Success Story #62

Name: M. Gumpel
Location: Ponte Vecchio Community, Boynton Beach, FL
Improvement: 14 lbs Weight Loss
Time: 3 Months
Program: 2009 Total Transformation Challenge

What was your biggest challenge/obstacle?
My biggest obstacle was me.  After having been on every diet imaginable and having lost and regained what would probably be hundreds of pounds, I just couldn’t get started.  I was stuck in a negative mode.  I disliked what I looked like and felt like emotionally and physically. I began to shun everything (except food) and everyone.  I was once a very energetic person but now lacked energy.  Although basically healthy, I got sick or felt ill often.  My personality, usually very upbeat and positive, became dull and negative.  Food was my solace and friend.  There was only one solution to this state of being.  I had to find a new path to follow or sink even lower.  Reluctantly, I joined Rami's Fitness Program.  It gave me a sense of HOPE.
 
What motivated you to stay on program?
Cautiously, I attacked the use of the machines.  They were not as difficult as anticipated and left me with a sense of accomplishment.  My caution turned to vigor as I challenged myself to reach higher levels of weight.  I reinstituted my three mile walks at Green Cay. 
I had forgotten how much pleasure I derived from walking among nature.  I began to carry my workout sheets and a pair of sneakers in the trunk of my car at all times so that I was prepared to work out at the Fitness Center anytime.  At the end of the week there was always to weigh-in looming to keep me on track.  The work outs not only made me feel better, but I began to see a difference in my attitude, self esteem and my size.  I added yoga, tennis and stretch and tone to my routine. A new happier, healthier me emerged. 
 
Did your diet change, how so?
As far as diet, I knew that refined sugar and certain carbohydrates were not my friends. However, I kept increasing my intake of them.  Sometimes, I ate them in such abundance, that they made me ill.  I slowly eliminated them from my home and diet.  I substituted them with proteins, grains fruits and vegetables.  My cravings for sugar diminished.  I was no longer a closet eater.  I could face myself without a sense of guilt.  I became proud of “me”.  This motivated me to continue a healthy lifestyle.  A new me continued to emerge.  My respiratory infections disappeared.  I listened to music daily, and danced around the house.  Happiness crept back into my life.  I was able to handle problems that arose, without turning to food. This made me stronger and lessened my food bills.  The scale was no longer my enemy. Rami’s support, suggestions and encouragement were great factors in my motivation to remain on the right track.
 
What advise could you give to others who want the same results?  
The advice I would give to others is not to procrastinate, but jump in with both feet. Develop a routine and follow it.  The difference in how you feel will be astonishing. A new sense of happiness and a healthier and slimmer you will emerge.  Listen and Follow the advice of your trainer.  He is there to guide and encourage you.  Once you have eliminated the refined sugar and white flour, your body will develop new tastes for healthier foods. It doesn’t happen overnight.  You must be patient and diligent. Exercise and consume fewer calories to meet your goal.  It is worth the effort.
 
How is this experience going to affect you going forward?
This experience has given me new confidence in myself.  It has introduced me to a new world of exercise and healthier living.  After exercise, a euphoric feeling occurs.  I feel happier with this way of living. I am not only thinner but much stronger. I will continue to follow this path.  In doing so, I will have a longer and healthier life.