Michelle Williamson - Breaking Through the Plateau

After dismay at seeing myself in holiday photos in 2010, I entered the WH&F 12 week Body Blitz competition, and was fortunate enough to be named a monthly winner. Since completing the challenge, I had continued a healthy lifestyle of eating well and exercising daily, however I had reached a plateau and unable to lose any further weight. For years I had read about the amazing transformations of clients of Ideal Bodies Online, and decided this may be the key to achieving my own success in reaching my goal weight.

If you want results, you have to work for them!!

Left: The new Michelle, kicking butt; Right: The old Michelle, on holidays in 2010

The biggest learning curve was the Nutrition Plan. Although I considered myself to have a healthy diet and not one to eat junk food anyway, I simply could not break out of the “weight rut” I was in. The IBO nutrition plan specified certain food groups and portions at particular times throughout the day, and after commencing the plan, the results began to come quickly!! I could not believe how much food I was expected to consume each day, yet I continued to drop the kilos. There were no fad shakes or tasteless foods, but a diverse list of regular foods to choose from, how easy was that!

Obsessed is the word the Lazy use to describe the Dedicated!
 

Having completed a 12 week challenge before, there were some advantages and disadvantages I found the second time around. An obvious advantage was knowing the duration of the challenge and level of dedication required. Another advantage was starting this challenge 12 or 13 kilos lighter and with a good level of fitness to begin. On the contrary, having lost a reasonable amount of weight already, meant the next few kilos were the hardest. During any visit to a bookstore you will notice several publications targeting “Losing the last 5 kilos”. Hence enlisting the support and guidance of a tailored program from IBO, and I’ve never looked back!

Train like a Machine. Finish like an Athlete.

My online trainers, Leisl and Kristin, provided an enormous amount of support and encouragement throughout the challenge. No question was ever too big or small to answer (and there were plenty of them!). When I began to plateau momentarily at the end of Week 8, I sent a somewhat “panicked” email to the girls, wondering what I was doing “wrong”. They tweaked my training and eating plan, set me right back on track, re-assuring me that the results would continue to come my way. Funnily enough, they did! Not only did I reach my goal weight in the last week, I smashed it out of the park by a few kilos!!

By undertaking a Challenge such as this, there are not only physical improvements to be gained, but so many positive lifestyle benefits to be had. Life just couldn’t be better!!

If your workout isn’t challenging, then don’t expect to change your body.

Michelle's Success Tips:

1. JUST COMMIT!! Taking the first step is the hardest, but the following steps are the most rewarding.
2. Think of the challenge as a journey to success, achievement and change. Not a chore.
3. Make exercise a daily habit like brushing your teeth or going to work. You wouldn’t miss an appointment, so don’t skip on the training, either!
4. Tell your friends and family what you are doing, and why. Enlist their support with social events/dinners out to help keep you on track.
5. Enjoy the challenge. Enjoy the change. Enjoy life!!

Nothing tastes as good as the feeling of being in shape.

Another 12 weeks later…..

After achieving fantastic results through the IBO program’s 12 Week New You Challenge in July, I decided to sign up for another 12 week program in September. The focus of my new program would be strength, definition and fitness. Kristin tailored a program of weight training, cardio and  a modified nutrition plan that again helped me achieve the results I was after, and Leisl’s feedback kept me right on track as always. 

One of the most rewarding outcomes of my experiences with IBO is the privilege of becoming a member of their team as a Personal Success Mentor. To be involved in another person’s journey, share experiences, provide motivation, and encouragement, is a wonderful opportunity that continues to inspire my own goals for the future. 

The programs from IBO have conditioned me to the best shape of my life. My goals for 2012 include a Triathlon, half marathon and two endurance events, the Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder. Never underestimate your abilities and keep your goals set high!!!