Sharing Success: Allison

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My story starts a little differently than the average H3@Home participant.  I began the program 6 months before I was able to make the trip from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to South Carolina to spend a few amazing days at Hilton Head Health.  I knew I needed help – and I did not want to wait until it our schedule allowed me to leave my husband with our three kids to begin my journey toward health.  I had a fire lit under me – and I wanted to take advantage!  In April, I called Jeff Ford and signed up for H3@Home coaching. 

The fact that all of our contact was by phone did not hamper my ability to make a great connection with Allison, my coach, immediately.  I really felt like she understood how difficult the transitions my life, and she stood by me every step of the way.  She listened when I needed to vent and she challenged me when I needed a push.  It was never “boot camp,” because that was NOT what I was after!!  It was compassion, encouragement, and another person to help me decide what to do next.  The process of breaking down the fantasy of being fit – into weekly doable goals lies at the heart of H3@Home – and was a big part of how I have been able to lose almost 50 pounds – so far!!  

Now people are looking to me as a ROLE MODEL!!!  How on earth is that possible???  I was sure that I was one of the people who would never be successful at losing weight – because I was so resistant to the things you NEED to do in order to be a fit person!!  I was able to change all of that with the support of Allison!!

I am such a believer in the concept that nutrition is 80% and exercise is 20% of weight loss.  However, it did not take me very long to realize that while exercise is not even really necessary for losing pounds, it is CRUCIAL in having a healthy mental attitude toward all aspects of life.  Ever since I have unlocked that secret – there has been no going back for me.  My body, but mostly my mind and soul now REQUIRE physical exertion in order to be well.  I feel so lucky that I have found so many activities that allow me to work my body and are so very fun!!  Biking, hiking, skiing – cross country and downhill, tennis . . . and so many more exciting activities that I can’t wait to try.  (Next summer:  canoeing!!) 

Even more important than the workouts, is the new reality in my life: I take the time I need to nurture myself and my body.  My children are watching me!!  I am so relieved that now I am teaching them to seek their hearts desires and to prioritize the time and energy to follow their dreams into every single day!!  I am so excited to see where I end up and what I continue to accomplish.  I now feel like the sky is the limit.

Sharing Success: Karen P

Now into the second week of September, I am getting more and more excited. Do you know why? Well not only is the third annual Devin’s Dash coming up, but Karen P will be here for our Yoga Retreat.

The beauty of H3@Home is that we have the opportunity to build a deep relationship with our members, one that is everlasting. What’s interesting is that when they come back to attend our day to day program they’ve experienced revelations, hit goals, found results and already discovered how to set themselves up for future success and sustainability.

Check out the bullet points from none other than Karen P herself and discover how H3@Home coaching impacted her lifestyle for the long run…

H3 Coaching Revelations:
• I truly changed my lifestyle and didn’t just “get on a health kick”
• I can be much more consistent then I thought I could be
• I am impacting those around me by the changes I’ve made
• I can’t turn back now…too many people are invested in my progress
• I feel SO much better physically and mentally
• I fall asleep instantly at night
• I make good choices in restaurants and plan ahead when needed
• I have made new friends outside my previous social circle
• I am less of a “homebody”
• I have newfound confidence

“I have only scratched the surface of what I’m capable of…”

H3@Home Coaching Goals Achieved:
• Started planning meals & cooking on Sundays
• Inventoried & restocked the freezer & pantry
• Changed dessert to 1-2 times per week (instead of daily)
• Developed a regular exercise program
• Got more consistent on sleep
• Ate more protein than before I went to H3
• Started eating 5 times a day instead of 3
• Began to workout even while traveling

H3@Home Coaching Results:
• 18 total inches lost since returning from H3
• 28 total pounds lost since returning from H3
• 40 pounds total lost since leaving for H3
• BMI lowered by 3.1 points
• 15% of body weight lost
• Blood pressure lower and in healthy range
• Three 5k runs completed to date with 13 minutes total time improvement

H3@Home Coaching Setup for Future Success:
• Fitbit purchased & utilized daily for calorie burn & logging calories consumed
• Regular walking & Zumba class schedule implemented
• Active.com membership—new race possibilities
• Plenty of equipment/videos/Wii at home
• New coach set up for accountability

Get H3 Inspired: Leigh

I am 49 years old. I have been overweight my entire life. This is very difficult to write about because it is very personal. I have been generally successful in everything I have done in my life that is important (such as, I have a wonderful family and a great career); the exception of my success has always been my repeated failure at weight loss. This has caused me enormous frustration and heartache over the years. Beginning in my early teens until I came to H3 last September, I tried every diet and failed miserably over and over again. Making it more difficult for me to succeed at weight loss is that my husband is a gourmet chef and everything he cooks includes butter and cream. Everything he cooks is so delicious and sadly, I loved great food and hated exercise.

