I weighed 232 lbs in December and now weigh 212 lbs.  I have changed my eating habits although I still find I am buying too many “snacks” with the intention of getting them for my husband because “he” likes them when it is in fact me that prefers that type or brand. I am keeping focused and tonight I have begun the bonus section of lower body exercises – I hated floor exercises before…one – because I had trouble getting down there and then back up and two – my knees always hurt so badly that I couldn’t kneel on them in order to do some floor exercises. Tonight I had neither of those situations! Thank you, thank you for your help and support. Looking forward to working out with you all year!”

Carole (Dayton, OH)

Mandy (Facebook fan)

I just started working out. I lost my mother a year ago April, and for an entire year my life consisted of work, hospital to visit her, home to eat, bed. My weight has gone to 306 lbs. and I’m tired, sore and unhappy. I joined a fitness center at a local church on Feb 6th, a week before my 55th birthday and I ride the recumbent bike. I am up to 1 hour,11.3 miles and 300 cal burned. So now I am ready to take it to the next level. I have better results on the bike than on the treadmill or elliptical. but I know that I now need some upper body and core work. That’s when I remembered that I have your DVD’s. Never even looked at them.

I knew from the time I pushed play you were just what I needed. Girl you are the bomb. (once I went on Facebook and saw that you are from Philly, there was my answer). I lived in Philly for 18 years and am homesick for Philly every day. :0). Thank you for creating workouts that us big girls can do. Even when we have to work up to complete, your knowledge and expertise are clear. (Reminding us to keep our hands open and not clinched to keep blood flow moving). Please keep making videos for us.”

Patty (Facebook fan)

Vencellia (Facebook fan)

I own hundreds of workout DVDs and can easily handle the intensity of advanced-level workouts.  However, after years of running and intense high impact stepping during the 90′s, I became prone to plantar fasciitis.  I now am more respectful toward my body and choose to do only low impact cardio. Your step aerobics are perfect because I can use more risers if I want advanced-level intensity, but there are no crazy pivots wreaking havoc on my feet or joints.  And, again — that music you use!  So much fun!”

A new fan,

Michelle (Atlanta, GA)

Tamyra

Bernice (North Dakota)

Vanessa

Helene (Facebook fan)

“Today I did the entire step workout for the first time.  I’ve been building up to it for several weeks, and I finally made it to the end!  At 59 years of age, I feel like I have really accomplished something.  Thanks for a stimulating and great fat-burning workout!”

Beth (Indiana)

“I am 49 years old, was quite active until I broke my right wrist and had surgery about 2 months ago. I am beginning to heal and have physical therapy 3 times a week. I have been looking for a good exercise dvd that would not put strain on my injured wrist. I ordered the beginner “Let’s Get Stepping!” dvd. I tried it for the first time today and I think that it is terrific. I specifically like that you have the option of not using your arms and it gives a great workout. I feel better already. Thank-you for doing what you do. I will probably look into more workouts in the future.”

Amy

“I just want to tell you that for my birthday I got your Let’s Get Stepping DVD and a step to restart my fitness program in the privacy of my home. Only four short years ago I was a competitive rower in the mid-forties age group. Coming from Philly, I know that you know how fit and fanatical competitive rowers can be…that was me. I went back to college and didn’t have time to row…but didn’t stop eating like an athlete. YOW! 35 lbs additional and I knew I had to do something now so that I can row when I graduate in two years. Your step program is the IT! I literally started crying during cool down when you say your encouragement to take care of ourselves. Thank you for your inspiration. Debra, you ROCK! Love, Jill”

Jill (Oregon)

Velma (Facebook fan)

Aliza

Mary (Wichita, KS)

Katie (North Carolina)

My numbers for my diabetes have gone from the range of 125 – 145; new range 99 – 110.  I am doing flips all over the place.  So is my doctor.  Those are the numbers he was hoping for me. I got the high five from him when I told him I have been working with you as my personal trainer, watching my diet and joined the walking group.  Plus I was down 8 pounds from the last time I saw him.

I am getting closer to that 36/24/36 and will soon be gracing the cover of somebody’s magazine.  (Not the Big Girls)  LOL
 
Have a great day!”

