TRANSFORMATION: Starting Over

Kelly Yanez didn’t recognise who she was and decided that instead of following a plan for quick results, she’d make a lasting lifestyle change she could use forever.

VITAL STATS

Height 5’2″

Before // Age 36
Weight 220lb
Body fat 40 %

After // Age 44
Weight 140lb
Body fat 20%

AHA MOMENT

I saw a picture of myself on Facebook that I was tagged in and I didn’t even recognize that person. Not only did I not realize how big I had become, I felt like crap and couldn’t stand for long periods to keep up with my children. That was it for me – I knew it was time to change my lifestyle. I started by completely cutting out processed foods and I joined a gym with childcare so that I could take my small children with me and get in my workouts. I also started drinking more water and getting more sleep.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

It was all a mental challenge for me. I had spent so many years neglecting myself and eating badly that to make such a drastic change was super hard and a huge test. Hiring a trainer helped me a lot. I couldn’t justify making poor food choices when I was spending money on a trainer and working out so hard. That course of action would defeat my purpose. It also made me more accountable as I was paying him and I had locked in appointments. That kept me on track until I became confident. I formed a habit and learned to love working out. The results showed very quickly which gave me more confidence to keep at it.

WEARING MULTIPLE HATS

With two small children and a husband who was working multiple jobs, it was difficult to juggle trying to keep up with preparing food, fitting in workouts, and still putting time aside to have fun with the kids. But it was so important to me that I made it happen. It was also very hard for me at first because I had a lot of weight on my little frame so the workouts were very tough. I pushed through even when I wanted to cry.

ADVICE TO OTHERS

Set some goals whether they are big or small and do whatever you have to do to reach them. Once you reach them, set some more. If you have children, include them in the goal-setting and achievement process. Fit it in because it is worth it. Most of all, make sure you find some form of exercise that you love to do and keep doing it. Forever!

MY FUTURE PLANS

I plan on continuing to work with seniors as a Silver Sneakers Instructor. My new passion for fitness and exercise means I am working towards opening my own gym some day and I’d love to work in this area, mainly with women. Most women are afraid of hitting the weights and afraid of what others will think of them. I remember how I felt being overweight and stepping in the weight room. I’m so glad I overcame that fear because now I love lifting. It’s empowering and very important for truly transforming the body as opposed to just losing weight. I understand what they’re going through because I’ve been in their shoes.

MY MEALS

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and vegetables

Lunch: Salad with tuna or chicken dressed with olive oil and lemon juice

Dinner: Meat, roasted sweet potatoes, and vegetables

Snacks: veggies and hummus, apples and peanut butter, almonds, hard boiled eggs, avocado, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt with berries

Post workout: Protein shakes – nothing else.

HEALTHY HACKS

1. Keep only healthy, on-plan-food at home and do your food prep as much as possible.

2. Always have some healthy snacks with you so you don’t give in and eat junk.

3. I always work out first thing in the morning so that it’s done. If I have to miss the morning I always fit some activity in every day even if it’s just walking with my family.

4. I made it a lifestyle change! A complete overhaul if you will, which had no expiration date like a diet or a phase.

HELPFUL HACKS

1. Keep only healthy, on-plan-food at home and do your food prep as much as possible.

2. Always have some healthy snacks with you so you don’t give in and eat junk.

3. I always work out first thing in the morning so that it’s done. If I have to miss the morning I always fit some activity in every day even if it’s just walking with my family.

4. I made it a lifestyle change! A complete overhaul if you will, which had no expiration date like a diet or a phase.

MY TRAINING ROUTINE

I do a full body workout every other day. Here is an example of a typical workout although I change it up sometimes as well as my sets and reps.

Push-ups – 3×15
Pull-ups – 3×15
Squat curl press – 3×12
Dumbbell shoulder press – 3×12
Lateral raises – 3×12
Lat pull-downs – 3×12
Kettlebell squats – 3×15
Dumbbell tricep extensions – 3×12
Bicep curls – 3×12
Tricep dips – 3×12
Weighted walking lunges – 3×12

On my off days from training I do running sprints, bike ride or hike.