My Progress from the last 8 months!!

Taking photos has been one of the hardest things I've had to do because honestly it's a HUGE wake up call. I'm so glad that I took these when my Coach urged me too because now I can look back and look at my progress. Here are my progress photos from the last 8 months and I never in my widest dreams did I ever think that one day I would have visible abs!!!....gah, so exciting!! I KNOW I CAN do this, I will be ready in the next few months!! This year, I will not let Summer creep up on me...instead, I will be READY for it!!

This is the REASON I encourage my coaches & challengers to take pics of their progress!!

I got my life back and now I'm helping others!

Went to the chiropractor back on January 5th for an adjustment...I remember this day since my doc almost caught me crying with joy because seeing my last visit date hit me like a ton of bricks.

I was diagnosed with Severe Degenerative Disc Disease of the Thoracic spine along with arthritis in my facet joints last year even though I had been battling the pain for over 4 yrs now. It's a very crippling disease where you deal with chronic pain on a daily basis, it affects everything in your life and there are treatments but no cure. Unfortunately I'm no candidate for surgery because 4 different doctors have told me that I'm stuck with what I have for the rest of my life. I got tired of being given pills on every visit and turned away only to be back weeks later with no improvement. I could not comprehend that I was stuck feeling the way I had been feeling for the rest of my life so I started working on ways to IMPROVE my life ----> lets just say that I FOUND it!!

THIS right here is more PROOF that I am doing much better and feeling better because just LOOK at those dates on the chart!!...This doesn't even go over the last few years that I've been going to my chiro, this is only going back to last year so HUGE difference! I've been seeing a chiro since 2008 and they have helped me dramatically!!...I used to go 3-4 times a week when I first got injured where now my visits are less and less frequent. And here are 3 reasons why......

1. I FOCUS on nutrition more and what types of foods to avoid that causes inflammation....not perfected yet but I'm working on switching over to the Paleo lifestyle. If you eat foods that causes inflammation than it can put pressure on the nerve endings which for myself I've noticed flare ups if I consume too much grain.

2. I workout 5-6 days a week which is not only helping me lose weight but gain strength & flexibility. When you are building muscle and gaining strength than you can improve your posture! Also, I notice that when my back is stiff or locks up...well than all I need is to get my sweat session on and it helps loosen up my joints and wow I just feel more incredible than before I started.

3. But the biggest most LIFE CHANGING reason why I am IMPROVING is because I no longer work the typical job breaking my back for someone else....but instead working from home doing what I LOVE and in my bed at that!! I literally sit in bed and work online at my own pace with no pressure from anyone....I work whenever I want because I am my own boss. You can work on your own health while your helping improve the lives of others but also earn an income from home! 

This has been life changing for me because at one point I almost applied for disability back in April 2014 but I just couldn't grasp the idea of being on it doing nothing at the age of 28. It's crazy to see how much this has helped me not only look better, feel better but also provide an income at that!

So much change I've gone through but my struggles have only made me stronger. It's crazy I know but I feel like I was meant to go through all this so I can share my story and give others hope. Thank you God for everything and leading me where I needed to go...I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Him.

I want to encourage you that if you know someone who is wanting to work but can't because they're limited like me than please reach out to me or send them my way because I'll be glad to tell them about everything I do and how much it's helped me. 

If you'd like the idea of working from home (even stay at home moms) or if you're already into health & fitness than this is HUGE accountability and you'd be doing the same thing that you're doing now but you'd also be helping others which is so rewarding. Interested? Please comment below or message me so we can talk it over, would love to see your life change like it has changed mine

Early Christmas Present

Oh snap! Look what FedEx dropped off to me today...my early Christmas present!!! This girl will NOT be waiting until Christmas, I had to open it up because I am so excited about this program!!!

Some of you know that I did Crossfit in the past and I loved it however I could not do it anymore after 3 months because it was too hard on my spine from my Severe DDD so I had to quit Crossfit and instead started working out at home using Beachbody programs. I couldn't have made a better decision for myself because no more do I have to leave the house to get a workout in...I can workout in the comfort of my own home at my own pace and not have to pay for a membership anywhere which is AWESOMESAUCE!