Last September [2011] I went to Hilton Head Health. At that time, my only exercise was walking from my car in my office’s garage to my office. In addition, my lifestyle was very unhealthy. I have a stressful job and I worked about 70-75 hours a week, slept maybe 5-6 hours per night, and only ate one meal a day. This combination was my recipe for being overweight and unhealthy (and probably a recipe for an eventual heart attack). When I arrived at H3, all my blood tests (cholesterol, diabetes, etc) were in the high range, just a bit over, but still over the “high” mark. My doctor wasn’t overly concerned except that he was worried about pre-diabetes. I decided that I needed to diet and needed a “kick start” to a diet. All I wanted to do was lose 20 pounds since I understood from Adam in one of his seminars that losing 10% of body weight would result in significant health improvements. (Yes, I was over 200 pounds at that time, which is now very hard to believe.)

During my first week (of two that I stayed at H3) I met Jeff. He was leading Treading. I happened to select a treadmill in front of Jeff (he had not arrived when I selected my treadmill). I thought I was going to die in the class or at least have a heart attack. I asked Jeff if he knew CPR. I will never forget that hour … Jeff was yelling, in an encouraging way, at the class and doing all kinds of crazy stunts but between all that craziness, he was talking to me very softly and compassionately. He was encouraging and telling me what to do so I could keep going. By some miracle, I finished the class (albeit on a very remedial level). Because I took the treading class, I started training with Jeff. It was hard, he pushed me and he was very tough on me. It is what I needed. I decided to train with him two more times and never tried another trainer.I left H3 and Jeff was my H3 at Home health coach. Health coaching started in early October 2011 after I left H3.

Sharing Success: Chris Martinez

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Since December, I have been working with Chris Martinez through H3@Home and he has been a shining example of the “right” person for coaching. The fact of the matter is that not everyone is right for coaching, but if you’re one of those people who is you’ll absolutely be able to thrive within the relationship.

When I first started with Chris, I have to say he did not have 100% belief in himself. I noticed he was somewhat uncomfortable when it came to the exercise piece of the puzzle. Struggling with lifestyle change in the past, he just seemed quite ambivalent about the initial changes he wanted to make. As we progressed with the coaching, he quickly gained momentum, battled through obstacles and took every failure and turned it into a positive. The one shining example I have from working with Chris is when the number on the scale didn’t move for roughly 4 weeks. Chris was logging, eating right, exercising regularly and the scale continued to stay the same. I knew he had “Shifted Sets” in his wellness journey in that 4^th week when something special happened. He said, “As long as I continue to keep the behaviors it will move, I’m not stuck by any means, I just have to keep going.” You know what happened that next week? Chris lost close to 4 pounds. Incredible, right? A lot of us we would have given up and thrown in the towel. Chris didn’t because he knew all he had to do was get on the treadmill, eat right and believe in what he was doing.

I’ve learned a lot from Chris. Hearing him go from the guy who didn’t think he could run a mile to the guy who has now completed a 10K placing 2^nd in his age group (yes first 10k ever). Chris applied a lot of the strengths he uses at his job to his health and wellness. He’s regularly setting targets for himself now and focusing on the measurable improvements in front of him. I feel like his success has ultimately been a result of his ability to push through the plateau, while not beating himself up along the way. He truly continues to set accomplishments that are out there for him and I have no doubt that he’ll sustain this lifestyle for the rest of his life.

Now, hear it from him…

Many times in my adult life, I’ve found myself hitting rock bottom when it comes to my health and wellbeing. The tragic cycle has been one of gaining and losing weight over and over.  The feelings of shame and guilt always eroded my confidence and pulled me back into the spiral of self-disgust and overwhelming frustration. Each time I fell short, I felt less and less confident that I would ever be able to change my life for the better. I was almost ready to give up when I stumbled across Hilton Head Heath (H3) online. I decided it was worth a shot and booked my stay.

I celebrated my 33rd birthday at H3 on December 3rd. I now think of that day as my “re-birthday.” That is the day that started the journey that I have been on for the past seven months. Along for the ride, has been my coach, mentor and friend, Jeff Ford. I’m not sure exactly what has changed in the past several months that has allowed me to be successful but I know what I learned at H3, along with the support and guidance from Jeff, have been a large part of it. The best way to articulate the transformation I have undergone is to say that H3 and Jeff were the sparks that ignited the fire within me.  Ironically, though I give H3 and Jeff much of the credit, I now realize that the ability for me to be successful was inside me all long. It took someone else pointing out the possibilities for me to see them and begin to act upon them.

