Mina's before: June 2017 and after: March 2018.

1) Introduce Yourself
 
My name is Mina DiPasquale and I am 56 years old. I am under 5'', weight 117lbs and have been happily married for 31 years. I have 2 daughters

2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?

My health became an issue that I couldn't ignore any longer. I weighed 129lbs when Simone came on board. That was the heaviest I have weighed in all my years without being pregnant.

My diabetes number was 5.7 so I was really close to getting pre-diabetes. I decided to really attempt to lose weight and lower my number. My oldest daughter is getting married in March and I would like to look slim in my dress.

3) What has been the most challenging?

I find it challenging to lift heavier weights. It's very hard to reduce consuming bread, pasta and ice-cream. Definitely easier in the winter. Also, trying to make healthier choices when I go to restaurants.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?

My goal is to weigh 115lbs and to be tight and toned. I still feel flabby.

5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey?

Don't get obsessed with the number on the scale. Instead, focus on how you feel and how your clothes feel on. 

Try to eat whole foods 95% of the time, leaving you 5% to cheat.

Don't be so hard on yourself. This is a life time goal to always eat healthy and stay fit. 

UPDATE:
Mina is 2lbs away from her goal weight and has reduced her inches throughout her frame, reduced her body fat percentage by 7% and in more in tune with how her body feels.

Mina is one of my rare clients who loves to exercise and does their homework on a consistent basis. Often going above and beyond. I asked her what started it all. This was her response:

                      "I started exercising when I was 18 years old and weighed 90lbs. It started off as a social thing but then I really started enjoying the benefits of it. I slept better, had more energy. I just felt really good! I've been addicted ever since and I'm sure it's what contributed to me losing weight after I had my children.

"I believe that once you get older you start noticing your family history more. I began to think, what is it I have to do to keep it at bay? {In her case, she had a family history of diabetes} I wanted to start off with the healthiest body I could if I had to fight an illness (knock on wood) so at least I would have a fighting chance versus with an unhealthy body."

Thank you so much for all that you have taught me Mina and for being the wonderful person you are! You are more than just a client to me. Let's keep up the great work!

R.Rizvi asked that no pictures of herself be shown.

In this new series, I ask my clients to answer 5 questions about their weight loss journey so they can reflect on how they've changed and provide helpful tips for others.

1) Introduce Yourself
I’m a project management professional in the pharmaceutical industry. As a female in my thirties, I am victim to many different fad diets and my weight fluctuating over the years, especially since I work long hours and travel quite a bit for work. As I get older and more health conscious I am looking to make a positive change to my lifestyle.

2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?
I broke my ankle in Oct. 2016 and was in a cast for 6 weeks. I was not able to place any weight on my foot, which meant I spent most of my days lying flat on my back, with my foot up to reduce the swelling.

I was very frustrated by the injury for obvious reasons, but I was also very frustrated that I just happened to be in the worst shape of my life when the injury occurred. As a result, my body wasn’t able to compensate for my broken ankle and I had a very difficult time being mobile.

I struggled with my crutches, not only because they take some getting use to, but also because I was not physically strong enough to walk with them for long periods of time. I couldn’t get up and down the stairs easily, and had to resort to crawling up, which also took a lot of energy. Every movement took a lot of effort and was physically taxing on my body.

I kept thinking if only I had been in better physical shape, the injury would not have been so impactful and taken such a toll. Once I was out of my cast, I really thought I would be able to recover quickly. I soon realized it was going to take me quite a long time to fully recover, and I wanted to do everything I could to expedite the process. This is what prompted me to look into a personal trainer.

 3) What has been the most challenging?
It has been challenging to change my old habits. I have to actively make the time and the effort to fit in my training, and to make my health a priority. I have a very demanding work schedule, and have recently suffered a loss in my family. For these reasons, it is difficult to stay motivated when it feels like there are so many conflicting priorities. Simone has been extremely helpful in keeping me on track. She works with my schedule, and always provides helpful tips. This way I feel I can make small changes over time instead of all at once where it can become overwhelming.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?
When I initially started working out, I wanted to get in shape for a high school reunion. However, due to recent events in my life, I no longer want to do this just to fit into the perfect dress. I am very motivated to actually be fit and healthy and to make this a permanent change to my lifestyle. It has been 3 months since I started working out with Simone and I definitely feel stronger. I think I have a long road ahead of me, but I am proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.

5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey? 
I would recommend not having an “all or nothing” attitude. Forgive yourself if you slip up here and there. Be proud of your small accomplishments throughout the day or week and don’t expect everything to change overnight.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Rubab. I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished and reminding yourself that this is a journey, not a destination, will make it that much easier!

Joanna has lost a total of 15 pounds from January 2017 to August 2017. Her goal was to reduce her waist, arms and overall body weight. She has done just that. Her waist circumference has decreased from 41 inches to 36.5 and her arms have decreased by 4 inches.

When I first met her, just walking was a challenge due to her balance issues. Before we even had our first session, she wound up in the hospital due to a fall. She called me once she got better and was cleared for exercise and so, began her journey.

1) Introduce Yourself
 
My name is Joanna I was born in England but have lived in Canada for 53 years.

2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?

I fell and broke a couple of bones in my back and I hoped as my body got stronger I could get rid of using a walker and a cane.

3) What has been the most challenging?

Daily exercise.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?

To loose 20lbs. Also to be able to walk without help. I have reached about half my goals.

5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey?
​
Do what the trainer says. They are there to help. Exercise daily and eat healthier. 

I am so proud of you Joanna! Thank you for sharing this with all of us. ​

In this new series, I ask my clients to answer 5 questions about their weight loss journey so they can reflect on how they've changed and provide helpful tips for others.

1) Introduce Yourself
 
My name is Deanna. I'm 24 years old, and I've been overweight for most of my life. I've tried to lose weight before, but could never commit to anything or make it last long enough to have an effect. As a bit of a new year's resolution, I decided to make 2017 a year for myself. A year for feeling good and looking good. With how things have gone in the past, I knew I wouldn't stick to something I did on my own. So I looked into personal training.
 
2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?
 
There wasn't a specific 'moment' where I had a realization. Any time I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a bit disappointed. I didn't even consider trying on clothes that I liked because I knew I wouldn't like how they looked.

The start of a new year gave me the motivation to try and make changes. I want to be proud of how I look, and I want to be healthier.
 
3) What has been the most challenging?
 
The most challenging thing for me was changing my diet. I was surprised how easy it seemed for me to fit exercise into my schedule, but trying to completely overhaul the way you've eaten your whole life is a lot harder. That's something I'm still working on.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?
 
My goal was to lose about 30 lbs and to reach a healthy weight. With Simone's help, I've lost about 9 lbs in 12 sessions. I've also lost about an inch from my waist, hips, and biceps. My BMI and body fat percentage also went down slightly.
 
5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey? 

My advice for anyone who is on their own weight loss journey is to give yourself the chance to do great things. Everyone is capable of reaching their goals. It won't be easy, and it will take a lot of time and effort, but it's all possible if you give yourself time. Simone helps to make it feel just a little bit easier. I would highly recommend her services.

Thank you so much Deanna for sharing your journey with us. You have accomplished so much both physically and mentally. Although she no longer trains with me, she is currently taking kick boxing classes at her local community centre, and still creating beautiful art work (check her out on instagram @deannalennox). Keep up the awesome work Deanna!