In May of 2002, I was faced with a challenge at work. The
Law Enforcement Television Network and some members of
the Plano Fire Department initiated a battle of the budge
contest. Both departments were involved in a competition
to see who could lose the most weight and get fit. Once
the competition got underway I started working out with
a personal trainer, Nang McDonald, doing my part to win
the contest.
In the past year I’ve lost around 40 pounds. I went from a size 16 to a size 6-8. It’s been very exciting. I meet with Nang three-times a week. She provides me with constant encouragement and always pushes me when I feel like I have hit my limit. We work on arms, legs and abs and the consistent strength training has made a big difference in my stamina and what I’m able to do now.
When I first started I couldn’t even run around the block without having
to stop. Now, I regularly run 5k races with my co-workers and friends on the
weekends. We’ve also started to practice for a marathon relay. I know I’m
not ready for a marathon yet but what we plan to do is run a 10k race and see
how that goes. Depending on the outcome we’ll run even more and start bumping
it up from there. With Nang I’ve also added some training to help me with
my running. I’m so amazed at the change in me and the energy I have now.
Although the police and fire department competition is over – I still work out with Nang, my personal trainer, at Club Fit in Plano. I think it has made a difference combining the cardio and weight lifting and then adding in the running that I’m doing after work. The exercise is very important for how I feel and how I’m able to keep the weight off because I haven’t really combined it with a certain diet. I just watch what I eat and try to stay away from sweets.
I’m not going to say it’s been easy because it hasn’t. While training with Nang I went through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. My best friend and boy friend recently died of cancer. I have fond memories of him helping me tie my shoes when I first started working out. He was always there to encourage me on the days I didn’t feel like exercising or training. Nang was also there for me during the hard times after his death and with her coaching I’ve stayed with it. I think working out, training and exercising has helped me try and regain my focus again.
The best advice I can give is once you have started on a workout program do not to miss it. It’s hard enough to get started and once you have made the commitment, no matter what’s is going on in your life, good or bad, keep up with it. If you do miss one day make sure your back working out the next day. Don’t let two or three workouts go by or you’ll start slipping back into your old routine.
Tonya Cody
Age: 33
Residence: Richardson
Occupation: City of Plano Police officer
Weight
before: 190
Weight after: 150
Workout schedule:
Monday Wednesday Friday/ workout with a personal
trainer doing cardio and lifting weights.
Three to four days a week I run two miles.
Diet:
Try to stay away from fried foods and sweets.
Tips: Keep trying even if you miss up one day. Don’t skip working out.
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