Shirley's Update

Well I have completed a month.  I see the difference in my face, my legs and my arms....I am sure to see the results in my midsection soon.  I completed the 21 day challenge by not drinking caffeine or alcohol for 21 days. Yipee.  I feel I have done a pretty good job on my eating habits now that I am no longer on MY Fit Foods but I know I could always do better.  I found an app on my blackberry called Fat Secret that helps me track my calories when I eat out.  On the website My Calorie Counter I am tracking my food intake and my exercise daily.  I am trying to stay between 1700-1500 calories or less.  I watched the Biggest Loser last night and I sooo want those results.  I am going to push my self this month to exercise 6 days a week by walking/running when I can.  I have all the support and equipment to be successful so no excuse.

Thanks again for all the support!  I have dropped one size in clothes and 1/2 size in shoe.  Ill take it!

Something Personal

If you know my husband, you probably know little about him.
If you know me,however you could tell his life story forward and back.

I am proud of my husband. I am proud of how brave he is and how he tries to give back to all those around him. This time of year always makes me so grateful to have him here with our family because I know that a lot of families are going to have love ones missing. 

Sometimes it takes not having something to realize how blessed you are in the first place. If I have learned one thing, it is to appreciate it now.

Almost six years ago, we sat on the dock in front of his company headquarters. Six years ago, I cried harder than I ever even knew was possible. Six years ago it felt like my whole world was crashing around me. Six years ago my three oldest children and I said good bye to Blake for 15 months.

I had crazy thoughts that day. Maybe I'll brake his leg, then he can't go. Maybe I'll brake my leg, then maybe he won't go. I thought about hiding him, running away, but the whole time Blake reminded me it was what he was trained to do. The weeks before he left were filled with horrible conversations I tried to avoid, things like "if I don't come back I want you to remarry. I don't want you to be scared at night and have no one to hold you" or "I would want to be buried here." He would talk about it without any emotion while I on the other hand would always start to cry.

I had watched my friends go through deployments and had wondered how they could be so strong. There was no way I could do that. Never say never.

So the day came. Blake's mom, step dad, father, and step mother along with our three young children went to see him off. It was hands down the worst day of my life. Everyone cried. A lot. Blake and I could not unwrap our arms from each other. The kids were young enough to not understand what was going on but old enough to know something wasn't right.

Hours of waiting and finally Blake was told to get on the bus that would take him away. You hear the words heart broken but until you felt it there are no words to describe it. I couldn't let go of Blake, that was my world climbing on to a bus that had no promise of bringing him back.

His roommate grabbed me and promised me he would get Blake home. He told me don't worry, he's coming home to you. Blake got on that bus, no matter how hard I cried, no matter how much oxygen refused to fill my lungs. He left.

For a few hours I honestly didn't know how I was going to live. My father in law wrapped his arms around me and let me cry. He gave me a few minutes to mourn and truth was I think he was holding us both together.

My sweet mother in law watched the kids as I fell in to my bed convinced never to wake up again.

But I did have to get up. I did have three little human beings who needed a mother.

It wasn't fun. No one thought it would be. Every time the phones would get cut off, we all knew what that meant. Hold your breath, pray no one knocks on your door, and wait to hear that your love one is alive. Every time he would call and say that he made it through an IED or things I won't write about here, you would fall down on your knees and give thanks for one more day.  Blake missed first words, first steps, first hair cuts, first days of school. Words might not describe broken hearts but I promise you can hear it in someones voice. Every day all he wanted was to be with us. Some people never got the chance to be with their families again. You stop taking that for granted.

Tucker, our oldest was scared of buses because he thought they take hero's away. Elora grabbed Blake as he left to board a plane to go back after his R&R and screamed, "No, don't take my daddy!" over and over again until every person in the airport was in tears. Blake spent Christmas in the rain, doing patrols, away from us.

I don't tell you this for you to feel bad for us. As you might well know we are together now. Being the toughest challenge made it the best reward. We grew as a family and as a couple. We are grateful for what we learned along the way.

The reason we made it was you. Yes, you. Every person who wrote, send cards or packages, said thank you, prayed, and supported our troops. Every day you made that burden one that Blake was glad to bear.

