Journey To Me Comes With The Ups….And The Downs
Published June 18, 2013 | 
I am doing a blog blog this week as I wanted to open up a little about something. I have had such an amazing year, with many ups but also with some downs. I try to be completely open and honest about them, because somewhere along the line someone has been through what I have, or can relate. If I put words to it and share, then we share together, and we push on together. I have been fortunate not to have many downs for a long time. But….right now I have a down.
The upbeat positive I am is fighting hard to stay that way. I haven’t opened up about my personal life, but I have been dating a wonderful guy for the past 6 months. It has been extremely amazing, and such a positive in my life. And truthfully, he is the first guy to last that long. See, I’ve never had a boyfriend. Why, I won’t get into details, but it did have a lot to do with my looks, my personal feelings to how I saw myself, but I always kept hope that I would get mine. I still do. I don’t jump into relationships, and if I don’t click with someone I don’t keep them going. This being said, this recent guy and I didn’t make “boyfriend/girlfriend” official, but I have officially been dumped. This is this first time someone has lasted that long, and the first time to be dumped. We all have been hurt, this is not my first time, and I know I’m not alone in this, but it still stings. So, this is the main reason for no video blog this week. I have come to terms with what has happened, and harbor no anger, and no resentment to this person. I am just learning what this part of life is like, and dealing with it the way I need to. I must admit I haven’t been good on the eating front over the weekend. Not in a bad way, but in a lack of food way. This could be just as damaging on the scale as over eating, but I will find out tomorrow. But, today was my back to it day. I’m back on track. I will not let this take me down, or keep me down. I am a strong person, and I bounce back fast.
Along with this I have been extremely busy volunteering. It has been a lot of fun, and part of that is me dressing up as a clown in the parade at The Red River Ex. I did a “split” picture today to see the difference, and will share that with you.
I also have some good news. I have been approved by Manitoba Health to help pay for my skin surgery. So the surgery will now be apx $10,000.00 instead of $14,000.00. I am excited, and every little bit helps. I have an appointment with the surgeon on July 3rd to make the official appointment for the surgery. So, with downs, still comes ups.
I also wanted to give you my weigh in results. I know I weigh in again tomorrow, but last week I was shocked when I got on the scale. I weighed in at 217.2 lbs. That means I was down 5 lbs, and brings my total weight loss to 129.3 lbs. 
yay me.
So, despite the down, I’m doing well. I’m positive things happen for a reason, and life has it’s way of working itself out. I have achieved a lot of successes this past year, and I will continue to do so.
I hope you all are doing well, and everyone is staying happy and healthy!! It is supposed to be a great sunny week, so please enjoy it!! And if you do manage to go to the ex, watch for me in the parade on Sunday
Tammy
The “Boring” Routine Myth
Published June 17, 2013 | Spring colds are not fun! They tend to get in the way of things we want to do. And the one I have just doesn’t want to go away. But I’ve decided not to let that cold become an excuse. I am still getting ‘challenged’ by Jordan, who has adjusted my cardio while I am sick. A great compromise that still challenges me yet allows me to get in a good workout. Thanks for that Jordan!
I’m finally getting into a good routine with exercise now. I’m making time for it – even if it’s just a bit – every day. Granted, the exercise I’m doing when not with Jordan definitely aren’t the ‘I’m going to die’ kind, but I am up and moving, whether it be a walk, or an exercise DVD or just lifting some weights while watching the news. Every little bit helps and those short spurts will add up over the course of a day.
Even my water intake is improving. Summer tends to do that I think. No, it’s not where it should be yet, but as with the exercise, I am getting into a routine with that as well. A glass here, a glass there…baby steps! And for someone who just doesn’t like to drink water – and never has – this is huge!
I know these changes aren’t going to happen overnight. I’m a realist that way. But these little changes and these seemingly little successes are all becoming a comfortable routine. Soon they will become a part of who I am and then be a natural part of my day. I am enjoying my workouts and finding that I do seem to like exercise. I am learning that water isn’t such a bad thing. The routines are helping develop habits. A few more weeks, and I will have those habits ingrained into my daily routine.
