Irene
Irene Grant has become an inspiration to many. It hasn’t been easy for her! She started with me about 4 years ago. She had recently moved to Cleveland and told me that she had been seeing a personal trainer regularly but since the move she had gotten out of her workout routine. She told me she had been in pretty good shape but needed to get back on track. Since she had previously been working out with a trainer, I didn’t give her my basic first session that most of my clients go through, but I should have! Irene lasted about 20 minutes that first session. Irene and I both look back and laugh at that first workout. When she first started she also mentioned that she wanted to train like she was going to do a “Figure Show” but never really do one. After that first session, I realized she had a lot of work to do to get to that point and I wasn’t sure if it was even possible, but I would give it my best shot.
Irene hated to work out and actually still does. She admits that she needs me to motivate her and get her to do her workouts. At one point, I had enough of Irene’s complaining. I don’t think she even realized that she would complain throughout the whole training session. So finally at the beginning of our next workout I told her she had to leave and come back in but this time leaving her complaints at the door. I think she got the point because I’ve rarely had that problem with her again.
As she progressed she told me she really wanted to get into a bikini not that she would actually wear one, but she wanted to look good in it and that is basically how it all began with her Figure Competition career. Once we got her in a bikini she wanted to take it a step further and set her sights on stepping on stage! I wasn’t sure if she could be disciplined enough to get to that point, but she worked really hard and followed my diet guidelines.
She has overcome many adversities to get to this point. First off, she is a Mother of 5 kids. She has a child in wheelchair that requires constant care as well as another child with a mental disorder. Also in her household are 4 dogs (from pit bull to maltese)! Not only does she have a lot going on at home, but her body hasn’t been in the best condition. We have rehabilitated her shoulder after she had 2 rotator cuff surgeries. We have worked through a mild heart attack as well as a severe bleeding ulcer. Nothing stops Irene when she has her mind made up to do something! One of her biggest concerns was how her stomach would look on stage since she had delivered twins and had a c-section. Her ab’s were in bad shape and she had plenty of loose skin in that area. With a strict diet, cardio routine, and plenty of ab exercises we were able to get that area to look pretty darn good!
Irene says that her workouts keep her alive and motivated! It helps her to not be depressed when her life seems less than perfect. Her weight has yo yo-ed from time to time and it helps that I keep her accountable for her diet. She has realized that when she eats healthy she feels a lot better mentally and physically.
I love that Irene is full of life and is not afraid to go after her dreams! Many people let things stop them from accomplishing their goals. She is not afraid to fail and will not let anything get in her way! We’ve gone through a lot and she always tells me she is not going to give up! She keeps telling me this is going to be her last show….and at 54 years old I know she has a lot of shows still ahead of her! Each time she is improving and learning that you constantly have to work hard and there is no taking time off if she wants to keep getting better! I am amazed at her transformation especially knowing where she has come from to get to this point!