Motivational Spotlight: How X-Weighted Fan Shelley Rinehart Lost 136 pounds
Jan 26, 2010
Shelley was one of the organizers of the Saint John X-Weighted event. Her motivation for wanting to be involved and help other people lose weight, came from her own success which has been partially motivated by her love of the show.
Before making the decision to lose weight Shelley was 358.8 pounds. "That was my heaviest,” she says. She started going to Weight Watchers, although she initially went to support her friend, and not because she was really that bothered about losing weight herself. “But I found that I loved it and in the 2 ½ years that I have been going to Weight Watchers, I have only missed three meetings in total. I’ve organized my life around that, I try really hard not to miss meetings,” she says.
Shelley says that she got to that 358.8 pounds through mindless eating and although she knew that she was big, she says that she got a real shock when she saw the number on the scale. "I had done a couple of the quick fix diets before that, where I'd drop 30 pounds and then put it back on soon after. But they really were diets, and not sustainable, Weight Watchers just clicks for me and matches my lifestyle," she says.
Too Big to Exercise?
Initially, Shelley was not exercising much as she felt like she didn’t know what she could do when she was that size. She had been using the elliptical trainer, but was flicking through the channels one day when she came across the episode of X-Weighted where Paul Plakas was saying that he thought elliptical trainers were useless.
“I missed his reasoning for that and so I e-mailed him. He emailed me back with the explanation, and I then asked his advice on what I could do when I weighed as much as I did," she says, "and he was really good and helped me lots.”
With Paul's advice, Shelley started to use the treadmill, holding on to both rails at first. "He told me that at one point it would just happen for me, and eventually I would be able to run on the treadmill," she says, "and it was true, eventually I let go of the rails and I was able to up the speed. Eventually one day it was too slow when I was walking and all of a sudden I was running and I really have never looked back."
Plateau Busting
Shelley is taking part in the National Challenge, and is trying to lose another 50 pounds.
In the 2 ½ years of her journey, Shelley has reached plateaus and says that being part of Weight Watchers was really helpful for getting through those times. "It lets me know that everybody has been there, and for me it's about mentally not getting down about it. I've been stuck at this weight for a long time now and I think it's because I'm really getting close, and that was one of the big benefits of having Paul here: He gave me a different kind of workout to do that would step it up and help me get back to losing weight," she says, "the workout he suggested is really kicking my butt.”
"I just really like Paul's approach," say Shelley, who became such a fan that she now says she could probably recite what was said on every episode there is. "I don't want anybody to sugarcoat it, because I don't sugarcoat it for anybody else," she says, "I do take a lot of things that he says on the show and use that advice."
Shelley says that if you do reach a plateau, it is important not to let it derail you. “Every day is a new day, that is the way I have approached it. There are days when you get off-track but I have never let myself regret it, I just start again that day,” she says.
Staying Motivated
Shelley says that to succeed, you need to keep your goal in mind at all times. “I have a clear goal so when I'm a restaurant I have no problem asking them for an alternative meal or to bring the fruit instead of desert and they are usually quite accommodating," she says.
Shelley says that she never focuses on the big numbers of how much weight she wants to lose, she just kept focusing on losing the next 5 pounds. "Because really, when you think about having to lose 150 pounds, it is a lot of weight and it is demoralizing to think of that," she says.
"I am also a little embarrassed to say that I have a screensaver of Paul Plakas looking right at me, so when I am tempted to eat something in my office that I shouldn't, there he is staring at me," says Shelley. She watches the show faithfully, and says that doing so motivates her. "Wanting to do better on the fitness test when Paul comes back here in six months is probably the biggest motivator", she says.
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Short term/Long term
Excellent approach to chunk it down into manageable pieces. With 120 lbs to lose the goal seems daunting but 5 does seem more doable.
What a great story
What a great tip to think just of the next five pounds! What an effort it must have been to get started but it shows that it does all start with the first step.
What an inspiration!
Congrats Shelley, you are an inspiration to everyone!