Certainly, it has not always been easy. There have been times when the fire within me has diminished and Jeff has had to turn up the heat. The “heat” has come in the form of positive encouragement, helping me to see things in new and different ways, and reminding me of my successes both large and small. And there have been many successes to speak of. In the last 7 months, I’ve lost about 40 pounds, have lost several inches from my waistline, have lowered my blood pressure to a healthy level, and have run 5K and 10K races. As an added bonus, imagine my surprise when I discovered that I placed second in my age group for the 10K!  Most importantly, I’ve regained hope for the future, something I was not sure I would ever know again. In order to get to a place of optimism, I had to learn to stop beating myself up when I didn’t reach goals that I set for myself. If I set a goal and I succeed, I celebrate! If I set a goal and I don’t succeed, I celebrate what I have accomplished towards that goal and set a new one. When I miss a workout due to a late work meeting, I don’t reach for a cookie to console my guilty conscience. Instead, I reschedule the workout and revel in the fact that despite the missed workout, I still managed to have a “healthy-eating day.”

I have learned so much from my time at H3, having Jeff as my coach and going through a personal journey that is much more healthy and complete than any ever before. I’ve learned the importance of getting enough sleep, maintaining a positive attitude and drawing upon my existing skills and abilities in order to be successful. Most importantly, I have learned that inside me is an athlete waiting to be unleashed.  I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for. I don’t beat myself up anymore for not being perfect. I take pride in my accomplishments and am already looking forward to what new adventure awaits. This fall I plan to run a half marathon with my father. In 2013, I will run the Chicago marathon.

Sharing Success: Susan Oglesby

They said it couldn’t be done; or, rather, I think I had simply given up on ever getting it done.  

In the fall of 2011, contemplating my upcoming 65^th birthday, I had gotten, if not comfortable, at least used to my 100 extra pounds, clothes that looked decidedly not stylish, and a sluggish lifestyle in which a once-in-a-while walk on the treadmill counted as my entire activity.  I rationalized that having survived a serious bout with cancer, a brain tumor, a seriously fractured ankle, quitting smoking and miscellaneous operations, I was happy just to be alive to enjoy each day; but I knew that wasn’t true, wasn’t enough.  I really wanted to get more healthy and active to keep up with my active husband, to avoid dependency on others in my older years, and to get the most of my life which includes a second home in a dream location, including lots of travel.  

So, with the help of a friend, I found Hilton Head Health, enrolled in December 2011, and now – 7 months later – I have really changed things around.  Though I have really worked seriously on the healthy food aspect of the H3 program – and am 50 pounds lighter without any serious feelings of deprivation, much less starvation! The most amazing part of the H3 program, for me, has been the entire turnabout in my attitude toward energetic, fun and productive physical activity!  I have enrolled in the H3@Home program, which is so effective in keeping me on the straight and narrow path to success, and with the help of Coach Amy Kelderhouse, we been able to plan for challenges, celebrate successes, and build an exercise regime that takes into account every one of my 65 years, but also helps build intensity and stamina at a reasonable, achievable pace.  I truly feel stronger and now – incredibly, considering where I started from – find myself enthusiastically looking forward to my daily cardio/strength training, to energetic walks to town, and to athletic walks with my dog, Barone.   Especially helpful for the training has been Amy’s guidance in helping me build a micro-gym in Italy -- where I don’t have access to a regular gym or even a treadmill -- so that I don’t lose momentum when I’m away from home. 

One of my most daunting challenges has been learning good eating habits while traveling, and while eating in Italy – land of hearty family meals that include so much tasty olive oil, pasta, bread, and world-class deserts.   But with Amy’s seemingly bottomless bag of healthy tricks (have you ever taken your suitcase on a brisk walk along airport corridors?), I have learned not just some sneaky strategies for making wise food choices but also ways to help coax my friends and family to support my healthy eating regime.  The best part, however, is that I am building healthy habits to sustain this new lifestyle for years into the future.  I hope that my experiences at H3 and with H3@Home can help motivate other Golden Girls and Boys (we don’t call ourselves seniors, do we?) to take on the challenges of building healthy lifestyles for all the coming years!

Sharing Success: Justine

Justine wrote this on her birthday last week. She is an amazing example of determination and sustained success. What a difference a year can make!

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Today, I am happier and healthier than I can ever remember being as an adult on my birthday.  One year ago today I made the decision to change my life.  I was miserable.  I was obese, severely depressed and stuck.  I saw the rest of my life as being as sad, lonely and miserable and didn't know what to do about it.  My mother offered to take me clothes shopping to cheer me up since it was my birthday.  We parked at the mall and I walked into the store only to have a panic attack as soon as we reached the "Women’s" section.  I burst into tears and demanded that she take me home.  We got back in the car and on the way home I cried and cried and then turned to her and said, "I have a problem and I need some help." I had been looking at H3's website for a couple of months leading up to this and had an idea that a place like this could maybe be part of my answer.  Through tears I told my mom about the website and the facilities, and when we got home we looked at the site and made the phone call.  On June 6th 2011, I arrived at H3 for a month long stay.  I can truly say that the decision to go to H3 saved my life in every way possible.  My life is now completely different. 

