track. If you don’t measure a sauce or a serving of almond butter for example, you could be taking in a few hundred more calories. I am able to make a big pasta dinner for my entire family for instance, and partake while staying completely on track, all because I measured my servings! And knowing how many servings of grains, cheeses, even vegetables and how many times a day are very important. Once you study it, you’ll know it. I also am strict about sodium. I do not add salt to my food. It sucks at first, but you get used to it. I find it to help me tremendously. I also stay away from dairy as much as possible, using avocados a lot in lieu of cheese.
Though I live a healthy lifestyle, I do love to indulge & live a little, but I try to never let that negatively affect me. I won’t let a few slices of pizza or a couple beers (or whatever!!) derail my week ahead. I just get back on track and I realize I won’t always be perfect. It’s important to look forward and not backwards.
I love WLG so much. I give the trainers so much credit. For me, Kendra and Tracie are such an important part of my journey and my goals. Without them, and without the WLG community, I don’t think I could have reached my hard-earned targets. I appreciate their insight, encouragement and knowledge. I will be a WLG lifer!
- Emily Malone, WLG Athlete
AGE CATEGORY 35-50
DEANNA GUNTHER - PRIZE 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
31 lbs. LOST
24.5 inches LOST
14.5% of Bodyweight LOST
I am married with two teenage boys. They are very active with sports and other activities. I always seem to be running around with them. If I am not going to a game I am working and not a whole lot of time for myself. I have been struggling with my health for the past 3 years. I always seem to be in some sort of pain from a back and shoulder issue that started about 3 years ago. My job is a very physical with heavy lifting and a lot of walking, between 6-8 miles a day. I was packing on the weight because I didn't have much energy to do anything but go to work and whatever my boys were doing. The last time I had weighed this much was when I delivered my last child 15 years ago.
I saw on facebook that a few people I knew were doing different challenges offered by WLG and they were posting how much that they liked it and were losing. I decided that I would try the 12 week challenge. I signed up, then told my husband (also overweight) that I had and he would be doing the challenge with me since he does 95% of the cooking in our house. I knew that he had to be on it with me or I would not lose a pound.
My expectations the first week were just to get on a schedule of grocery shopping, prepping food and staying on the eating plan. I was not worried about working out at first. After the second week I looked forward to the next weeks meal plan, prepping and cooking the food. I actually would cook and bake the meals and snacks. I was enjoying eating healthy and spending time in the kitchen.
After the third week I started to notice a difference in the pain I was feeling in my shoulders and back. It was there but not all the time. I stated to workout more and it didn't cause me pain. I try to do some kind of workout, besides my 6-8 miles for work, daily now. I was never in this challenge to win anything. I wanted the structure of the plan. I needed it to be a lifestyle change. WLG gave me all the things I needed to succeed. Thank you!
-DeAnna Gunther, WLG Athlete
31 lbs. LOST
24.5 inches LOST
14.5% of Bodyweight LOST
I am married with two teenage boys. They are very active with sports and other activities. I always seem to be running around with them. If I am not going to a game I am working and not a whole lot of time for myself. I have been struggling with my health for the past 3 years. I always seem to be in some sort of pain from a back and shoulder issue that started about 3 years ago. My job is a very physical with heavy lifting and a lot of walking, between 6-8 miles a day. I was packing on the weight because I didn't have much energy to do anything but go to work and whatever my boys were doing. The last time I had weighed this much was when I delivered my last child 15 years ago.
I saw on facebook that a few people I knew were doing different challenges offered by WLG and they were posting how much that they liked it and were losing. I decided that I would try the 12 week challenge. I signed up, then told my husband (also overweight) that I had and he would be doing the challenge with me since he does 95% of the cooking in our house. I knew that he had to be on it with me or I would not lose a pound.
My expectations the first week were just to get on a schedule of grocery shopping, prepping food and staying on the eating plan. I was not worried about working out at first. After the second week I looked forward to the next weeks meal plan, prepping and cooking the food. I actually would cook and bake the meals and snacks. I was enjoying eating healthy and spending time in the kitchen.
After the third week I started to notice a difference in the pain I was feeling in my shoulders and back. It was there but not all the time. I stated to workout more and it didn't cause me pain. I try to do some kind of workout, besides my 6-8 miles for work, daily now. I was never in this challenge to win anything. I wanted the structure of the plan. I needed it to be a lifestyle change. WLG gave me all the things I needed to succeed. Thank you!