I go to both NuBody's and the
I go to both NuBody's and the Y. I like the comradrie of the staff at our Y but work in a building with a NUBOdy's so.. I LOVE the step class at noon and hit there before work in the mornings. The Y has GREAT specialty classes and trainers here so I split the difference
Good luck with your challenge - we will all be healthier in July :)
Congrats!
Amazing story - keep it up!
Trying hard - those last few
Trying hard - those last few popunds are the WORST!!!!
Shelley
Wow...thanks for sharing with us Shelley!
It only takes one person with a great story to keep us inspired and wanting to reach higher and farther to our goals!
I remember - that is still
I remember - that is still the first place I go when the new WW magazine comes in - when I first started i even googled for people with 150 pounds to lose - knowing someone did it made me feel better - like it wasn't such an insurmountable task
wow!
freaking fantastic!!
Ha Ha - thanks
Ha Ha - thanks
Wow and Congratulations!
You are a true inspiration. You are so right in that it's a life change. Not a short term goal, not a short term mission! You should be totally proud of yourself... and to maintain when at a plateau and then jumpstart yourself again is totally inspiring. Such a turn of events than to plateau and fall completely off and reverse all the efforts back to weight gains! Weigh to go!
Mary Lou - my Weight Watchers
Mary Lou - my Weight Watchers Coach said in a meeting - "every day is a new day;" and those are certainly the words I live by. It used to be that i would "start a diet on monday" or "well I blew it today (Monday) so I will start again next week" now - if I overindulge in the morning - I start over again as soon as I take my last swallow - and then I either hit the gym for penance or hit the supermarket for a salad in a bag :)
Amazing story!
Amazing story!
thanks - it is amazing even
thanks - it is amazing even to me when I read it !!
Great Job
Thanks for sharing your story Shelly. Wow you have done a great job. I love reading sucess stories it is keeping me motivated. Keep up the good work.
As I said to an earlier post
As I said to an earlier post - it is the first place i go everytime my WW magazine arrives. We alldo - that's why every diet aid and diet clinic show before and after pics LOL
WOW
Great job Shelly,
I read somewhere recently that in another decade 80% of U.S. population will be obese. I'm one of those. I want to turn it around for myself and having tried and failed before I want 2010 to be the year I get it right.
On Jan. 9 I was at my computer feeling awful about my weight and my life. Out of the blue I googled 'weight loss challenge 2010 Canada' and Xweighted popped up. I thought it was a divine sign. I tried to input my info. but couldn't then I saw that very day there was a weigh in in Calgary.
I dropped everything, hopped in my car and drove the 20 minutes to the Y in Calgary south.
I am so glad to be part of this community of people across Canada who want to get their lives back and one day perhaps we can share this journey with others.
I'm glad for the support that this on line challenge offers me and I'm feeling it, along with other support I'm taking advantage of, will get me to where I want to be which is healthy, fit and strong and having a better quality of life.
Good luck to you Shelly and good luck to us all!!!!!!!
Good for you - I know you can
Good for you - I know you can do it and 2010 will be your year to shine!! Just wiat til you get into a size smaller in clothing - YAY - an excuse to shop!
Great work Shelley!!
WOW! I'm glad we have you on our Saint John team! Thanks for your hard work helping with the event - keep taking care of yourself, can't wait to see you in July!
Hopefully you will see less
Hopefully you will see less of me LOL
SHE keeps me inspired!
Since meeting Shelley and her band of merry "losers", my weight loss journey has been infused with fun and great support. Shelley's determination and story has indeed been an inspiration for me! Plateaus can be killers and she's been there to keep me motivated! Thanks Shelley! Keep smiling! :-)
Sandra - it is you and the
Sandra - it is you and the others in the "merry band of losers" who keep me going every week - cheesh - who would want to miss that social experience
On a serious note - I really don't think I would have been this successful without the support group at the weight watchers meetings - just knowing someone else has "been there" is sometimes all you need I think
You Go Girl!!
