The Good, The Bad and The Inspirational

Updates from weeks 11 and 21

Wendy’s Weight Drops Again

Well this 20 weeks has gone so fast, Weigh and measure this week fantastic results THANKS to my I can’t wait to see what I will look like at the end of the 30 weeks BRING IT ON!!!! Wendy is trained by Roger Symes

Amanda Starts a Running Group

I’VE FOUND AWAY TO KEEP RUNNING. I am honest and I know my weakness, I’ll let myself down before others. So I’ve started a small running group I call LETS GET RUNNING, Every saturday morning 7.45am we get together and have a wee run around Darfield. I’ve got no excuse to say in bed Now! Amanda is trained by Bronwyn Adams Hooper

Petite Pascale

My fitness re-testing this morning went SO well, I decided to pop into a shop on my way to a meeting to buy a new winter dress – size 6!!! wheeee! Pascale a trainer herself is also trained by Tracey Butler Dempsey

Sue Goes Shopping and Makes Mango Sauce

Finally relented and bought new clothes! Got a couple a few weeks ago but didnt want to get too much just yet – thought I could make do for winter and get new summer wardrobe. Wanted to wait “a few more kilos” but my work clothes are getting Ridiculous. And my rule was “COLOUR” – got some black pants of course, but my tops all had to have colour…strange but FUN after a lifetime of black.

I went out to dinner Saturday night and chose a baked salmon dish with a mango, ginger and coriander sauce (and I told the waiter to skip the rice). It was devine, although was sweetened a bit too much for me. So, tonight I tried to recreate the sauce with reasonable success: Peel and puree 1 mango, then I added about 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp of the coriander in the tubes from the deli, 1/2 tsp of chilli, whizzed it thruthe magic bullet, and zapped in the microwave to drizzle over my chicken. Was awesome! it’d be yum on scallops or prawns too – both low fat/high protein options for lunches/dinners Tried another one tonight – I pureed a pear, then added about 1/2 tsp fresh ginger and zapped it. Poured on my fish and it was yummo! Getting the idea that sauces may have been my downfall in the past?? Trying to replace them with healthier versions.

Deb Does Four Tonne

We, Glenys and I, completed the One Tonne challenge West Coast Style this morning with Michelle Morris, my PT from Bodyworx Gym in Hokitika.

We were going for a total of 2 tonne each, but ended up doing over 4 tonne each with a grand total of 10140kg doing a mix of Bench Press, Leg Press, Tricep Press, Bicep Curls, Lat Pulldowns, it was fantastic. This was a great challenge, bring it on.

Great big thanks to Michelle, my PT and Glenys who spurred me along, was great to meet you.

Here’s a pic of me doing the bench press, and I will get Glenys to send in some pics off her camera.

Marjie Trains with The Crusaders

Hi guys. Here we are at 10 weeks (or 7 weeks for people like me who enter at the last minute), so I thought I’d do as Di suggested and send an update of how I am doing. I am happy to say that, despite a head cold and the recent earthquake disruption, I have mostly managed to stay on track and keep focussed with my eating and exercise. I am feeling much fitter and have lost almost 5kgs, with increased lean muscle and less body fat – all good!

I never thought when I started the 20 Week Challenge that I would be training with the Crusaders, but that is where I found myself at Pioneer pool the other week! (Actually I was a little too intimidated to get in the lap pool while they were in it, but I was one of the first to swim in their lanes once they got out!) Those guys can make a lot of noise!

Roll on the next 10 weeks…

Nicola pulls out of Netball

Have made the big decision to not continue with my netball due to Plantar Fasciitis. I will gradually go back to running, as it was good before the netball. Back on track for the next ten weeks now! Nicola is trained by Bronwyn Adams Hooper

Liz Enters the Auckland Half Marathon

So have decided to bite the bullet and start training for the Auckland half marathon even though the specialist isn’t too sure I’ll be doing it. Today was DAY 1. Didn’t think it would be that hard to add 13 minutes to my run and run 70 min the thought of running that far almost prevented me from doing. I’m really hoping I can get my head around doing it before I talk myself out of it!!! Elizabeth is trained by Jean Scott.

PTs Talk You Up

Tracey does Testing

I’ve been having much fun this week weighing, measuring and testing my lovely 20 Weekers. They have all made such huge improvements….and there’s still 9 weeks to go! And I’m sure there’s some stiff competition for them amongst the other entrants – you are superstars, all of you.