During my stay at H3, I lost 12 pounds and gained a renewed sense of self and purpose for my life.  The impossible now seemed within reach.  From the day you arrive, the staff starts preparing you for when you leave—the main goal being maintaining and adapting your newly found enthusiasm and tools for healthy living into your everyday life.  Before leaving, I signed up for H3 @ Home Coaching with Amy Kelderhouse.  That's when my real work started.  I threw myself into my new lifestyle head first and have never looked back.  I started cooking all of the meals for my family and have become quite the chef, finding healthy recipes and trying them out on my very willing family.  I plan all of my meals in advance and make sure I'm getting the appropriate nutrition.  I started running...ME!  The girl who once said, "I will never understand people who run"....that's ME now!  I run 5 days a week and truly look forward to it!  I've had depression for 15 years and I have YET to find ANY medication that works better for me than my natural endorphins.  I am happier and more even keeled than I can ever remember being in my entire life and it is due to my now very active lifestyle. 

Most importantly, I am healthier.  In just under one year I have lost close to 60 pounds, gone down 3 sizes in clothing and can now shop in all of my favorite stores.  My body is still a work in progress, but my confidence and my self-esteem have reached never before seen levels—and even better, I now see a future for myself that is entirely possible.  H3 let me take control of my own life and I am forever grateful to Amy and the rest of the staff there for that.

My weekly phone calls with Amy were a lifesaver.  It was so helpful to be held accountable to someone.  It was also a weekly reminder of everything that I'd learned at H3, and if you've met Amy, you know that her sunny personality and sincerity can make any frustration you may have just disappear!

Coaching Corner: Find A Formula

How would you describe Hilton Head Health? Would ‘ahead of the wave’ come to mind? Our mission is to not just simply inspire, motivate and educate our guests, but to remain cutting edge in the way we help our guests create this formula.

When we started H3@Home Coaching, we knew it was a need and we looked at it as a must have option from the standpoint of ensuring our guests understand that they need to change their mindset. The big question that comes up is what’s the value in a coach versus a personal trainer? The relationships couldn’t be more different.

The focus of a Wellness Coach is to work with an individual to design structure in their life. Instead of someone directing you physically on what to do, coaches work with you to set specific goals while reviewing your progress.  The formula for behavior change doesn’t lay so much in more exercise or simply eating cleaner, but more so in the foundation we build within our lives.

I think for many of us, changes in most areas of our lives are easier said than done but once we put ourselves first, become selfish with our health and find a formula, it’s pretty easy. Everyone’s formula to sustainable success is different; there is simply no timetable. Working with a coach is an opportunity to uncover it faster than alone. One question left for you this Sunday, Do you need a Wellness Coach?

Sharing Success: Brooke Huntington

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In her own words...

Many people who are successful at adding exercise into their lifestyles do it by teaming up with a friend. They enlist a friend to go to the gym, join a group class, or train for marathon. During my first visit to H3, I began thinking of who could support me in my wellness journey and how teamwork might work for me.

Returning home, I signed up everyone I encountered for my “team.” For the first time in trying to improve my health and lose weight, I shared my goals with everyone I knew, from close friends and family to business acquaintances. People watching to see if I would succeed fueled my competitive nature and ensured I would stay on track. It also set expectations for business lunch meetings and evenings with friends. With a few moments of conversation to express my intentions, I had a team working with me and cheering for me. It certainly kept me honest on more than one occasion.

This tactic also encouraged friends and colleagues to invite me to exercise with them. Prior to H3, I was uncomfortable with group exercise classes. I was concerned that everyone would see that I was out of shape and have two left feet, or that I would cause others to make mistakes. H3 gave me the confidence to say yes when a colleague invited me to join her in a Zumba class. I still have two left feet (it’s genetic!), but I have a great workout, and I laugh through most of the class. It is the workout I look forward to each week. Plus, it added more people to my team.

Suddenly, my team went from encouraging me to praising me. It felt like I had “won” when I returned to H3 six months after my first visit and I was 30 pounds lighter. I was feeling great. I had accomplished something that for years had seemed impossible.

Sharing Success: Lori Holland

Last year I was very depressed about the way I looked and felt. I was around 70 lbs over weight and felt completely hopeless after trying and failing so many diet plans. I was obsessed with tv shows like The Biggest Loser and A&E’s Heavy. When Heavy started filming at Hilton Head Health, I kept saying to myself, Hilton Head’s just a few hours away. In April, I decided I was going to go spend a week there after school got out. So I booked my week in June and began to think that there was hope.