Ivy (Philadelphia, PA)

Long story short, Nov 1st I had a total knee replacement and have been doing fantastic since day one! I’m totally committed to getting my life back as I was unable to even do your video due to pain before my surgery. I’m 4 months out, have lost 27 pounds, 2 pant sizes and can easily do your video with my new knee!!!!! Everyone is blown away by how well I’ve done and how quickly I’m healing! I bought a bicycle last week and if it ever stops pouring I’ll be out there having a blast. I love your video and what it has helped me accomplish! My Doctors love you too! Thank you again for being so fabulous! I’d love to come to your studio one day and meet you. And to all those with bad knees, get Debra’s videos!!!!! They are a perfect companion to your daily routine! Love ya Debra!”

Robin (Seattle, WA)

Sonja (Cape Coral, FL)

Kelly (Virginia)

Fay (Manhattan, KS)

UPDATE ONE WEEK LATER: “It’s amazing how working out for just 3 days can make you feel more fit and on the right track! Just 4 days ago I felt so down and hopeless! Thank you Debra!!!!”

Crystal (Facebook fan)

Hi Debra,

“Your videos showed you as down-to-earth, a real person. I am excited and can’t wait to start working out with them. After talking with you today it will be like just exercising with a fun friend!”

Barbara (Southern California)

Tara (Facebook fan)

Sharon (Facebook fan)

It’s been a long time since we were in touch! But I’m still exercising with you and the ShapelyGirls 3 or 4 days a week (the other days I walk or do something else).

I was at my parents’ house for a week over Christmas and didn’t take my workout DVDs. I took a couple of power walks with my cousin, but then then snow hit, so I was stuck inside with no workout DVD or any exercise equipment, and at first I was wondering what I’d do, and started to feel like I’d go nuts without moving. Then I got an idea. My sister and I just jogged in place for 45 minutes while I taught her a variety of arm and leg movements, all of which I learned from your ShapelyGirl DVDs. We even took turns on the bottom step of the staircase to do some step moves. No hand weights, so we used big cans from the pantry (not really heavy enough, but at least it was something to hold) – and I went through all of the exercises you do on the workout with weights DVD (I have it all memorized). We did this 3 days in a row, and it really helped, because of course we were eating more than usual since it was Christmas.

I’m glad to be back home and can use the actual DVDs again. But I really HOPE that you’re going to make more! (Please!!)

Happy New Year! And thank you again for all you do!”

Elizabeth (Chapel Hill, NC)

I am currently following the Weight Watcher plan and was working out to Leslie Sansone.I enjoy her tapes but for the last several weeks, I’m hooked on working out with The Shapely Girls. I like it so much I just got it for my best buddy for Christmas. I thank you for your encouragement and may email you from time to time for a PEP talk. Thank you for making your workout tapes.  Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas. 

A Happy & Healthy New Year.”

Angela (Brooklyn, NY)

“Just wanted to thank you for helping me motivate myself. Just in this week I had to return shoes I bought two weeks ago because they became too big and I bought a dress a size smaller. I’m so proud of myself! See you Wednesday.”

Jean (Facebook fan)

“Wanted to let you know that my 74 year old Mom has just experienced her first exercise video—yours! She loved it, and I think you may have a new fan from the senior set. Been trying to get her into exercising for years, and you got through to her — thank you!!!!”

Sharon (Facebook fan)

I have been skeptical, as I’ve tried other workout DVDs geared toward women like ‘flirty girl fitness’ and a slew of celebrity workouts. Your workout was so different from all the others! The music was great, it was challenging, but not impossible. It was easy to follow and most of all made me feel empowered. You really made me feel good about myself for the first time in a long time. I’m going to try and get my mom and friends to do them with me, because I think anyone at any age can benefit from them.

Needless to say, I’m tossing out all those other DVDs and grabbing up more of yours. Again, thank you so much, you are truly an inspiration to me and women everywhere!”

Hilary (Lansing, MI)

Elissa (Santa Fe, NM)

Karen F. (Lenoir, NC)

Anne Marie (New York, NY)

Maggie (Orlando, FL)

I have always been a plus size girl who struggled with her weight. It soon became a part of my life that I never gave much thought to and just accepted that this was the way I was going to be. I accepted the fact that everyone was not meant to be the same size and became a plus size “DIVA”.

