If you’re new here, we’re following Holiday’s 90-day weight loss challenge. Here’s this (adorable) Acworth resident’s latest update on the goods and bads of shedding pounds and getting healthier.
Week Two…by Holiday
Holiday and her daughter Elizabeth in 2008
I believe the phrase goes something like this…no pain, no gain, right? But wait a minute- this is a weight LOSS challenge…the word gain shouldn’t be anywhere in this equation. And then it hits me like a freight train of cupcakes. Maybe this SHOULD be a gain challenge. Sure, I’ve got a few pounds to lose, but I’ve also realized there is quite a bit to gain here.
First on the list? Muscle. And this, my friends, comes along with some pain. It wasn’t until I completed my second workout with my Bill Burke that I appreciated the value of a personal trainer. To say that my body is in shock is an understatement.
But, despite the pain (or because of it), I’ve been able to maximize my workout time and burn more calories than I could ever do on my own. My favorite trainer quote of the week: “In between sets do some active rest…like crunches or planks.” Really??? Is he serious??? Last time I checked, doing a set of crunches involved the exertion of energy, and holding a plank for longer than three seconds was borderline hell on earth.
He was, indeed, serious. Apparently the word “rest” and I need to be reacquainted.
Elizabeth and her daughters, for the fall 2010 cover of Little Black Dress | Little Red Wagon Magazine. Photo by Captures by Summer
Knowledge is Power
Knowledge is power, and he is giving me the tools to kick some serious tail. So now I totally get it. I used to think I couldn’t afford a personal trainer. Now I realize I can’t afford not to have one (and no, he didn’t pay me to write that!). I’m a busy chick- so if I’m going to carve out time for the gym it better be well spent. Mission accomplished.
A few other items on my list of things to gain: confidence, endurance, and let’s not kid ourselves…the need for a new wardrobe (if only the execs at J.Crew could sponsor me…ahhhhhhh).
After a week of swapping meals for shakes and a few intense workouts with Bill (minus the bad spandex pants) I am feeling pretty darn good. My knees wobble and my arms feel like lead by the time I leave the gym. I feel sympathy for the guys at the gym who have to watch me attempt to complete 45 burpies in a row. And I’m nearly positive the cashier at Publix was tempted to call 911 upon seeing my bright RED face the other day. It’s all good though– after all, no pain no gain.
Since posting the announcement of this challenge I’ve received some really awesome feedback. Turns
Holiday in 2011
out I’m not alone in this whole journey to good health thing. As Bill would say, “I hope you have a professional and physically productive week.” Yes, he really says that stuff. And yes, WE really mean it.
Holiday today, in 2012