During my week there, I attended every informational class that was offered. I have worked out in gyms and taken various classes, so my primary concern was to get all of the accurate information I could get. This is where I learned about the H3@ Home Coaching program. I looked at that as a protection on my investment so that when I got home, when I had questions or problems, I would have someone to turn to. I was matched up with Amy Kelderhouse and we hit it off immediately.

How has H3@Home Coaching benefitted you?

When I got home, I did in fact have many questions and issues. I had a couple of injuries, sometimes challenges, and all kinds of general questions. Amy was always right there with fabulous solutions to every problem I encountered. With her guidance, I was walking 6 miles every day and planning good meals. I was having a horrible time with plantar fasciitis, which she gave me wonderful stretching exercises for. I remember telling her that during the third month of being at home, that everything hurts because I’m just old and tired. She reminded me of the book and class I had taken at Hilton Head Health called “Younger Next Year”. I had actually downloaded that book onto my iPad while I was in Hilton Head. I got it out and started reading it. Amy had been reminding me that I really needed to get my heart rate up while walking. Due to the plantar fasciitis, I just couldn’t walk any faster. But when reading the book, something clicked. I went out and bought a heart rate monitor and started riding my exercise bike. The first week I worked 20 minutes at the correct heart rate. I added 5 minutes each week until I had worked up to 45 minutes per day 6 days a week. The weight started falling off.

What successes can you attribute to wellness coaching and the continued at-home support?

I am now down a size in my clothing, have more energy and am feeling better in general. I plan my meals each Sunday for the week in order to eat correctly. My entire life has changed since attending Hilton Head Health and having Amy as my at home trainer. Previous to my visit, I was doing nothing. Now, I’m exercising 6 days a week without fail. Had I not had Amy, I don’t think I would’ve made it. The accountability along with the resources and help she gave me were/are invaluable. I am so incredibly grateful for having this opportunity.

Coaching Corner - Resolution to Reality

At the stroke of midnight on December 31, over half of all Americans resolved to lose weight. While a few will succeed, statistics show that as many as 95 percent will be wearing the same pounds plus a few more this time next year. Why? Because they embark on a plan—usually a combination of diet and exercise—that is neither complete nor sustainable.

While good nutrition and regular exercise are obvious components, successful weight management is never just about the dinner table and the gym. It’s about the way we live—our actions and daily habits as they relate to work, play, stress, sleep, responsibilities, relationships and more.

Why diets fail and what to do instead
Many people are attracted to the promise of quick, easy weight loss through fad diets that restrict certain kinds of foods or prescribe specific food combinations. While you may lose weight initially on these diets, they’re not designed to be followed for a lifetime, nor are they healthy over the long term.

Most of us know what to eat. We’re not overweight because we lack information about healthy vs. unhealthy food. For a great majority of us, the problem lies in how much we eat and, more importantly, why. Everyone deals with food differently, and we overeat for different reasons. The first step toward change is to identify who or what leads you down that path.

Many people who struggle with their weight discover that overeating is a response to an emotion or feeling such as boredom, loneliness, sadness, frustration, exhaustion…or even joy and celebration. The good news is if you are using food to feed your feelings, that is simply behavior, and behavior can be changed.

How coaching can help
Achieving your weight-loss goal is a process that involves clarifying what you really want and why and then taking consistent actions to get there. Coaching provides the focus and structure to keep you on track. By exploring your motivators, strengths and available resources, your coach will help you find what works for you so that you can achieve your goals and live your healthiest and happiest life.

If you are one of those Americans who resolved to lose weight this year, why not make your resolution a reality? - Ditch the diet and discover a way of life!

Get H3 Inspired—Darlene Beilfuss

 
My weight loss journey started last Christmas. I made a trip to California to visit my family and friends and it had been about 4 years since they had seen me. The trip was miserable.  I was embarrassed about my weight gain and my appearance. Arthritis had crept into what seemed every joint of my body and was a constant reminder that every step was painful. Everyday life had become a burden I could no longer endure. I was stuck in a downward spiral. I felt helpless and hopeless. Everyone was concerned for my health. At 55-years-old I was unable to enjoy life and participate in anything I once enjoyed. Where to go from here I wondered? There has to be something out there that can save my life.

After returning home, I started watching the Heavy series that was running on the A&E network. I watched every episode multiple times and became convinced that Hilton Head Health was my answer. I spent hours on their website and finally got the courage to call and ask about the H3 Extended & Intensive 6-month program. I spoke to Jessica Noble who quickly calmed me down and explained in detail about the program and assured me that I could do it and be successful. All I had to do was get there.  After gathering my courage and my family’s support, I made the call back to Jessica and committed to the 6-month program.