-DeAnna Gunther, WLG Athlete
SAMANTHA CLEVENGER - PRIZE 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
29.5 lbs. LOST
20.2 inches LOST
12.9% lost in bodyweight LOST
29.5 lbs. LOST
20.2 inches LOST
12.9% lost in bodyweight LOST
LINDSAY MCCORMICK - PRIZE 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
20 lbs. LOST
17.5 inches LOST
13.3% of Bodyweight LOST
3rd place in my age group for Final Prizes, never in my wildest dreams. Fourteen years ago my journey began. I had a 5 year-old son and a 3 year-old daughter. I was always exhausted (which is normal with 2 young kids), I ate like crap (which is also normal) and I wanted to feel better about myself (still normal). I had played sports in high school, I could start running I thought. Boy was I wrong. I could not run half a mile without stopping and walking. What had happened to me--- AGE, WEIGHT, CHILDREN. But I was determined. I ran a few times each week and got stronger and stronger. Before I knew it, I could run my ¾ mile street without stopping. I couldn’t give up now.
Although I continued to run, I was not “hooked” until I met a friend who ran often and ran races----long races. We began training for runs. First a 5K, then a 5 miler, then a half marathon, then a 50 K Trail run, then a 200-mile relay race with friends. I loved what I was doing but it was REALLY time consuming. Although I never gave up running, I cut waaaayyyyy back on my running. What happened next—AGE, WEIGHT, CHILDREN.
Fast forward five years to my New Year’s Resolution 2018. I am the heaviest I have been, I am tired all the time, I eat like crap (despite sporadic healthy eating over the years) and I want to be in a bikini this summer at age 45. So, a friend of mine who knew of WLG asked if I wanted to go to a class. I never was much of a class workout kind of girl, but I gave it a shot. Next thing you know I was buying WLG session packages, then challenge packages and by the last day even “In-body”. Why? What happened? I finally found a “LIFESTYLE” of exercise and eating habits, not just a diet. I found food prep and clean eating was easy. I changed from my favorite food of pizza to cauliflower crust pizza- my cravings were satisfied. I would order my burger at a restaurant with-out the roll- and I didn’t even miss the roll. I began exercising daily, setting and accomplishing a weekly exercise regimen which includes running, boxing at WLG and WLG Saturday classes. My attitude changed and body changes came too- I was hooked. Five months later and the end of the challenge- I weigh less than college am firmer than ever and will look damn good in a bikini at age 45 this summer.
There are many people who helped get me to where I am today- my first running partner, my WLG partner, Tracie for her motivational words and hard workouts- including the burpees and Kendra for her motivation, eating plans and weekly videos. I have truly become inspired to make clean eating and daily exercise my continued LIFESTYLE.
- Lindsay McCormick, WLG Athlete
20 lbs. LOST
17.5 inches LOST
13.3% of Bodyweight LOST
3rd place in my age group for Final Prizes, never in my wildest dreams. Fourteen years ago my journey began. I had a 5 year-old son and a 3 year-old daughter. I was always exhausted (which is normal with 2 young kids), I ate like crap (which is also normal) and I wanted to feel better about myself (still normal). I had played sports in high school, I could start running I thought. Boy was I wrong. I could not run half a mile without stopping and walking. What had happened to me--- AGE, WEIGHT, CHILDREN. But I was determined. I ran a few times each week and got stronger and stronger. Before I knew it, I could run my ¾ mile street without stopping. I couldn’t give up now.
Although I continued to run, I was not “hooked” until I met a friend who ran often and ran races----long races. We began training for runs. First a 5K, then a 5 miler, then a half marathon, then a 50 K Trail run, then a 200-mile relay race with friends. I loved what I was doing but it was REALLY time consuming. Although I never gave up running, I cut waaaayyyyy back on my running. What happened next—AGE, WEIGHT, CHILDREN.