I made this imagine of myself that I did not like…I became a fashionable, outspoken, funny person, who made every one feel comfortable around her even though she was not that comfortable with herself. There was nothing I felt I couldn’t do and was up for the challenge that anyone presented to prove to them that I was not a typical “BIG GIRL”.

I was at a point where I was prepared to die young from being overweight and that I would marry someone who was in love with big women. The wake-up call came when I developed a condition call Polyositic Fibrous which produces too much insulin in the pancreas and causes fertility issues. I also had high blood pressure and weighed 450lbs. Still there was nothing that I thought could be done because I felt that I could not lose weight. But God said I have a different plan for you.

One day while looking up activities to do in Philadelphia I came across “ShapelyGirl Fitness” which was offering a WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP. I said this may be something to help me get on my journey of losing weight. I called and Debra Mazda picked up the phone. There was an instant connection when she said hi and told me to come in the next day. I was very hesitant about going because I thought this gym was not going to be any different then the other gym memberships I have had in the past. I walked into the gym up the flight of stairs and was greeted with friendly smiles and a hug. No one looked at my size or made me feel like I was not welcomed to the gym. I signed up for the membership that day. Since then my life has not been the same.

Debra Mazda is a true inspiration to me and my family. I have never had a membership that offers services like support groups, nutritional shopping, healthy cooking habits, personal trainers and the best of *HUGS* and *SMILES* to keep you encouraged. Along with that a group of women who are doing it with you, I have developed so many friends on this journey that make it so much easier to go along the way.

Debra has truly been God-sent and I thank God for allowing her into my life. Since going to Debra in late May I have lost 37 lbs and brought my blood pressure and vitals down tremendously. Today was the first day I cried leaving the Dr. Office as she told me I was getting my health back. I am so happy to be a part of Debra Mazda’s ShapelyGirl Fitness and I look forward to the journey.”

Sherri (Philadelphia, PA)

Luckily, my glucose levels have been tested and have returned to normal. So I have a standing date multiple times a week with you and the ShapelyGirls. You’re motivation and positivity makes me want to get off the couch or miss a TV show just to make sure I get my workout in. The best part……my 4 year old puts on her exercise gear and her sneakers and is right by mommy’s side! One of our ways of bonding without having to sacrifice what I HAVE to do with a few moments during my day.

As my girlfriends and I are getting older it is very clear that we are not the same 18 year olds that first met on a college campus. As children take up our time and now instead of birth control pills, some of us have now been prescribed diabetes medications and high blood pressure pills. All while the scale goes higher and higher. The clothing sizes do as well. Debra, I don’t have a second thought about telling people I know “I have a DVD that I would like for you to try. You know what you have to do, don’t you?” I feel like we have to help each other realize that it isn’t too late to be who you might have been. Also, I am the only me that I have. I don’t have to be a size 6. I am fine with that. I like my curves. But, know what I love…when I can run up and down the stairs, chase behind my kids, be active and not feel like I am going to pass out, know that my kids are seeing a habit that they will carry into their own lives and see it as important.

The best part for me so far is going to the doctor and NOT being afraid! Knowing that I am working on lowering the weight into a healthy range, knowing that I am watching what I eat, and the bottom line knowing that I am on a journey to being healthy and fit. Fitness really does come in many sizes and I am so thankful that you have made the commitment to spreading the message.”

Aja (South Carolina)

Lisa (Burlington, KY)

Anonymous

Jane (Arizona)

Kelly (Brentwood, CA)

Leslie (Hamilton, Ontario Canada)

My hairdresser is a very large shapely woman and she was quite encouraged when she and I listened to your Circle Time from Walking Fit and Fab on Thursday 06/17/10. Although she is well over the 315 lbs you started with, your story was still a very positive one for her to hear. I felt free to introduce your DVDs to her after she inquired about my own exercise routine when I was getting my hair done the other week. I told her I was really concentrating on consistency these days, and that I had found a new walk aerobics type DVD that I thought she’d like…and…she really did