My first day at H3 was May 23, 2011. My weight was dangerously high and my health assessment numbers were not good either. High blood pressure, high sugar, high resting pulse and my measurements were that of a very large box! Helpless and hopeless was replaced with helpful and hopeful for the first time in years! From that first day I was surrounded with constant support, encouragement and the chance to focus on myself and getting my health back. Everyone there was completely invested in my success. They were all committed to helping me help myself. From the outstanding lectures on healthy lifestyle, the amazing food and so many different exercise classes to choose from, I was in it for the long haul and gave it my all. I worked out with Amy, Amber and Katie more hours than I can count but worth every minute.  Being totally committed to the program allowed me to replace my bad habits with healthy ones. Eating and physical activity was only part of it. I had to learn to love myself again. That’s where my life coach Bob Wright and therapist Beth stepped in.  Weekly sessions are part of the H3 Intensive program and were instrumental in me changing the way I felt about myself. I got rid of all the negative self-talk that played over and over in my head. As the numbers dropped on the scale, my mobility increased tenfold. I was swimming, riding a bike, doing all kinds of exercise classes, not to mention doing all of those things pain free! From eating the healthy fresh food and participating in the fitness classes, my arthritis had disappeared. That in itself was dramatic and life changing.

At my final weigh in [after 3-months onsite] I had dropped 50 pounds. My size 26/28 exercise clothes were long gone and replaced with size 18! My blood pressure was normal, blood sugar was out of the pre-diabetes danger zone, and my resting pulse went down from 86 to 74. My daughter  joined me for my last week there and seeing how proud she was of my accomplishments made it all worth it. I like to say I left enough sweat and tears to fill the pool at H3, but what I took away was life changing. My husband is so proud of me. He got his wife back and says I look 10 years younger. I certainly feel ten years younger. There are no restrictions on life anymore. I get up in the morning and look at the possibilities; a far cry from counting the hours down until I would be forced to get something done. My H3 journey continued on for 3 more months as I participated in the H3@Home Coaching program. My coach Amy was there every step of the way ensuring my success continued. Since being home I have been able to lose 15 more pounds. I joined a great gym and work out regularly. I walked in my first 5K, have done lots of biking and swimming too. This fall I spent hiking in the beautiful Kentucky Red River Gorge area.

What a difference a year can make. We just got home from a week in Cancun, Mexico. This was our family vacation that had been on hold for years, waiting for me to lose weight and get in shape. There are no words to describe how great I felt doing everything my family wanted to without any restrictions; no sitting on the sidelines watching anymore. I went bicycling, swimming, visited the ancient Mayan ruins, even went snorkeling and it was all amazing!

Without my time at H3 none of this would have been possible, I am sure of that. If you are looking for an answer, look no further. Go to H3 and Get Inspired; it’s never too late to change your life.

-Darlene Beilfuss; Fisherville, KY

Sharing Success: Debbie Winter

Please comment on how H3@Home Coaching has benefitted you in any of the following areas: appearance, motivation, energy, exercise habits, eating habits, sleep, self-esteem or stress.

I feel better than I have in years. After years of feeling intimidated by gyms and health clubs, and embarrassed at exercise classes – my stay at H3 gave me the foundation to have a little confidence- especially the “intro to the
weight machines” by Adam and my one personal training session with Jeff.

If I had not had that face to face session with Jeff I think I would not have been comfortable starting with such a
Young coach – but he instantly put me at ease in our initial phone session, and I soon realized he was a true
professional wiser than his years – and I never thought about his young age again.

I truly look forward to exercising now and try to find the positive in any bad situation – following Jeff’s examples.
I am still working on my self-esteem and eating habits but know that I look better than I did a decade ago. I realize
the importance of getting enough sleep now – and now listen to my body when it’s time to give up and go to bed.
Life does get in the way sometimes – especially when I am blindsided, but my coach reminds me that each day is
a new day – and always reminds me to look for the positives.

Stress is always around the corner and I am still learning to deal with it in the best way for me.

What successes can you attribute to wellness coaching and the continued at-home support?

For many years I wanted to swim in a particular marathon and this summer I finally signed up for an ocean swim marathon – and although I didn’t complete it – I know that if I weren’t struggling with unexpected health issues at
the time of the marathon I would have been able to finish as I did in practice swims. Looking at the positive of it –
I didn’t pull out before the race – and I showed up in my bathing suit and did not cover up with jeans and a long shirt
as usual.

I do look forward to setting new goals and have signed up for a 5K next month.

How has wellness coaching impacted your behaviors/lifestyle at home?

