Kathy sundholm
XSport Get Fit Challenge 2009 Participant"This is the story of a 51-year-old couch potato grandma turned health and fitness enthusiast!"
I am the grandmother of a 5-year-old little boy who is the light of my life. I was overweight and out-of-shape, so it was hard for me to play with him—soccer, running, cars, and "Ninja Turtles," to name a few games we played. I didn't move quickly or with agility, I tired easily, and there were some things I just couldn't do. I didn't want to be the kind of grandmother who just sat around and didn't play with—and enjoy—my grandson. I was also deeply worried about how I would age as the years went by since I was already in such poor condition at age 51.
As a result, I joined XSPORT at the end of January 2009 and signed up for 6 personal training sessions with Mike Dukeman to give personal training a try. I immediately realized that if I wanted to truly change, I needed the support, expertise and accountability of working with a Personal Trainer on an ongoing basis. After 1-2 sessions, I signed up for 20 more. Since then, I've signed up for 40 more sessions with Mike.
With Mike as my trainer, I began to eat right, gain strength, lose weight and feel great. When the XSPORT Get Fit Challenge 2009 was announced, Mike and I decided to enter. I was excited because the Challenge provided me with an additional reason to stay on the successful program that I was on. The possibility of winning $10,000 was a little exciting, too!
Mike has regularly coached me that what I am doing is a lifestyle change and not a temporary endeavor. Embracing this mindset has given me the motivation to continue with the Challenge, and I will continue my program with Mike once the Challenge is over.
During the 12-week Challenge period, I started a new job, sometimes working 16 hours a day as well as weekends. I was tired and I struggled with the impulse to skip the gym. I'm also an "emotional eater" and had to really work to stick to my diet plan when I was stressed. Being a part of this contest helped me stay with my program (I'm a LITTLE competitive!!). I also didn't want to disappoint my trainer by quitting or not doing my best. Additionally, being able to play with my grandson and knowing that I was literally changing my life kept me motivated.
Now at the end of the Challenge I have lost weight, am full of energy, have lost 3 dress sizes and my cholesterol has dropped 10 points. One of the most exciting things for me is that I now have muscles!! And I can feel them flex when I move!! I LOVE that!! While my health was my primary motivator, I can't discount the boost to my self- esteem because of my improved appearance. I know that I look better and that makes me feel better about myself.
In addition to the nutrition coaching from my trainer, I used the XSPORT Protein and ThermoX supplements throughout the Challenge. I know that the Protein helped me build lean muscle and the ThermoX gave me a boost to my metabolism, helping me burn fat. I would recommend both to anyone who is trying to build muscle and lose fat.
My trainer, Mike, has been amazing. He is clearly an expert in his field; additionally, he is unfailingly professional, encouraging and personable. He challenges me to work harder and go further at every session. He holds me accountable for my individual workouts and nutrition. I can absolutely state that I would not have had the results that I've had without him. My results are 100% due to his support.
Mike designed a program with a specific meal plan that includes 5 small meals per day. He has coached me on what to eat at each meal, in addition to before and after workouts. He has provided written strength training and cardio plans, increasing the repetitions and intensity over time. He reviews my food logs and reviews my workouts on my Polar monitor each week. He provides regular feedback on my plan and how I am following it.
I've tried many weight loss/fitness programs in the past. Sometimes I saw results and sometimes I didn't. However, none of the plans changed how I thought or produced long-term results. Because of Mike, I now know how to eat, how to exercise and what I need to do to maintain this healthy lifestyle. XSPORT FITNESS and Mike have truly changed my life. Others who were an encouragement at my gym are Eric (training manager), Kyle (trainer) and Moe (sales).
I want to thank XSPORT and my trainer, Mike Dukeman, from the bottom of my heart for what they have done for me.
Kathy Sundholm
Naperville Gym