Les Mills Pump is the home version of Body Pump and it's a barbell based rapid weight loss program. I know that I am limited at what I can & can't do BUT I will be going at my own pace so I don't think it will be too strenuous for me like Crossfit was. I missed the barbell workouts so as you can imagine I am super excited to get back it and start building some crazy muscle!

I'm starting this program Monday and adding it to the workout I'm currently already doing now so in other words....I am kicking it up a notch! I am so excited for this, I'm ready to push even harder to get to those results that I want so badly! Les Mills Pump is a 3 day week workout program but I'll be adding it to the workout I'm doing now so I'll be working out a total of 6 days a week...I've already got it all scheduled out! Yep, hold me accountable peeps if you'd like! I'll be documenting my journey with LMP making some videos because I want to share with you all the little nitty gritty details so be prepared to see me as a hot mess lol.

Why wait for the New Year when you can start your journey now and get a head start? I am NOT slowing down for Christmas, I am speeding it up so ONWARD and full force ahead!!

Someone's compliment led me to do a side by side comparison...

I am so beyond thrilled because my hard work is paying off in just LESS than 7 weeks wahoo!!! I just read a message from someone pointing out that they could see my progress from my pic I posted yesterday on my Facebook. So I did a little side by side comparison and WOW I am amazed because honestly I did not think I made that much progress!

You just get so used to seeing yourself everyday in the mirror that you don't notice those little changes and sometimes it takes someone else to mention it for you to notice it. So thank you for sending me that message....you know who you are 

I encourage that if you notice someone making progress than please reach out to them and let them know because some of us are working so hard whether it be from working out, skin care, personal development, at our jobs or whatever it may be...just take a few min of your time and tell them. Others may need that acknowledgement that their hard work is paying off to help motivate them to keep on going.

Uplift someone's spirit this week and let them know that you see progress! 

I've Got My Confidence Back!

Years ago, I went to the doctor to have a physical done. I was 230 lbs which I could NOT believe it because we didn't have a scale in the house. I was in shock followed by me feeling ashamed that I had let myself go. The doctor said I was morbidly obese and I was also diagnosed pre diabetic and it was my huge wake up call!

Needless to say, after my wake up call...I started exercising and focusing on my nutrition. I've been making progress and getting closer towards reaching my goal of a healthy 150 lbs. My numbers have been reversed so I am nowhere being diabetic anymore! If I didn't lose the weight.....than I would have had diabetes today and probably much more major health problems. This goes to show how much weight can affect your health!

I feel amazing now, I got my confidence back and I feel like a million bucks! I'm on a mission to inspire others that they can improve their health just by incorporating fitness & nutrition.

If you need the help and the motivation, than please reach out to me and ask about joining my accountability group on Facebook. I would love to help you on your journey towards better health, it's so rewarding seeing others make progress because you inspired someone today.  

It's a process...

I find myself repeating this over and over to myself and to others so often! 

We ALL including me want change to happen right now. Its hard to realize that it is going to take some time. It is going to take eating healthy 6 days a week, exercising, drinking enough water and focusing on the goal you want to achieve! It's going to take tweaking your diet when you reach a plateau and pushing yourself to workout when you would rather not!

Its a process, but if you follow the plan laid out for you, CHANGE will HAPPEN!!!!

I took control of my health....

Back in 2008 I went to the doctor to have a physical done. I had no idea how much I weighed at the time because I didn't have a scale but when I got on the scale at the doctors office and it read 230 lbs...I could NOT believe it! I was in shock followed by me feeling ashamed that I had let myself go. I saw on the chart that the doctor put down that I was morbidly obese which was a huge wake up call! He looked me straight in the eye and said that "I needed to lose weight or I was going to get diabetes"...I was diagnosed pre diabetic!

Needless to say, after we left the doctor...I signed up at a local gym and started focusing on nutrition. I lost 80 lbs within a year because of my hard work and dedication! I went back to that very same doctor and he was just blown away that I did it....and I did it so quickly! My numbers were reversed so I was nowhere being diabetic anymore! If I didn't lose the weight.....than I would have had diabetes today and probably much more major health problems. This goes to show how much weight can affect your health!

Was it easy? No....but it was WORTH it!

I feel amazing, I got my confidence back and I feel like a million bucks! Now I'm on a journey to inspire others that they can improve their health just by incorporating fitness & nutrition.

