Coppell Trainer Spotlight Rookie of the Month – June 2015 – Dawna Icenhour

Dawna Icenhour lives in Coppell TX. She is a licensed vocational nurse and currently own and run a small agency of nurses that perform in home care management services for specified health insurance agencies. She works from home most days of the week. Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape […]

Coppell Trainer Spotlight Rookie of the Month – June 2015 – Dawna Icenhour

Dawna Icenhour lives in Coppell TX. She is a licensed vocational nurse and currently own and run a small agency of nurses that perform in home care management services for specified health insurance agencies. She works from home most days of the week.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
I was a part of Get You In Shape  in 2011 and enjoyed being a part of it. I had a car accident in late 2011 and subsequent back surgery in 2012 that forced me to have to leave the program. I did not return until this past March. Since the surgery, I suffered some pain, became sedentary and out of shape and depressed. Many other factors in my life contributed to the depression as well. I decided to join Get You In Shape again because I knew it was a great program and I knew I needed help to get my life back together, a little at a time. I had a close call on Valentine’s Day when I had drinks with friends, and before I knew it, was not in the right mind to drive home. I almost did, but my brother stopped me. The next day I was sick and felt the worst I had felt in a very long time. I wondered what was happening to my life and what I needed to do. Soon after, I came across a post for a 12 week challenge for Get You In Shape. I knew this was a sign, and I contacted Get You In Shape and Brad immediately.

Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
I was stressed out on a daily basis. I felt depressed and in a dark place. I had very little self-esteem and constantly ate (and ate the wrong things) due to feeling bad about myself. I told myself constantly that I didn’t care about myself and continued to mentally beat myself up, and did not take care of my health and mental wellbeing. I was out of shape, breathing heavily after going upstairs, and could hear my heart beat in my ears after very little exertion. I knew I was becoming very unhealthy and going downhill. Life was hard for me, but I was not making it better. I was sad and falling apart. My relationship had ended a couple of years ago due to his addictions, and I was having a hard time letting go. I am coming to grips with things slowly but surely and starting with my health is what I needed to do first.

Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program? Dawna B&A Pic
I love the group setting and being outside. I used to have gym memberships, but found it hard to get motivated to go to the gym, or stay there long enough to get in a good workout. The GYIS program really impressed me with the family friendly atmosphere and the positive encouragement received by the trainers, and owner. My first week back this year was really motivating. I started the 24 day challenge, went to every session that first week, and felt an immediate mood boost. I was sore and it felt good. After losing 7-9 lbs in my first month, I was really feeling better; and this also came from being able to stick to healthy eating and setting some goals. Now 2.5 months later, I continue to improve and receive encouragement and constant communication from trainers and coaches. It is a very involved program and I am grateful for it.

Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
Some of the tools I have used, and highly suggest anyone using, are the accountability coaches, the suggested nutritional supplements, My fitness pal, and the Goal sheet. All of these things have played a major role in my success. I have failed in the past to stay on a fitness routine because I did not use the many tools to help myself. It takes several pieces to put this puzzle together. It has helped me to utilize the myfitnesspal in order to see exactly how many healthy calories I am putting into my body. Using the goal sheet has kept me in line. It has prevented me from back sliding too much so that I can achieve my goals. And I have achieved 3 so far, in good time. The suggested nutritional supplement products have helped me to kick start weight loss and maintain vitamins and supplements to aid in healthy eating habits.

Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
Get You In Shape is different from other things I have tried in that the community is there for you. They maintain a family atmosphere and I am not afraid to talk to anyone or express my concerns for my health and exercise regime. I love the tools offered and encouraged as part of an entire package. The goal sheet, the coaches, the many choices for workout times during the week, and the outside atmosphere make this a better program for me. I do not get bored or discouraged from my workouts. They also help to adjust specific work outs for my back, to prevent pain and injury.

Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
I lost 9.2 pounds in the first 5 weeks of the Get You In Shape program. I lost another 3 pounds in the second month and continue to lose pounds. Bigger than that, I am losing inches, about 14 inches lost total now, and am fitting back into clothes that I couldn’t fit into months ago. I also wanted to be able to run a mile without stopping to walk by the end of June this year. I was able to run a mile without stopping in just under 9 minutes on 4/22/2015. That was a big surprise for me. I have more energy during the day, I can walk upstairs without breathing heavily, and I do not hear my heart beat in my ears after walking upstairs anymore. I am still working on stress and depression, but it is improving and will get better over time. The important thing is, I have not wanted to give up, and when I have weekends where I eat off plan with family or friends, I always return to my plan immediately and continue to do weekend workouts even if there isn’t a scheduled Get You In Shape weekend workout.

Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
Go for it. You will find help, positive encouragement, and positive results if you utilize the things to help keep yourself accountable. I would say that this program is fun and effective. I look forward to it every week. It keeps me upbeat and takes some of the stress off of a hard day at work and life. Use the program, keep in touch with the trainers and coaches, utilize the recommended nutritional products if you can, and definitely take advantage of MyFitnessPal and the goal sheets. It will all help to make you a better YOU.

Coppell Fitness Ready

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