Fast forward five years to my New Year’s Resolution 2018. I am the heaviest I have been, I am tired all the time, I eat like crap (despite sporadic healthy eating over the years) and I want to be in a bikini this summer at age 45. So, a friend of mine who knew of WLG asked if I wanted to go to a class. I never was much of a class workout kind of girl, but I gave it a shot. Next thing you know I was buying WLG session packages, then challenge packages and by the last day even “In-body”. Why? What happened? I finally found a “LIFESTYLE” of exercise and eating habits, not just a diet. I found food prep and clean eating was easy. I changed from my favorite food of pizza to cauliflower crust pizza- my cravings were satisfied. I would order my burger at a restaurant with-out the roll- and I didn’t even miss the roll. I began exercising daily, setting and accomplishing a weekly exercise regimen which includes running, boxing at WLG and WLG Saturday classes. My attitude changed and body changes came too- I was hooked. Five months later and the end of the challenge- I weigh less than college am firmer than ever and will look damn good in a bikini at age 45 this summer.
There are many people who helped get me to where I am today- my first running partner, my WLG partner, Tracie for her motivational words and hard workouts- including the burpees and Kendra for her motivation, eating plans and weekly videos. I have truly become inspired to make clean eating and daily exercise my continued LIFESTYLE.
- Lindsay McCormick, WLG Athlete
AGE CATEGORY 51-70
JEAN CARDWELL - PRIZE 16 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
27 lbs. LOST
24.5 inches LOST
8.7 % of Bodyfat LOST
I had always been moderately active. I had the normal weight issues after having all our kids. But it was several years back when I injured my knees when I really slowed down. Soon after that my mother-in-law became ill and we took care of her until she passed away in January 2016. Then my granddaughter was born prematurely and passed away in July 2016. So, I self-medicated with food. I had recently self-medicated myself to an impressive 210 lbs. Knowing something had to change I would “diet” and exercise and a week later when I hopped on the scale ~ Zero change ~ so, I’d go right back to eating. I was convinced I couldn’t lose weight. It wasn’t until I began having acid reflux so bad that I would wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air and scaring my husband to death (and myself) that I realized that I had to do something. I went to Dr. Bowyer and she suggested some ideas. After considering all the options and checking out all the info on the WLG website, I decided to join WLG! So, all the Fall Challenge winners rest assured that your pictures and stories inspired me and others I am sure!
When I came to the first class I’m not going to lie, I was definitely asking myself, “what have I gotten myself into?” I left exhausted, barely remembered the drive home, thought I was going to throw up and I confirmed what I already knew. . . I was out of shape! But, I also felt accomplished and like I was at least following a plan. For years every birthday and New Year’s I would say I wanted to make a change, but I had no real plan of action, I just knew I wanted to feel better. Now I was finally doing what I should have done years ago, why hadn’t I joined WLG sooner? I kept going to 2 WLG classes a week (WLG 101 and Boxing), exercised on my own the other 5 days a week and followed the diet and challenge plan and the weight was coming off. Not the first week, that week my body did what it always did went into survival mode and refused to let me lose weight. But I held firm, stuck with the plan and it paid off. I felt better, healthier and stronger. I was eating more than I usually did and the weight was still coming off. I recognized the person in the mirror again. I even added a little jogging into my workouts at home because...I could!
I can’t thank my husband enough for all his encouragement, loving me when I sometimes didn’t love myself and helping me find items in the grocery store that we had never heard of, it was often a real treasure hunt. Kendra, Tracie and LaneAnn are wonderful I can’t thank them enough their encouragement and their genuine excitement for everyone’s success. Everyone that goes there is supportive of each other, I remember one morning early on in the challenge when I first started exercising, we were doing a relay race and I wasn’t sure I could continue someone said “just do what you can”. I can’t even remember who said that but that really kept me going through this whole process. I kept going and I kept doing what I could and every week I could do more. I’m a happier person today because of that. If you are struggling like I was, sign up for the next challenge in the Fall. I swear it’s the most fun I’ve ever had losing weight. To quote Kendra, “If it doesn’t challenge you ~ it won’t change you” True!!!!
-Jean Cardwell, WLG Athlete
27 lbs. LOST
24.5 inches LOST
8.7 % of Bodyfat LOST
I had always been moderately active. I had the normal weight issues after having all our kids. But it was several years back when I injured my knees when I really slowed down. Soon after that my mother-in-law became ill and we took care of her until she passed away in January 2016. Then my granddaughter was born prematurely and passed away in July 2016. So, I self-medicated with food. I had recently self-medicated myself to an impressive 210 lbs. Knowing something had to change I would “diet” and exercise and a week later when I hopped on the scale ~ Zero change ~ so, I’d go right back to eating. I was convinced I couldn’t lose weight. It wasn’t until I began having acid reflux so bad that I would wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air and scaring my husband to death (and myself) that I realized that I had to do something. I went to Dr. Bowyer and she suggested some ideas. After considering all the options and checking out all the info on the WLG website, I decided to join WLG! So, all the Fall Challenge winners rest assured that your pictures and stories inspired me and others I am sure!
