When Cheryl Lachance first walked into Free Form Fitness in January, she told trainer Nick Antal in no uncertain terms that this wasn’t one of those New Year’s resolutions that would be abandoned by the following month.
“I’m not here because it’s the New Year,” she said. “It’s because I have a wedding to go to in October and I want to look fantastic.”
By Aug. 28, the 32-year-old schoolteacher had lost another 34 pounds since April. In total she is down 62 pounds and five sizes. She surpassed her goal of losing 60 pounds by the end of the August.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” she said. “I’m obviously happier and more into it. Working out is more enjoyable now that I am on track. I want to come to the gym whereas before I needed to come to the gym.”
We first spoke with Cheryl in April, when she was almost halfway to her goal. Part of her motivation was to serve as a better role model for her nieces, nephews and students.
“I’ve always struggled with my weight and after many attempts at doing it on my own, I knew I needed help to get me on the path of becoming the best me,” she said.
Back then the prospect of working out in a gym and using anything other than the treadmill was intimidating. Today, she enjoys a comprehensive workout program with Nick twice a week then comes in on her own for additional cardio three times a week.
Both her and Nick agree it was a challenge to get there.
“It’s been a roller coaster, she’s either hated me or loved me,” Nick said. “But the biggest obstacle we overcame was her fear of coming to the gym by herself and looking at a piece of equipment and knowing how to use it.”
“Nick pushes me to where he knows I’m capable of going,” Cheryl added. “He knows my strengths better than I do, he always says ‘I have faith that you can get there.’”
Nutrition remains a challenge, to eat right and stick with a regular routine of meals, starting with her least favourite of the day, breakfast. Salty snacks were always Cheryl’s downfall. But she hasn’t tasted a potato chip in months and instead treats herself to old-fashioned plain popcorn made on the stovetop. In fact, her palate can barely tolerate the taste of salt now.
It’s the accountability to Nick that helps keep her on track. When she has to buy new clothes because the old ones are too big, Nick gets a picture text.
“When she succeeds, I succeed, that’s how I feel,” Nick said.
Cheryl’s friends, family and colleagues have taken note as well.
“They notice that I have obviously worked hard,” she said. “They say I look happy and that I’m once again the Cheryl they used to know.”
So what’s next? Cheryl is forging ahead with new goals. After achieving that first big 60-pound milestone, she’s aiming now for increments of 20. But that’s just a measuring stick to keep track. How she looks and feels matters more than a number.
“I feel very fortunate to have Nick as my trainer,” she said. “I’m at a spot now where I couldn’t and don’t want to stop. I’ve come so far and I’m excited to see where this path will continue to take me.”
