By: ChickenTuna

Sonya joined BodySpace in May of this year. She has made incredible progress. She is a great example of someone who is very successful in managing career, family, and fitness.

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Smorgan1227 Before And After.

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Smorgan1227's Weight Progress.
View Smorgan1227's BodySpace Profile Here.

[ Q ] How did you find out about BodySpace? Have you met any bodyspacers in person?

[ A ] I found out about BodySpace when I was looking through Bodybuilding.com reading the articles that Jamie Eason had written. I saw the BodySpace information and thought, "Wow, that could be kind of fun!"

I have actually met people from BodySpace. My favorite person is Laurie (bull.dogz). She lives near me. We first met at a coffee shop and have worked out together and done a photo shoot together. She is a lot of fun. She helped me figure out some good supplements to take.

Obviously I have met Jamie Eason. J.P. Perez goes to my gym and lives in my town. Works in the city I work in. However, we have never had a face to face conversation.

[ Q ] You've made a lot of progress since you started this year, what motivated you to make the changes and become fit?

[ A ] I actually started April of 2008. Here goes the long version of my story, ha-ha!

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I Have Always Been A Very Active Person.

I have always been a very active person. I started lifting weights in high school when I played volleyball. My brother really got me started. He played football and wrestled. I was very strong in high school. I would do my box squat (or squat to bench) reps with 355 lbs. I bench pressed 175. I thought about competing at that time, but was really more interested in volleyball.


Bench Squat - Left (Figure 9): Initial Position
Bench Squat - Right (Figure 10): Final Position
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I married young and started having kids. I spent most of my twenties pregnant and with babies. I maintained a gym membership and worked out 3 - 5 days a week and stayed relatively healthy.

In my early thirties I also played coed soccer. During one of my games I was slide tackled and completely tore my Achilles tendon. Surgery and recovery for that injury took 6 months. Although I rehabbed enough to start running again I never completely got back into lifting weights. I went through a divorce and got remarried. Got busy with work and raising a teenager and somewhere along the line I got chubby and out of shape.

	The Achilles Tendon: 1 Of 3: The Achilles tendon is the tendonous extension of three muscles in the lower leg: gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris. In humans, the tendon passes behind the ankle. It is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. It is about 15 cm long, and begins near the middle of the leg, but receives fleshy fibers on its anterior surface, almost to its lower end.
	Learn More... Back Next

That is where my story begins, long story I know... My brother has recently become a fitness photographer. Other than my husband, my brother is my best friend. One day he called me up and said, "I know you are really busy, but we haven't spent much time together, and I am doing a photo shoot in a few weeks with a gal that is a representative for bodybuilders. Can you help me with the shoot? I think you would have fun."

So... I said alright, and tried to clear my calendar for a whole weekend. That weekend changed my life. The model's name was Jamie Eason. I was feeling old, pudgy, tired and unmotivated. When we were done with the shoot I was inspired and ready to be healthy again. Jamie sent me a clean eating diet, and I got stared trying to build my muscle back up. The rest is history.


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The Day I Was Inspired To Make A Change!
Mike Byerly Photography

I am back to loving weight lifting, and I am meeting wonderful people every day. Just like Jamie inspired me, I too am trying to help other people find their healthy side.

[ Q ] What is your workout routine for the week?

[ A ] My workout routine at this moment is as follows:

Smorgan1227's Workout Program

Monday: Legs - carb load day
Tuesday: Biceps and shoulders - low carb day
Wednesday: Cardio abs - low carb day
Thursday: Chest and triceps - no carb day
Friday: Back - carb load day
Saturday: Cardio, abs - low carb day
Sunday: Rest - no carb day

[ Q ] What do you find that you are enjoying more: looking fit or feeling fit?

[ A ] I would have to say it is 50/50. I absolutely love getting stronger. I like going to the gym and lifting heavier than I did the week before. But I definitely also enjoy wearing shorts without being embarrassed again. I almost got rid of all my shorts. I love that the smallest pants I have are now loose.

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I Enjoy Wearing Shorts Without Being Embarrassed.
Mike Byerly Photography

[ Q ] How do you manage your new lifestyle with your family life and your career?

[ A ] Now that is the real question. Jamie really emphasized that diet was the most important thing, and that I would really need to make a life change that would require a lot of planning and preparation.

She not only sent me a diet, but also a shopping list and recipes. I really had to put a lot of energy into changing my eating habits. Once eating clean became a habit, I added working out. I just slowly reprioritized my life until working out and eating clean were just as normal as brushing my teeth.

[ Q ] What is the hardest thing about staying fit?

[ A ] Some days I really just don't feel like going to the gym. Sometimes I just want to eat pizza along with my family. It isn't always easy. There is not one single person I know who eats like me. If it weren't for Bodybuilding.com I would feel all alone.

[ Q ] What is the funniest thing you've ever seen at the gym?

[ A ] I don't think I have ever seen anything funny. However, my husband had a friend fly off the back of a treadmill when a good looking girl walked by. I bet that was funny! He said he almost fell off too because he was laughing so hard.

[ Q ] What are you future fitness plans and goals?

[ A ] I am looking forward to staying committed to eating clean and working out. It is like a crazy science experiment. I can't believe how my chemistry has changed and my body has responded. There are so many amazing looking people on BB.com. I can't imagine the work and commitment they have given to compete. I am thrilled to look and feel young again. I don't ever want to get out of shape again.

WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?

What Is Your Goal? Choose A Goal Lose Fat Build Muscle Contest Prep Cortisol Blocker Energy Immune System Joint Health Prevent Aging Sexual Health Skin Care Sleep Aides Tanning More Goals... Is Your Goal Not Listed? Click Below To Learn More About Goal Setting. [ Goal Setting ]

[ Q ] What have friends and co-workers been saying about your new changed body?

[ A ] My husband has noticed changes. He supports whatever I do, as long as he can find an angle to tease me with it. My kids have slowly started eating better and wanting to get stronger muscles too. My brother is really proud of me. My mom thinks I am crazy. Friends a co-workers don't really notice any difference.

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My Husband Has Noticed Changes.
Mike Byerly Photography

[ Q ] How do you handle work events when people are constantly bringing in 'celebration' treats like cakes, cookies, pizza, etc?

[ A ] My biggest hurdle is happy hour with associates. I guess you just lose some friends when you stop drinking, but who really cares. I do find that I have a purpose as a designated driver. But how much fun is that, really, every time.

[ Q ] If somebody is completely new to exercise and eating right, what is the best advice you could tell them?

[ A ] You really have to be motivated and want it. Once you have found your motivation then take it one day at a time. Don't overdo it. For example, don't say, "I am going to go to the gym for an hour every day and only eat 1000 calories." That would equal failure.

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Once You Have Found Your Motivation Then Take It One Day At A Time.

Eat healthy, but don't kill yourself by not eating enough. Start your exercise slowly and add as you feel better. It is a slow process. It takes a long time to get out of shape. You shouldn't expect to be healthy overnight.

Thank you for your time Sonya and keep up the amazing work!

View Smorgan1227's BodySpace Profile Here.

ChickenTuna

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