Wow, what can I say? I can’t believe we are in the home stretch of this “competition” already. I use the term competition lightly because it hardly feels like we are against each other, but more as a team working together. I know the other “losers” have said similar things in their blogs, but we have become so close over the past few weeks that I want nothing but to see each of them succeed. 

 

I must say that I feel fantastic! I have so much more energy and I now know I can do things that I never thought possible (such as a spinning class!). I have gained strength and balance, and lost a couple of pounds along the way too. The results that I have seen far outweigh anything that I ever thought I could do. I have lost weight in the past and gone up and down, but I feel better than I ever have before. I can see my body transforming and I now have muscle in places I didn’t even know were there!

 

I have to thank some people who have been more than instrumental in my transformation thus far… I wouldn’t have come as far as I have without the support of the other contestants – especially Adam. He is such an awesome guy and the most dedicated person I have ever met. He keeps me motivated during our group classes and always has something positive to say. Also, I have to give huge appreciation to my trainer, Peter.  The best part of this competition has been working with him. He pushes me beyond my limits physically and keeps me constantly laughing during our sessions. He is fantastic to work with and has given me so much knowledge about my body and what is truly best for me. I love working with him and couldn’t have asked for a better trainer and friend. The staff at Popeye’s is fabulous. Everyone from the people at the front desk making shakes, the trainers, our instructors (I love you LuAnn and Danny!), Wes, the whole crew are wonderful. Everyone always greets me with a warm smile and encouragement, what a great facility! Also, to the Beat – thanks for the great shout-outs and making me feel “famous”!   

 

Last but not least, I want to thank my family and my friends for supporting me through this journey. I know that I am not always easy to live with and that I can get easily discouraged… my support system is phenomenal. My fiancé, Aaron, has been my rock as always and even more so since this began. He understands what I am going through and always knows what to say to make me feel strong and beautiful. I know that I still have a long way to go before I achieve my goals, but with him by my side I know that anything is possible. We are down to 125 days til the wedding and I can’t wait to be on the beach with my hot bod!!

 

Natalie Helm