Wellness coaching reminds me that I deserve to do something for myself each day whether it is exercising, meditating or nothing at all. I understand that I can accomplish more if I set myself a goal and follow the steps to achieve it.

I am no longer a door-mat. I have found a way to crawl out of my deep-dark hole that I buried myself in for years.
I am actively seeking professional help for co-dependency and although I am still very scared of the future, I plan
on getting my life in order and to say “no more” to the chaos it had become.

I also learned that I do not have to wear a fake “happy mask” and pretend to be happy all the time to everyone, and
I can share my true feelings for they are mine to share.

Sharing Success: Cari Davine

Where to start? To the simplest note, Cari Davine has been a true example of how to take wellness coaching and literally run with the support backed from a coach. Her journey began in early May 2011 and has not stopped or wavered in the slightest to this very day. When I first met Cari, I noticed that she was somewhat self-conscious and un-sure of who she really was, but I was completely wrong. As Cari went through our Health Lifestyle™ program she not only shrunk in waist sizes, but her aura completely changed. The biggest switch I began to notice was that she started to feel like herself again and any self-consciousness was thrown out the window. Her energy changed and she started to find the fun in pushing herself to the limit. She took almost all of our toughest classes and stayed focused her entire stay leading into the coaching program. Before leaving, Cari attend our H3@Home information session and I’ll never forget what she said to me after the session. She explained “I want you to be my coach, I am fed up with the old Cari and I am never going back.” Right when I heard this, I could honestly feel her motivation ringing in my ears. I was excited to have the opportunity to work with Cari and had 150% confidence that her seriousness and assertiveness for her life would take her wherever she wanted.

As Cari began the H3@Home Coaching, she had a solid base of fitness; however now it’s as good as any athlete out there (I’m jealous of her ability to recover after workouts). She has established times to attend CrossFit (a popular group exercise class), scheduled morning runs, and even found a love for boxing (as long as it doesn’t bulk her up). Each week Cari attempted to add a different component to her fitness and now incorporates yoga while ensuring all her fitness choices remain fun. Right out of the gates, her strategy with the nutrition was to go with a healthy food delivery service called NIM (Nutrition in Motion) as this provided her a straight forward approach to maintaining a 1200 to 1400 calorie diet. Over the last two months, Cari has switched to choosing her own portions and focusing on more of a paleo-lithic approach (lean meats, vegetables and fruits). She successfully prepares each week and portions food on her own, while making great decisions when eating out and keeping it as SIMPLE as possible.

It may sound like Cari has all the time in the world to make this happen; however, she is actually a top executive lawyer for a media company in Westmount, Quebec. She travels every now and then to New York and Los Angeles, and typically works close to 50-60 hours per week.  The position she is in is very demanding as she teaches law classes and even has to find time to attend the Emmy’s every now and then. The fact is that Cari has made her health THE PRIORITY. She has not given herself any excuses and has set up specific times of when she works out. She plans ahead regularly and does not procrastinate in any facet of her life. She’s able to remain flexible and make wise decisions even when her weeks get slammed. Her proactive approach has not only evidenced a 60 pound weight loss, but has changed her attitude and overall being in this world. Her entire organization has noticed the switch she’s made in her life. Battling obstacles and not accepting “no” as an answer, Cari has recreated her lifestyle and that’s the cold hard truth. She is never going back and has become the person she always knew was inside of her. Congratulations Cari, you’ve done amazing and will continue to down the line.

[caption id="attachment_6783" align="alignleft" width="420" caption="Cari May 2011"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6782" align="alignleft" width="420" caption="Cari Nov. 2011"][/caption]

Please comment on how H3@Home Coaching has benefitted you in any of the following areas: appearance, motivation, energy, exercise habits, eating habits, sleep, self-esteem or stress.

Through H3@Home I have been more motivated to stay on track than ever in the past. I have stayed confident and committed to achieving my goals and have managed to keep tipping the scale down and continued marching forward even when I have had setbacks. My energy is positive and high and I am no longer reaching for the snooze button in the morning. I take pride every day in what I look like as opposed to having to reach for the stretchy leggings and oversized shirts but am having fun with my closet again.           

What successes can you attribute to wellness coaching and the continued at-home support?

I attribute my continued motivation to my weekly sessions with Jeff. He has listened to me freak out or has just laughed with me when I needed it. Knowing that I can reach out and complain about something which in the past would derail me from my goals has been the greatest comfort. When I first came home from H3, I was sad, lonely and not ready to get back to life. Sure it was great to see my family and friends and receive the compliments on how I looked but I missed the bubble of H3 and was scared. Getting the first call from Jeff the week after I left helped center me, brought everything back into focus and gives me the strength week after week to keep chasing my goals and ultimately my dreams. Realizing I am not alone and still having the support from the island makes everyday a better one.

