Rachel // "Finding my stride..."

Before I started the program, I was pretty active and trained for marathons and went to the gym regularly. After training for 3 different marathons, I began to have knee problems from so much running that I had to stop. I’ve also had some success in the past with losing weight on my own through diet and exercise but it was never consistent; especially my diet, so my weight would fluctuate. I would workout regularly but couldn't really stick to a meal plan. When I went to the gym, I shied away from lifting heavy weights because I felt like I couldn’t lift heavy and stuck to light weights. I became a cardio bunny and stuck to spinning because it was easier on my knees and also did HIIT workouts but I just wasn't getting the results I wanted. Disappointed in myself, I began to binge eat and my weight slowly started to creep up and my clothes began to feel tight. I started feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and that's when I knew something had to change.

"Disappointed in myself, I began to binge eat and my weight slowly started to creep up and my clothes began to feel tight. I started feeling uncomfortable in my own skin and that's when I knew something had to change."

When I started the program, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to stick to the meal plan. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I absolutely LOVE food and trying new restaurants and cooking new dishes. I was also worried about how time consuming meal prepping would be that I just couldn’t imagine adding another task to my never-ending day. However, my worries slowly subsided because the meals were quite tasty and if I craved something, Coach made it happen -- ice cream and cookies on my meal plan?! WHAT?!

As a busy mom of 4, life can definitely be hectic. Finding balance between raising children, working full-time, and nurturing and maintaining a healthy marriage is no easy feat. I work swing shift (11:30AM - midnight) and usually not in bed until 1:30AM or 2AM and wake up at 6AM to get ready and drop my kids to school. But because I work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week, I had 4 days to meal plan, workout, and manage the household. I usually meal prepped twice a week -- on Sundays and Wednesdays. During the first few weeks, I had to get the hang of meal prepping and as time went on, it became easier and I found that it only took a couple hours to cook 4 days worth of meals.

My workouts usually occurred in the mornings after I drop the older kids to school and during my 15 month old's nap time or before work. Luckily, I have a gym within walking distance of my apartment. My youngest would go down for his nap in his stroller and he would be fast asleep next to my husband and I while we worked out (out of harm's way of course!).

These past 12 weeks were definitely not a walk in the park. Throughout the program, I've gone to social events, family vacation, and even done a day trip to the snow. But I've been able to stick to the meal plan during these events by planning ahead. Before going to social events or parties or dining out with family/friends, I would eat my meal beforehand and drink water throughout the event. When we went away for vacation, I cooked all my meals for the weekend and brought it with me. When my husband and I did a day trip to the snow to snowboard, I brought my meals with me as well. I would heat my meal at the gas station and ate it on the road.

The Transformation Program has made such a positive impact on my life. It has changed my mentality for the better. Meal prepping has actually made me feel more organized during the week. Knowing exactly what I’m eating and having it readily available has been such a life saver. With the guidance of Coach and Sarah encouraging me to lift heavier during our PT sessions, I feel stronger, healthier, and have more energy. I no longer have knee pain when I run. I relied heavily on coffee and drank 3 cups a day before I started the program. I now find that I only need 1 cup a day and no longer feel that afternoon slump. More importantly, I feel comfortable and confident in my own skin again.

The Transformation Program has made such a positive impact on my life. It has changed my mentality for the better. More importantly, I feel comfortable and confident in my own skin again.

Thank you to Coach and everyone at Imago Fitness. I am forever grateful for your guidance and support during my journey. Because of this program, I have the tools to continue my fitness journey and crush new goals. I am well on my way on becoming the best version of myself.

