You can win a Venus Transformation contest in your 60’s; Ana Gomez

I am 60 years old and never imagined feeling healthy at this age,
knowing that this lifestyle will help me feel and look better.
It’s a dramatic change for someone who never visited a gym before.

Ana Gomez came in tenth place in our Venus Transformation contest VT10

Ana’s own words regarding the Venus Factor:

With the help of Valero Fitness Subsidy Program, I lost 36 pounds and prevented the return of cancer I joined the local YMCA and started going to Pilates classes which led me to other classes including Venus Index Program which I attribute the most to my success. During this VI10 contest I lost another 10.3 pounds.

As a cancer survivor, I know that exercising can help me live longer. Most if not all survivors find a new priority in life: keeping cancer from returning. After intensive research, I came to the conclusion that exercising after medical treatment was equal to a longer life and less recurrence. My goal then was to eat right and exercise, but I did not accomplish my goal for almost seven years.

I had tried every new diet in the market and media, constantly on and off of them. I had tried among others, Adkins, 3-day diets, weight watchers, the zone and nothing worked. After seeing a flyer at my local YMCA, showing before and after pictures of the Venus Index Instructor Liss Graham, who had the same problem I had for years, I enrolled in the class and just a few months later I was doing and “after” photo shoot. The program is design to create the perfect hourglass figure. The difference in my body shape was unbelievable. The beauty of this program is that it is not boring at all as every class is a different workout. Venus Index taught me to count calories, how to measure myself and keep a daily log of each indicator. Another tool that works for me is taking pictures every week to compare the progress. It is always best to compare yourself to yourself instead of finding random people who are not your height or age.

The most drastic change was counting calories and keeping a balance during the day/week. It’s amazing to see how I used to eat chicken nuggets as a snack without realizing that it was almost half of my daily calorie intake. My quick snack fix is a tablespoon of peanut butter, Ad-Mak crackers and a wedge of light laughing cow cheese. Now I enjoy salads and raw veggies with every meal.

My favorite workout routine is lifting heavy weights – it is what builds your shape. I use weight-lifting gloves, dumbbells, barbells, stability ball and a bench; I also use my fitness Pal iPhone app to count calories. I am addicted also to Venus Index webpage, I recommended EAT-STOP-EAT book to several people, I tell them that after I read this book, all the pieces started falling in place and started to make sense, only to reassure I was on the right track. A person usually questions you on the FASTING, so when they read the book and the precise explanation they start fasting. I personally drop 2.5-3 pounds when I fast.

Family members showed interest after they noticed that something I was doing was working. Now, several family members have started going to their local gyms after following my advice. I coach them over the phone and it’s working for them as well.

I am 60 years old and never imagined feeling healthy at this age, knowing that this lifestyle will help me feel and look better. It’s a dramatic change for someone who never visited a gym before. How I feel after every workout has made me become addicted. Today, workout is priority – my life and my days are planned around my 60-minute workout. I feel empowered!

Questions and Answers with our Venus winner Ana

How did you find the Venus Factor?

At my local YMCA. There was this flyer posted announcing the start of a VI class with pictures of one lady that placed high on one of your contests and she was teaching VI at the YMCA (Liss Graham). I saw the before and after pictures and caught my attention.

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

The diversity of the program. Different every day!

Did you like the Venus workout?

I got addicted after I found myself not missing a class and wanted to go workout, I love it.

Which workout(s) did you use?

The class started with Phase I and went on and on with all workouts available

What kept you motivated?

The fact that I was seeing my own transformation, exactly as it was explained in that flyer, and the way my body felt, stronger every day.

Do you have a particular style of eating?

I usually do a lot of less than 50 calories snacks through the day, even if I am not on deficit mode. Other than that I do fruit in the morning, salad or veggies at lunch and a big salad with some protein at night

Did you use the undulating diet protocol? If so how did it work for you and did you make any modifications?

I did but I experience tiredness at first so I decided to do the deficit days when I was not schedule to WO so actually was 3 days a week.

Did you use any supplements?

No.

Did you use the online community and how was that experience?

No.

Did you find support with friends and family?

Absolutely, furthermore seeing my transformation motivated them to start.

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

My sweet cravings before going to bed. I ask our instructor and she recommended Greek Yogurt and strawberries. That took care of it.

How did you feel about your final pictures?

I am my worst critic, I believe I could’ve done much better. Which being that critic to myself has been helping me during my VI journey.

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

Definitely, I adopted this new lifestyle as part of my life and ever since then, my plans are scheduled around my workouts.

What is your best advice for other Venuses?

If you really want this change in your life, you have us to prove Venus Index works. So just adopt VI as part of your life no matter what. Some days you will be so sore you don’t want to hear about VI but two ibuprofen will take care of that, forget about your soreness and keep up with the next workout. Never Give Up!!

P.S. My husband reminds me every time we are traveling or out of town, ~you don’t need your dumbbells to workout, don’t create excuses, you can work out without dumbbells, just be creative. So True!!