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Blog: Get Fit with our MetroFamily Iron Mom

ShaRhonda Burton—a Real MetroFamily Iron Mom

Some of you may remember the “Take Your Life in a New Direction Contest” we initiated earlier this year. The original winner was to receive a beefy health and fitness package, but due to serious health problems, she was unable to proceed.

The personal trainers at Edmond’s 180 Center for Health and Performance graciously extended the year-long offer to the runner up and we introduce her to you here. ShaRhonda Burton is 41 years old, works full time, and lives in Midwest City with her daughter, grandson, and two foster children.

In her contest entry, she admitted that she was having problems with her self-esteem because of her weight. “I want to be able to go places and live as a ‘normal’ person,” she wrote. “I want to be able to fit comfortably in theater seats and ride go carts with my foster kids. I’m ready to live again.”

This summer, ShaRhonda began eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and, on her own, lost 25 pounds. Since beginning her personal training, she’s lost an additional 17 pounds. In October, when she discovered she would be named MetroFamily’s Iron Mom (formerly “Take Your Life in a New Direction” contest winner) and began working with 180’s personal trainers, she was stunned and delighted.

Join ShaRhonda on her journey through her blogs, below, and check out her frequent MetroFamily in-print Iron Mom updates here. We know you’ll be inspired.

  • Health risks averted?

    I heard on the news recently that in five years 25% of Americans will develop diabetes due to our unhealthy lifestyles, and high risk factors. I am at high risk....
  • High energy mom!

    I have had so many things trying to block me from working out, gas prices are so high, and traveling to the other side of town to workout is getting very expensive. In spite of all of the obstacles, I have lost 83.5 lbs.
  • 77 pounds and counting

    I have lost 77 lbs, and I am so excited. I had made a goal for myself to lose 100 lbs by the end of June. I am trying very hard to make that goal a reality, but if it doesn’t happen then my next targeted month is July.
  • Life's circumstances

    Life’s circumstances can sometime keep you out of the gym, i.e. kids, work, ailing parents, other commitments. I know, because that happened to me for one week. Still, I never gave up.
  • Church program is a success!

    The biggest loser challenge at church has gone over well and the participants are losing weight and feeling great. I am so happy the program is a success.
  • Encouraging and leading others

    I have received so much support from my church family, especially my Pastor.
  • More energy and stamina

    Spring is here and summer is fast approaching. I’m on a serious mission to lose my last 34 pounds by June. At that point, I will have lost a total of 100 lbs.
  • Normal living

    I went to a comedy show for the first time in years and was able to comfortably fit in the theatre seats. Half way through the show I started crying.
  • Encouragement helps

    I am grateful for phone calls and emails of supporters encouraging me through this journey. I have been given more encouragement from family and friends to keep pushing myself.
  • Support from my kids

    I never realized that my 6-year old foster daughter had been really keeping tabs on me. We went out for Sunday dinner and she told me, "GiGi, I don't see diet stuff in the book (menu). How are you going to eat?”
  • Expensive new wardrobe?

    Losing weight can be expensive on your wardrobe budget, but I have found out that having a buddy system helps you save tons of money.
  • My new size

    When I began my diet I was wearing a size 30 pants and now I am wearing a size 24.
  • Injuries, set backs, and the power of focus

    First a knee injury and now a back injury. I have not worked out in a week, but at least I haven’t gained any weight.
  • 55 pounds lost and counting!

    I'm so excited!! I'm almost there. I have lost a total of 55 lbs. It hasn't been easy. I have had a tremendous amount of support from my family and friends. The little milestones for me have been a great incentive.
  • My exercise routine

    I am so lucky to have Chris as my personal trainer. He is so supportive of me and my overall health. While playing with the kids, I recently injured my knee and thought I would not be able to complete my workout routine. I was still able to work out in spite of my injury, and the situation made me realize....
  • My new "diet"

    I have vowed to keep the only Resolution I have made for this year and that is to continue to safely lose weight. Others are starting to notice the weight come off and that is encouraging in itself. I don't profess to be a health/nutrition guru (come on look at me). I can tell you what works for me. I am a busy mom/grandmother so I have to plan meals ahead or grab something quick for myself. Here’s my plan of action.
  • Eating better, despite the holidays

    I did it again! I made it through the Christmas holiday without gaining any weight! I actually lost 2 pounds. The fitness center was closed during the week of Christmas, but I still exercised at home. I met with my nutritionist, Ladonna Dunlop, the week before Christmas and she informed me that I wasn’t eating enough.
  • Making it through Thanksgiving

    I made it through Thanksgiving, and managed to lose 1.5 lbs.
  • Two sizes smaller!

    In my first blog, I mentioned that I would wear a dress, which happened to be a size smaller than I normally wear, to my company Christmas party. It was to cold for the dress but I did purchase a pantsuit that was two sizes smaller than I normally wear.
  • Ice Storm Setback?

    The December Ice Storm was a very hard time for all Oklahomans. I knew this was going to be the end for me, “The Iron Mom.”
  • Changing my life, no matter what

    Wow! Today is my first day on the road to ultimately changing my life forever. How is my day going? Well, my 11-month-old foster son is teething, his nose is running, and he’s sleepy and irritable. My 6-year-old foster daughter is in a bad mood because she had a bad day at school. She’s pouting and/or having fits.
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