Classic Hits Crew

Jo Lean

I have just completed my swim challenge. Wendy very kindly did my timing. I swam 50 lengths (1.250km) in 33 minutes and 40 seconds. I didn’t have a swiss ball to gain bonus points so I hope this is ok. Roger was in Wellington so he was unable to swim with me. I could not believe that I actually did this in that amount of time. I am thankful to Wendy for doing my time. All the swimming training has paid off. I think I will carry on swimming every week

My face is sore from smiling so much after my weigh in and measures with Roger. Waist I have lost 31.5cm, Hips 21cm and thighs 12cm. Roger showed me my before photos and I felt sick. I cannot believe the change that 20 weeks has done, and to think that I have another 10 weeks to achieve more. I am one happy JO Lean. Thank you so much to everyone who has been with me through this.

Went to the mall when I past Glassons and I went in. I saw this beautiful top which was a size 16 and I thought “it would never fit me” well to my surprise it did. I bought it and I felt like a kid hyped up on lollies. Other times I have gone in and there has never been anything to fit me. It felt so good to go into a shop and put on something that fits without the struggle and disappointment.

Jolene is trained by Roger Symes

Sue Slim

I watched the biggest loser the other night and they had to do 500 step ups to get into the challenge, so I decided that I was going to give it a go. I completed 500 step ups at home in the time of 17.08minutes. I challenge others to give it a go and beat my time. My husband did it in 16.17minutes. Have a go!

I have had to work out my nutrition plan pretty much on my own with some guidance from Freya which has been great. It has been a learning curve about what foods are good for me and how much I can have with all the exercise I am doing. The weight may not be coming off as fast as I would want but I am getting there and so proud of my efforts. This is a lifestyle now for me, going way beyond the 30 weeks.

Can I wipe the smile off my face…. NO! I had my fitness test and I was actually looking forward to it. Me looking forward to anything exercise, WOW what a mind shift I have made. It was a great result and I am very proud of my myself for what I have done.

Sue’s Support

I am Susan’s husband. A very proud one at that. She has achieved so much in such a short time frame that who knows what she will look like at the finish. I am doing this challenge with her and its great to be able to support each other as we excercise and eat our way to our new lives. Keep up the awesome work hunni. Go team Sue Slim!!!!

Sue is trained by Freya Thomson

The Good, The Bad and The Inspirational

Tarnz Gets into Biking

Update 1: …….Wow what a great week. Sitting in the staffroom on Monday I got talking to a lady Helen, and I was telling her all about the 20 week challenge and how I was doing, only to find out she is a qualified chef so knows a lot about food and about fitness as she was a trainer in the states for a couple of years.

Helen very kindly offered to lend me her exercise bike until the end of the 20 week challenge as it was only gathering dust in her garage. On Tuesday she dropped it off to my house and set it up (I did have to wipe the dust off it). Then I was off, it was hard going, 10 minutes seemed like 30 but I know I will get better and while Shortland Street is on, and no one is a loud to ring me during this time I have made this the perfect time to jump on for a work out.

On Monday night I was also successful at winning an Auction on Trade Me for a bike, so it is off to work I go on my bike, and apart from the fitness side of things am looking forward to saving some money on petrol, which I can then put towards clothes that I will need from losing weight.

Next week is going to be interesting as Helen rang and asked if I was keen on going for a run. With her not knowing me all that well I laughed and said I don’t run, so she has convinced me to jog a lamp-post and then walk a lamp- post instead, (thank goodness for that). Hope everyone has a successful week and will let you know how my jog went next week.

Update 2: …………. have lost another 2kgs and I think that is due to the exercise bike Helen lent me. I have been increasing my time on it by a minute a day so am currently up to 25mins and boy do I get a work out on it.

I have decided to go for a jog tomorrow by myself, just up the road and see how I go, I’m a bit nervous lol as I haven’t been for a jog since school but know I can only do my best and who knows might even enjoy it (well I hope that will happen).

I was also very fortunate to get a rowing machine from my Dad this week, so my little flat now looks like a mini gym. I have to say I am really enjoying the challenge and have been eating a whole lot better than I used too, I still have some treats, but definitly not as many as I used too.

SBS Entrants, Mums & Warriors

Anna = Committed.

Training in the rain With Lisa Lilley this afternoon while my baby slept – that is dedication!

Sue Puts on a Jean size from 26 yrs ago!

