Emily Gibson

My name is Emily Gibson. I am a Court Reporting Student from Warren, Ohio. I teach swim lessons at a local pool club all year for the last 10 years which I love. It makes me feel great to see the reactions from my students when they have done something for the first time they didn't think they could do whether it's going underwater or blowing bubbles. I coudn't imagine my life without being in a pool. I can't stress the importance of learning how to swim.

I live at home with my mother, my golden Lola and my bad kitty Sophie. I have a sister who is a fitness guru, model, business owner and my biggest motivation. I don't know what I would do without my family. I sure couldn't reach my goals without them! 

Recently, I have been getting emails about how I've imspired people to make healthy changes in their lives! I would do anything to help someone reach their goal, big or small. It keeps me motivated to challenge myself!

WP: What percent of body fat did you begin with? 48%

WP: What percent of body fat do you have at the present? 21%

WP: How many pounds of muscle did you gain? I couldn't tell you. My transformation was more focused on losing bodyfat.

WP: Did you decide to go with a Personal Trainer, self knowledge, or a gym? I do my own thing at the gym. I started going into the aerobics room and setting up stations, every 30 seconds or 1 minute, then move on to the next one. Then I will add cardio, abs and weight training.

WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone? I have a huge support group! Once I lost all the weight people were interested in how and wanted to workout with me. So I have built a lot of healthy relationships with some great people! You know who you are!

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform? I would say a break up. I was in a relationship for 6 years when it ended a year ago. After that, I wasn't in my comfort zone anymore. I didn't know what to do with all these feelings I had flying around in my head daily.  I didn't feel sexy or motivated. I was in a hole with no sign of light. So I started going to the gym more and more. I always have been a big girl, I knew this would be one of the biggest challenge in my life. I needed to make the changes for my life.

WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation? My biggest challenge was my eating habits! I got to a point where I hit a wall. I wasn't losing anymore weight. So my sister introduced me to protein drink that tastes like a cake/vanilla, delicious. I mix fruits and vegetables with almond milk for a meal, twice a day with 2 snacks and a normal dinner. It has helped me lose 50 pounds. I am not someone who makes breakfast or lunch, for me this works. I am always on the run. I like the quick meals knowing I'm getting the right amount of protein, vitamins and nutrients throughout the day without eating all the food to equal what Visalus has to offer.

WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused? If I haven't seen you in awhile. You probably won't recognize me! I get a lot of attention that I'm not used to. It feels good to get attention when you know you have worked your butt off to get where you are. Whether its old friends reaching out to you or creepers. The other day I was pumping gas and I had some guys in a truck shout, "MILF" at me! I'm like... really? How embarrassing! You know it was directed to you when you are the only one at the gas station. Then I thought to myself, do I look like a mom or whats the problem here? My Honda Element? Anyways, it was funny!

WP: Do you believe that people can spot reduce? No, Contrary to what the infomercials suggest there is no such thing as spot reduction. Fat is lost throughout the body in a pattern dependent upon genetics, sex (hormones), and age. Overall body fat must be reduced to lose fat in any particular area. Although fat is lost or gained throughout the body it seems the first area to get fat, or the last area to become lean, is the midsection (in men and some women, especially after menopause) and hips and thighs (in women and few men). Sit-ups, leg-hip reaises, leg raises, hip adduction, etc. will only exercise the muscles under the fat.

WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a standstill in your progress? Absolutely, we all hit walls. It took me a couple years to take off my first 50. Then I knew I had to make some small changes. Believe it or not they go a LONG way! I've realized nothing tastes as good as being fit feels.

WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation? It took a couple years for the first 50. I was up and down. I was now down to 200 pounds. Then a couple months ago I started using a protein dietary replacement meal and dropped my last 50, I have been toning and doing cardio leaving at 150 pounds currently.

WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?

Mon-Wed-Fri     Aerobics Room Bootcamp - example: 1. light jog 1 min 2. floor pops x20 3. mud runs 1 min 4. jumping jacks 1 min 5. air jacks x20 6. leg in-n-outs 1 min 7 pushup burpee x10 ( I'll do this 3 times maybe changing up some exercies) followed by 20 minutes of 1 minute sprints on the treadmill.

