by Kim Lung, NY
Dear Alan,
I wanted to take the time to let you know what my experience
at Green Mountain has done for me. Now that I'm settled
back at home, I can really see the transformation in my attitude
and dedication to better the body that I'm in. My co-workers
comment all the time how “different” I seem and
they don't know how right they are. I have struggled
with my weight on and off for about 15 years and I never thought
I would be able to conceive of a path that would eventually
lead me out of this weight trap I have been in. I always thought
that “diets” were my only option and that if I
could not do them perfectly I was doomed to failure. I remember
well the night when I started my final search for a way out.
I feel the need to share it so you can better understand where
I was before I can tell you where I am.
I was fresh out of failing at another diet attempt
and bemoaning a 5lb weight gain above what I had
started the diet at. I was watching late night TV and an infomercial
came on about the Scooter Store where you can buy scooters
for limited mobility. With my knee issues and aches and pains
I knew that eventually mobility would become a problem. They
had the very large woman smiling in her scooter and all at
once I had this horrible feeling that I was doomed to be that
woman in that chair. The woman that everyone tries hard not
to look at, but always notices. The one that little kids make
fun of. The one that is so weak and such a looser that she
ate her way into a chair and everyone who looks at her knows
why she is there. I became so certain of my fate and so horrified
at the thought of it that I could not change the channel and
continued to watch the program and see myself in it. The fear
and depression is something I hope you never know yourself.
I can only say it was the most horrific night of my life.
After some tears and tissues I got onto the computer
looking for a solution. I spent the next 6 months
researching programs...I called each and every program...All
those places were missing something...there was no program
to help you take what you learn back to your home.
It was in this area that Green Mountain was different.
When I called I got all my questions answered. Someone
actually called me back to ask ME some questions and follow
up with me. I spoke to Lynn Ann and found out that she was
extremely concerned with being able to take the program home.
I got some alumni contacts and when I contacted them they
all said that the program was the best decision they had ever
made. They gave me additional alumni contacts and I think
I have spoken to about 30 alumni total and they are still
e-mailing me as I type this letter.
When I got to Green Mountain I was very nervous because
I felt that this was my last chance at getting healthy.
I felt if I failed there was nothing left. Right away I felt
at ease during orientation when Lynn Ann explained some of
the program and her enthusiastic personality was a real spirit
lifter. During the next few days I began to realize how black
and white my attitude was towards food, my self image, my
meal choices and just about everything else in my life. I
didn't need to change who I was, I needed to change
what I was doing. The program allows you to understand how
you can help yourself regardless of your lifestyle or time
availability. The workshops on stress, nutrition and body
image were very informative. The classes give you tools, not
theories. The team works together to find a way to fit an
exercise that you like into your life. The eating plan was
so simple. No restrictions, just some common sense.
The most important revelation to me was in regards
to metabolism and how dieting actually helps make you fatter
and how it lowers your ability to burn fat in the first place.
So much of my former failures began to make sense. Understanding
why I failed was such a wonderful eye opener for me. I had
a reason why. I had a solution to the problem in front of
me. All I had to do was put it into practice Being able to
start my new routine while at Green Mountain was a great plus
for me. It put me into the habit and once my body got over
the initial shock of becoming active, I began to enjoy it.
Lynn Ann is a wonderful inspiration and she really cares about
making fitness fun. She gave me the motivation and support
I needed to really get into the physical part of the program.
I discovered exercises that I loved. Snow shoeing, the fitball.
Even the recumbent bike. Having some physical restrictions
was not a problem at all. All the modifications I needed,
I got. Lynn Ann's wonderful sense of humor really made
the classes exciting and I almost started to enjoy abs. The
food was wonderful and after some initial adjustment by Robyn
I don't remember ever feeling hungry or deprived. Losing
those inches without being hungry….I still have trouble
processing that one!
Some of the most surprising aspects of the program
where the relaxation classes and the Kripalu Danskinetics
classes. Initially being the stress monger that I
am, I scoffed at the idea of relaxation and getting in touch
with your body and how it moves. Being the good student however,
I attended the classes and discovered a part of myself I never
knew was missing. Teri is the most wonderful instructor and
I cannot say enough about her and her positive influence on
everyone that comes within 20 feet of her. She is the most
calming, open and caring person that I have ever met and her
dedication to the women of Green Mountain is beyond description.
Please convey to her my heartfelt thanks for helping me become
a better, more positive person. Her classes are cathartic
and so much a part of helping me change my perspective. Mimi
and Teri's group classes were also very helpful. Being
part of a group of women talking about what makes us all tick
was very interesting. Mimi's calm and quite personality
really gives you permission to say anything and her non judgmental
attitude really allowed many women to let go and not be afraid.
I found so much kinship with the women I met there.
I never want to go back to where I've been
and I don't think I ever will. Green Mountain
has given me the road map back to better health and a happier
life as a whole. Each day I get a bit better and I love the
way that feels. I can eat what I like and I enjoy being active
again. I don't have to punish myself if I have an imperfect
day. Every activity puts me farther away from what I don't
want to be and closer to what I do want to be. I understand
what I need to do and I have the tools to do it. For the first
time in years I'm starting to like what I see reflected
in the eyes of the people that care about me. For that I am
truly grateful. Your program saved my life and I cannot express
the level of my gratitude and respect in words.
Alan, my thanks are not enough. Please give all my admiration,
love and respect to yourself and your entire staff.
Love, Kim Lung
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