This holiday season, many men and women are somewhere besides home. Police officers, fire fighters, doctors, nurses, and others all missing their children's faces as they open presents. Soldiers around the world clinging to pictures to remember home. They need to know they are not forgotten. They need to know we are behind them. They need to know we are here. Send cards, send letters, pray, say thanks, just don't forget those who get forgotten. And let them know, when they get home, we will still be here.

Don't forget to visit our wonderful sponsors:

 Champions Fitness Together
 Champions Massage Heights
  Cherry Blossom Yoga
 Dr. Ted Piliszek
 Scruples
 DermaTouch RN
 Champions My Fit Food
 Dr. Patrick Swonke D.D.S
Anything Bling Boutique
 Alan Murphy

What I learned this Christmas

This Christmas I learned something new. It didn't come in a shiny package, no bows to untie, and there was no pretty wrapping. This Christmas time I learned something that has changed my life. That is very simply I have what I need and want what I already have.

For the first time in my life I have lost a few things that were important to me, things I never want to lose again. And I stand before you grateful. Because I learned I have everything in the world that is important to me. I learned who my friends are. I learned I have an amazing family. My children make every day full of sunshine, they make me have hope for our world and our future. I have parents (ones I was born with and those I was able to marry into) that never stop being parents. I can go to them even at my age and get a mother's loving arms and a daddy's hug. I have a husband that would do anything to love and protect me. I am blessed.

This Christmas isn't going to be how many presents I can fit under the tree. It won't be about how many I can give or get. This Christmas will be the time I know I am blessed. It is not losing my temper with the man who brings 40 items in the express lane when I only have 2. It's smiling at a stranger. It's not passing judgement on others or on myself. It's learning to love and be loved. It's time to let others know how special they are. It is time to appreciate what we have while we have it.

Notes From a Personal Trainer

I'm going to say it now but your not going to listen. Come January 1st though,  our voicemail, inbox, and conversations will all sound something like this, "I'm trying to lose weight/get healthy/ fit into my skinny jeans, what should I do?" And the answer will be the same just two little words. Two words will solve those problems with the extra pounds from the holidays. Two tiny words are the answer to almost every problem you will ever face. It's called hard work no matter what any late night infomerical, pill bottle, or billboard ad tell you.


What's the best time to workout? Ask 10 different trainers and you will get 10 different answers. The same could go for just about any fitness question. But here is the truth, the best time to workout is whatever time you get off your butt and move! The best cardio is the one you will do! The secret is don't do it to fit in your skinny jeans, it's to make it a LIFE LONG habit.


But while I'm up here on my soap box(I kinda like it here, now I'm a whole 5'3) let's talk about  how to work smarter rather than harder. It always amazing me when I'm at the gym what I see and hear.


Example One: a woman "on the treadmill" reading a book. You then hear her complain that she spends an hour every day on this machine and lost 5 lbs in the beginning but now nothing.
Rule Number One: if you can read a magazine while doing your cardio chances are your heart rate is not close to being high enough to be effective at all. If the walk is to reduce stress, start a exercise plan, or if you are at your target heart rate by all means continue, if not PUT THE MAGAZINES DOWN AND SWEAT!


Example Two: a woman in the weight room  working on legs, legs, legs, and then some abs. This woman will complain that she lifts weights a few times a week but her body never changes.
Rule Number Two: DUH! Of course your body isn't changing. As I bang my head on the keyboard from frustration I still type this with love, you can't workout half of your body and expect it to change. Why women are scared to work their chest and back is beyond me. I know, your going to tell me it is because you don't want to look like a man. Good thing because your chemical makeup won't let you.  Guys have much more testosterone than women. That is what helps them build more muscles and keep it. In fact at the age of 35 women lose a half of pound a muscle per year. Not lifting weights or doing strength training could be one of the reason you put on weight during the pre and Menopause years because more lean muscle means more calories burned at rest. SO WORK YOUR WHOLE BODY!


