Now she’s down 175 lbs in 15 months…and she feels better than
ever! She works out every day, but does take a day off here and there and she
just rewarded herself with a brand new motorcycle!
She’s a total inspiration to everyone she meets because she
doesn’t boast about her weight loss story but is open to tell people about her
journey. I’m so grateful that Jen was willing to be interviewed for my blog and
newsletter. We both know her story will help inspire others. Enjoy!
Here’s her story…
A little background about Jen: she is a 48 year old, full-time
dog trainer and groomer, and also works part time as a bar manager. Her amazingly
cute pug, Tebow (YES, named for THAT Tebow) competes for agility competitions and
is so much fun to watch, but boy does that dog have energy! And Jen needed more
energy and agility herself to keep up with such an upbeat and competitive dog!
That’s how it all began….
I first met Jen while teaching a 30 minute boot camp class in
Milford this past fall. At that time she had lost over 90 pounds! I was amazed when she showed me her before
picture - I couldn’t believe it and boy did she KILL in the class! Jen’s the
one who always went the extra mile – did the extra rep, or jumped one more time
than was required. When there was a short break, she would stand there and do
bicep curls. There was no stopping this woman from getting to her goals.
Over this past winter, there was about a 4 month period when I
didn’t see Jen, and when she walked into My Transformation Training the first
time for boot camp class, I literally had to do a double take! She had lost
another 50+ pounds and I just didn’t recognize her. She has transformed before
everyone’s eyes, and she deserves huge praise and admiration for her
accomplishment.
When I asked her how she first started and what she did, she said
“I gave up Coke…oh and I worked my ass off!” Jen is an inspiration to anyone struggling to
take that first step, whether you have 10 lbs or 100+ lbs to lose. I was so excited when she agreed to be
interviewed for the blog and newsletter and is willing to share her story.
Hopefully her story will help someone else get started!
Enjoy!
Interview with Jennifer
Bridwell:
Starting Weight: 320_____
Current Weight: ~145_____
Height: 5’5___________
What was your original goal when you started your transformation? To be able to run for 2 minutes
How long has it taken you to lose the first 100 pounds? I think around 10 months
What was the first step you took? I gave up Coca Cola
How hard was it for you to admit that you needed to make a change in your lifestyle? Very! I was never a really huge eater, but didn’t eat well, drank a lot of coke and didn’t exercise at all.
What was the toughest part of your transformation? Dealing with certain people’s attitudes and sabotage attempts to my weight loss. I guess jealousy?
Who was your biggest supporter? How important was it to rely on the support of others? My mom! Other people that I work out with have become very important to me, but for the first 8 months or so, I did everything on my own
Did you ever feel like you’ve done “enough” and wanted to stop going after your initial goal? What was it that kept you going? I feel like I’ve lost enough weight, but exercise is part of my life now and I have fitness goals now instead of weight loss goals.
Through the process, did you endure any injuries or set-backs? What did you do to overcome them? I broke 3 ribs, but just kept plugging along and doing what I was able to do. I hit several weight loss plateaus, but because I don’t weigh myself very often (maybe 5-6 times since I started) they didn’t affect my process too much
What is your current eating regimen like? What are your daily meals and number of calories you eat (approximately)? I eat pretty much what I want, within my daily calorie goal of around 2000- 2300 calories a day (depending on the amount of exercise I do), now that I’m trying to maintain instead of lose. I generally eat pretty healthfully- a high protein yogurt for breakfast most days and lots of protein, veggies, complex carbs and fruit. I eat few simple carbs like white bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, but I have some kind of treat almost every day, and usually a splurge meal or two a week- within my calorie goal (I use My Fitness Pal to track). All along, if I was really craving something, I ate it- in limited amounts, I didn’t binge- and adjusted the rest of the day’s meals to compensate.
How often did you work out in the beginning, and how often do you work out now? Once I started working out (maybe 2 weeks after I gave up coke and started watching what I ate) I didn’t miss a day for 3 months. I work out every day, twice a day a couple of times a week, and try to take a rest day every week now, but even that day is somewhat active, with a hike or bike ride or something. Something is off or wrong if I don’t do something physical every day, and I get crabby if I miss a day.
What was the hardest part of working out in the beginning? Showing up at the gym! There were times I had to force myself to go, and a few times I did a short workout, but something is better than nothing, and more often than not, I’d do a decent workout once I got there
What has this transformation done for you both physically and mentally? Physically, I’m a new person. I’ve been thinner than I am now, but never in the physical condition that I’m in. I feel STRONG physically and mentally. Exercise, especially certain kinds, are like therapy for me now and are a great outlet for sadness, anger and frustration.
What would you say to someone else who needs some encouragement to make their own transformation? You are worth your own effort!
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| Jen at 320 lbs |
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| Jen at agility competitions with Tebow |
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| Jen today - 175 lbs lost! |
If you would like to further discuss Jen’s weight loss journey,
or are interested in starting your own, call me at 203-499-7168, or email me at
info@devontaylor.net
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