Janine Williams
Transformation of the Month - June 2011
Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Nominated by: Jermaine Reid
I must warn you up front that this story is both very positively and negatively touching. You will feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster ride. What you will read is a story of a 51 year old woman’s personal struggles and upsetting challenges in her life to finally lose 123 pounds. Some areas of her story are really sad and graphic, while other areas are triumphal and joyful. Share with us this inspirational and motivational transformation story of Janine Williams.
Janine Williams was born and raised in a middle class neighborhood in West Philadelphia. She was made to attend private school for the first eight years of her life. However, as the education may have been good, the children she knew were brutal. “For some reason, they (children) loved to pick on the chubby little girl with pigtails and glasses. They were always cruel to me, constantly teasing me, because I was overweight. They called me “four eyes”, because I had to wear glasses. It didn’t seem to matter what school I went to or how old I was. The same mean harassment followed me throughout my high school years. I even attended an all-girls high school. My mother made my clothes when I was in high school and I was ridiculed, belittled and teased mercilessly; in my mind they were just pure evil. They would peek over the stall when I was in the ladies room and throw paper. When I would walk down the hall, they would purposely step on the backs of my heels just to try to get a reaction from me. I never took the bait, which made me an easy target for bullies. Not only because my clothes were handmade, but again, because I was overweight. To them I was an enigma; someone that had to pay for being different. They made my self-esteem gradually disintegrate into oblivion. I used to walk with my head down watching my feet, taking one step at a time, always afraid of falling and feeling unworthy of looking at people in the eye”, remembers Janine. It’s sad that this is allowed in our school systems; still, even in these days.
In her senior year of high school, her family moved to upstate Pennsylvania. By then, she had a boyfriend who promised to wait for her. He invited her to his senior prom and Janine felt compelled to lose weight fast. “I went on a starvation diet for three months and dropped 40 pounds. It was a drastic and very unhealthy way to lose weight, but I wanted to go back to Philly and show them all that I didn’t have to be that “fat chick” they had ridiculed before”, stated Janine.
She went to the prom looking pretty good, as she had lost 40 pounds. People gave her compliments and it felt good for a little while. Later that night, her boyfriend broke up with her and said that he had met someone else but, he didn’t want to spoil the prom and waited to tell Janine afterwards. “So, let me get this straight. I starved myself for 3 months, became thinner but unhealthy, and I still didn’t get the guy? Life was just so unfair”, says Janine.
Two years later, she met her husband, but to make matters worse, she still never found her self-esteem. It was out there floating somewhere between her and limbo. She was naive and looking for someone to just love her for her. She became a people pleaser.
Needless to say, she was very unhappy with negative things happening to her by her husband, in which she could not control, and the marriage took its toll on her and her weight. Janine explained these happenings in detail, but its better off we don’t display them. She explained it as very rough and hard time in her life. She gained more than twice the amount of weight she was already toting. She had reached her breaking point. With a divorce in the works, she tipped the scales at 330 pounds. “I woke up one day, looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the reflection”, says Janine.
She decided to really do something about her weight, finally. She hired a personal trainer and started the long road to getting fit and eating healthy. She had many bumps in that initial road. Starting, but not totally following through. She would make excuses why she couldn’t work out and going against her diet; eating things she knew that she shouldn’t. How many of you reading this has been through this cycle before?
“I didn’t become truly dedicated until two phone calls came through. First, my mother and brother developed diabetes late in life. I knew that I could be next. I didn’t want to be old and have to rely on medication to survive every day.”
“Second, the man that I was dating for 6 years had decided that he was unhappy with my weight and left me for a thin 20 year old. That was the final nail in my unhealthy lifestyle coffin. I started working out five days, progressing to six days a week. I changed my eating habits. I re-hired my original trainer. I got advice from personal trainers and people in the fitness world. I networked and associated with people of like mind. I was determined not to be defeated again. No more excuses, ever”, Janine said with determination all over her face.
