Robin Boland, The Laughing Cow’s winner of the recent ReShape Your Health Facebook contest, took a few minutes to sit down with us and answer some questions about how her “ReShape” has been going now that she’s a couple months into it. Read on to find out more …

Q: How has exercise improved your life?

A: I have always felt pretty healthy. Even being chubby and a smoker. But, through doing my video routines every weekday morning, I have felt very proud that I am doing things that are right for my body.  Though the weight loss has not been quick, I stay secure in the knowledge that the cardio as well as strength training are adding years to my life and life to my years.

My husband is so proud of me and that brings me great joy, too.  My daughter tells her friends how I do it every day. She is proud of me too.

Q: Have you made any healthy lifestyle changes to your daily routine?

A: Well, we try to do something active on the weekends.  Doesn’t always happen but we are conscious of the need and that keeps us thinking about it.  Even if it’s a family game instead of TV – that’s a good thing.

Q: Can you share a couple lessons you’ve learned from your 1-on-1’s thus far with the community leaders?

A: I felt really cared about by Sarah Kay Hoffman. I learned from her to be inquisitive about how I can change up a recipe or try something new that will satisfy a need for an old favorite. Also Sarah Dussault gave me a good alternate exercise for my triceps that I use often. I even leave those free weights out and visible so that if I have a minute (or 3) I can do the triceps exercises.

Q: How do you feel about your transformation?

A: I feel that my transformation is more internal. Like I mentioned above, I know I am making better choices (through movement) for my body. So, a sense of pride instead of a sense of self-shame (blubber) is the stronger sense now.

Q: Where do you stand as of now on your ReShape weight loss goal?

A: I had started out wanting to lose 15 pounds. I have lost 9.  When I was as 7 pounds lost I managed to gain some back. That was so depressing. But, I kept the good fight attitude and lost it back and more!

Q: Have you shared any tips from the community leaders with your family? In particular, has your daughter gotten involved in any of your new reshape routines?

A: I have gotten my daughter to do my workout routine with me a few weekend mornings and she and I have some fun doing it.  Also, I coach cheerleading at the high school and my daughter is a cheerleader. She and her fellow-captain and I used one of my videos to come up with a completely new warm-up routine for our squad that is stretching and cardio all at once. She worked hard to create it and therefore spent a good amount of time doing it – That was a cool way to pull her into movement.

I bought another resistance band so that I can get partners when my family is home. That is cool. I even got my mom to do it with me and my daughter once.  Very fun – though I had to move the couch out of the way.

Q: Is your family helping to support your efforts? How?

A: My family supports my efforts by telling me I am fabulous on a daily basis. By bragging about me right in front of me.  My family is extremely close and their words and love are what support me.

Plus, as you know, this venture was more about setting a good example for my daughter than anything else. And though she is super busy with school and softball and now cheer, I know that she sees me working consistently and I can only be assured that she is learning from me doing what needs to be done.

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