You know, I think I am beginning to like those ‘boring’ routines. 
Have a great week!
Janine
What A Week… Time For A New One :-)
Published June 17, 2013 | Hey there everyone,
Hope you all had a great week. My week was not a typical week for me and I missed working out with Jordan Monday and Wednesday but made up the Monday by attending a Kick class at Shapes. Monday I was working a day shift so could not make Snap to work with Jordan and Tuesday I had a bit of a medical issue so I took the Wednesday off with Jordan just to make sure I was ok but I did go to Zumba that night on Main with Winnipeg Zumba instructor Lexi. She is my favorite instructor, I do like others but I feel Lexi gives a great over all hard sweaty class. In July, I will be going to Zumba on Wednesdays at Shapes.
Today I attended the Power class at Shapes and the instructor was awesome, she was watching everyone and correcting people’s form as she noticed it, was talking to her at the end and explained to her everything I have been doing and she asked me my goals. I said “Well, I am fat and I would like not to be.” She looked kinda shocked at first but I said “it’s true so why hide it?” and I laughed then she and my cousin laughed. But really, I never hide anything and I am pretty straight forward
I lost 2.6 lbs this week, so I went from 235lbs to 232.4lbs. I am glad I lost a good lil chunk there. I always feel like when I lose a pound or less that I am not working hard enough. I know it’s not the case but it’s just how I feel.
I have had a bit of a schedule change so I also changed my workouts a bit, so starting July my schedule is:
Sunday: Shapes – Power Class
Monday: Shapes – Kick Class
Tuesday: Zumba at home or I will be walking to my pt job and back
Wednesday: Snap with Jordan then Zumba in evening at Shapes
Thursday: Zumba at home or walk to my pt job and back
Friday: Snap with Jordan
Saturday: Zumba at Shapes
Yes it’s a lot of work but I have goals I want to reach and I have the Zumba instructor class end of July so I want to as fit as I can be by then haha…
I get so excited thinking about the future and how much better I feel as I shed the pounds, if you been thinking about doing something about losing weight but haven’t yet, I suggest you just get up and start doing it! You will feel so much better about yourself and have so much more energy. It will be so worth it in the end. Jordan is excellent for providing the support you need, be sure to go see him at Snap River Heights
Hope you are all doing well, take care
One Fit City – Christina
Published June 16, 2013 | I can’t get over how much fun I’m having. Seriously.
I never would have thought in a million years that I would enjoy working out. The possibility seemed ridiculous. I despised moving my body and dripping a sweat. Now, I love the feeling of accomplishing a great workout.
These last couple of weeks I’ve begun to push myself harder and faster. I’m burying my insecurities and moving forward with my life and this new journey. I’ve found energy that I never knew I had. I’m outside playing with the kids more, going for walks, visiting nearby parks and even enjoying full days out on the boat and quads with my family.
This week I committed to eating healthy. I planned my weekly meals and stayed on track. I succeeded this week and extremely proud of myself.
Instead of looking at the big picture and feeling discouraged numerous times over I’ve set myself up with several mini goals. One of my goals that I’ve set out for myself was to lose 50lbs. This week, I’ve surpassed this goal with a loss of 53lbs to date. To reward myself I went out and purchased a pair of proper shoes with the support I need.
This week, I’m staying on track with my meal planning, drinking my water and adding in more workouts. I’m looking forward to seeing my accomplishments next week!
Hope you are all having a great weekend!
One Fit City – Tammy’s Update
Published June 13, 2013 | Hey everyone,
Well another week has gone by, and time is going even faster now that I’m in the heart of my volunteering. I know I do the videos on the weekend so they are a bit off on the “posting” but they still work .
