Well what a 12 weeks this has been, can't believe it's over already and what changes I have made in those 12 weeks, mental as well as physical. This is the first contest I have seen through to the end and it's been a roller coaster of emotions, challenges, highs and lows, but for sure an enjoyable ride!
Results
Day 1 Day 84 Loss
Weight 141.2 lbs / 120.2 lbs - 21 lbs
Waist: 33.5' / 28 - 5.5 inches
Abdomen 38.5 / 36 - 2.5 inches
(across big part of belly!)
Hips: 40' / 36 - 4 inches
Body Fat: 31.6% / 25% - 6.6%
Background
I am a 45yr old married Mum to 2 children age 7 and 10, both delivered by C- section, which does wonders for the figure! (not!!). I have always battled with my weight and have a history of eating disorders. I managed to stay pretty fit and managed my weight prior to children. But now I needed help.
As I work in a School of Sport (as admin) I asked the advice of my colleague who recommended interval training. I googled interval training and came across TT. Initially I wondered if this was one of those internet scams where they take your money and leg it, I have a very cautious nature! I need not have worried and that seems laughable now as Craig is such an honest and respectable guy and the TT program is the real deal for sure.
After watching from the sidelines for a few weeks and trying a free TT programme I took the plunge and paid for the whole TT programme. Little did I know this would turn out to be the best $30 (NZ dollars) I had ever spent.
Workouts
TTK5
TTK6
Buff Dudes/Hot Chicks ' for 2 weeks before I got injured
2 weeks of a TT modified workout
TT workouts are sharp, short and super efficient, 45 '60 mins in the gym and you are out of there knowing you have busted your gut and made every second count.
On non TT workout days, I either walked, did Zumba, or did the Total body Ten workout, which became a firm favourite, and I know I will be doing this at the beach this Summer!
Nutrition
Craig says nutrition is 80%, so this requires work and it was always going to be the hardest part for me. I followed his guidelines of avoiding processed food, eating lots of fruit/vegetables, drinking lots of water and trying to vary my diet. Some days I rocked at this, some days I didn't!
But the difference this time around was logging my food on Myfitness pal, I religiously logged even if I had eaten chocolate brownie! To my surprise often my calorie intake was not as bad I expected on those days I didn't rock.
In the past I would have just thought 'Oh well I have blown it now, I may as well just eat junk for the rest of the day'. But because I was logging my food I had a clearer picture of where I was at and was able to draw a line under it and start afresh the next day. It also made me accountable - a necessary evil!
The other thing that made a huge difference was the support of my TT buddies on the forum. Especially when you hit the hard times, the other members just pick you up, offer support and put you back on track. You also learn so much from them about nutrition and how to make good choices.
Challenges
OK, as they say nothing is ever plain sailing and I definitely hit a few stormy times.
Weight loss plateau
I suppose my first big hurdle was around the 3-week mark when after having steady weight losses, it all ground to a halt. I hit a plateau and began to feel very frustrated, despondent and disillusioned.
I posted my frustration on the forum and received the most amazing support not only from my fellow #9 contestants, but also from other TT members and of course Craig, who reassured me that I was on the right track and to keep on doing what I was doing. This support from Craig and the other TTers spurred me on and convinced me to keep going. After all I wasn't going to reach my goals if I just gave up as I had in the past.
Injury/Sickness
During the last 4 weeks of the contest I got sick and was put on antibiotics, which played havoc with my body. Over the 4 weeks I was as on 3 different types of medication some of which made me really sick and working out was challenging.
At week 10 I injured my hand/wrist in the gym. Initially this was diagnosed as a sprain, but I had also damaged the tendons, which apparently can take weeks to heal. This has meant I have been unable to do any upper bodywork as I cannot grip or do any body weight exercises at all.
Once again the forum came into it's own, I was at a loss as to how I could train. I posted under the training section and JP (Craig's helper) posted an amended workout I could use. This meant I could continue my TT workout and finish the 12 weeks.
Support/TT Forum
I truly believe that it's essential to have some support during this journey, as without it I know I would have given up when I hit the hurdles.
My husband has been so supportive and patient during this transformation, even though he was probably not convinced I would see this through. He has worked around me and changed shifts so I could meet my training commitments. Even better, he has now become a TT convert and is working out with TT.
As you have probably picked up during my essay the support of the TT forum has been an invaluable resource and absolutely vital to my success. I am so thankful for the support of my TT buddies and of course Craig every time I needed help they were there. Thanks guys
Summary
I am over the moon with my results, I feel so much better about everything, but I don't think the photos really show the true differences TT has made to my life.
Getting ready for work in the morning is no longer a stressful start to the day, trying to find something to fit. Instead I have the opposite problem, so many of my clothes are too big. I am fitting into clothes that I haven't worn for 12 yrs even though I am still heavier by the scales than I was back
then.
This shows how good TT is, you lose inches and your body shape changes along with your mindset.
My colleague who measured my skin folds who works professionally in the fitness field is so impressed with my results they have signed up for TT.
TT has made such a difference to my life, it's like someone has flicked a switch and there is no turning it off now. I feel confident that I now have control of my weight/exercise.
Even if I do go off the rails a little, it will never be to the same extent that it used to be, TT has got under my skin and I don't want to blow all my hard work. I now have all these resources at my fingertips, all that knowledge and feel empowered knowing I have the amazing support of TT and all that it has to offer.
This is not the end of my journey, I definitely plan to keep on sailing and will be continuing the transformation in Contest 10!!
TT rocks, thanks so much Craig and you lovely TT'ers.
