Consistency: Trish’s three year progress report
"...quantifying my progress helps me to stay motivated. I only wish I had started exercising smarter earlier."
I have a long history of joining gyms in every place I have ever lived. I was that person robotically going through the motions of circuit training, reading magazines with my IPod on the treadmill, but never trying hard or even breaking a sweat. Three years ago, with a change to longer school days for my three kids, time became available to commit to a serious exercise program, and I went in search of something to motivate me to improve my fitness.
I joined the Ice Chamber one day in 2007, and it has honestly been one of the best things I have ever done.
I have always been pretty lazy but pretty thin, but by age 45, the bathroom scale had been creeping upwards about a pound a year since 40, and, with 31% BF, I knew I really needed to make some changes to stop this trend. And I was weak. On my very first day of Boot Camp, I failed to complete even one push-up and barely made it back from a single lap to the Bridal Store. But even with my feeble debut performance, I felt inspired, motivated, and welcomed into the supportive, inclusive, and pleasantly low-key environment created by Steve, Maya, and Jess.
"I show up three times a week and do whatever the person with the microphone tells me to do, no matter what. This consistency has paid off."
Although I continue to be awed and entertained by the athletic feats of the super-jocky and younger members of the gym (you know who you are), I have never ever felt out of place or intimidated there, even when I am the slowest member of a team. I have never been a “joinerâ€, and admit to being slightly cranky in the mornings, but surprisingly, I love and am truly addicted to my morning Boot Camp routine. So weird!
So, unless I am on the rare vacation or work trip, I show up three times a week and do whatever the person with the microphone tells me to do, no matter what. This consistency has paid off.
So now for the numbers. While I have cut back on baguettes, without making huge changes to my diet, (which by any standards includes too much red meat, cream, wine, and good restaurants meals), since joining the IC, I have lost over 10 pounds and am (usually) down in the 25% range for BF. I am the first in line for those stats each Friday, because for me, quantifying my progress helps me to stay motivated. I only wish I had started exercising smarter earlier.
So, I am writing this to thank the Ice Chamber owners, trainers and fellow members for all their support. And thanks especially for the funk and that morning coffee with half & half!
Trish
Team 0900
I heart Trish! even though she is a skinny chick who eats whatever she wants….and she did not mention she had twins! and still looks that good! The only bad thing I can say about her is….well…..she can be a TAD grumpy in the morning but she usually leaves boot camp with a smile…
GREAT work Trish!
Thanks Trish for writing. For a beginner like me, struggling to do what the person on the mike tells us to do, it’s inspiring to hear about your progress since you 1st started.
Go Trish!
Trish, you are a wonder! You not only are an AM boot camper but you rock the Industrial Strength class at night. Keep it up!
I was always led to believe that Trish was just one of those natural athletes with an enviably thin build with great strength and endurance to boot. Sure fooled me! You do great work at the IC and are truly inspiring. I enjoyed reading your inspiring letter.
Trish, thanks for taking the time to write about your progress. It’s really inspiring to see you train and take it day by day. I am sure your teammates appreciate the motivation you provide. We are so proud of you!
I second (and third) the comments about Rock Star Trish. She comes in and gets it done, day after day!
So great to see Trish featured on the blog! She is a rock solid bootcamper and , hey, it’s not easy to be chipper in the morning. (Although I can’t say I’ve noticed grumpiness.)
Rock on Trish!
Trish we are so happy to have you as part of the IC family!! Thanks again for taking time to write about your progress you continue to inspire us all!! keep up the great work
Trish you are awesome and an inspiration to us all. Congratulations!
Happy Anniversary Trish!
Trish – you are amazing – one hot mama!!
It is always fun working out with you!
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for writing this Trish and for sharing your awesome story. I had no idea you couldn’t do a push-up (I was knee deep in my postpartum phase then) when you started. It is quite an achievement to commit to exercise on this level for three solid years. Congratulations!
Btw, I have always thought that your slightly cranky is just too cute!
Inspiring words, Trish. Thanks for sharing.