I wanted to do a quick blog on something I have picked up over my journey. I have mentioned it a couple times, and feel strongly about it, and thought it was time to do it again. Positive. I have found one of the biggest things for me and for my success is staying positive, and surround myself with positives. I truly believe the more positive you are in life the more positives you attract, and the more negative you are the more negatives you attract. It’s very easy to say “can’t”. It’s easy to give up or even let external negatives effect you. But do you ever notice the more “down” you are the more downs you receive? I bring this to you today as I volunteered at the first Bomber game yesterday in the Investor’s Group Stadium. So many people today are complaining. Why take the negative away from it, why not walk away with a positive spin on things. I walked away sore and tired and so fatigued, but I walked away happy and telling myself of all the good things of the evening. Today I laugh about the things that need to be ironed out. But I sat here thinking of the people who let it ruin their evenings or even their day today. Why do that? Why sit and dwell on a negative. Why not look at the glass as being half full?
I can go on and on about it, but I think that sums it up. That and I’m still tired and don’t want to sound like a broken record, or a crazy ranter, haha.
Hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy and happy. Have a wonderful weekend!
Tammy
Plateau is BROKEN! And Burpees still suck.
Published June 12, 2013 | Today marks my fourth workout with Jordan, and it was the one that pushed me the hardest. I had been on a plateau for a couple of weeks, with my weight loss stalled out. I also went out of town for work for 5 days and was at the mercy of eating whatever was provided, so when I came home and was about to get on the scale I was worried. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a 4 pound weight loss! I’m sure it’s because of this new regiment that I’ve been doing – working muscles that haven’t been worked in years, if ever, and pushing myself to achieve (GASP!) sweating!
Two new words were introduced to me today: “Burpees” and “Chin-ups.” I vaguely remember being told to do burpees in elementary school and strangely enough that was always the same time I’d choose to take a washroom break. I hated them….and I’m here to tell you…..I still hate them. However, I did them, and with every one I thought to myself, “Holy S$%#, I’m freaking doing burpees!” It was a victory of sorts for me because all my life I’d just have to hear the word and that would be it…I didn’t need that crap! Maybe it’s because Jordan told me to do them rather than my grade 6 gym teacher who I never did see eye to eye with, but whatever it is, I did burpees today and I’m feeling pretty smug about it.
So, as new words keep entering my life, I’m okay with that. After all, I’ve eliminated others, like “poutine,” “all-you-can-eat,” and “supersize that please.”
I like to think that it was my weight loss surgeon who gave me back my life, and it’s Jordan who is teaching me how to live it in the best, most healthy way possible. And for that I am grateful.
This is pre-op and just over a month post-op. As I am nearing a huge milestone, I will post my latest photo when I achieve it….I’m so close, and it won’t be long now that I’m working out 3X a week! Stay tuned!
“I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.” ~ José N. Harris
Samantha’s Weight Loss Journey – Video #3
Published June 10, 2013 | Hey there everyone,
I made another video today, hope you all enjoy!
If you need a little extra motivation I also made a new e mail address: SamanthaDS@outlook.com
I missed my Saturday Zumba because I had to work a long day, so I went to Zumba at 8:20 this morning but then ate bad today and ate about half of those calories back, sad but true… I always feel guilty when I cheat or miss workouts haha, yikes. I am also missing working out in the morning with Jordan’s instruction because I have to work the morning shift but I am going to take a class in the evening to possibly try and make up for that. It’s amazing how quick you can actually start to like exercise.
Anyways, hope you all are having a great weekend,
Samantha
Patti’s Journey to Fitness
Published June 7, 2013 | One thing that I’ve known for sure is that I’ve never felt comfortable in a gym. I’ve joined quite a few of them over the years and have always tried my best to keep going, but I’ve never been able to keep at it.
Maybe it’s because the machines were so intimidating and that I didn’t really know what I was doing. Perhaps it was because everyone else seemd to be in such great shape and I often wondered where the others were who were more like me…..out of shape, wearing the baggy sweats and t shirts, breaking a sweat after 3 minutes on the treadmill. Did these people not go to the gym?
