Hello everyone! I wanted to put the spot light on one of my long time clients and friend Debbie Shepherd. I think her story is motivating and inspiring. When I first started training with Debbie she knew what she wanted and was going to do whatever it took to reach her goal. She listened to my nutritional advice and did what was asked of her during the workouts. I was blown away by her commitment! Each month we weighed in and took body fat measurements. To my surprise she lost 8-10lbs and 2-3% body fat each month for 7 months which goes to show if you commit to the program you will see results. She ended up losing an amazing 100lbs and put on lean muscle!
But enough with me talking, I’m going to let you read Debbie’s story:
Growing up, I was always a skinny kid. I played sports throughout my school years and as an adult. However, in my 40’s, I wasn’t playing sports as much and by the time I turned 49 years old, I was no longer a skinny kid. I was at least 80-90lbs over weight, unhealthy, unhappy, and depressed. Oh, I tried the anti-depression pills, thinking I would mentally feel better and then be able to start an exercise program. However, I always knew the answer was not going to be in a “pill”, and I did not want to depend on a pill to feel better.
After about a year, I stopped taking the anti-depression pills. I knew if I just started exercising I would not only feel better physically, but mentally too. For me the answer was getting into a gym. However, like many other women, I was very self-conscious of my weight and very intimidated of gyms. There is a gym close to where I worked and at lunch time I would occasionally drive through the parking lot thinking today is the day only to drive away saying, “maybe another day.” At last that day came and I finally got my nerve up and told myself, “What will it hurt to go in and just look?” So, I parked the car and with my heart pounding, walked into the gym. All of a sudden, I found myself joining the gym and asking for a personal trainer. That’s when I met Edwin McGill, the gyms’ personal trainer. I was very nervous, but Edwin made me feel at ease which was very important for a self-conscious, low self-esteem, over weight 49 year old female. We talked for a bit and then he asked me what my goal was. I replied that I just wanted to get healthy. Well, once we got started, I was hooked.
Having Edwin as my personal trainer has been so rewarding and so much fun. I looked forward to every session. He is very innovative and no training session is the same except that they are always fun and challenging. Somehow he knows exactly what is “just enough” to challenge me. His knowledge of strength and conditioning training is exceptional and if you like kickboxing; he is certified in that too! He also taught me that exercise alone is not the solution to weight loss program and that I needed to change my eating habits as well.
Since working with Edwin, I have gone from a size 22 pants to a size 12 losing over 75lbs and still losing weight! I am not only physically healthier; I am mentally healthier as well and depression free. I have never felt better. My family, friends and co-workers are amazed at the results and compliment me on how I look and how hard I have worked. I tell them the hardest part was simply walking into the gym.
Thank you, Edwin, for your guidance and for making each session challenging and fun. Because of you and your knowledge, I am a healthier, happier person. You have not only influenced and changed me, but my family as well. They have seen the results and some are now working with their own personal trainer.
~Debbie Shepherd