RACHEL

OVERALL INCHES LOST: 8.5"
 

A Physical and Emotional Transformation

I’ve had some success training and eating on my own but I was never consistent. Every time I made some progress, I’d sabotage myself with poor eating. I would slowly gain the weight back, plus more. The situation got worse when I returned to school full time, about two years ago. I was working during the day, then would commute an hour and be in class from 6pm until 10pm, three times a week. I was completely stressed out and I knew working out and healthier eating was the solution but I didn’t have the mental capacity to contrive a plan for myself. I was only eating 2-3 times a day, mostly processed and fast foods. I told myself I would focus on my health and fitness right after graduation. Just before graduation, I got a new job and delayed the start further. 

I knew if I continued on my own, nothing was really going to change. I was tired of feeling sick and tired. I needed help.

I finally reached a point where I was disgusted with myself. I was the heaviest I’d ever been, most of my clothes barely fit. I knew if I continued on my own, nothing was really going to change. I was tired of feeling sick and tired. I needed help. My friend was raving about Imago and her trainers for almost a year. She thought I’d really enjoy training there. I had tried one of Imago’s fitness classes, Pop Pilates, last year and I had a blast. But I was still was apprehensive about signing up since I already had another gym membership. Not that I was really going much! 

I started the 12 week transformation program in January. During the first week, I had to get the hang of meal prepping and working out again. With Coach’s easy and tasty recipes, I was well on my way. After the first ten days, I felt energized and was less bloated. There were a few vacations and business trips that felt like it held me back but Sarah and Coach taught me not to be too hard on myself. I just started again the next meal or day. I really like that my meals changed often enough, so they never got boring. I looked forward to each one. Weight training also included a lot of variety. In the past, I easily got bored doing the same routine repeatedly. 

My journey with Imago Fitness has truly been transformational, physical and emotional. For me, the key was consistency, accountability, and variety. I achieved all my goals and can’t wait to conquer new ones. I now crave the gym. It gives me the strength to get through the day and relieves stress. I don’t crave the same junk food I once enjoyed. If I am out with friends, I am better at selecting healthier alternatives or even choosing restaurants that have those options. I’m excited to continue on my fitness journey with the great foundation that Imago has helped me build. 

I’m excited to continue on my fitness journey with the great foundation that Imago has helped me build. 

KASHANA
OVERALL INCHES LOST: 7 1/4

Small but Mighty - Lose the bad habits and gain a happier you!

Sure, chicken nuggets from McDonald’s, potato wedges from KFC, and Taco Bell are some of my favorites. It certainly is delicious….or so I thought. But looking into the mirror at an unhappy girl at the end of the day with my self confidence slowly draining out by all the “fat” areas on my body took a toll on my confidence. And even worse, feeling sick all the time from eating all this junk and sitting in the office all day made me unhealthy and gave me no motivation.

But looking into the mirror at an unhappy girl at the end of the day with my self confidence slowly draining out by all the “fat” areas on my body took a toll on my confidence.

Then came the 12-week transformation program which completely changed my life. I admit, it was hard at first to cut those temptations and getting my butt to the gym a few times a week. But with encouragement from Coach Huong and Sarah, I was determined to fix me for me. Before long I was feeling better, stronger, and looking healthier. I learned what foods I should consume and what can be substituted (yes, you can have your ice cream too!). I learned how to eat healthy, how to tweak my workout to the way I want to workout, and most importantly I learned that this lifestyle isn’t even hard to maintain! I'm shy to say it but the gym is actually kind of becoming a hobby. I admit, I did eat KFC potato wedges once, but finally realized how gross they were. Things happen, it’s a part of life. But as long as I acknowledge it, take responsibility and get back into the right mindset, I was back to track. With this lifestyle you can only gain a happier you and the only things you will lose are the pounds and bad habits.

With this lifestyle you can only gain a happier you and the only things you will lose are the pounds and bad habits.