When I came to the first class I’m not going to lie, I was definitely asking myself, “what have I gotten myself into?” I left exhausted, barely remembered the drive home, thought I was going to throw up and I confirmed what I already knew. . . I was out of shape! But, I also felt accomplished and like I was at least following a plan. For years every birthday and New Year’s I would say I wanted to make a change, but I had no real plan of action, I just knew I wanted to feel better. Now I was finally doing what I should have done years ago, why hadn’t I joined WLG sooner? I kept going to 2 WLG classes a week (WLG 101 and Boxing), exercised on my own the other 5 days a week and followed the diet and challenge plan and the weight was coming off. Not the first week, that week my body did what it always did went into survival mode and refused to let me lose weight. But I held firm, stuck with the plan and it paid off. I felt better, healthier and stronger. I was eating more than I usually did and the weight was still coming off. I recognized the person in the mirror again. I even added a little jogging into my workouts at home because...I could!
I can’t thank my husband enough for all his encouragement, loving me when I sometimes didn’t love myself and helping me find items in the grocery store that we had never heard of, it was often a real treasure hunt. Kendra, Tracie and LaneAnn are wonderful I can’t thank them enough their encouragement and their genuine excitement for everyone’s success. Everyone that goes there is supportive of each other, I remember one morning early on in the challenge when I first started exercising, we were doing a relay race and I wasn’t sure I could continue someone said “just do what you can”. I can’t even remember who said that but that really kept me going through this whole process. I kept going and I kept doing what I could and every week I could do more. I’m a happier person today because of that. If you are struggling like I was, sign up for the next challenge in the Fall. I swear it’s the most fun I’ve ever had losing weight. To quote Kendra, “If it doesn’t challenge you ~ it won’t change you” True!!!!
-Jean Cardwell, WLG Athlete
DEBBIE KRUEGER - PRIZE 12 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
8.1 lbs. LOST
4.5 inches LOST
2.8% of Bodyfat LOST
First, I would like to thank all my great coaches Lane Ann, Tracie and Kendra. And of course, my work out buddy Jen DuLaney who constantly pushes me to do more and lift heavier!
Although I did well during the last challenge I continued to feel like something was missing. I wasn’t losing the amount of weight I thought I should (don’t we all feel that way!) although I felt like I was working hard and so I was feeling frustrated and stuck. I expressed my frustration to Kendra and she suggested I try the Keto plan. She started a trial Keto group with about 10 of us and we met weekly to discuss our progress, share recipes and share struggles and successes. Without this initial group, I wouldn’t have done as well as I have. The first month of eating Keto friendly was a real struggle. I complained a lot! I was tired, cranky, craving my potatoes and really struggling in class. I felt like I could barely lift a weight or do a sit up! It took about a month until I started feeling like myself again.
When Kendra decided to offer the Keto option with this most recent challenge I decided to continue eating Keto friendly. It’s this way of eating that has helped me shed more weight, build muscle and lose body fat. I feel great, so much less bloated and just leaner. I no longer crave the food items I was initially missing and find this way of eating quite easy and satisfying. Although I may not be as strict as I was while I was on the challenge I do believe that I will continue to eat this way for the foreseeable future. It’s really been quite beneficial to me!
If you are feeling stuck and getting frustrated I definitely recommend trying this way of eating. It might help you in your journey, just as it has helped me.
- Debbie Krueger, WLG Athlete
8.1 lbs. LOST
4.5 inches LOST
2.8% of Bodyfat LOST
First, I would like to thank all my great coaches Lane Ann, Tracie and Kendra. And of course, my work out buddy Jen DuLaney who constantly pushes me to do more and lift heavier!