Feeling great, woke up and first thing was saw my new jeans hangin on the cupboard door. At 42 I just bought some size 16s slim fitting jeans. The last time I was that size I WAS 16. (17kgs now gone for good – I started new diet and exercise regime mid january so not all of that since comp started).  Sue is trained by Sheta Swinerd

Hi Adrenalin for Elisabeth and The Warriors

OMG, huge high 5 to those of you who did the Adrenalin Forest on Sat. Such a great way to get in a good upper body work out while having fun. Can we compare bruises on Monday!?!   Elizabeth is trained by Jean Scott.  Adrenalin Forest www.adrenalin-forest.co.nz

Frances Fits It In

Fitting an exercise programme into my full time working week always has been a challenge and with the days getting shorter my precious time walking on the beach with Max is becoming harder to come by. I’ve had to reinvent myself and walk on the streets; not nearly as cathartic as the beach, but important if I want to continue with my good routines. Thank goodness for long weekends where I can up the hours I do put in on the beach. Frances is trained by Cate Grace

Melanie Comes in Under an Hour

Thrilled to finish the SBS 10km on Sunday in 57.59 mins. Thanks heaps to Di Lauder Registered Personal Trainer for encouraging me to do it.

Nicola Smiles her Away Along

Well, I certainly didn’t set any records for the half marathon but had a great day! Thanks Nadine Hunter and Elly for the support, bring on the next one!!!! Nicola is trained by Elly McGuiness

Amanda Loves It

Sunshine,wind & rain, we got it all ! I luv’d it, my 1st 10k’s in 1hour3mins …. Pretty chuff’d. Mel u are a legend 4 being my support person. Bronwyn A-H i really appreciated yr friendly smile especially @ the end, your faith in me kept me going. X Amanda is trained by Bronwyn Adams Hooper

Marie Makes it Too

Amanda I must have been right beside you as we crossed as that was my time too!! well done, it was my first time too and i think it’s a great effort for us.  Marie (left) is trained by Michaela Knusden

A Special Story From Kerrie

Who also did the SBS race!

Classic Hits Crew

Susan Back From The Sun

Have just got back from 9 days away in Australia. Even though Freya my trainer wasnt there, I found time to go to the gym and swim at the hotel as well as walking everywhere to see the sights. Had a wonderful time away, just what I needed. Back into it this week and looking forward to it.

Jolene Has an Easy Week

Well what can I say about this past week. It certainly wasnt my usual busy, full on week. I went to the gym, I went for a swim. But I feel I didnt workout as much as I used to in a week. I missed my Saturday morning workout at Zeal. Just feel a bit guilty really. Hoping the new week will be different.

PTs Talk You Up

Desra

Congrats to Sam and Kathy who ran the 10Km in the SBS and to Raewyn and Alisa who walked the distance. You all achieved your goals and I am so proud of you.

Michaela

Creativity award and gold star to Marie today- while her boys placed a spinning top on her, while she was doing tummy exercises- and getting told “keep still mum” AWSOME!!

The Good, The Bad and The Inspirational

This is where you get to read the stories of what other entrants got up to in week 7 and 17.

Wendy’s 10kg of Chocolate

I went to buy some trousers for work as all my clothes are getting to big for me I am usually a size 18 and brought a size 14!!!!! Then also brought some tops size M not XL!!! Have dropped 2 dress sizes very EXCITING and this is my 17th week I still have 13 weeks to go!!!!!  Picture is actually of Wendy in week 13 when she had lost 10kg.  Wendy is trained by Roger Symes.

Liz rides onwards and upwards

Achieved my mini 6 week goal and conquered Dyer’s Pass road. First time I’ve ridden it since Nov 2009. It hurt like hell but felt great to get to the top!!!! Bring on the mini 12 week goal! Liz is trained by Jean Scott.

Emma shares her fav crockpot recipe

This is my fav crockpot recipe, super tender and delicious (tip: meat bought fresh from butchers is so much better than supermarket and you often get a nice cut for a lot less money)  Apricot, Tomato and Lamb Tagine – Food in a Minute www.foodinaminute.co.nz Emman is trained by Pascale Battrick.

Renee is back into her pre-baby jeans

Another good week last week, healthy eating and exercise DO work after all and I now fit into my jeans from before pregnancy. Just a few more kilos and ill be able to wear them AND breathe Renee is trained by Tracey Butler Dempsey.

The Classic Hits Crew

Susan’s holidaying in Aussie

Susan has gone on holiday to Australia (or maybe some secret training) so this week it’s just Jo Lean and wow, what an update.

Jolene

Today I had a very good radio Interview with Richard (left) and Kate from Classic Hits. It was so much fun and to have my Trainer Roger there (on right) for support is just awesume. Classic Hits YOU ROCK. Thank you to everyone for all the positive motivation and support, I could not have done it with out you.

and from her trainer Roger

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW This is a21 wow cheer thats one for each kg JO lean has lost you rock and inspire so many others . Very proud trainer he big hugs babe.Roger Rabbit H.O.P.E coach Zeal Persoanlised Exercise Studio.