HILDA

OVERALL INCHES LOST: 13

Working-Mommy-Fitness Balance

I plan events for a living, so when my son, Regan, decided to grace me with his presence a few years ago, my world turned upside down and inside out (for the better of course)! :) There were no color-coordinated spreadsheets or timed agendas I could have put together that would have prepared me for motherhood, and all plans that I did have went out the window. Before I joined Imago, Regan always came first, then my career, and then myself. It was so easy to put myself last because my life became a balancing act between raising my little human, being a partner to my significant other, fostering my career, and being on a plane or train 1-2 times a week on business travel. My eating habits were terrible, my exercise routine was non-existent, and I was officially at my heaviest weight (excluding pregnancy). I thought I was crazy for wanting to add fitness into the mix because when the heck would I have time? But I felt myself going down a deep, dark hole where I hated how I felt on the inside, hated how I looked on the outside, and just stopped loving myself. I knew something had to change before things got worse. I had to make time to be healthy and for myself!

My close friend put me in touch with Sarah and Coach Huong at Imago, and once I started my 12-week transformation program, my priorities were balanced. I put myself first for the first time in years, and that alone made me a better mother, girlfriend, and employee! But the process definitely was not easy. I recall my first PT session and almost blacking out... but it hurt so good! ;) Below are my tips, tricks, and best practices that worked for this full-time working mother.

1. Establish a schedule. With my demanding work and home life, I needed a schedule. Fasted cardio was done on the weekends and during the week before my family woke up. If I couldn't do fasted AM cardio because of my work schedule, I did PM cardio with Regan in the jogging stroller. Strength training was done during the week on my lunch breaks, grocery shopping was done every other Friday, and meal prep was done every Sunday.

2. Get everything ready the night before. Before my work day even began, most of my mornings consisted of fasted cardio, getting myself ready, wresting my toddler to get ready, and then dropping him off at school. I barely had time to brush my hair, so I would pack my gym clothes and lunch bag the night before. I would leave my gym bag by the front door, and I would put my car keys with my lunch bag. With so much already going on, I had to make sure I didn't forget!

3. Be flexible. Things didn't always go by plan, so I would have to improvise, and you can't beat yourself up when this happens. I once had to buy a tank top and shorts at the studio because I forgot my gym clothes, and another time I had to do strength training in Uggs because I forgot my sneakers. When I didn't have my food, I kept it simple and went with salads or turkey sandwiches. And when I didn't have a babysitter, I brought Regan with me to the studio. If there's a will, there's always a way!

4. Communicate regularly with your personal trainer and Coach. I couldn't always make it into the studio for strength training, so I would work with Sarah on alternative workouts I could do at home or in my hotel room when I was out of town. When I wanted to add ice cream--yes, ice cream!--to my meal plan, I told Coach what I was craving and she made it happen. Remember that it's a two-way street. You won't be happy if you don't provide feedback on things that work and don't work for you. Communication is key and don't forget to ask questions.

5. Appreciate your support system. I wouldn't have been able to get through the 12 weeks if it weren't for my support system: my family. They were the ones who ate all of the leftovers so I wouldn't be tempted to eat any of it. They were the ones who took care of Regan when I was having extra "me" time working out. And they were the ones who always said I was beautiful no matter what.

But here I am, -15 pounds and -14 inches later, and I am the happiest and healthiest I've ever been, mentally and physically. Imago helped me to become the best version of myself, and I am determined to keep up this lifestyle for as long as I can! Fasted cardio is seriously better than coffee and the days I don't exercise, I feel sluggish, unhappy, and incomplete. I will forever be grateful for Coach Huong, Sarah, Char, and the rest of the Imago team!! 

Regan still comes first, but now, so do I.

MY WHY // Guest Blog by Juvy Mae

My Drive
My biggest fear is leaving my family at a young age. This fear comes from watching my dad struggle with his health since I was seven years old. At the age of 37, my dad had his first open heart surgery. He had three more after that and the fifth one took his life at the age of 65. He struggled with being a yo-yo dieter. He couldn't figure out a way to make his "healthy" meals enjoyable. As he got older, his health limited him from playing golf, which was his favorite sport.  Through his struggles he managed to live a very enjoyable life, but in my opinion, 65 years old is too young to leave your loved ones. 

