Success Story #71

Name: S. Zywczyk
Location: JFK Medical Center. Atlantis, FL
Improvement: Toning & Increased Strength
Time: 3 Months
Program: 2009 Total Transformation Challenge - Summer Challenge

"Devoting time" was my biggest challenge/obstacle during the 12 week transformation. to fit weight training, cardio(running), completing challenges, and awesome abs classes into a week, along with 3-4 12hr work shifts, and 4 children to care for and entertain was a major challenge for me.  I definitely became more organized and learned to use my free time effectively to achieve my personal goals.  My energy level increased and seeing and feeling results each week motivated me to make time for myself.

My motivation to stay on course throughout the challenge was inspiration from fellow participants, the desire to change to a healthier lifestyle, obtain a more flattering physique, and to fulfill lifelong goals.  It was fun to work out with other employees, struggle through abs classes together, cheer each other on while attempting challenges, and track my own progress weekly.  Support and encouragement were definitely my motivation and a well organized program certainly helped.

My diet did not change drastically during the 12 week transformation.  I did decrease my carb intake and cut out carbs completely at night.  This definitely helped with weight loss and feeling more energetic.  Cutting back on diet soda was a big challenge as diet coke is my biggest weakness.  Otherwise, I’ve generally been a health conscious eater, so that was to my advantage going into the challenge.  It was fun to come up with healthy evening snacks and share with other participants their diet secrets and successes.

My advice to others would definitely be to "just go for it."  Any lifestyle change you can make to become healthier, physically stronger, and emotionally happier and satisfied is well worth pursuing.  I try to enjoy every day to the max and by adding years to my life-that's more time I have to spend making memories with family and friends.  These benefits definitely outweigh a little sacrifice each day.  Share your achievements with others who share your goals, this always makes the challenges in life easier to deal with!!

This experience has started me on the road to a lifestyle that will continue to include strength training, running and healthy living in general.  I plan to participate in several 1/2 marathon events in south Florida this fall.  Twelve weeks ago I could barely run a half mile.  Thanks to the employee wellness center and Rami for the opportunity to participate in the transformation challenge which helped put my goals into action.  I will continue to promote the EWC and encourage others to experience the fun!