Pascale Talks Up Her Clients

Read More »

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

This is where you get to read the stories of what other entrants got up to in week 5 and 15.

Frances

A picture of Frances’s dog Max on the Estuary track in Christchurch last week.  Frances won her entry into 20 Weeks and regularly goes walking with her dog. Frances is trained by Cate Grace

Juliet

Hello again! Just a quick update: The first time I weighed myself after the beginning of the 20 week challenge was on the 28/04/2011 and I weighed 76.7kg.Getting tentatively on the scales this morning, I was stocked to see the numbers at 71.1kg! Am now nearly a third of the way towards my goal weight. Am loving the challenge, it’s keeping me on track, and Pascale is a fantastic Trainer! Kind regards, Juliet.  Juliet is trained by Pascale Battrick

Jo Lean

I am so happy. I have just gone to the Warehouse and saw a nice pair of jeans that I though might fit. So I tried them on and guess what!!!!! they were too big. I have dropped about 3 dress sizes in 14 weeks. I walked out of there with nothing except for a big fat smile.  Jolene is trained by Roger Symes.

Renee

After a week doing the 20 week challenge I was a bit nervous about being weighed and meeting with Tracey again as youre never sure how youre going to do but what do you know. I managed to lose 3 kilos this week and I think its down to a smaller dinner plate and abit of exercise. I left feeling very motivated and alot more positive Renee is trained by Tracey Butler Dempsey

Kat

Finally beginning to untangle my feet at Tapdancing lessons. Now that’s fun exercise ! Kat is trained by Lisa Lilley.

Nicola

After reading your recommendation to Nicola for the ‘mud sweat & tears’ race, I signed me and the hubby up…..much to his disgust! Nicola is trained by Bronwyn Adams Hooper.

Wendy

I go to the gym 5 times a week, work out with Roger my PT 2 times a week, love it and love the weigh loss and now I am starting to take shape!!!! Thanks for your support RR and everyone  Wendy is trained by roger Symes.

Sue

Massey Stairs..DONE. Thank Jolene and Bernice for taking me out there and up there this morning! Great start to the day, now while I stand around at the expo I shall just need to stretch quietly and hope i dont have to bend down too much  Sue is trained by Sheta Swinerd

Sarah

For my NNS I am going to write a food diary every day, incuding the good, the bad and he ugly!!  Sarah is trained by Cate Grace.

Lydia

Well im quite proud of myself. after completing a 5 week bootcamp through Crossfit Dunedin, I went from barely doing 22 pushups in 2 mins to 47, from 49 situps to 62 (while still sore from my last session haha) and took 40seconds off my 2.4km run i think i couldve been faster if we hadnt done all that swimming last night lol…Lydia is trained by Rachel van Gorp

PTs Talk About You!

Jean Scott (PT)

Go The awesome warrior team, completed the 5km swim challenge Sunday night. That’s 200 lengths of a 25m pool. They feel proud to be part of an incredible team. 222 lengths, 5.55km,.  They each did the Swiss Ball challenge so they get to take an hour off their time so total time is 3 hours and 19 minutes.

We are inspired by your total committment. Great team work.

Michaela Knudsen (PT)

Thanks to Marie English for motivating me to do the stairs! such a gem to work with!

Pascale ‘Ostra’ Battrick (PT)

Way to go Juliet Hawes for losing 5.5kg in only 3 weeks! You are a LEGEND!!!  and for keeping such great records in your training diary very proud of you!

Tracey Butler Dempsey (PT)

I love hearing and seeing about the awesome results 20 Weekers manage to achieve. I did some number crunching today and at their latest retests my 30 Week Wonder Women cranked out 33 more push ups and 30 extra squats in their time allocations. What a boost for the emergency survival kit – with that extra muscle power liquefaction and chimney removals will be a breeze, and those squats will prepare legs for any long drop or chemical loo! Well done team.

Non Negotiable Steps

This week we reveal some of the steps entrants have agreed to take EVERY day for the rest of the competition.

Mel S

My NSS is 30 pressups (as many as possible full pressups), 30 Crunches, 30 Lunges and 30 squats. A quick mini work out that can be done any where in 5 mins

Nicola

I am going to do 3 sets of 30 sit ups a day. Eg 30 in the morning, when I come home from work and before I go to bed!

Hayley

I am going to eat vegetables everyday. I have constantly made excuses and been too lazy to cook vegetables so I am aiming to eat and try new vegetables everyday

Shireen

I commit to doing my calf raises 3 sets x10 reps twice a day – starting Monday 9th May. This is so I can strengthen my calf after injuring it in October 2010 and reinjuring it in December 2010.