Growing up my parents were very concerned about me following my Dad's health history as I began having cholesterol problems since middle school. Since then, I too became a yo-yo dieter. Not wanting to live the same limitations my Dad had, my goal in life is to be as healthy as I can be to try to live a long life with the people that I love.
 
My First Transformation in 2013
Shortly after my father’s passing and before IMAGO existed, I contacted Coach Huong and signed up for the 12-week transformation program for a few reasons. It was a time in my life where I wanted to focus on improving myself, physically and mentally. Two years after I had my first child, I still had not lost all the weight I had gained from my pregnancy. I always felt tired and I wasn’t happy with my strength or physical appearance. I owed it to myself to regain my confidence and to be comfortable and happy in my own skin again. 
 
During this transformation, I averaged 3-4 days of fasted cardio and 3-4 days of weightlifting. Adjusting to Coach Huong's meal plans was initially difficult as it forced me to eliminate salt and sugar and made me learn how to use alternative seasonings to make my meals clean and delicious. I put my trust in Coach Huong and followed her program and as a result, I went from a size 10 to a size 2. At the time, it had been at least 9 years since I was a size 2. I was extremely happy with my results, and apparently my husband was happy as well -  I got pregnant with our second child one month after completing the program!

 
My Second Transformation in 2016
In April 2016, two years after having my second child, I started working out at IMAGO more consistently mainly because I enjoy the exercises that Coach Huong puts together and I find my workouts more efficient at her gym as opposed to other gyms. During this time, I learned about the changes Coach Huong had made to the transformation program, especially with the meal plans. Given that I am around the age of when my dad had his first heart attack, I decided to sign up for the transformation program in August to mainly learn about the different meal plans that Coach Huong had incorporated in the program. My goal with this transformation wasn’t rapid weight loss as I had achieved from my first transformation. This time I wanted to focus on building strength, endurance and kicking off a new healthy lifestyle with delicious meals.
 
Entering the program I suffered from elbow tendonitis from carrying my son all the time. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to build much arm strength due to my limitations, but the Imago coaching staff proved me completely wrong. They informed me of exercises to avoid and showed me alternatives to build strength. After building arm strength, my pain subsided and I haven't had to wear my elbow sleeve again. 

During my program, Coach Huong had me on a specialized workout plan that incorporated interval training on the treadmill. For fasted cardio, in addition to Coach's workout plan, I would complete the intensity programs from my home treadmill. After awhile I noticed myself getting stronger and stronger.  I shared this with my husband and the night before the National Veterans Day Run he had convinced me to sign up for the 5K. I felt nervous about the run as I didn’t think I’d be able to run the entire race without stopping since I had not run outside in three years (and 8 years since I last ran a 5K), but my husband assured me that he’d pace me the entire race. To my surprise, I completed the run at a respectable time and still had energy to run longer. I was impressed with the endurance I had built and since the run, I have been motivated to improve my time and have been training for a 10K. 

 
My transformation journey wasn’t easy as I was extremely busy. Aside from being a wife and a mother of two, I also work full-time, was at the tail end of my home remodel and was planning my sister's wedding festivities. Thankfully, I have a supportive husband that helped me stay on track. Coach also accommodated to my busy life. Coach made sure my meal plans were very easy to make and were meals that both my husband and kids would enjoy as well. 
 

“I feel more energized and I am much stronger. I can also confidently say that I am more educated about nutrition than I have ever been.”

Exiting the transformation program, I dropped from a size 8 to a size 2. Although my size is the same result as my first transformation, I actually weigh much more due to muscle gain. This time around, I feel more energized and I am much stronger. I can also confidently say that I am more educated about nutrition than I have ever been. The nutritional information I learned this time around is much more sustainable than my first program.
 
Thank you to Coach and the IMAGO staff for your knowledge and encouragement. This is just the beginning of my life long commitment to a healthier lifestyle.