Deirdre Staples is the Executive Director of Compliance for Winfree Academy Charter Schools. She lives in Coppell.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
I decided to join Get You In Shape when I realized that I was five pounds away from my heaviest weight ever, except this time I wasn’t pregnant. My clothes didn’t fit, I was tired all the time, my body ached, and I just generally was not the person I wanted to be.
Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
Before joining Get You In Shape, I had no exercise routine. I’d tried gym memberships, personal trainers, and small group classes over the past twelve years. With the exception of prenatal yoga, nothing stuck.
On top of not working out, my eating habits fell into two categories – fast OR tasty. I’m a proud mom of two young, active boys, I work full time, and I went back to school last year. On nights when I had classes, I grabbed whatever was convenient before and after class. On nights I was home, I would either cook something super tasty and not so healthy, order something in because I didn’t have a plan, or pick something up on the way home. I drank upwards of ten diet cokes per day and absolutely NO water.
Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program?
On my first day of Get You In Shape, I wasn’t sure what I had bargained for. It was 5:30 in the morning, I was cold, and all these people were running. My mind was filled with a lot of CAN’Ts – I can’t work out at 5:30 in the morning. I can’t commit to three days a week every week. These people run?!? I can’t run…
By the end of the first week, Chaney had me convinced that I could do this. I learned the exercises and got help from Kathy, Cynthia, and the other trainers to modify the exercises to what is right for my body. By the end of the first month, I loved working out at 5:30 in the morning. I came three times per week and was jogging almost as much as everyone else. It might not have been as pretty, but I was right there in the mix. That’s when I decided to become a full-time member.
Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
Some of the tools I have used in the past three months include the Facebook groups, the accountability contests, Spark, and MyFitness Pal.
• The Get You In Shape Facebook group is always a great source of support and inspiration. It’s great for tips, questions, and patting each other on the back.
• There’s always some kind of an accountability contest or challenge going on. I’m a proud member of the Bootcamp Babes. We hold each other accountable but more importantly, hold each other up and provide moral support.
• Spark is probably my life saver. It’s been six weeks since I’ve had a diet coke and I don’t miss them at all. Spark has really helped with my energy and mental focus, especially in the afternoons.
• MyFitnessPal is a great app. Every night, I pre-plan what I’ll eat the next day to make sure that I am eating the right number and type of calories. This has really helped me to make some great choices about what I am eating.
Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
I was telling my husband a few weeks ago that a month and a half after joining Get You In Shape, I had more new Facebook friends than I’ve had in a year and a half. The thing that makes Get You In Shape unique is the community and camaraderie between all of the clients and the trainers. Everyone genuinely cares about each other. I’ve never felt so supported before.
Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
In my first month with Get You In Shape, I lost 5 lbs, my body wasn’t aching anymore, and my clothes fit better. I’m now three months in and I’ve lost 20 lbs. On top of feeling great and having more confidence in myself, I can run a full mile non-stop! I’d never done that before joining Get You In Shape.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
I hate exercising and sweating. I love Get You In Shape. If you are looking to make a change and need a supportive environment to hold you accountable, this is the program. If I can do it, so can you!
