Success Story #32

Name:                         G. Turczyn
Improvement:           20lbs. Weight Loss
Time:                          3 months
Program:                    2011 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge / obstacle (s)?
My biggest challenge, as with most people, was just finding the motivation to actually get myself into the gym on a regular basis. Before the challenge I would go one or two days a week but that wasn’t going to cut it for this specific event. I did my best to spend at least an hour in the gym 3 to 4 days a week. Luckily it worked perfectly around my work schedule which unfortunately isn’t the case for a lot of people. Once I got myself into a daily routine of going it became something I didn’t even have to think about.
 
 
What motivated you to stay on the course?
It’s true what they say “Pictures are certainly worth a thousand words”. Before starting the Challenge I dropped a significant amount of weight. I would use old pictures from when I was my heaviest and put them in places where I would see them often, especially in front of the fridge. These pictures were constant reminders of things I did not want to go back to and a lifestyle that was unacceptable. I also have to give credit where credit is due, I would have never stayed fully motivated if it wasn't for our fine trainer Rami. The man knows his stuff. My girlfriend and coworkers were also great motivators.
 
Did your diet change? If so, How? Please be detailed!
The biggest change I made to my diet was breakfast. I was never a big fan of eating early in the morning but as soon as I began the Challenge that was one of the major things I needed to change. I usually just have something small, a piece of fruit or a granola bar. Some days when I had the time I would make some eggs and toast. The next change I made was smaller dinners. I was always a big dinner guy but eating so much so late isn't great for you. I started eating my dinner as soon as I got home and made sure to have only one helping instead of several.
 
What advice could you give to others that want the same results? 
My advice is pretty simple. Just keep at it. On those days when you don’t feel like going to the gym and would rather go home and lay down, go in for a little bit. Do something, anything. Ride the bike for 20 mins or walk a mile on the treadmill. You don’t have to kill yourself every day but you should do something as often as possible. Also, I know everybody says it, but watch your diet. Fast food and soda are probably the two biggest things I would avoid.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
This experience gave me a great foundation for a workout plan for myself that I will continue to use going forward. The improvements I made throughout the weeks of the Challenge will also help me in increasing the intensity and load of my workout. The lessons and information I picked up while participating in the Challenge will stay with me every time I workout. I look forward to preparing for the next Challenge