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Health & Fitness

How we lost (and are keeping off) 110 pounds!

Learn how two personal trainers transformed their bodies and their lives!

Many personal trainers have their own story of body (and life) transformation. This is true at Strand Fitness.  Pam Strand, co-owner, and Bob Peterson, personal trainer, have lost a combined total of 110 pounds in their journey.  (Pam lost 70 pounds; Bob lost 40 pounds) Asked to look back and share their secrets of success, here is what they said.

#1: It all starts with a shift in your mindset

Both Bob and Pam had their own personal "moment of truth" where they looked at themselves in the mirror and said, "Really, is this how you want to live your life?"  For Bob, as a father of two young children, he realized how important it was to him to be around for his kids and to be able to be an active father.  He knew that the way he was taking care of his body was not going cut it.

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For Pam, a "more than slightly burnt out" business professional, she still remembers  hearing that inner voice telling her it was time to "pull herself up by the boot straps and get on with life."  She could feel the desire deep down in her body -  she wanted to be in the best shape of her  life; that was the path forward.  She finally listened and took action.

This mindset shift is not about writing out a goal to "lose ten pounds" or "eat healthier." This mindset shift is a deep down change of perspective that you are going to change how you take care of yourself and your body!  It is not a resolution. It is a commitment and a life change! And it only comes about when you are really honest with yourself and heed what your heart is guiding you to do.

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#2: You have to put forth the effort.  It takes dedication and commitment.

Losing significant amounts of weight and transforming your body requires work.  That is the truth, and there is no way around it.  The tricky part is that you can quickly become overwhelmed and give up (or not even start).   So Bob’s suggestion is to start small.

The easiest and most accessible place to start is moving your body with exercise. Whether you start with getting out and walking or signing up for a fitness class, getting the body moving gives you energy.  For Bob, this was a crucial first step.  He first felt positive changes happening in his body that encouraged him.  When he started to see the changes, he was even more motivated and could then tackle the nutrition piece of the weight loss formula.

Pam was already very active; in fact, she was training at a highly competitive level. She swam with a masters swim team and practiced intensely 4 times a week.  She also practiced  yoga twice a week. Yet she was 70 pounds overweight. For her, putting forth the effort had to deal with making significant life changes.  

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