Michelle’s Story

Before you read about the last year of Michelle’s life, I just want to say what an absolute joy it has been to watch Michelle transform herself, inside and outside. She has worked SO hard and even when the situation hasn’t been favorable, she never gave up, never let down and always kept her goals in mind. Thank you so much, Michelle, for letting me be a part of your journey! I’m so excited to see what wonderful things you accomplish next! - Annie

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By Michelle Thompson

During my first few months of working at Keller Williams here in Mebane, Cindy Dudley would come in the office, from a 5:30 a.m. Fitness Playground Boot Camp workout with such excitement and enthusiasm. It would be nothing for her to drop down on the floor and show me or anyone around us a move, such as a Down Dog or a Burpee. I would think “there is no way in the world I could do that!”

My Step Daughter became engaged in October 2007, they set a date of August 2008, so I had a goal and I had to get serious and lose the weight so I could buy a nice dress and feel good in it, as well as comfortable. I spoke with Cindy, she told me to email Annie. I emailed Annie and gave her a quick overview of my situation, past to present. I explained how I was tall and skinny growing up and never had any weight issues “BC”, before Cameron, my nine year old. When I was pregnant with Cameron, I gained 60 pounds, after having him the 60 pounds stayed and then I gained on top of that. I had tried the Atkins Diet and lost a significant amount of weight in four months. Unfortunately, the amount I lost came right back after I stopped the diet. Annie responded to my email and we set up a time to meet. We just got to know each other in the first meeting and I told her about my “terrible” eating habits, family history, both sets of grandparents had heart problems and my grandfather developed diabetes late in his last few years of life. Annie wanted me to start a food journal. I was eating out morning, noon and several nights of the week. She and I would meet once a week to go over my food journal. Annie would say to me “Michelle, baby steps”. I would email her with questions throughout the week and she would always respond. She lent books to me, one of which was Dr Oz’s “You on a Diet”. Wow, what an eye opener! In some of my emails I had questions about certain foods that contained so many carbs. I was so aware of all carbs formerly being an Atkins Diet advocate, I was programmed to think “Carbs are bad”, Annie almost had to beat it into my head. She would say, “yes you lost the weight, but you gained it back and Michelle, the longer it takes to take the weight off, the longer it stays off”. I cannot begin to tell you how many times she had to say that to me. All of this was taking place before I even joined Boot Camp. Annie worked with me from beginning of October 2007, and I didn’t start Boot Camp until the end of November for the “December Blast”. I was so very impressed that Annie would take time out of her schedule to spend that time with me helping me in my journey and I hadn’t even joined Fitness Playground.

So the time came for me to attend Boot Camp, I had no idea what was in store for me, even with Cindy showing me moves, etc. I was very nervous, not only because it was something new, but also I am very shy by nature and especially shy in group situations. It helped to have Pete in the first session he really helped by pushing me and making me run during a run to South Mebane, as well as his ability to make me laugh.

I have to tell you, Boot Campers are some of the most encouraging people and were from my very first day with words of encouragement such as “Good Job Michelle!”, “You can do it!”, “You are doing Great!” and they continue to be. Boot Campers are awesome and I miss the group when I can’t be there. I really enjoy it! No equipment, we are outside in warm weather and inside in the winter, although we have been outside in the cold too. It is a GREAT TEAM ENVIRONMENT! I definitely recommend it to anyone!!
Here I am a year later, I have lost six dress sizes, 57 pounds to date, 24 ½ inches lost and still going. I have another goal that I am working toward and I will update when I have reached my next goal.

I am so very glad that I met Cindy Dudley and I thank her for being such a wonderful, caring and supportive friend that always keeps me in check and for hooking me up with Annie and
Fitness Playground. I don’t think that she knows how much she has helped me through this journey. Cindy is very proud of me and makes that known, which I really appreciate as well!

Thank You to my fellow Boot Campers for being such a great group of people and always being encouraging and making me laugh!

Annie and Fitness Playground continue to make such a profound difference in my life and I cannot imagine not being a part of it. My lifestyle has changed forever! Annie has been a supportive friend, encourager, trainer, tough trainer at times (animal workout) and she is very passionate about what she does!! She truly cares about her people and she is rewarded by their successes and seeing the happiness on their faces!

You are a special person Annie and I Thank You for all you do, YOU ROCK!!

I never thought I could accomplish what I have so far and here I am. I know this next statement sounds cliché it is so very true though, “If I can do it, anyone can!!”

Join Fitness Playground Today!!!