Thus far, she had lost a whopping 123 pounds, but she is not at her ultimate goal yet. Her trainer says that she has about 37 pounds to go. Her goal is to be no more than ten percent body fat. She is 51 years young now and states that she has never felt better. “I now eat to live, not live to eat. I will reach my goal and I will succeed in my aspirations. So, let it be written. So, let it be done”, bellows Janine!
How many of you reading this right now has went through a similar experience? Janine is here to motivate and inspire you to change your life now…before it’s too late. Finish reading this amazing, tear jerking story through the interview below:
"...It has made me try to be an inspiration to others to get fit and health conscious, and to not give up or make excuses. I have people telling me that I inspire them. That they got up this morning and worked out because of me and my journey, or an inspirational saying I posted on Facebook. I am thinking, "Wow, me?""
WP: What percent of body fat did you begin with?
When I first started, I was over 60 percent body fat.
WP: What percent of body fat do you have at the present?
I am currently at 35.7 percent body fat.
WP: How many pounds of muscle did you gain?
I am unable to accurately determine; however, my LBM (Lean Body Mass) is 135.07 lbs.
WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?
I did it alone then, as time went on, I did find motivational support through other fitness oriented people.
WP: That must have been a very difficult and scary time in your life. What made you decide you were ready to transform?
I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. When I looked in the mirror and did not recognize the reflection staring back at me; I knew that I deserved a better, healthier life and I was not someone’s doormat. The decision came when I finally started to love myself.
WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?
There was more than one. My degenerative disc in my back was so severe at times that I could not walk. Subsequently, it required six epidurals and a burning of the nerve endings before I was better. I also have a torn meniscus in my right knee. I am temporarily restricted from doing any high impact exercises until I have surgery.
WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time?
Yes, I did. I took Body Ignition; a fat burner, metabolism controller, appetite regulator and energy booster. That is what helped me over a six month plateau. Body Mortar CF, which is a BCAA Muscle recovery supplement. Supreme protein bars (15g.) In addition, I took daily multiple vitamins for women 50+, Potassium Gluconate (99mg.) which is very helpful for the muscle cramps. And I used Isopure Zero Carb Dutch chocolate protein powder.
WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.
In the beginning, I lived on the treadmill, bike and elliptical. Getting my cardio in and heart rate stable was essential. As I was able to do more, I incorporated weights. I, now, combine the following programs: Tibata, Interval, weights, aerobics, boxing and cardio.
WP: You described a horrible childhood growing up, which lead into your adult life. What type of positive effects has your transformation caused?
It has made me try to be an inspiration to others to get fit and health conscious, and to not give up or make excuses. I have people telling me that I inspire them. That they got up this morning and worked out because of me and my journey, or an inspirational saying I posted on Facebook. I am thinking, “Wow me?” It’s an amazing feeling to know that you are helping and inspiring others to complete their goals, and to know that I made a difference in someone’s life. I also have been getting a good amount of attention from men. It can become overwhelming at times as I am still trying to get used to it. That is still surreal to me, but I guess it could be worse. I could have no attention at all! (smile)
WP: From what you have learned so far, do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’?
I won’t say it is impossible, but I think it is very difficult for most people. I don’t believe that reducing fat from a specific area of the body, spot reduction, is possible by exercising that body part alone. Instead, fat is lost from the entire body as a result of diet and regular exercise. Muscle tone in the abdominal area does not reduce fat in that area. Instead, being on a caloric deficit is what I recommend for reducing abdominal fat. However, I do know of one person who was able to achieve it. I have not been able to thus far.
WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a ‘stand still’ in your progress?
Oh, yes! When pre-menopause started; this caused weight fluctuation, mood swings and water retention. It was the dreaded plateau. I had gone for almost 6 months without moving the scale in either direction. That was very frustrating beyond comprehension.
WP: What did you do differently to overcome?
