Livia Liu Francis is an attorney and has lived in Coppell for the past 8 years.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
I needed to kick-start a healthier lifestyle.
Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
I always exercised but my eating habits were horrible. The only time I ate breakfast was when I was on vacation. Other than that, my daily eating routine was coffee or a diet soda for breakfast, a snack for lunch and then a large dinner. My energy level was low and overall I was feeling “blah.” The weight I put on the past ten years was harder to lose and no matter what I did, the number on the scale did not move very much if at all. It was very frustrating and I was beginning to believe that nothing would work.
Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program?
My first impression of GYIS was how structured it was but also flexible at the same time. I’m a “checklist” type of person so I appreciated the accountability calendar that GYIS provides. This helped me make sure that I was doing everything I could to make the necessary changes in my lifestyle. I appreciated the fact that I was able to go at my own pace in the boot camp & cardio classes without someone screaming at me to push harder. The trainers for GYIS do push you to reach your potential but are encouraging and supportive.
Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
The accountability calendar, the suggested meal replacement shakes and bars (need these to keep eating or I won’t eat), SPARK, and my accountability coach. (Thank you, Meg!)
Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
GYIS is the only program I have tried so it would be hard for me to compare it to other programs. What I can say about GYIS is that it is easy to do and follow but you only get what you put in. If I had not changed my eating habits, drank more water, and exercised in a different manner, I would not have lost the weight and inches.
Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
The first month of the program was difficult but after losing almost 7 pounds that first month, my motivation to keep going remained strong and still is strong. Since starting GYIS, I have lost 16.6 pounds and 25.25 inches. I have completely changed my eating habits and my energy level is good. Also, I have reached my “SO THAT” goal which was to get back to my “before marriage” weight.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
I just happen to come across GYIS on Facebook in October 2015 and I’m so thankful that I did. I was at a point in my life (menopause, turning 50) that anything I did would not make much of a difference and was frustrated with the lack of energy and weight gain. The holiday season was just around the corner and if I was going to make a change, this was the time to do it. That first month was difficult but after getting into an eating and exercise routine, the program became easier and now is my lifestyle.
I would tell anyone who is interested in becoming healthier to give GYIS a try especially those who believe that it is hopeless to lose that extra weight. I now know that it isn’t a hopeless situation. GYIS has given me the confidence and knowledge that I need to make sure that I stay on the path of a healthier lifestyle.
