After gaining the “freshman 15″ in college, I lost 25 pounds through 45-60 minute treadmill sessions five days a week and changing my diet. I knew the importance of weight training, but could never motivate myself to consistently lift weights. While losing the weight was fairly easy, maintaining proved a huge challenge. I kept regaining and losing about ten pounds. After eight years of this routine, even though I still watched my diet for the most part, even my daily dates with the treadmill could not stop the scale from creeping up.
When I first heard about the O15 Workout, I definitely had the “too good to be true” mentality. I was also concerned because I have a mild form of Cerebral Palsy (a neurological condition that affects the dexterity and strength in my right hand). Although it has never stopped me from performing physical tasks, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do the workout. My trainer Angelo put me at ease right away explaining that the exercises could be modified where needed while still reaping the benefits.
Okay, so even after Angelo enthusiastically explained the design and concept of the workout, I still thought, “yeah right, there is no way 15 minutes is going to do anything.” But since my traditional routine wasn’t cutting it anymore I thought, “Well, I’ve thrown money away before, I’ll satisfy my curiosity and try this for a month. When it doesn’t work I’ll go back to my old routine.”
I was wrong! Although I didn’t have much to lose to begin with, after eight weeks I lost seven pounds and eight inches overall. I feel stronger. I’ve gained muscle but have gone down a clothing size, all while keeping my same eating habits. I now run twice a week at most and my endurance and speed has improved. (I actually enjoy running now.)
The most exciting result has been the improvement in my legs. Like many women, I cringed at the sight of my cellulite-laden thighs. All my years of running had not changed their appearance much. I recently went on vacation and this was the first summer that I walked on the beach (in a bikini!) without a cover-up around my waist.
O15 really is an amazing workout. Yes, the 15 minutes are intense and some of the exercises do resemble medieval torture devices, but every second it worth it, and each session is over before you know it. Family and friends who once thought I was crazy have noticed the difference and are now asking me to show them how to do it.