Although I did well during the last challenge I continued to feel like something was missing. I wasn’t losing the amount of weight I thought I should (don’t we all feel that way!) although I felt like I was working hard and so I was feeling frustrated and stuck. I expressed my frustration to Kendra and she suggested I try the Keto plan. She started a trial Keto group with about 10 of us and we met weekly to discuss our progress, share recipes and share struggles and successes. Without this initial group, I wouldn’t have done as well as I have. The first month of eating Keto friendly was a real struggle. I complained a lot! I was tired, cranky, craving my potatoes and really struggling in class. I felt like I could barely lift a weight or do a sit up! It took about a month until I started feeling like myself again.
When Kendra decided to offer the Keto option with this most recent challenge I decided to continue eating Keto friendly. It’s this way of eating that has helped me shed more weight, build muscle and lose body fat. I feel great, so much less bloated and just leaner. I no longer crave the food items I was initially missing and find this way of eating quite easy and satisfying. Although I may not be as strict as I was while I was on the challenge I do believe that I will continue to eat this way for the foreseeable future. It’s really been quite beneficial to me!
If you are feeling stuck and getting frustrated I definitely recommend trying this way of eating. It might help you in your journey, just as it has helped me.
- Debbie Krueger, WLG Athlete
SHELLEY HILLYER - PRIZE 8 WLG TRAINING SESSIONS
2.5 lbs
2.5% bodyfat LOST
8 inches LOST
I signed up for the Summer Strong Challenge this year to keep off the weight/inches I had lost during the Fall 2017 Challenge. My motivation for this challenge was my son’s upcoming wedding on May 5th. Somehow, in the midst of numerous shopping trips to Annapolis and Middletown, a bridal shower, hair appointments and all the other gazillion things that go into helping plan a wedding, I managed to still find time to meal prep, exercise and head to WLG on twelve different occasions for the classes I won from the fall challenge!
Many of my coworkers, friends and even some of my family members think I am crazy for driving 45 miles one way to take WLG classes but this is my escape and stress relief and something I like to do. I love the challenge that the classes provide and I thoroughly enjoy the workouts. It’s always a good idea to change up your workout routine and I always leave WLG feeling good and feeling like I have accomplished something for the day. I’m tired when I get home - not sure if it’s from getting up way before the sun rises to get to the island or the actual classes- but it’s a good tired.
Honestly, I’m surprised at my results this time because I was dealing with tendinitis in my elbow and back and neck issues that made me feel like I couldn't give it my all. However, I kept going and kept teaching spin and boot camp classes because I’m hardheaded and don’t like to sit still! As always, the recipes and meal plans were great and the weekly workouts were fun. I even took my first ESO class this challenge and I loved it. Thanks Tracie! My only wish is that they were offered regularly during the spring, summer and fall. Thank you to Kendra and the WLG team for a great 12 weeks and congrats to all the participants. I’m already looking forward to the next challenge!
- Shelley Hillyer, WLG Athlete
2.5 lbs
2.5% bodyfat LOST
8 inches LOST
I signed up for the Summer Strong Challenge this year to keep off the weight/inches I had lost during the Fall 2017 Challenge. My motivation for this challenge was my son’s upcoming wedding on May 5th. Somehow, in the midst of numerous shopping trips to Annapolis and Middletown, a bridal shower, hair appointments and all the other gazillion things that go into helping plan a wedding, I managed to still find time to meal prep, exercise and head to WLG on twelve different occasions for the classes I won from the fall challenge!
Many of my coworkers, friends and even some of my family members think I am crazy for driving 45 miles one way to take WLG classes but this is my escape and stress relief and something I like to do. I love the challenge that the classes provide and I thoroughly enjoy the workouts. It’s always a good idea to change up your workout routine and I always leave WLG feeling good and feeling like I have accomplished something for the day. I’m tired when I get home - not sure if it’s from getting up way before the sun rises to get to the island or the actual classes- but it’s a good tired.
Honestly, I’m surprised at my results this time because I was dealing with tendinitis in my elbow and back and neck issues that made me feel like I couldn't give it my all. However, I kept going and kept teaching spin and boot camp classes because I’m hardheaded and don’t like to sit still! As always, the recipes and meal plans were great and the weekly workouts were fun. I even took my first ESO class this challenge and I loved it. Thanks Tracie! My only wish is that they were offered regularly during the spring, summer and fall. Thank you to Kendra and the WLG team for a great 12 weeks and congrats to all the participants. I’m already looking forward to the next challenge!
- Shelley Hillyer, WLG Athlete