So you see, I have a few friends and a few plans for us–all of which involve your fitness DVDs. I don’t watch a lot of television, so I don’t know if your DVDs are advertised on TV or elsewhere alot or not. But I stumbled across them accidentally while browsing the web one night looking to see if there was a new or different Leslie Sansone DVD that I would find helpful. In a couple of the Sansone customer reviews, women were favorably comparing your DVDs of real women exercising and leading the exercise. I’m so glad for those reviews; because of them I googled your name and discovered your website. It was very helpful for me to have that little preview of your tapes (DVDs) available to listen to online. Once I saw what I would be getting, there was no contest, and no hesitation on my part. I bought my first two of your DVDs on Ebay because I thought I’d only be purchasing the one described in the comments. But because I liked the product so much after trying it, I decided to go back to your web page and search around for other items. The buy 3 or 4 combo discount you offer was helpful, because I like to share a good thing with friends.

I’ve been running on and on, but like Forrest, I’m going to stop now.”

Thanks,

Betty (Ann Arbor, MI)

Christy (Philadelphia, PA)

Anonymous (Pennsylvania)

Thank you!!!”

Carmen (Raleigh, NC)

I also wanted to compliment the team – they’re a gorgeous bunch of shapely women! It’s so obvious you’re all having a blast, which really helps me to keep going. I always get a kick out of Angel when she’s hopping and you say “Angel, are you marching?” and she says “I’m hopping!!” (I think in future videos, more of this kind of interaction would be great.)

Thanks again for all you do for so many people!”

View Paramjit’s newest blog

Paramjit Sidhu , via – Facebook

Regards,Paramjit Click here to view Paramjit’s blog

Paramjit Sidhu , via – Facebook

It’s also been a (psychological) challenge for me to balance improving my body, yet accept my curves. Note that I’m 5’4″ tall, weigh about 160 lbs., and wear a size 12-14; I have two children, and my midsection is pretty much shot. Little by little, I plan to get back on the fitness track. Though you don’t know me, I feel like you and the other Shapely Girls are cheering me on in spirit! All the best.”

I was so excited and was able to keep this weight off for about 5 years. Then I suddenly lost my sister and began to fall back into unhealthy habits, which caused me to gain 50lbs..After about a year of this weight gain, I began to do Deb’s DVD again and was able to lose 15lbs. But I still struggled with emotional eating so I hired Deb again to help. Through nutrition counseling, personal training and inspiring strategies and her techniques dealing with emotional eating, Deb helped me lose another 15lbs. I am now 20lbs away from my goal.What I like most about Deb’s program is her ability to understand the struggles of overweight women and her sincere efforts in motivating them to become healthy. She helped me realize that I can have power over my eating and exercise is a huge factor in feeling good about myself. Her positive spirit plays an important part in keeping me motivated. Most importantly, she taught me that I can feel good, confident and sexy at a size 14!”

How many times have I been at this point in a diet program? At the start, standing on the top of a mountain and stretching for the stars, or at least a new slimmer body. There were all those hopes, dreams and promises pinned on the Atkins low carbohydrate diet and the famed Scarsdale diet, Jennie Craig, Weight Watchers, or the diet pills, injections and the famous Oprah liquid diet. My soul is crying for fairness and stamina. I’m chanting over and over again, “I will do this for me, this time and I will get to the finish line, and this time life will cooperate”. It is no wonder I am SCARED.

After my husband decided to reside at a different address, my life changed again and I ate my way into oblivion. My mom and sister were concerned, so they made me see a surgeon about a by-pass procedure or a rubber band. I prayed day and night for an alternative knowing I did not want to do this but I was at the end of my rope. There was no place else to go. It was my last resort. I could no longer live and carry all this ugly fat around anymore. My obesity put my health in danger. Sometime in July my husband and I reached a settlement and after a year of indecisions, my attitude seemed to revert back to the place were I was safe and secure. In a cocoon of positivity that brought me the success I enjoy in helping my clients feel as beautiful as they look. My passion returned. I felt rejuvenated. I needed to be in that place badly. Then, call it divine intervention, Debbie Nigro walked into the salon and the sun shone brighter that day because hope was on the horizon. She offers an alternative to surgery; her name is Debra Mazda.

That was a few weeks ago and after our initial meeting at the taping last week, I am exhilarated. Armed with a new food plan and the “Mazda Method” this truly is the first day of the rest of my new slimmer life. My mantra is simple. I will be my perfect weight.”