Pascale

My NNS is to write down my food diary and personal goals daily. So far so good – photos to come!

Classic Hits Competitors

Jo Lean and Susan are our winning entrants from Palmerston North.  You can support their efforts via our 20 Weeks with Classic Hits Facebook page.  Here’s some of their entries from the week just gone.

Jo Lean

I have just had an amazing radio interview with Richard and Kate from Classic Hits. They really made my day, thank you. I have had a rough few days where my head has not been where it should be. But I had with good chat with Roger last night aswell as good workout and that made all the difference. I feel so happy and now feel I am on the right track. (Tr

Susan

Had my fourth fitness test tonight with Freya. I am so pleased with the results. On my first test, I struggled with everything I had to do. Now it feels so much better and I am achieving so much more than I thought I could do. The test is such a great way to see what you can accomplish. Thanks Freya, thanks everyone.

Stories From Mel

Mel

This time a year ago I was 18 kg heavier. In May, I met my PT, Di Lauder, and lost a few kg. Then I decided to do the 20 Week Challenge that ran from July–November. I lost 13% body fat and 11kg over that time.

There is something very motivating about being part of this Challenge … so I decided to do it again. This time, my goal is to get to my goal weight and learn how to maintain it. My fitness goal was to run 5km.

I started this Challenge in February with a hiss and a roar after “relaxing” a little over the festive season and gaining a few kg. I was thrilled in our start-of-20 Weeks fitness test to run 5km and do the 10km bike track at McLeans Island. I was on such a high.

Three days later the earthquake hit and our lives changed. Broken home, living with family and friends for 10 days, scared children, traumatised relatives, running on adrenalin, terrifying aftershocks. Exercise and eating well wasn’t on my radar. My body reacted to the intense stress dramatically – I filled up with a terrible sore throat/cold on the night of the earthquake (no previous symptoms, hadn’t been sick of months), my heart raced for days, I suffered heart burn (hadn’t had that before other than during pregnancy), my gums ached. It was a full-on time.

It took five weeks before I could contemplate leaving my children to do exercise … until then I just couldn’t find the strength to leave them to do something ‘fun’ for ‘me’ … just in case another quake hit in my absence. I could do productive things though … there was a lot of brick moving and silt shifting going on over that time!

Five weeks on, school started back, my youngest daughter started school … I had the space (time and headspace) to get back into it!

I’m now training six days a week – a mix of resistance (PT, pump, xfit) and cardio (running, spin, zumba). I follow the Nutrifit and Globesity eating strategies – liming carbs to mostly after exercise, protein at every meal … making sure I am getting the right quantities of macronutrients at the right time through the day. I’m thrilled to have lost 1.6kg in the last two weeks and increased my lean muscle/reduced my fat %.

I am running 2-3 times per week and have built up my running from 15 to 40 minutes. My goal now is to be able to run 10km.

I keep a detailed food and exercise diary and find it essential to stay focused. I re-read it on bad days, to remind me what I did/ate on days where things seemed easier. I also stick relevant/inspirational articles in it. I have just finished reading Susan Prentice’s two books about her dramatic weight loss, which lead her into body sculpting. She is an inspirational and very down to earth woman. I’d be happy to lend the books to other 20 Week Challenge entrants. Contact me via Catch if you’d like me to post them to you.

It is a difficult time for everyone in Christchurch … I find real comfort in focusing on my health and fitness during this time. I know it will help me cope, especially through the coming Winter months, and give me the strength I need to support the people around me while we reassemble our lives.

Good luck to everyone doing this amazing Challenge.

Frances Starts Up Again

Frances

“February, what a way to start to my 20 week challenge, here I was motivated and ready for change and then “WHAM” another earthquake. Unfortunately this earthquake seriously rattled my nerves and my confidence. Living on the east side the roads where not and in many areas are still not bicycle friendly, there goes my biking to work routine. I managed to freak myself out completely with my usual after work walk with the dog (Max) around the estuary track, big cracks in the track, trees down or on serious leans that looked like they would fall at any given moment. Not the kind of place I wanted to be with after shocks happening at any given moment. I nearly gave myself a pretty good reason why I should just sit at home and hibernate.But NO. While motivation has been difficult at times I have made this commitment to myself and I’m sticking to it.

Things are slowly getting easier for us on the east side, the estuary track remains a mess though very walkable, and the trees that looked like they might fall have been cut down.

I’m back on the bike, but not nearly as much as I’d like.

I’ve just returned to work after two glorious weeks holiday which included lots on walking on some stunningly beautiful West Coast tracks and Max (also a bit chunky) and I are once again ready to fully commit to this challenge.