getting results

Penny Gallanos

Penny has been part of the lifestyle family for years (Penny has worked at lifestyle fitness since it opened over 5 years ago). With a busy work life, kids, husband and all the demands that many women today have on their plate, before she knew it, she looked in the mirror & thought, “Who is that?” She hadn’t noticed her body changing, ”lol, well, not that much anyway, but once I opened my eyes…boy oh boy did I see. Being tall with a big frame it was easy for me to decieve myself that I had only put on a few kilos – as I’m lucky enough to at least have it go on evenly. I don’t own scales so when I jumped on a pair at my doctors, I was amazed to see that I had gained 14kg within 4 months. This was mainly due to the fact that I had developed pre-diabetes which made it very easy for me to gain weight but makes it hard to lose.”

The thing about weight loss and starting an exercise program is that you have to keep mentally strong and self motivated. “I knew that there was no quick fix for me. No ridiculous diets. I had to take my time losing the weight so that I could keep it off. I’m super busy, so scheduling everything in was the key. And I became a priority.  Being part of the fitness industry for over 15 years I knew what I needed to do, now it was time to apply it to myself. Sensible eating plan and exercise 3 times a week, 4 if I was lucky, and 2 at the absolute minimum no matter what. No more wishy washy whenever I felt like it exercise for me”.

With much convincing (ok so we practically bullied her into it….. but it was for her own good), Penny got off the treadmill and joined BODYPUMP classes. She had all the excuses, “I’m just waiting to get fit enough, I can’t coordinate my time to fit in with the timetable……” blah blah blah. But once she realized she was in control, by choosing her own weights, she was keen to at least give it a go.

“Two classes and I was hooked.  However, inevitably my weight loss came to a hault. I hit my sticking point.” So then it was on to Spin Classes. With the combination of the two different classes the weight started dropping off again. Losing  weight is its own motivator . “Spin is the most addictive class ever, so easy and so tough all at once, I love it”.

Come spring, she enrolled in BOOTCAMP and got herself ship shape just in time ‘for all those Xmas parties and my beach holiday which starts in January. I think that by mixing it up, I found that I could actually work out much harder than I thought.”  Bootcamp just gave her that extra little push.

“I’ve already booked a  Personal Trainer for when I return from holidays, as I know that the major hurdle for me will be the first two weeks. I’m going to need that extra push when I get back. Laying on the beach for 4 weeks will make me lazy, lol. So, having PT already pre-booked will make sure I get started almost as soon as I land.”   

“I feel so much better & my patience has increased ten fold”, as exercise has given Penny an avenue to unleash all tension and enjoy the endorphin’s, making her a calmer person. Her pre-diabetes is finally under control. “Medication just isn’t enough, I needed the combination of exercise and diet as well. Exercise for me was always something you just had to do. Having made it consistent, I am very surprised at just how much I now love it.”

You’re looking good girl! We are so glad that you are achieving your goals and look forward to seeing the continued progress.

Go Pen Go!