I remember joining a fit camp after much prodding and they said that I could work at my own pace. I didn’t have to “keep up” to anyone and that I wouldn’t be holding anyone back if I wasn’t as fast as the rest of them. I gave it a try, and I wasn’t only slower than everyone else, I had to skip some of the exercises just to be doing what everyone else was doing at any given time. There just didn’t seem to be a place where I could go and not feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb. But hey, at 300 pounds, it’s not exactly easy to blend in anywhere…
When I heard about Jordan and One Fit City, I immediately composed a quick email and I hit the send button before I had a chance to talk myself out of it. Afterwards, when I sat and thought about what this could mean, I had to do some work to stop the negative thoughts from penetrating my brain. First of all, I was no longer 300 pounds – I’d lost 87 so far and was smaller than I was at high school graduation 25 years ago. I never thought I’d ever be successful at weight loss, and made the decision in October, at the age of 42, to have weight loss surgery. I’d been mulling this over for years, and for some reason at this particular time, I became 100% sure that this was the right decision for me and had no doubts whatsoever.
So, in January of this year I headed down to Mexico and had gastric sleeve surgery. It is done here in Manitoba, but the waiting list is several years long and I didn’t want to wait now that I had made the decision. I had to lose 15-20 pounds pre op, and lost 24. When I got home the weight came off quickly as I was severely restricted in how much I could eat. Those 24 pre op pounds quickly became 40, then 50, then 65, 75, and at just over 4 months post op I was down 80 pounds.
I started noticing that I didn’t lose my breath as quickly when climbling a flight of stairs or walking around the block. I bought a bike and was loving jumping on it and riding around. I joined the Y and was going to deep and shallow water aquafit classes a couple of times a week. But I knew I needed more. I knew I needed to “work out” and not under my own supervision. I can trick myself into thinking that I’m doing enough and would tend to find myself slowing down or stopping my treadmill as I started to sweat and feel “icky.” I needed someone to guide me and make me work even harder when the sweat started to come.
What made me realize that Jordan may be the perfect solution for me was when, after he expressed interest in meeting me and talking about what we could do, I told him that I was terrified of not being able to do what he wanted and of being yelled at as what came to mind when I hear the term “personal trainer.” His reply was this: “Don’t be nervous…I’m a kitten…here to help make you healthy. It’s a different mentality. Kindness is the best way to get someone to their goal.” How could I not want to try this out?
Well I indeed met with Jordan at Snap Fitness for the first time on Friday May 31 and I was still really nervous about the whole gym thing. I really couldn’t get it into my head that this could ever be something that I’d be able to commit to or even want to do, but after chatting with him for 5 minutes while on the treadmill warming up, I immediately felt at ease and knew that this was going to be different than any other experience I’d had in gyms until this point. Jordan stressed that he was going to start me very slowly, getting me comfortable with the routine, and build from there. I totally believe in him and made the decision then and there to put my trust in him to whip me into the shape I deserve to be, to experience a degree of healthy fitness that I’d never seen.
Granted, my body was in pain for a couple of days following that first workout, but as we’ve all heard, it was indeed a “good pain.” It told me that I AM capable of being fit and pushing myself, testing my limits. And for the first time in my life I am up for the challenge and am looking forward to the next workout, and the ones after that. I’m curious to see what I’ll be able to accomplish. Jordan was incredibly encouraging and has such an easygoing and positive way of motivating me to keep going. I don’t feel like he’s inwardly laughing at me and mocking my attempts. He tells me I’m doing great and will continue to improve and I know he’s sincere…and here’s the kicker…I believe him!
Thanks Jordan. I am SO excited for this journey!
One Fit City – Tammy’s Weekly Update
Published June 6, 2013 | I’m extremely excited about posting this blog. I did it last Sunday, and have exciting news in it from Sunday.
I won’t spoil it by telling you what it is, but I’m so proud.
