Merry Fitness and Happy New Rear

"The company is not doing as well as we thought. I'm afraid we're cutting positions and yours is one of them." So my career in database marketing and my path to becoming a Certified SuperSlow trainer began, five years ago this month. What I didn't realize then is just how this bad situation would turn into a learning experience.

First, let me go back 10 years to when I discovered SuperSlow, a workout I embraced after seriously injuring my back. I had tried working out 30-45 minutes on the stair climber and then to the free weights totaling 2 hours a night, every night, on my own. I became very frustrated when after investing so much time and effort, I still didn't notice any real results. My long-time partner suggested I try a personal trainer. The first place I tried, just by coincidence, was a newly opened SuperSlow facility in Lake in the Hills. I was immediately hooked, especially when I considered the little amount of time needed for the workout. I began to get results; I got stronger and relief from the back pain. Eventually we moved to the city and I started as a client at CWSS.

My dilemma was how I could continue to afford my workouts with my beloved trainer Katie Pine (now Reichert) if unemployed. I quickly developed a plan: become a certified SuperSlow trainer and change careers altogether.

At first I was concerned about my physical ability to perform the task of training other people given my chronic lower back condition. I wanted to make sure I could handle the physical demands of this job. Katie, as well as CWSS owners, Jessie, Denise and Keith agreed I should make the effort and gave me 100% support.

Once I began the certification process, I was amazed at how quickly the years of training with Katie helped my learning process. Again, being jobless, I had time to study and work on my diet, since my previous job left me little or no time to eat properly. As a result, I had gained quite a bit of weight. So while working towards my certification, I began to also work on my diet. I payed attention to my portions, how often I ate and what I ate. Within six months, the amount of time it took me to achieve my certification, I also lost 25 pounds. I knew then I was ready; I looked the part and was ready to start inflicting "my own brand of pain" known as the SuperSlow Workout on others.

I feel incredibly lucky to be working at what I love. Being let go was the best thing that could have happened!

MERRY FITNESS AND HAPPY NEW REAR

By Becky Diebold

Certified SuperSlow Instructor, CWSS
The holidays, a wonderful time of the year when families and friends come together to celebrate, unfortunately are not a good time to keep up with your diet. Research shows that the average weight gain is 8-10 lbs from Thanksgiving to New Years! With all the parties comes all the party food and alcoholic beverages. Research has shown that most people do not lose the weight they gain over the holidays which then adds to the growing epidemic of adult obesity. To help avoid the average weight gain during this time, here are our tips to avoid holiday weight gain.

1. Keep up with your exercise program. Holidays are a very busy time and it is easy to fall behind with your exercise program. Try and make sure you schedule time in to get in your weekly workouts.

2. Never Arrive Hungry. When going to parties, try to eat a nutritious snack so you are not starving. If you do arrive hungry, try and drink a lot of water to help fill up before fixing a plate.

3. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Not only does alcohol add more calories but if you drink a lot you have less control over what you eat.

4. Be choosy about sweets. A lot of desserts only come out once a year during the holiday season. Limit your indulges to small portions and only what is very sensual to you.

5. Limit "tastes" while cooking. Try and crack down on all those tastes while cooking and only allow yourself two small bites of each item pre- and post-seasoning.

6. Bring your own treats. Bring a low-calorie treat to the party that you know you enjoy, and get away from what holiday food has to be and remember that people love fruit!

7. Divert your attention Try not to look at the party as a food event. Engage in lots of conversations, dancing, etc. to keep yourself busy.

8. Keep up with your food log. If you have a normal routine of writing down everything you eat, keep with up with that log during the holidays. This will help continue to monitor your caloric intake.

9. Take time for you. Holidays tend to be a stressful time. It is important to take some time for yourself and find something that will curb your stress besides eating.

10. Eat, drink and be merry! Live a little but don't go overboard, stay true to yourself and your needs.