Just fair warning…this is going to be a really *brief* post because I am exhausted, but I just could not *wait* to get this out!
So, apparently I am somewhat of a local celeb at my gym (crazy, believe me). I am on this giant chalkboard as soon as you walk into the gym and check in at reception. In bright and bold (giant – did I mention that already?) letters it says something to this effect:
“Erica Rooks has lost 56 pounds and 48.75″ in 20 weeks!”
Well, that was put up two weeks ago now. So, Gwen wanted to check my measurements and update the board. That was all fine with me, but you know what? I was *not* expecting this:
“Erica Rooks has lost 62 pounds and 65.25″ in 22 weeks!”
Can you believe that? Another 16.5″ GONE from my body! Sixty-five and a quarter inches total…insane. Truly. I cannot even fathom that…my little mind is just cranking away trying to wrap myself around that. That is more inches lost than I am tall (did you follow that?).
I have to admit, though, it made me work so hard with Denise tonight. I cannot wait to see how much further I will have traveled in another month…another six months…this time next year. My head is up and I am looking straight ahead, and for once I am excited about what the future holds.
Was your day as awesome as mine?
-Erica
A Food Addict - by Rooks Fitness 
Hi Erica!! This is so awesome. Congratulations!!! Your hard work and determination are definitely paying off!!
Bree
Thanks, Bree! It certainly is hard work, but I am actually enjoying myself along the way. I have learned *so* much about my body and health over the last few months…it just drives me to want to learn/know more.
-Erica
My day is more awesome just reading about yours! Congratulations!! I’m going to get me a trainer, because I need some of what you’ve got going on. Woohoo!
Andie,
I will tell you…my trainer is amazing! I honestly do not think I would have come this far in this short of a period without a trainer. Of course, I have switched trainers several times (one left seasonally to coach and one quit the gym entirely), but I have learned a great deal from all of them. The girl I have now, Denise, is incredible. She is working me harder than any of the other trainers I have had…in the best possible way, of course. The last few sessions I had with her (including last night) have been focused on minimal weight. Instead we just use my body to create a resistance. These moves are simple, but intense (seriously)…and they are things I can do at home. I love that she is not just working me at the gym, but teaching me and giving me the tools I need (knowledge, more than anything else) to continue on this path forever.
I would only hope that all trainers everywhere are even half as talented as Denise…you’d be in great hands, if so!
PS) Even if you can’t afford a trainer weekly, see if you can do one a month. They will help you learn to vary the routine, and they’ll challenge you in ways you wouldn’t normally challenge yourself. It keeps the gym interesting, and it keeps the weight coming off consistently. 🙂
-Erica
Well done! Your hard work is paying off.
Thanks, Colline! It just makes me want to work even harder. 🙂
-Erica
It’s incredible! Of course I did not lose as much as you but I had a beautiful day too
Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Erica