Name: Michelle Hanson
What was your reason to start working out?
My fitness journey started a little over a year ago, January 28th, 2012 to be exact. I am a mother of 3 handsome boys (ages 10, 6, and 1) and a wife to one of my best encouragers. With each one of my children, I began to gain a little more weight. I lost a little here and there, but never kept up on it like I should have. By the time I gave birth to my third child, I was beginning to hit the obese line. I never went shopping for myself, I hated shopping. Nothing ever fit right, and Ididn’tlike those mirrors in the dressing rooms. At the time I was a daycare provider in my home. I was open 50 hours a week, not to mention morning prep time and afterward cleaning duties. I was tired and exhausted and was beginning to be stressed out, a lot (my poor husband). I knew I wanted a change but didn’t think I had the time to fit another thing into my schedule. My wake- up call was one night, I was on my hands and knees scrubbing my kitchen floor for what felt like the 100th time that day, and began balling my eyes out. I was so overwhelmed, tired and frustrated all at the same time. I knew something had to change. When I started I weighed 168 pounds on a 5’2″ frame.
What are some of the positive changes that you have seen in yourself?
The most important thing to me out of my whole fitness journey is that I am a better mom because of it. I have so much more energy to wrestle around with my boys, go for bike rides and walks. My stress is completely gone. I do have more confidence, and I now love to shop! Those mirrors in the dressing rooms don’t scare me anymore.
How has your body changed?
In total I have lost 49 pounds. I went from a size 14 to a size 2 in a matter of 14 months. I was able to run in my first 5k’s, and have plans for 10k’s this summer. For me it’s not about being thin, but how the weight loss has impacted my overall physical and mental health.
How has the Determinite Online Training Program helped you?
Being a newbie to the whole world of health, I was searching for more. I loved the new found energy and I had to do something with it! Winter came about again and I tried a couple different in-home programs that I became bored with quickly. I was flipping through Facebook one day I came across Dayna Deters Fitness as she was the wife of one of my classmates from high school. She mentioned to me that she soon would be starting an online program and I was thrilled! I knew I wanted to be a part of it because she was so helpful and caring in the questions that I had. Dayna has motivated me in many ways to keep going. She loves what she does and she has such passion for her clients. Her program is truly amazing in its variety of workouts. Every week is a different workout plan, and she is always popping new challenges in the mix. Her clean eating plan is perfect for anyone, including a family. I have tried most of her recipes she has on her site, and they are awesome and kid friendly, which is perfect for busy moms. This is not just an in-home program; this is hiring a personal trainer. I am amazed at the time and effort she puts into making this program fun and personal. After just 2 months on the program, I have noticed a big change in my tone, especially that hard to loose baby tummy! She has amazing abdominal exercises that really work that lower abdominal area that we strive so hard to get back post-partum.
Do you have advice for others?
My faith played a huge part of my determination. A lot of prayers were said in finding the strength to meet my goals. When I look back at how fast it went, I am amazed on why I waited so long. After I met my goal, I got this tattoo on my foot. It is a reminder to me on how He helped me through taking a step, not only spiritually, (Walk by Faith, not by sight), but physically. We take steps forward not knowing how far we can make it, but with His strength we can move mountains. You can do this. You can make a change! It will happen, you just need to keep taking a step forward.
I want to challenge any of you that are just starting out to take time for yourself. As moms we tend to give, give, and give, and we don’t do a very good job at taking care of ourselves. Push to make time, eat healthy, and make a life change. There is no magic pill, or diet. There is just hard work, determination and eating the right foods. When I was tired after work, all I wanted to do was sit on that couch and relax, but I would ask myself, “Is that going to help me for what I want tomorrow?” The answer is no! Find what works for you, and make it happen!
Thank you!