Example Three: "I eat great but I still can't lose weight."
Rule Three: I knew a trainer that every time someone said that he would make a surprise visit to their house and raid the fridge and pantry. Funny how the story changed. Be honest with yourself and the calories you eat. Losing weight is a simple   math equation. Eat less than you burn. If you are truly eating well and still can't lose the weight, see your doctor. It could be a sign that something is wrong.




Move your bodies now, not January 1st and give up January 2nd. It should be the "Merriest" time of the year but it is also the most stressful. If reading your magazine while taking a walk helps you to deal with your Christmas list, please do. Maybe take a dance class or give yoga a try. Make it fun and you are more likely to stick to it. Pick a 5k or a race and set a goal. Whatever works. And if you want to eat that sugar cookie, eat it. It really is all about balance. Just make sure you are filling up on veggies so that when you have one cookie your full.
Now I'm off my soap box.


Also please call, email, come talk to us January 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or any other day of the year. We love hearing from you and loving getting spend time with you each week. We truly are blessed to have some of the most amazing people as clients and friends. If you want to start your New Years Resolution today call us at Champions Fitness Together 281 379 4422 or email at champions@fitnesstogether.com .

In Honor of Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Your Champions Makeover sponsors would like to extend our Holiday specials to you! Here's a list of the deals you can take advantage of,

Myfitfoods Houston Champions location is hosting a Customer Appreciation sale this Saturday. Everything in the store is 20% off!

Give the gift of health this Christmas. Ft Champions is having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, one jump start package (1 assessment and 3 training sessions)for $99 or buy one jump start package for a friend, get one for yourself for $150. All packages bought on Friday or Monday will recieve 25% off. Call us at 281 379 4422 or email us at champions@fitnesstogether.com.

 Scruples Boutique Linda J Griffin DUDETTES!! I JUST PUT HALF THE STORE ON HALF OFF FOR THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE! COME IN NOW AND GET THE BEST STUFF!! Check out our $26 RACK TOO!! Leather pants and jackets are on there! YAY BLACK FRIDAY ON MONDAY!!!

Cherry Blossom Yoga we'll be offering 10% off all* boutique items Nov 26-Nov 28 (Friday - Sunday). *not applicable on Eye Pods

Anything Bling This Friday we are offering $10 off our Miss Me Jeans, A Judith March trunk show, and mimosas while you shop!

Need a stress reliever after your early morning shopping on Black Friday?

 

Melt your stress away with a relaxing massage

  

 Mention this email and receive a free peppermint foot scrub for your tired feet.

 

Massage Heights Champions Village

281-943-7529

 

Update

Well I have completed week three and I gotta tell you I feel great.  I do so much during the days and when it is time to sleep, I now get my sleep.  I used to go to bed anywhere from 11-1am and it would not be a sound sleep as I would constantly wake up in the middle of the night.  Now I go to bed no later than 9:30 and I am sleeping through the night.  Thursday was the first day I looked in the mirror and saw no bags under my eyes.  Yippee.  My co-workers ask why I look so rested and why my skin looks good...I tell them a good night sleep and plenty of water but really my chubby cheeks and my double chin are slowly leaving me. He He He 

 I love my trainers at Fitness Together, they really push me and even when I think I can't I do.  I am getting stronger every time I go to my workouts....I can feel the difference!  I kid around with my hubby all the time, don't mess with me honey I have two big guns now (and I show him my arms) LOL.  Next week the studio is closed on Thursday and Friday but that's OK because on Thursday I am doing the 3k with my neighbors and Friday I will be doing my power walk @4am when I fight the folks on Black Friday....one of my favorite days of the year   Again, thanks for all the support I really can't thank everyone enough.

Shirley

It's not too late to start your makeover!
3x a week personal training Champions Fitness Together
1x a month massage  Champions Massage Heights
1x a week yoga class Cherry Blossom Yoga
Visits with Dr. Ted Piliszek
New wardrobe Scruples
Facial treatments DermaTouch RN
Nutritional counseling and food Champions My Fit Food
Teeth cleaning and whitening Dr. Patrick Swonke D.D.S
$100 gift certificate Anything Bling Boutique
Hair makeover Alan Murphy