Forty seven year old Shelly Macgregor is our 3rd place winner of the spring 2015 Lean and Mean challenge. She decreased her body fat by 25.27 per cent!
Have your views on fitness changed as you’ve gotten older?
Yes, they have. It’s more important now than ever to exercise.
Were you always involved in fitness?
I have always been active up until a year and a half ago when I had ACL reconstruction.
How do you fit exercise (cardio/weights) into your life?
I found it easy to put my bike on a trainer and watch a movie or TV show. I committed to getting in at the very least an hour of cardio five days a week and weights two to three times per week.
Why do you make time for fitness?
At forty seven years of age, I recognize that it takes commitment to change the way I feel and look. I make time because I want the second part of my life to be fitter and healthier than the first half. It is important to me to live a healthy, balanced life style.
How did you hear about the Lean and Mean Challenge and why did you decide to sign up?
I signed up after One On One helped me build strength in the leg that I had ACL surgery. I also am friends with a previous Lean and Mean winner. I knew this challenge would kick start the life style I wanted.
What was the toughest part of the Lean and Mean for you?
I was travelling during the Challenge and it was tough to stay on track, fit in the work outs and be conscious of my choices (while eating and drinking). It was also the most rewarding part, knowing that I wanted to be conscious and aware.
What was the most rewarding aspect of the event for you?
Probably seeing my body become stronger and fitter in just twelve weeks! That saying, “be the change you want to see,” came true for me.
What did your friends, family or spouse think of what you were doing?
Everyone was supportive and offered advice. I felt I had accountability everywhere and my husband kept saying “your butt is so little”. I almost strained my neck to see!
What do you eat?
I was eating more calories than I needed before the challenge and now I eat everything I want (but much smaller amounts). I believe you have to burn more than you put in, so I try to focus on the amount of calories I expend. I also added more protein to every meal.
When you fall off track with healthy eating/exercise, how do you get back on?
Every day is a new day. I try to focus on what I can do today not what I didn’t do yesterday. A friend said “exercise has to be like brushing your teeth, do something every day”.
What are your goals now?
I plan to continue to burn more calories than I put in, lose more weight by gaining more muscle and to live a fit lifestyle while getting biker legs and some abs!
If you could give advice to another person who was struggling with their fitness what would that be?
Intention is not enough. Commit to yourself and know you can reach your goals, one day at a time.
Any other comments that you would like to add?
Thank you to my trainer Sandra for helping me focus my energy, build my confidence and show me many ways to build muscle!
