Transformations

On believing in yourself…..

For most of my life, I did not make my health and wellness a priority. I would fit it in, and sometimes I would feel guilty for time away from my family or responsibilities! I had a lot of self-doubt, and shying away from things with the “what if I fail?” mindset. I needed to believe in myself. I needed to step out of my comfort zone.

I started with Karen’s 10-Week Best Shape Challenge, but I wondered if I could do it. What if I fell short of my goals? And finally WHY was I doing it? In the end I decided to take the leap due to Karen’s approach and philosophy and hold myself accountable. What I gained from her program was above and beyond what I ever thought I would. Strength in all areas, physically, mentally, spiritually… something to help guide me through the ups and downs of life. I then continued with her monthly Warrior Woman Program, where I have been for several years, I love that this program is for the 40+ woman – we ARE a different breed! Karen is always there for us, and her online program is comprehensive and extensive for those who wish to train from a distance.

I learned that you cannot give to others unless you look after yourself. I learned to step outside my comfort zone, and I am so thankful! I have gained strength, physically, mentally and spiritually. And I believe in myself! Being on the Warrior Woman Program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It’s been many years now, and I’m loving every moment of it! (Warrior Woman since 2014).

On self acceptance…

In the past I constantly compared myself to others. I felt I was never good enough. I was unhappy in my relationship, my life and sadly, even in my own skin. To be completely honest, I hated myself. I had zero concept of self-love, nor did I feel worthy of it. These negative feelings didn’t just appear overnight. The scars were carried from my childhood, into my young adult life and into motherhood. I used to ‘stuff’ my feelings. I’ve tried various ways to mask, avoid or numb the pain. Until I could take it no longer. Until one day, when it was meant to be, my journey began. I started healing from the inside out. I tapped into the spiritual and emotional side. Beginning with forgiveness, self love, acceptance and finally letting go. Once I was able to know my worth and accept myself for exactly who I am, on the inside, the self care started happening.

I saw Karen’s Warrior Woman Program and hesitated for a long time, then decided it was time…so I became a Warrior Woman! Today, I love myself. I accept me for me. I know how to let go of what no longer serves me well. I allow room to grow from my mistakes as well as forgiveness in others. I know that a HUGE part of this self love is through good nutrition and exercise. Taking care of my body as well as my mind and soul. I listen to my heart. Today, rather than compare myself to others that I strive to be and admire, I set strong goals. I love this journey I am on and I’m grateful for where my path has lead me today.

I’ve lost close to 100 lbs……. and what’s really exciting? This is truly only the beginning ? If I was to compare myself now to the ‘Before’ picture I would say I’m most certainly not the same person……But, I was a survivor then and I’m a Warrior Woman now.  Thank you Karen! ?

On overcoming challenges and building inner strength and confidence..

I was recently separated and faced with the reality of raising my two lovely girls on my own, without any support, when I first met Karen.

In my younger years, I had always been active, healthy, strong and confident. But suddenly, I felt desperate for even a glimpse of my ‘old me’. I had lost myself, and I knew it was time to make a commitment to me.

Karen taught me not to beat myself up, and if I fell (it happens to everyone), don’t waste precious time focusing on the fall, focus on getting up again, and again and again. THIS is the journey.

It was exciting to see my strengths as my body became stronger, as did my confidence. I had a cool mind body connection, which didn’t just stay in the gym – I learned to take it with me throughout my day. Karen has helped me to accept and even embrace my weaknesses. She has shown me that women can and really do support each other. Lifting isn’t about building the perfect bicep, it’s also about seeing your own Power! It’s about having the strength to pursue the person we envision for ourselves. I think every woman should lift, as I’ve learned from Karen over the years to Love myself into awesome health!

Find your inner grrr. I found mine. As Warrior Women, we can do great things!

XO Deb (Warrior Woman since 2010).

On sailing stormy seas...

I have always struggled with weight issues. I think I just accepted that I would always be “bigger”. Even when I was in high school, I resigned myself to being the chubby girl and “knew” that I would be the “fat parent” if I ever had kids one day. I first met Karen shortly after my second child was born, in 2009. I had a friend who saw this cool program with women and weights at Panorama and we signed up together. I took the program a couple of times and then did her very first Best Shape Challenge. There’s a photo of me on Karen’s webpage from that challenge! Through most of 2009 – 2013 I dabbled in Karen’s program. I enjoyed feeling strong, but often felt I had no time to work-out with a full time career and two little kids. I’ve since learned that was because I was making it about the workout…and not about the life. More on that later!