You are an inspiration. Congratulations!!
thanks
thanks
My Personal Role Model & My Friend, Shelley
I met Shelley about a year and a half ago. She is my neighbour, she is my friend, and now she drives me to Weight Watchers every week. Shelley gave me the courage to get up off the sofa and now I am swimming 5 days a week, and making healthier choices. I have found a group of truly wonderful friends who .understand where I was, and where I am going. They are there to celebrate the victories and offer encouragement when it is hard to stay on track. The Ring Leader is of course my very valuable friend, Shelley. Well as of today 23 lbs off. I would not be on this journey if Shelley hadn't helped me find the way! Thank You.
Keep it up Pat - you are
Keep it up Pat - you are doing great and you are correct - our WW group ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My hero
Shelley - this picture of you in your big pants is going on as MY screensaver.
Michelle
P.S. You have my lifelong permission to continue to tell me the truth.
Michelle - when have I ever
Michelle - when have I ever sugar coated anything that came out of my mouth :)
Please turn your computer away from your door!!!!! that picture is a tad bit embarassing - although i think I may make a skirt out of one of the legs LOL
I was sitting in my office and I actually Laughed out Loud!!
When shelly said that she has a screen saver of Paul. What a fantastic idea!
Wow you are an amazing lady! Your story has helped me not cheat today!
I wish you continued success!
Thank you and I wish you the
Thank you and I wish you the same - that screen saveer - and now the screen saver on my phone really do serve as sober second thoughts for me
You are my inspiration!
Nice article Shelley!
You have been an inspiration in our meetings since day one. Your quest for knowledge about health and fitness has and the sharing of the information you find has helped many people in our weight watchers meeting room! I know you are proud of your weight-loss accomplishment and you should be!
You are MY inspiration!
ML
This is my WW leader ladies
This is my WW leader ladies adn she is one of the biggest factors in my success
She, Richard, my family and my great friends have kept me going in calm and rough waters - this is not a journey you want to do alone :)
Thank you!
Your story is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing it!
you are welcome - have to say
you are welcome - have to say it was a bit embarassing at first but heh - if it helps someone else feel as great as i do then.....
Shelley has ALWAYS been an inspiration
For those who don't know, Shelley has ALWAYS been an inspiration! From her position at the University of New Brunswick Saint John campus to her current spot with the province, Shelley has set a great example as a successful woman with a high profile career. And now, she is showing us that it's important to value one's health and physical condition as well! I have only known you very slightly, in my former job as a broadcaster in Saint John, but I am just so happy for you! Continued success in your professional AND personal lives! We need more women like you!
OK - I am blushing profusely
OK - I am blushing profusely - and for those who know me well that is tough to do
thanks for such nice compliments - I love my community and people so......
plus - as some of my friends would say misery loves miserable company and if i am going to the gym at 5:30 am someone better be coming with me :)
Amazing!
You are such an inspiration!
thanks
thanks
Fantastic...
Shelley, you've come a long way, baby!!! Fantastic accomplishment. I know you'll burst through the evil plateau.
fingers are crossed for a
fingers are crossed for a break thru tomorrow
Eliptical
Nice going Shelly, amazing transformation and good luck in the challange!
I am curious what Paul says about the eliptical. My Chiro is against them as well, but for different reasons I'm sure. He something about the posture you have while on the eliptical is not good and he has seen it lead to back and shoulders issues.
I haven't used the eliptical for awhile, but I always felt like it was a good workout.
elliptical
you can find out what Paul has to say about all cardio equipment on his website....there is alot of interesting stuff http://www.paulplakas.com/
Congratulations
Your story is a great inspiration to us all. Even though the total weight loss may seem slow, the new healthy habits are there to stay. You are a great example of what we can achieve if we continue and move on after setbacks.
Ihave learned that slow and
Ihave learned that slow and steady really does win the race. When it comes to weight loss there is no magic. it is as simplle as the balance between calories in and calories out
When done?
How do you know when you are to maintain?
Wow Great job!
Wow Great job!
thanks - this has been a
thanks - this has been a great boost to the ego i must say
Fantastic job!
you are doing great Shelley!
thanks for taking the time to
thanks for taking the time to comment - I really appreciate all of the support I have ooten from this story - gives me lots of motivation to keep on going
Congrats Shelley!
You're an inspiration to all of us. :-) Good luck with the rest of your journey.