How has wellness coaching impacted your behaviors/lifestyle at home?

The coaching keeps me moving, committed, focused and at the end of the day happy. My new motto is no excuses because I need to celebrate and live my life – not watch it go by. Speaking to Jeff makes me want to hit CrossFit and kill it. I hear his voice in the morning when it is 5am and I need to get my training run in. 

What aspect of the H3@Home Program has been the biggest benefit?

I am going to be honest and say that the most important tool for me is my coach. The most important part of all this for me is talking it out, keeping my connection to H3 and remembering what I accomplished when I was there and how to keep it going...that is why it works for me – Thanks Jeff…xo

Coaching Corner - Sharing Success: Karen Clark

When Karen Clark sets out to win, look out. Fiercely competitive and intrinsically driven, she’s up for a challenge and often creates her own. So, when Karen decided to lose some weight and improve her health, it came as no surprise to anyone that she went after it with a vengeance.

Karen discovered Hilton Head Health through a brochure that was sent to her by a friend. But it was the A&E show Heavy that inspired her to act on the information. While she could not participate as a guest at Hilton Head Health at that time, she signed up for the at home coaching program.

Karen began working with Coach Linda Hopkins in April 2011, identifying her family as her primary motivator. “I gain strength from my family, who are the most important people and priorities in my life,” she said. Close family members include her adoring and supportive husband, two lovely daughters, her elderly dad and a precious new grandbaby. One of her long-term goals is to whittle down to a size eight dress by spring 2012, when her oldest daughter gets married.

Coaching Corner - How to Get the Most out of your Coaching Sessions

By undertaking the coaching process, you are committing to move forward in your life. The coaching relationship works best when you are prepared to get the most out of the sessions and the time in between.

Here are some tips:

Before your session

Prepare: Prior to your session, take time to review notes from your previous session and any communications from your coach. Think through your successes and identify areas in which you may need additional support. Give some thought to what would make the biggest difference to you, and write a list (or make a mental note) of the topics you want to address.

Set the stage: Allow a few minutes before your session to set up your environment for maximum success. Get away from your computer, cell phone, TV, iPod and every other electronic device. Tell everyone in your immediate vicinity that you cannot be disturbed during the coaching session. Make sure children, pets and others under your care have what they need so that you are not interrupted. Have a notebook or journal handy for taking notes.

Get focused: Coaching is an activity that requires examining complex emotions associated with change. Before the call, do whatever it takes to make yourself physically comfortable: Get a drink of water, grab a snack, go to the bathroom… Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind of everything but your vision and your goals.

 

Coaching Corner: Sharing Success - Sally Foss Colocho

Beginning at the close of January, I lead a mission to give our guests the best possible chance of success in their home environments through an organized Wellness Coaching Program. The post departure program that we always knew we needed, but never had! Since the inauguration of our @ Home Coaching program, I have witnessed nothing but many success stories. To say the least, it has been an extremely rewarding undertaking; keeping up with Guests and following them into their very own homes via the phone and worldwide web has been a blast. Translating intentions, re-creating an environment and commitment to sustain a healthy lifestyle is exactly what Sally Foss Colocho was able to do through her H3 Journey.

For this week’s Coaching Corner check out Sally’s thoughts on the program and how she reached her vision of her best healthiest SELF:

How has Wellness Coaching helped you continue to achieve your personal health goals?
The personal goals we set and monthly challenges really helped to integrate more of the program into my lifestyle and surroundings. There is a lot of material covered in two weeks at H3 and getting everything into place from day one would be difficult. Each goal and challenge was a reminder of a different aspect of health and fitness that I might have let slide or forgotten about, but instead it became a part of my everyday habits.

What successes can you attribute to Wellness Coaching and having continued at-home support?
The most easily measured one is that I have lost 25 pounds and am continuing to lose weight. The wellness coaching has kept me focused and provided a level of accountability that kept me on track.

Personally, what’s been the most beneficial/best part about wellness coaching?
Wellness coaching helped me to see the benefit of setting shorter term goals that were achievable. With only one long term goal, I easily could have gotten discouraged or gone off track.

How has Wellness Coaching changed your behaviors/lifestyle at home?
When I varied from my plan, we used the weekly session to brainstorm how I could change things to make sure they would go right the next week. This could be changing the time I set aside to do planning, leaving my journal in a different place on the weekend so I didn't forget about it, or strategically placing water in my work environment. Left alone, I would have berated myself at each slip, but instead we turned that into an opportunity to design things to be easier.

To learn more about Sally and how she stays on track, you can visit her blog at http://www.sally4orth.blogspot.com/.

More to come on others who’ve completed the H3@Home journey …