Name: Veronica Schilling
I owe starting my fitness/weight-loss journey with Dayna Deter’s to a past member (Michelle) for her testimonial. I remember crying as I read her story regarding what made her decide to live a healthier lifestyle and to start her journey with Dayna Deter’s. The story touched me and I related to it in so many ways. I researched the online program and read Dayna’s story as well, I thought “wow, she has a passion for healthy living; I want to be like that.” I have done many fad diets, joined groups/ memberships to help me lose weight in past; yes, they sometimes worked, but I always fell back into my old ways. I joined Dayna’s online program in July 2013 and since then I have learned so much about fitness, eating habits and more importantly–myself. You see, I had this inner voice that would often tell me that I CAN’T be fit, I CAN’T run a 5K and I CAN’T do this work-out; the list goes on and on, there was an excuse for everything. I’ve learned this past year that I am strong and I CAN do these things I put my mind to. I found myself motivated after every work-out; loving the feeling of being healthy! The motivational comments and statements on the Determinite Facebook page kept me going as well. Since I joined I have to admit I have lost weight – gained some back – and lost some again. My journey has had many struggles and failures, but that’s okay; the accomplishments make it all worth it. Although I do have a goal weight in mind that I haven’t reached yet; I also understand that the scale isn’t the only measurement of success. I am proud of my accomplishments I have earned; here are some of my proud moments:
1) My energy level has increased tremendously and my strength/endurance has improved. I love the feeling after a workout or a run, my kids often times join me and that makes me happy that I am being such a great role model for them.
2) I significantly increased my Army Physical Fitness Test score and I am currently working towards the Fitness Patch (to accomplish this I would need to get a 90% or higher in each event – push-ups, sit ups and 2 mile run). Not only did I make this my personal goal for this year, but my section at work has decided to join me in reaching the same goal…that’s awesome that I have influenced them to strive for more!
3) I’ve finished the Diet Free detox twice; first time I lost 11 pounds and 9 inches total! The second time I lost another 4 pounds! The weight loss and inches lost is great, but the way I feel overall after the detox is reason enough to do it. Others have noticed my results and have inquired about it; they all are currently doing the detox or have finished with much success. Here again, I love how I have influenced others to feel better.
4) I ran two 5K’s last year and registered to run another this year and a 10 mile race in July!! I would never have thought I would run ‘for fun’ (thought those people were crazy) and here I am doing it! I am not a runner, I have never enjoyed running, but with this program I have learned to like it The fact that I signed up for a 10 mile race shows that I will no longer let the CAN’T voice tell me that I CAN’T do it.
5) I find my co-workers, friends and family looking for advice/guidance from me; from eating healthy to detoxing or exercising. I have taught a co-worker how to read labels on packaged foods. I’ve encouraged a co-worker to do some functional workouts with me. I’ve joined a running group with my sister and motivate her to continue with it. I gave guidance and support to my mom, a friend and a co-worker during their detox. I find such pleasure in helping others during MY journey; it keeps me going and makes me push harder to be a role model of others.
My journey still has a long road to follow; I am looking forward to the future. Now that warmer weather is here, I have many more goals to achieve. I know I can do it and I am so thankful to you Dayna for what you do. You have changed my negative attitude and helped me realize that even though I may fail or struggle at times, I can leave that in the past and continue on my journey to not only set goals but to achieve them as well.