In December 2007, I was in the worst shape of my life. The scale topped out at 189 and I was wearing a size 14. People were asking me when the baby was due. On December 4, 2007, I had my wake-up call during an appointment with my physician. I left the doctor’s office in tears, determined to get fit and healthy. I started Weight Watchers, joined Lifetime Fitness, and began working out with a personal trainer. While I made significant progress, the real shift occurred when I began working with David in August 2008.

Over the past two years, I have watched – no, I have MADE – my body do some amazing things. David helps me set specific goals and then challenges me in ways that I would never challenge myself. Working out on my own, I would have never thought I could build up to leg-pressing almost 700 lbs! Working out with David goes beyond the hour-long session. He helped me develop a cardio program that I can fit into my daily routine and that also works toward my goals.

Beyond exercise, David has incorporated nutritional guidelines into our work together. I left Weight Watchers when it became apparent that it didn’t take into consideration the significant muscle mass that I’d built up. (“Overweight” when, at 5’5”, I was fitting into size 4 pants and had 18% bodyfat? I don’t think so!) However, I continue to be held accountable for my food choices, which I report via my daily food logs. There’s still the support for “clean” food choices, with David providing constructive feedback, praise, and motivation. I must admit that I am comforted to know that there’s NO WAY I can eat as much as David does for a “cheat” meal! I know that, even if I don’t make the best choices over a weekend or while on vacation, I can always return to my “clean” eating habits and reclaim the progress that’s been made.

Training is something I look forward to. I derive a great sense of accomplishment and empowerment from each session. Given that I’m a psychologist, I tend to view exercise as a therapeutic process, and sessions with David are my own weekly therapy. I’m given permission to make myself a priority and David is there to see that I’m taking care of myself.

The best motivation has been the change I’ve seen in myself. I’ve lost nearly 50 lbs and maintained it. My body fat percentage is down to 16% – half of what it used to be. I’m wearing a size 4, and sometimes even a size 2. I even have been seen wearing a bikini in public! I could never have achieved this without David’s guidance, motivation and interest in my achievements.

In my opinion, there’s never an end to this quest. Although I’ve achieved many of my goals, I know the importance of continuing to challenge myself. (Like laundry, exercise and nutrition are never done!) However, I can honestly say that I am stronger, fitter and in the best shape I have ever been!

Thanks, David, for helping make this journey possible!

Elspeth Bell