I Won Ketsy And Lost Pounds!! – Part I

About six months ago I made the conscious decision to make a U-turn regarding my health.  I started eating healthier and exercising.  

To help with my mission I joined a health club (Whitehall Club and Health Spa).  I have been doing pretty good the past 5 months exercising on my own and seeing results, but I have gotten to the point that I needed a bigger challenge. I needed to step it up a notch.

In December, I notice a flier on the club’s bulletin board where they were announcing a “Weight-loss Challenge” starting in January.  To enter you had to submit your name, show commitment and bring a note from your doctor stating that you were OK to participate in this kind of challenge. They were choosing only 10 names out of a hat from all the entries.  So, I thought, I never win anything, but like the lottery, to win a million dollars you have to be in it to win it.
The “chosen” were getting a trainer, taught what to eat and what not to eat, how to food shop, and be a part of a support group. So, I submitted my name and waited not expecting to really be one of the ten names.

I Won Ketsy

Weight  Loss Challenge Group

On January 3rd, I got a phone call from the club director, Taffy,  giving me the good news that I was one of the chosen names and had to come in to meet Ketsy.   Ketsy???  I didn’t know what to expect but never-the-less Ketsy was going to be my trainer for the next few months.  I have won the lottery, I have won Ketsy and all her knowledge.

At first glance Ketsy Santiago looks harmless, she is small framed with a pleasant smile, charismatic and an awesome  personality.  I thought, Wow!! this is not going to be too bad.  I can handle this. Oh  Boy!!!! was I wrong.

After the initial salutations, this tiny woman transforms herself into a giant.  She reads you the riot act.  She tells you her expectations, the commitment she expects from you, the accountability, the importance of taking the mission seriously and she lets you know that we are not playing any games.   We will be working out 7 days a week.– Holy crap!! I think I just joined the “Biggest Loser” and this woman is the Latina “Jillian Michaels”.  WTH did I get myself into???

Ketsy’s workouts are no joke, they are brutal.  Don’t let her size fool you, she is a power house, unstoppable and relentless.  She does not let you quit at any point. She pushes you to the very end.

My Goal

Results
It has been a month since I started the weight-loss challenge.  I have noticed the change in my body, my endurance is higher and the most exiting thing, I have lost 7 pounds since I started.  I know it takes consistency, dedication and most of all patience to reach your goals.  It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you focus and don’t lose sight of your mission you’ll get there.  I have learned not to be so hard on myself if I have a bad day (I’m human), the important thing is not to give up.   The very next day I pick myself up and continue the journey.

I’m glad I joined the challenge,  the support and camaraderie of the other challengers is amazing, we are all inspired, determined and committed  to the mission.  Thank you Ketsy.  Ketsy, is my million dollars!!

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.” ~ Stephen Brennan

*Above Post was originally Posted on February 6, 2012 on A New Camino