Sarah’s Blog

Welcome, Blog Reader!

You may be on a quest for some good fitness sites, training advice, nutrition ideas; and stumbled across my blog. Why should you keep reading or listen to any of my advice? Let me introduce myself; that might help you decide that I actually have a clue as to what I’m talking about.

I was not one of those physically active kids growing up being a member of the local sports team or cheering when the teacher announced the gym-class as we wrote down the planners on the first day back at school. Reading was my thing, I had a very large library of all sorts of books, and my physical activity consisted of walking to and from school, to and from friends’ houses, and the one or two hours of gym we had to have as a part of the school program.

Yet I was fit and of “normal weight”, not even really chubby once I came into my teens; thanks to my mother’s naturally healthy cooking and portions. We never thought about either ingredients or portion control, but thinking back I know it was always pretty much right on the button.

However, as with a lot of people, life started happening. Upheavals, kids, break-ups, mental stress, even a depression, and as a result of it all, obesity. It may be hard to believe looking at me today, but I was obese 4 years ago, 93 kilos (or 205 lbs if you insist) and a whopping 46% bodyfat!

My scales said 46% - almost half of me was FAT? In total denial, I threw the scales in the trash J but that didn’t alter the fact that I had half my weight as yellow, disgusting, squishy, wobbly fat that wouldn’t fit into any clothes in normal stores!

To top it off, I found myself owner/manager of a gym. In that state, I wasn’t exactly very credible. It prompted me to looking for a program which would help me get in shape, and I did it. I inspired the members of my gym by dropping down to 68 kilos within 6 months (that’s 150 lbs by the way), they’d see me walking in the early morning as they headed for their commutes, and see me at the gym in the evening when they came to train. I know I helped many stay on track, and decided I’d get certified as a personal trainer - which I did.

I receive numerous programs and e-books through my association with www.atozfitness.com which is run by my husband, Lewis Wolk, and only those I feel are good enough, with sound and healthy approach, and that people can actually follow for the full extent of time; make it to our sites (blogs and main site).

In addition, I follow most of these programs myself, and tell you about how they feel in this blog; show you how I do, tell you what’s my challenge with them, which I prefer, which ones I enjoy enough to make them a part of my yearly cycle - and those I don’t like, well I’ll also tell you why I don’t. It could be that a great program just clashes with my personality but will be perfect for you.

Here is picture proof that I was obese and am now lean - not at my final goal yet, but I doubt I ever will be J goals have a way of changing as you reach them!

2006 - 93 kilos (205 lbs) and 46% bodyfat - I felt elegant that day

2008 - 63 kilos (139 lbs) and 17.5% bodyfat - getting there!

10 months separate these two photos …

Yes, I stumbled in 2007 and had to fight my way back, so I do understand the trouble others have with “life getting in the way” at some point.

I promise you that this blog will never promote anything that’s not sound, that could be dangerous or risky; not one gimmick, diet pill or gizmo has been used by me nor will I promote any - with a few exceptions made for natural supplements that can actually help you achieve your goals, but only if I have tried them myself first and can vouch for their safety and efficacy.

Enjoy browsing my blog, and I hope you’ll bookmark the page! You can also follow me on twitter!

Sarah, CPT
www.trainwithsarah.com

PS, just so it’s said - I’ll be 50 in the early part of February 2009 - anyone with an ”I’m too old” excuse, think again. You’re never too old to be healthy and fit.