"Orange" you glad you did the Orangetheory Transformation Challenge?

Hi friends! In class this week we started promoting our upcoming Transformation Challenge at OTF LIncoln Square starting January 26,2017. I couldn't help to reflect back on my incredible experience with my 1st OTF challenge in January 2016.  This is a repost of my original post:

Yes, I am!!!  On Wed 3/3/16, I completed my 6 Week Orangetheory Fitness Weight loss challenge.  I walk away from the challenge feeling happy, accomplished, and inspired. It was a total success!!!

Challenge Requirements:
The challenge involved committing to participating in at least 3 OTF classes per week at the Lake Forest location.  Additional classes at other locations were allowed, but did not count toward the challenge.  I also paired up my training with my superfuood nutrition program to support and compliment my journey. 

I hope this doesn't sound arrogant but when people found out I was participating in the Weight Loss Challenge, many commented, "But you don't need to lose weight!"  My answer, "I'm participating for many reasons.  Weight loss is just one of them."   Here's some of those reasons and lessons I learned along the way:

1. Having a Goal is FUN!
I LOVE programs.  Whether it's training for a half marathon or prepping for a fitness competition, it's so fun to have a big goal that you are striving for.  I love "doing the do" and taking daily action.  It's amazing what transformation can happen, when you are consistent and persistent!  With the OTF Challenge I had to do the work.  Class after class.  Week after week.  Each Sunday, I planned out my weeks to ensure I made my 3 workouts in Lake Forest. (fyi...I live in Chicago, but frequent Lake Forest often for teaching and my family.)  Fortunately, I had my incredible nutrition program that made eating clean easy, convenient, and delicious.  However, it definitely took some planning to get my workouts in as I'm always on-the-go.  Fun side note:  I got so hooked on OTF, I even located a studio in Omaha, NE when I was there in February.  Ain't nothing gonna break my stride!

2. OTF brings out the best in you!
Over 6 weeks, I did 21 OTF workouts.  Each workout was different, and I pushed myself to new personal bests.  Honestly, my improved running speed and stamina were bonus prizes!  I started the challenge with a base pace of 5.5mph/ a push pace of 7.0mph/ and if I was feeling crazy..an all out at 8.5mph!!!  At my final workout....my base was 6.5mph/ push 8.5mph/ all out 10.0mph!!!  Seriously, 10.0mph??? That's a 6min mile pace.  I haven't run that fast since the Presidential Physical Fitness test in high school.  I NEVER thought I'd run that pace again. Ever!  Fortunately, OTF workouts bring out the best in us.  They encourage us to go for it...even just for a few seconds...you'll never know unless you try.

3. Friendship is a Prize
Another awesome reward of this journey are the friendships I've made along the way.  When you take that many classes, you start to see familiar faces.  I met so many great people...from the members to the OTF staff to all of our incredible OTF coaches.  I love going to a place like Cheers, "where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came."  I'm always glad I did my OTF workout!  However, here Instead of a cold beer, I always had my water bottle full of Hydrate!

4. Skinny Jeans = Success.  Progress = Happiness
When I originally started the challenge, I had a goal of losing 15lbs, so I could be back at the weight on my driver's license.  I was there a few years ago, but I've had some medical things going on these past two years.  When you're taking medicine...it's sometimes hard to get the scale to move, as you're not exactly sure of how it affects your body.  I also know that muscle weighs more than fat, and my plan was to put on muscle.  I knew the scale may not change a bunch, and that is fine.  My personal motto with clients is, "Answer to your pants!!!"  You could tell me I weight 115lbs, but if my pants are tight, who cares???  I am thrilled to report I finished the challenge releasing... 7.2lbs.  More importantly, I lost major inches in my arms, hips, chest, thighs, and waist!!!

And best stat of all...my skinny jeans fit!!!  I put on jeans last week that I couldn't wear over Christmas!  Skinny Jeans = success!!!  I may not have made my license weight goal, but progress equals happiness!  I'm not complaining while I'm dancing in my skinny jeans!!!  Even better, my body just feels amazing.  Leaner, lighter, and stronger!  I love it!!!

5. Nutrition is Key!
Nutrition plays a key role in any weight loss transformation. Isagenix is the perfect compliment to the OTF challenge and a busy, healthy lifestyle. It is an all natural organic standard system that I swear by.  I have seen massive transformation in myself, my friends, and my family.  In fact, my brother-in-law recently won the OTF Park Ridge Challenge by adding Isagenix to his challenge.   The system adds so much energy and ease to my life.  It curbed my cravings, sent my energy levels through the roof,  tastes delicious, and is so convenient!!!  I especially love that it gives me time freedom instead of shopping and cooking all my meals. It’s not a magic wand.  It is a tool of perfect nutrients that when used correctly and daily, offers life changing results.  Isagenix recently launched the AMPED performance line.  I paired this with my OTF challenge and was WOWED by my energy and performance!

All in all, I am blown away with my results from the OTF weight loss challenge.  I highly recommend OTF and Isagenix to any and everyone!  It's effective and fun!  My favorites!!!