Robin's Road: Different Strokes

I have never been a runner. Even when I was young and thin and cute, I was never any good at running. But I tried to be. 

My first two years of high school gym class consisted of trips to the track three days a week throughout most of the year. We had to run or walk a mile -- four laps total. I would push myself to run two laps straight before walking the rest. 

Sometimes I'd get really masochistic and run the last half lap, too. This probably wasn't the best idea for me considering I was living in a house with toxic mold at the the time, which I later learned was the cause of my many respiratory infections and my current state of lung damage. But smart or not, I still did it.

Out of my adventures in high school gym class I learned two things: I hate running, and I can walk forever. I am a walker by nature and have stuck to this path for many, many years now. 

So, you can imagine my thoughts when Paul tells me I have to run on the treadmill during my Wednesday training session. In the words of my tween daughter (which she stole from some tweeny TV show), "You say what now?" 

Robin's Road: Taking the Leap

Name: Robin Kavanagh Matthews

Age: 32

Weight: 225.5 (down from 238 one year ago)

Cholesterol: 222

BP: 130/80

Time to Complete Paul's Initial Workout: 11 mins, 27 secs

Me surrounded by my two girls and husband.

Okay. I know I just violated a ton of "girl"rules by disclosing all of this information to the world. But I'm okay with that if it means my experience can help others find it in them to take control of their lives and their health. 

I know that committing to improving your health is tough to do and even harder to stick with. Exercise can be boring, hard, and time consuming. But for years, I've known that strength training is the key to making every minute in the gym count. I just never had the means to really pursue it properly, or the money to pay a personal trainer three times per week to kick my butt into gear.

I do now with Paul and Category Five Fitness. Every week, I'll be sharing my experience working out with Paul at Category Five Fitness in Fitness Zone. Why? I'm an overweight, overworked, overstressed mom of two who needs to make a serious change to combat a metabolic disease that has already nearly cost me a pregnancy, years of poor body image, energy, and some of my good health. If I can fit in the time and go through Paul's regimen to strengthen my body and improve my health, anyone can do it.

So, here's my story. 

Another Amazing Testimonial!

On Aug 1st I made the best change in my life. I started to train with Paul LaFrance. In the beginning I was nervous and scared but Paul took care of that real quick. He noticed that I was a Yankee fan sooo of course he had to talk the talk because he's a Red Sock's fan. After the first week my confidence was building and I was always looking forward to the next workout with him. Now I'm in it exactly a month and i've lost 10lbs or more, lost some inches, and gained muscle!!! I'm also completely pain free!! I didn't notice the results at first but now I can see it and I absolutely love it!! Now I have to work out!! I'm completely addicted to training with Paul. He knows that I will reach my goal, he's very positive, and motivating!!! Paul is not only changing my body but he's changing my whole self. I'm beginning to love ME! (which never happened before) I'm looking forward to the next couple of months because I know that eventually I will reach my goal. There's no doubt in my mind. I am officially a lifer for Category Five Fitness thanks to PAUL!!! HE'S THE ABSOLUTE BEST #1 ON THE BEACH!!!

Thanks, Lyndsay. You are an Inspiration to us all!