I went to my doctor and he prescribed a hormone replacement and estrogen medication. I also changed my exercise routine, since the body goes through muscle recognition. I altered my diet to more lean protein, eliminated cheese and no carbs at night. I was eating carbs and fruit at the wrong time of day. I joined myfitnesspal.com, so I could accurately keep track of my calories. I also was introduced to a product called Body Ignition; a fat burner, metabolism controller, appetite regulator and energy booster. That is what helped me over the plateau. I was so impressed that I gave it a glowing review and that review is featured on the www.911strong.com website.
WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?
My total transformation is not complete, but from the time that I started to become really serious about weight loss and what I have completed so far, it has taken a little more than three years.
WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?
My workouts are after work, after 5pm.
Monday: Chest/Triceps @ 10-12 reps
Chest: Bench press - @ 4 sets and Push-ups @4 sets
Triceps: Dumbbell kickbacks @ 4 sets and Triceps push-down @ 4 sets
Reverse Triceps push-down - @ 4 sets and Dip machine a@ 4 sets
Cardio: 35 min @ 15 minute incline walk and 20 minutes elliptical
Tuesday: Legs/Abs @ 12-15 reps
Legs: Leg press @ 4 sets, leg extension @ 4 sets, calf raises @ 4sets and abductor @4 sets
Abs: Crunches @ 4 sets for 15-20 reps, leg raises @ 4 sets for 15-20 reps and side crunches @ 4 sets for 15-20 reps. *No more than 30 second rest between sets on abs.
Cardio: 35 minutes; same as Monday.
Wednesday: Back /Biceps @ 10-12 reps
Back: Lat pull down @ 4 sets and pull-up machine @ 4 sets
Biceps: Dumbbell curls @ 3 sets, seated EZ-bar curls @ 3 sets, standing cable bicep curl @ 3 sets and inside grip bicep curl @ 3 sets * 4 exercises so only 3 sets each.
Cardio: 35 minutes; same as Mon & Tues.
Thursday: Cardio
Cardio for 60 minutes; 20 minutes @ high intensity walk on incline, 15 minutes @ low intensity bike and 25minutes @ high intensity walk
Friday: Off
Saturday:
Stretching and 60 minutes cardio; 30minuntes @ incline walk and 30 minutes on elliptical
Sunday: Abs Cardio
60 min cardio; 30minutes incline walk and 30 minutes elliptical
WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?
Breakfast: 2 cups Special K cereal with 1 cup skim milk or soy milk and banana, coffee no sugar.
Snack: Organic Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tbsps. Just bunches cereal.
Lunch: 5-6 oz. boneless chicken breast or Tilapia filet or solid white tuna, brown rice or baked sweet potato or salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Pre-workout snack: 1/2 whole wheat bagel and boiled egg or peanut butter.
Post workout snack: Protein bar
Dinner: 6 oz. of any lean protein meat or fish, green vegetable, usually broccoli or green beans. Diet green tea with ginseng. I drink no less than 64 oz. of water a day.
WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?
I have accomplished by being honored by being named “June’s Transformation of the Month”. Also, I would say that I finally found my long lost self-esteem. I am healthier than I have ever been. I always look at the glass half full, instead of half empty. I have a positive outlook on life and health and fitness. My oldest son adopted my healthy life style and hired a personal trainer and changed his eating habits and is now on the road to a healthy life style because of my influence. That makes me feel great.
WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?
First, you have to want it more than anything. You have to be ready to make this a life style change and commit for life. I say, “You must put it in your mind before you can trim that behind.” You have to be willing to make sacrifices and become creative with meals, when the wallet won’t allow otherwise. Align yourself with others that want the same. “Association breeds assimilation.” Keep a positive attitude. You are going to have bad days but they will pass and you just get right back on that horse and keep riding to your dream. If you say you can then you will. If you say you can’t then you won’t. I say, “Yes, you can; if you want it bad enough!”
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?
As I am still 37 pounds away from my goal, the better strength would be my arms. My inner thighs and lower abs are my weakness. My trainer is designing a different muscle confusion routine for me to help with those sections. As I drop more weight, this should become easier to sculpt and tone. I have also added more cardio to my workouts.
WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your work outs?
When I had reached several plateaus during the course of my weight loss, I wanted to give in to the comfort food. It was calling my name at night. That also was my biggest problem, but I told myself that I did not come this far to give in to temptation now.
WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?
There are so many different programs and routines that you can do to stay fit. The diversity of programs that are available today is amazing. There are also free classes given if you look for them. The extraordinary things that the human body can do, always amazes me.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I still have trouble looking people in the eyes when we are having a conversation. I am still working on that. I get nervous speaking before a group of people.
WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?
I have found and reclaimed my self-esteem. I know that I have to love myself first before I can love others and I do love me now. I realize that I am not worthless and unlovable and that those that made me feel that way are the ones to be pitied. I like the way my clothes fit and how I look in them. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 14. When I reach my goal I am sure I will love it even more. I love the way I feel after a great workout. The endorphin rush is not to be described, but must be experienced, to truly know how it feels. Fitness is not to be feared, but revered. I love being healthy. I am a new woman.
WP: Any shout outs?
I would like to thank my friend Jermaine Reid, for his great advice, motivation and belief in me. To George Lambrecht, my trainer, affectionately known as the “Master Chief”, you’re the best! I want to thank Figure Competitors, Paula Hannah and Mary Kay Valenti, for their awesome inspiration. Last but not lease, I want to thank “Black Women Do Workout” Facebook page for the daily outstanding inspiration it provides to over 100,000 people daily.
WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?
You will find Soy milk, diet green tea, and cases of water, chicken, tuna, turkey, fish, oatmeal, peanut butter, salad, wheat bread, mustard, Protein powder, protein bars, and Body Mortar supplements.
WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?
You would find a weight bench with bar and weights, and a Shake Weight.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
I like to play pool, basketball watch movies, and work on my autobiography.
WP: I smell a book in the works. Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?
I would like to pursue a career in personal training and nutrition. I want to continue to help others that want to get fit. I would also like to be able to represent fitness and supplement companies as a spokesperson and model. I have thought about competing in my age range, but until I reach my goal, it remains just a possibility for now.
WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?
Being single and with grown sons, it’s not that hard. I am able to now have “doing me” time. I can put on a good movie, or a basketball game, or work on my book, and just chill out. My parents live in Florida, so I travel there twice a year for some rest, relaxation and awesome beach workouts!
WP: You have a special thanks you want to give. Now is the time.
I would like to give accolades to Michael Marciano, CEO of www.BigRigSupps.com. This is what he has to say about the inspiration for his products: "The voices of many in my surroundings inspired my company. They all asked for a simple supplement without all the over hype of a product. They wanted a product that was easy to read yet be very effective. And I decided to go ahead a do what they asked. The end result has proved it does work, listen to what customers want. I tell people in my own words, never give up living your dream."
There is a great line of supplements for the fitness conscious. He is the creator of Body Ignition, the only supplement that was able to blast me past that six month plateau. I use it before every workout and it is unbelievably effective. I can honestly say I dropped twenty pounds using Body Ignition. You can also find it at www.911strong.com. My review is featured here: 911strong.com/BodyIgnition.
WP: Tell me about your family.
I am blessed to have both my parents who reside in Florida. I have a younger brother who resides in Philadelphia. I have two sons from my first husband. I was divorced in 1998 and he died in 2006. I am currently single and not dating right now.
WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?
I have more confidence in myself and a new found self-esteem. I am not afraid to try something new. I have much respect for the people who work out on a consistent basis. It is a life change and almost like a second job. It is a life commitment that I ponder daily how I lived without. I am the healthiest that I have ever been in my life. I feel fabulous at 51!
WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story. Hopefully, I have inspired others to initiate a healthy life change and fitness routine. It will most definitely change your life!
WP: I am sure there will be many people reaching out to you once they read this interview. You are an amazing, strong, vibrant lady. 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.
Thank you so much!