Hope everyone is healthy and happy!
I’ll write a longer blog soon!
Tammy
One Fit City – The CTV Winnipeg Morning Show edition.
Published June 3, 2013 | Finally!
Are you here because you saw us on CTV morning? If you are, fantastic then it worked and you are a step closer to getting fit, healthy, and as lean as you have ever dreamed. I’m also one step closer to making this One Fit City.
The morning show is the icing on my media cake I blog for the Huffington Post, TSN.CA, have a radio show on TSN 1290, write for Inside Fitness Magazine, and have had over 100 local and national TV appearances. All with the mission and passion to help people find their fitness goals.
You can find me, and my expertise at 3 Snap Fitness in Winnipeg. After a decade in this game I’ve created a team of amazing trainers all getting results and all running classes that we have JUST LAUNCHED! We are always looking for more trainers, and we are always looking for bodies we can help change. That’s what One Fit City is all about. Thanks to Snap Fitness River Heights, Charleswood, and Regent, we can offer small group training with a Certified Trainer for $10-15/session. All the expertise, and we won’t break your budget. We want to transform your body!
Here is the offer we wanted to make to you. Post this to your facebook and say “I saw Jordan Cieciwa and his www.onefitcity.com mission on CTV, I’m giving him a try”, and we will set you up with a free nutrition consult and meal plan courtesy of Truestar and Snap, as well as 2 free weeks of our new “No Limits Functional Training” class at Snap. The same goes if you tweet “Just watched @FitCityJordan on @CTVMorningWPG. I’m heading over to change my body! Who’s joining me #OneFitCity @snap3rheights“. Do both and we will add a personal training session, and if we get the right numbers a special draw. Have any questions send them directly to me jordan.snapfitness@gmail.com.
My dream is to absolutely change the way people view exercise, and to make sure I do all I can as a trainer to give solid information to this City.
Now for this site – Book mark it
You are going to see 5 stories unfold on this site. The continued success of Tammy(120lbs and counting). A girl on fire Samantha, losing 2-3 pounds a week and having fun doing it. Christina learning a brand new lifestyle and loving it. Janelle who’s tried before, but has figured herself out and is loving a new challenge after 49 years old. Last is Patty, and definitely not the least. Patty is the fun one, with lots to say… I’m not even going to talk about the young athletes I train, or the Pro’s and University athletes we have helped get scholarships. Let’s just say no Athlete pays more than $250/month for a membership and 5 days of training a week. We don’t want your money, we want you to get results!
Tons of tips, tricks, and connections to trainers and local businesses who are health minded. The site is growing, and the next stages are going to be directories for business, connections to trainers and user generated info on all that’s healthy in Winnipeg. THE SITE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A COMPLETE REDESIGN! The mission is on, the City of Winnipeg is going to be Canada’s fittest.
OH! I almost forgot – I personally am on a mission to get to beach ready(back to the picture on the side bar). That means the last 10lbs! I start a detox to go with my new diet and supplement regime as of today! Video’s to come of that transformation…. There is a lot going on. The team is strong and ready and here to support you! No matter the goal we have the expertise, supplements, and facility to get you to your goals. Just starting, or wanting to go pro as a fitness model or athlete.
Are you part of the movement?
About Me
My career as a strength coach has been a dream come true. I have worked with MMA Athletes who compete in the UFC, StrikeForce and Bellator in California and Texas.
My dream is to change the fitness of my home town Winnipeg. Everything from first time exercisers to pro athletes. Tune in to my radio show on TSN at 6pm on Wednesday's called the "Weigh In". You will hear stories from the athletes I train athletes in the CFL, NFL, AHL, NHL, NCAA, and my favorite, local high schools.
The key to the training is fun. I have lots of it. Follow along with the blog, comment and interact with me on Twitter. I want to help as much as possible, and put my kinesiology degree to use. The products on the site that I recommend I use, and have clients using with great results.
----
Recent Comments