Jill Bernheimer’s Story
Name: Jill Bernheimer
Age: 44
Occupation: Entrepreneur (wine store owner)
Results: Jill lost 20lbs in 8 Weeks and has continued her success past camp by losing another 10lbs. She’s maintained this 30lb weight loss for over a year.
Children: No
How much weight did you lose?: During #8weeks I lost about 20 pounds. In the 8 weeks that followed, about the same — so 30 pounds weight loss over the course of four+ months.
Why did you do it? I wasn’t feeling great about my body or my spirit. I felt tired too much of the time, and started to feel ‘old’ physically and mentally. I was looking for a something that would get me back on a path toward being more energetic and full of life, and when I heard Lacey’s announcement for her program, I had a feeling it was the right fit.
What was your greatest Challenge? I work in the food and wine business, so consumption is part of my profession. I really had to re-conceive how I approached eating and drinking, as I too often used the excuse that I was professionally obligated to overindulge. During those first eight weeks, I learned how to say no altogether. After that, I adjusted and learned to consume in a more healthy and comfortable manner. This means I now eat out less; it also means I don’t eat that entire extra dish that a chef friend might send over to my table, or drink that extra glass of wine or two the sommelier pours for me. My table-mates certainly benefit from my moderation, though!
What was your greatest success? I’m of course happy to have lost the weight (actually more than my goal, which had been 20 pounds). But two things have been more important to me than the weight loss. First, although I haven’t lost any additional weight for more than 6 months now (I’ve remained stable at 30 pounds down), my body has changed much more dramatically during this time than during those first 4 months — I’ve become leaner and more fit than I’ve ever been in my life. Second, I feel much stronger emotionally than I have in years. This, I think, is more important for me than any physical changes I’ve experienced.
Would you recommend it to others and why? Of course! I have become a big advocate for Lacey’s program which is not a diet, a temporary fix, or a fad workout. It’s really a lifestyle, and I’ve found it incredibly maintainable (granted I’m slightly compulsive). This is now just how I live my life now, and I budget time into my daily routine for exercise — without fail — even though I have a demanding job. In fact, I feel much more energized and focused during the work day than I used to, now that I work out consistently, and work out hard.
What’s something you learned that you didn’t expect to learn? I was a varsity athlete in college (lacrosse). I honestly didn’t realize how much I missed being part of a team. When you work out with Lacey, whether in #8weeks, at Flywheel, or #7days, you immediately feel that you are part of something bigger than yourself, that you have a coach and advocate, and that you’re surrounded by teammates who have your back. Not feeling alone in the process was instrumental for me, and I’m so happy to be part of a team again. Many of us continue to work out together as well as socialize.
Would you do it again, or do you need to do it again? I’m not sure I need to do #8weeks again since I’ve reached all my weight loss goals and have been able to maintain them for nearly a year now. That being said, I will never pass up the opportunity to do bootcamp style workouts with Lacey when they arise, in whatever format, and I have recommended her to everyone who has asked me how I was able to get so fit over the past year. I’ve had many trainers over the years, but nobody who is as keyed in to the individual needs of her clients, both physically and emotionally, as Lacey is. She’s the tops. (I was not paid to say any of this, I swear!)
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