Coach Shenelle Edmond wins in wellness

As an avid fan of fitness, Shanelle Edmond could not picture her life without the involvement of at least one sporting activity. As she grew older, life’s demands took precedence, leading her to develop a new interest: the desire to go from sickness to health, with the hope of shedding weight in the process.

She tells Lifestyle, “The inspiration to take on my health and fitness journey came from being literally sick most of the year. I had already had symptoms of arthritis and occasional chest and stomach pains that I got tested for but were never diagnosed. Those were enough health scares to set me straight.”

Conversations with her family members only validated her concerns when she found out that as they aged, they were grappling with various health issues. Adding to her worries was the realisation that the diets, including periods of self-imposed starvation, and the weight loss exercises she had been undertaking previously were doing her body more harm than good.

Realising that she could recalibrate by making simple changes, Edmond decided it was time to take her health into her own hand. “When I embarked on this new programme, I just wanted to lose some weight. But the journey did so much more than that. It changed my whole outlook on life. My former co-workers were more friendly towards me, and I didn’t understand why this was the case, until it hit me. The only thing that had changed was this journey.”

Drinking water first thing in the morning, she sips on her special tea mix and protein shake for breakfast between seven and 9 a.m. The water intake goes on throughout, which normally takes her to lunch time.

NON-NEGOTIABLES

Her meal consists of the non-negotiables such as vegetables with the addition of protein in the form of chicken breast, paired with boiled ground provision and rice and peas. And, her dinner typically consists of a protein shake alongside chicken or a small portion similar to her lunch.

“Exercise is usually in the afternoon or at night-time when I get home. I do not work out every day. When I am being disciplined and intentional, I will do the maximum of five times per week and the minimum of three times per week. I’ve also had weeks when I don’t workout, because life is ‘lifing’. My current routine lasts on average 10 to 45 minutes,” she added.

She loves dance workouts and enjoys doing a mix of cardio with strength training. “My backyard is my gym! I do mostly body weight exercises and walking but I also invested in a few weights and bars.”

Since having a better quality of movement, and seeing improvement in her look and overall way of life, she was confident enough during her pregnancy, knowing that she could achieve that snap back. And that she did. This motivated her to help others who are on a similar journey to achieve their wellness goals.

“When I saw that I could support others and make them look and feel better, I felt great knowing that I made a profound difference and impact on their lives, not just in their physical health but also how they show up in their personal, work and family life,” she said.

Naming her business Get Healthy With Shen, this wellness transformation coach currently offers wellness consultations and one-on-one coaching plans that include weight loss, weight gain, toning, improved energy or gut health. There are also online fit camps, online body transformation challenges, skin care programmes and retail supplements available. “I enjoy most when my clients get results beyond what they came for.”

The most important lesson she has learned in this pivotal role is that, although physical transformations require hard work, the journey, in the long term, demands a more mental approach.

Grateful that the journey has opened a window of opportunity to unearth a new passion for helping others, she has met some amazing people, especially women, across the globe.

“I am building a business around growing a community, helping others to achieve a better quality of life, and coaching and guiding them with their own personal results. I also get to share this life with my family. We have fun being active and have been eating more efficiently as the years go by,” she revealed.

Here are some health and fitness tips from Edmond for persons struggling to lose weight:

Look for long term solutions and not just a quick fix. When you take on a journey to lose weight, always look at solutions that will take you beyond and after you have achieved your weight loss goal.

Do not skip out on planning or scheduling your meals.

Enjoy yourself in whatever way you choose to stay active, whether it’s through exercise or any other means.

Enrol accountability partners who are committed to similar results that you are working towards.

The journey won’t be perfect, however, consistency over time will lead to discipline.

And moms, let your children join you when you work out. It’s fun for them and it sets a great example.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com