If you think you're past the point of not being able to lose weight....just like I thought...PUSH that out of your mind now! If you need help or even the extra accountability than join my accountability group. I'd love to help you reach your fullest potential....you'd be amazed at what your body can do :)

I'm on my own path....

I used to look at other people, on their own fitness journey or not, and get so discouraged I would falter on my own. I am learning every day that everyone is on their own path and if I don't stay focused on mine I will never get out of my own way. Setting goals, making a dream board and reviewing it daily is helping me overcome a life long habit of comparing myself to others. I am finally learning how to make my own dreams come true, and I couldn't be happier.

Such an exciting day!!!

So my coach Brandi just posted on Facebook congratulating me and Tracee on hitting Emerald this week woot woot! Anyway, this is from my coach Brandi >>>>>>

"Sooo excited to be back home to congratulate not one but TWO gorgeous ladies on taking their ...businesses to the next level and reaching EMERALD rank!!!! This is such a huge accomplishment and I'm so proud of both of them because this was one of the "criteria" that needed to be met to take apart of my push to DIAMOND training that starts this week and they both rocked it out of the park on their own which is so cool to see as a coach!!!!

So please help me congratulate Tracee Kinnear and Shalonn Landry on going EMERALD this past week!!!!! Not only that but right on the brink of hitting Success club 5! Amazing job ladies!!!! Congrats again!!!! " <<<<<< Gah, so exciting!!!

A few words from me now.....

I am so beyond thrilled to see how my business is helping change lives while changing my own. This is so exciting to see how much I've grown since I started and I'm looking forward to meeting new people while helping them reach their fullest potential.

You DON'T have to be an expert when it comes to fitness and nutrition....you just need to have that DESIRE to change lives and INSPIRE others...that's it! I'm in no way an expert but I am on my own journey towards better health helping others do the same on a daily basis. 

If you are curious on what coaching is all about, please contact me because I'm looking to add 4-5 people on my team right now! I am putting together all new training for my new coaches so don't hesitate! You can always try to see if this something that would work for you . Also, if you know anyone that would make a great coach or looking to work from home (such as stay at home moms) than please pass on my info. Please send me a message if you or someone else you know may be interested!

Here's to us...

Amen!

I never said it was going to be easy...but it will be worth it! Give it your all and dedicate your life to doing this over and over again. You only live one life so why waste it?!?  

God Has Perfect Timing....

I'm so grateful for all of my struggles....I asked God many times why I had gone through so many struggles throughout my life. I wanted to figure out ways to force what I thought would work to work out but God wouldn't budge. Sometimes we think we know what's best for ourselves but we really know nothing at all. 

 All of my struggles have led me to where I'm at today and I couldn't be more grateful. I just wanted to thank God for being faithful and always providing. It might not have been what I wanted from the very beginning but it's perfect timing and my life honestly couldn't have turned out any better. 

Little did I know that I was led to the perfect man who became my best friend and 4 years later became my husband. What does he have in store for us next? Only time will tell but I have my full trust in Him because God always provides...no matter the circumstance. Put your faith in God, lean on him, trust him and he will provide when the time is right. <3

Ready to refresh & renew...

So, it's been over 2 weeks since my mom went back to Utah and we miss her dearly. While she stayed with us during those 2 weeks...we worked out almost every day but the clean eating was hard to stick too because we wanted her to experience all the good foods she's never had that are different from where she lives....such as gumbo lol. I know I'm not perfect with my clean eating, it's okay to treat yourself every once in awhile but this was 2 weeks worth while she was here that I didn't necessarily watched what I ate. Yikes!!!

After she went back to Utah on Aug 27th, the past few weeks I've felt soooo unbelievably bloated and not on my game lately. I feel uncomfortable with myself and I've lacked the energy which is the reason I haven't been on here much blogging. Lately I've felt a little sluggish and I've had a few headaches. I actually got a cold last Thursday and I'm just getting over it as of right now. I'm thinking my body needs to go through a cleanse to help rid the toxins I had built up over time. I need to RID the junk in the trunk if you know what I mean Lol!

As soon as I get this feeling flushed, I'll be back on my game and ready to blog everyday. I think I will even blog about my cleanse to provide everyone my feedback. 