Tues-Thurs-Sat   Cardio any machine, bike ride, or swimming.

WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us? I have a shake, snack, shake, snack and then a normal dinner.

WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation? I've accomplished to have the life I've always wanted. I've lost 100 pounds and gained the motivation to live the life I want!

WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives? It always seems impossible until it's done. If you start now you'll start seeing results one day earlier then if you wait until tomorrow. Start today!

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them? I try not to think about my strengths and weaknesses. When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you will be successful. I have no goal, I just keep doing what I'm doing with no regrets or excuses.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts? We all have our days we are tired or feel like being lazy but I make it a point to just get up and go to the gym everyday. I have everything ready to go in the morning. It doesn't matter what day or time. I just go. Even if I go and just walk on the treadmill. I make it a mandatory task everyday!

WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program? Sometimes I get discouraged but I never it let take over. I keep my head up high and reach out to my friends and family for motivation when I need it. I make fitness dates with my friends, it always seems to go by faster and I always work harder with a buddy.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you? The results I get. The people that reach out to me. It's nice to know you're not alone!

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It's just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha. I download music ALL THE TIME. DAILY. I love having music that keeps me going in the car or gym. Good tunes = Good workout! I love rap music!

WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years? I've changed alot over the years. I used to be a poor, overweight, sad and mean person. I didn't care about anything and it was miserable. I have been through alot of hardships with deaths in my family that took a toll on my emotions like you wouldn't imagine. I ate my feelings. I had a gym membership for years and never used it. I had all the answers right in front of me. I just had to open my eyes to find my way.

WP: Any shout outs? I want to shout out to my sister! Rebecca, thank you for everything you have done for me over the years and I'm sorry I didn't listen sooner. You motivate me to be the best me I can be. I don't know where I would be in my life today without you. You truely inspire me to inspire others. I love you so much!

WP: What were you like in high school? I am pretty funny but bullies would get the best of me. I had people who always thought it was funny to make fun of me but the funny thing is I would kick your ass. I was always on the defense. I had no protection or confidence about myself. It was my way of telling people to back off! As I got older, I realized that those people who were mean to me back in the day aren't worth my energy. My heart sinks because you never know what is going on in their life to want to make you feel so badly about yourself. Not everyone has a strong backbone and you have to watch what you say to people. There is no excuse for being a jerk. 

WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them? Almond milk, fruits, veges, rice, potatoes for the most part. Oh, and my shakes!

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find? Nothing! That's why I have a gym membership!

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness? I am a artist! I paint pictures for anyone! I have some custom designs on my FB page (SNARKYART) Like my page! Check out my pictures!

WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique? I am just going to keep going. I have been thinking about becoming a personal trainer, doing a trialtholon, and competiting in my first bikini competition in the winter! Many things are brewing!

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world? I paint, bike ride, kayak, movies, short weekend trips, swimming and listen to music. I try to get everything done during the day. I would much rather get up earlier and relax at night.

WP: Tell me about your family. My family is amazing! Rebecca Black (my sister) owns a gym in Columbus, Ohio. Check her out Bexa Body Fitness on FB. My mother is my best friend and has been doing the 90 day challenge with me also. She is down 50 pounds too! We are all very close to each other. They have helped me achieve my goals and I can't thanks them enough!

WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life? I've improved my attitude about myself. Everyone's biggest dissability in life is their attitude. I got rid of the people in my life that brought me down. At first I was upset until I realized I made some great new friends and fans that support me and my lifestyle. Life is so much easier without all the drama. I hope the best for everyone but some people you can't help. I haven't been this happy in a long time.

WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview? 

 You are the only one that can do it. I would also like to thank World Physique Magazine for chosing me for the Promoting Greatness Transformation of the Month of August! It feels great to know that people do care and recognize you for working hard!

WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our Transformation of the Month. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.