I have lost at least 90 lbs (not really sure, since I stopped keeping track after about 250lbs) and too many percentages of body fat to count. I know I was at 34.5% in January 2017. I was 155 lbs and 27% at last check a couple of weeks ago. But this really isn’t a weight loss story…

In early 2014 I was involved in a boot-camp style workout group. In February 2014 my husband and two kids came to participate with me in a special Family Day workout class. At that class, my husband struggled with the fitness component (odd, since he was relatively young and in decent shape) and, as we soon-after determined, had some type of cardiac incident during the class. That created a flurry of medical test, appointments, countless specialists and full on exhaustion. Every test was abnormal, every appointment resulted in more questions. With every possible diagnosis thrown out I saw more and more of my life disappearing. I spiraled. I felt like I couldn’t work out, couldn’t make a plan and was paralyzed by the unknown. By July 2014, he had been diagnosed with a very rare, degenerative mitochondrial disease to which there is no cure and is, ultimately, fatal.

I have watched as my husband has lost a great deal of physical, emotional and cognitive capacity. I have watched the active, healthy, vibrant life I wanted fade away to something, quite frankly, I don’t want. However, the gym continues to teach me. I have grown stronger and carried on being active with my kids. Being strong and healthy has become who I am because this is not a privilege that all of us have. I want to grow old with my kids, see grandchildren and be strong enough physically and emotionally for that. That is why I workout. It’s about centering myself.

Currently I workout 6 days a week. I go around 5 am and I am incredibly blessed to workout in a private gym by myself. I keep the lights on low and the music barely on, if at all. I move through the workout, listening to the sounds of the weight clanking or the machines moving up and down in steady rhythm. The time I spend in the gym is not about the weight loss or even the workout – it is the connection to myself and my experience of grounding. I push myself through the last of the really hard shoulder presses and, simultaneously, remind myself of my inner strength and ability to carry on in life. Being in the gym reminds me to honour the ebbs and flows – I almost always show up for a workout at some point during the day. Sometimes they’re not stellar, sometimes I barely lift anything, sometimes I just cry in the gym (helps to be alone!!). Either way, I show up. Being in the gym teaches me how to manage at life.

Many people ask me what my secret is. I usually laugh off the question and tell them it’s all Karen. And while, as many of you know, Karen is amazing. She reminds me to be strong and carry on and she inspires me every day to be better. People ask me when I will be done. I try to share that this is not an end goal, but a road. I have goals, for sure, but it’s not to reach an end point of body fat and be done. Any success I’ve had has arisen straight out of consistency. Straight up: regular workouts, measured/weighed food and maintaining plain ol’ consistency with sleep and life. It’s not fancy and it’s really no great secret. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. I am essentially a single parent to two children, taking care of a spouse with countless medical issues who can be extremely challenging sometimes, maintaining a full time job, completing a Masters’ Degree and taking care of dogs and cats and chickens and fish and a house and large yard. But the ability to maintain consistency and focus for a healthy living lifestyle comes from a far deeper place – recognizing that being strong and healthy support a deeper spiritual connection to myself and the universe, helping me to continually discover who I am and why I this is the life I have. (Warrior Woman since 2010).

Fitness, nutrition spirit and more

I met Karen McCoy at a health and wellness show over 8 years ago. I was drawn to her booth and chatted with her for a bit and then purchased her book “One Rep at a Time “ I did Karen’s 8 week bliss body workout and was hooked on her way of training. At the time, I was 132 pounds (left), and while I always trained, it was mostly cardio, with little attention to my diet.

Over time I joined the 10 week challenge and then rolled over into the Warrior Woman Fitness Group. I continued on to the 12 week challenge,(which I have done twice). Although I started with Karen for a fitness / nutrition program what I found was that her programs and the Warrior Woman group are so much more.

Karen provides support, spiritual leadership and she keeps it real. We are like minded woman that support each other. Karen McCoy and her programs are the whole ball of wax, fitness, nutrition spirit and a whole lot more!

I have been a Warrior Woman since 2010, in her monthly Warrior Woman Community Program and I love the support, feedback and ongoing training workouts and nutrition guidance! Thank you Karen!

A year ago today I made the decision to dedicate a year to my health, thinking what’s one year who knows what could happen. It’s now become a lifestyle, and will be a neverending journey, forever bettering myself and my health. A month after joining Weight Watchers I joined a gym, and became a part of this wonderful group of empowering warrior woman. Weight Watchers has helped me stay on track food wise, but the Warrior Woman program has helped me with my fitness and confidence in the gym. These two things have helped me get to where I am.

I have lost 108lbs to date, I’ve gone from a 3X shirt to a medium, and a tight 20 pant (most likely was a 22) to a size 12. Though I’ve lost the equivalent of a teenager I’ve gained so much more, a newfound zest for life, confidence, and self-esteem. My group of Warrior Women may not know this but each of you has been a part of my journey and I thank you for that!