What do you all think? Has anyone else done a cleanse before?

My Progress in 3 Months >>> So exciting!!!!

As promised, here are my progress photos! This took a little less than 3 months because I started my journey on May 12th, 2014. But during the past 6 weeks is where I've noticed the biggest difference because of my new workout program that I started. This Monday will be the beginning of my 7th week with it, it's an 8 week program but I plan on restarting it over and doing a second round after the full 8 weeks.

I'll be starting my 2nd round on Monday August 25th so if you want to join me and we can do this together than please send me a message. I'm not going to accept too many people because I want to focus on each persons progress individually so don't hesitate if you're interested. For details about the program, you can contact me.

Here are pictures of my front, back and each side. I'm really excited seeing these, all the more reason to keep on pushing myself! Thank you for all your love and support 

Outer Thigh Progress

Woot woot! Look what's finally starting to show, my outer thighs are lookin' good! 

I'm on my 6th week of a new workout program that I've been doing and it is amazing! If you are interested in the details, send me a message and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

I'm so excited about my progress from the last 6 weeks....keep a lookout because I'll be providing more pics along the way 

Strengthening my Core

What are you working on? My primary focus when I workout is strengthening my core, I know that I NEED to according to my back doctors. I've already made progress in the last few weeks and I'm feeling sooo much better already! Who wants to join me to commit to a healthier fit lifestyle? Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coachshalonn, we can do this together! Whatever your reason to join me is...use that as your goal to push yourself! Your body can do amazing things so bring out the best version of you!

Progress

It took a lot of courage for me to post this because I've never done this before but here are my transformation photos....

I took the one on the left at the end of May & the one on the right at the end of June. I will be posting my July photos at the end of the month. 

I've lost about 8 lbs and 7 inches around various areas of my body. I've still got a long ways to go but I'm happy with my progress so far 

To Post or Not To Post

Does anyone ever get excited seeing your own progress photos but get scared or nervous to post them?!?  I took photos in May & June while on my journey but haven't posted mine yet because I get ready to post them but than back out of it since I feel so EXPOSED lol.  Has anyone done this before?  I know I HAVE to do it, I want to inspire others and what better way than to post progress photos?!!  I will be posting pics tonight of my 30 day progress photos on here but I'll also be posting them to my Facebook & Instagram so if you have any of these social media sites, please show your support by following me.

My pics are getting posted, no matter how uncomfortable the feeling is!

*I think I can, I think I can, I know I can I KNOW I CAN*

My Why

I have a love for fitness & nutrition because I grew up being overweight.  It wasn't until my mom took me to the doctor that I decided to make a change.  I'll never forget that day back in 2008, the doctor looked me straight in the eyes and said that I needed to lose the weight or else I was going to get diabetes.  I was almost 230 lbs and was officially pre diabetic, I felt so ashamed of myself! The next day, I signed up at a gym and got a personal trainer that helped me lose 80 lbs within a year!  My personal trainer taught me a lot, I learned how to use proper form during exercise but more importantly I learned the value of nutrition and feeding your body right.

After moving to Texas in 2011, I found myself gaining some of the weight back! My physical activity ceased to exist and I started trying new foods that I hadn't tried before.....my husband is Cajun so I had been introduced to Cajun cooking and lets not forget that Texas is home to the BEST food after all. Of the 80 lbs that I originally lost, I gained 30 lbs back and slowly started loosing my confidence. I just woke up one day and realized that I am NOT going to gain the full 80 lbs back, I was putting a stop to it!

I didn't want to sign up for a gym so I started ordering fitness programs that I can use at home and now I have quite a few in my collection. I  personally own Insanity, Chalean Extreme, TurboFire and PiYo. I'm starting to fit in my clothes again, my confidence is coming back and I'm starting to feel so much better......NEVER again will I let myself gain weight out of losing self control.

I KNEW I had to turn this into a LIFELONG lifestyle since I obviously didn't keep the weight off the first time. I wanted to hold myself accountable and what better way than to become a coach?!? I decided that I wanted to inspire others to take control of their health just like I did and so I made a choice in May 2014 to become a Beachbody Coach.  I'm still a "work in progress," I want to inspire others to take back control of their health just like I did. I enjoy changing people's lives through fitness and nutrition, that's what's so great at what I do.