Get to Know Cheryl

I joined the Ice Chamber last June with the excuse of needing to lose the “baby fat” with my baby hitting seven by the end of summer.  The irony is that after I had both my children, my weight was at all time lows, simply because of breastfeeding and daily walks, holding my children and weekly yoga.  But in the past few years, I’ve found it more difficult to maintain a real exercise regiment.  I went in waves where I was working out multiple times a week to absolutely nothing for weeks, even months on end.  By last spring, I knew I needed to find something that would keep me engaged, that I could commit to at an hour in the day that would not impact my family time.  My weight was higher than it had been, but more importantly, I didn’t feel comfortable in my own body, clothes didn’t feel or fit the way they should, and the belly area was just, well, let’s say, sort of out of control!

Anyway, since joining the IC I’ve lost just over 10 pounds, have gained lean muscle mass (loving my arms these days!) and have dropped a full dress size.  But the most significant benefit about my time with the gym is a renewed sense of confidence around my physical capabilities; I feel stronger and more confident about pushing my own limits.  I know that no matter how tired I might feel during a given exercise or activity, that I can still try to push through.  I exercise during my “off days” from the IC (6am class, 3 days/week).  As we have access to a fitness center at my work, I go and do my own little circuit of extended jump roping or running, squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups and work with medicine balls.  On the weekends (when the weather is nice) I try to go running in the neighborhood.  This past fall and winter, I ran two races, (a 7k and 5k), something I had always wanted to do, but had been too intimidated to try.  Now my goal is to work up to a 12K, so that I can keep my runner of a father company.  Finally, I know that I’m modeling good practices for my children, and that encouraging them to be active isn’t hollow anymore, because they see their mama active right next to them.  I do the monkey-bars, climb play structures and jump rope with them.

In terms of eating patterns or potential changes, I haven’t really altered much.  I still enjoy all foods, eat balanced and well-proportioned meals, but I don’t really deprive myself of anything, except that I don’t eat anything after 7:30pm.  I love to cook and am surrounded by a community of cooks so preparing food and eating with friends and family are part of our routine.  The other key for me is that I minimize caffeine and I drink endless cups of hot water (it’s the Chinese in me!) throughout the day.  Green tea is my drink (on the way to the IC) each morning and ginger tea is my ritual nightcap.  Also, almonds and dried cranberries make up my favorite snack at my desk during the day.

Thank you Steve, Maya, Jess and Danielle for inspiring and challenging me.  I’ve loved every moment of it.