We often work with clients that are new to their health and fitness journey, but today’s client spotlight came to Stay Fit Mom with many years of experience under her belt in the industry! She’s a professional athlete, fitness instructor, and even speaks to her clients nationwide. She says, “I quickly learned this program was everything I needed in my life that I had NOT been doing as an athlete. It has made such a difference in my body, my energy, and my athletic career. I just can’t quit!” Let’s meet Shana!
Tell us a little bit about your story. Work? family? What’s a typical day in your life look like?
Shana: I am a fitness pro and a professional athlete married with two boys, ages 8 and 5. Professionally, I wear many hats. I’m a master instructor for TRX Training, leading certifications and speaking at conferences nationwide. I’m also featured on the TRX Training app if you are looking for some great workouts! I’m a master instructor for the American Council on Exercise, teaching continuing education to personal trainers and creating content for personal training certifications. I’m a master instructor for Keiser Cycling, leading online workouts for their app, “The Ride” by Keiser. And during the week, I’m a fitness director at a wonderful gym here in Madison, Wisconsin and also coach gymnastics. Finally, I’ve dedicated my life to volunteering for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (my mom passed away from the disease in 2013) and host 7 events annually to raise money for the cause.
Athletically, I’m a 6-time world champion lumberjack athlete. For the past 35 years I’ve traveled the world competing as a log roller and am still holding onto my top three ranking despite being more than twice the age of most of my competitors! I was a fitness competitor for many years and returned to the stage in 2020. In 2022 I became the Tri-Fitness World Champion- it was such an honor! Recently I’ve gotten back into competing in gymnastics and joined an adult gymnastics team.
But what I am most proud of are my two amazing little boys and super supportive husband. My boys Greyson (8) and Clark (5) are full of energy, love, and snuggles. They are involved in soccer, gymnastics, log rolling, snowboarding, skiing, swimming, and diving… which keeps us quite busy! My husband, a massage therapist (yes, I know I am so lucky!) keeps the chaos of all of our schedules under wraps and is the calming force in our family.
How did you find Stay Fit Mom and what made you decide to take the leap?
Shana: As a trainer and fitness professional, I am very adamant that we should NOT wear the hat of creating nutrition programs for our clients. We already do too much, and do not have the specific training. For the past 25 years in the industry, I’ve been hunting for the perfect supplement to the fitness programs I develop for my clients, while trying to protect them from expensive supplements and fad diets. I’ve seen so many struggle through programs like Weight Watchers, Nutrisytem, and Noom (and many more) and tried to focus on having them make appointments with a registered dietitian. The problem is those appointments are hard to come by and do not provide regular coaching. When one of my clients discovered Stay Fit Mom, of course, I was skeptical. I had her document her journey and was amazed at how this program “checked all of the boxes” of what I wanted my clients to focus on. The macros prescribed fell perfectly into the ranges of what I learned was “safe” in my nutrition classes, and I loved the focus on water, fiber, and veggies. No cleanses, no push for expensive supplements, no “guilt”. I decided before recommending to the rest of my clients I would try the program myself, only to quickly learn it’s everything I needed in my life that I have not been doing as an athlete. During my first six weeks I learned that by only tracking calories in MyfitnessPal, my macros were terribly off and that is why I was experiencing so much hunger and fatigue during competition season. Also, but using my tracker I was able to see trends with hunger, fatigue, dehydration, sleep, etc. My original plan was to only do the 6-week beginners program to be able to pass the information onto others, but it made such a difference in my body, my energy, and my athletic career I just couldn’t quit!
You’ve recently had surgery. Nailing down your nutrition while recovering can be tough. How are you doing it?!
Shana: Another reason I’ve stayed with Stay Fit Mom is that early in 2023, I learned I would have to have a major hip reconstructive surgery. When I went in for hip pain last year, it was discovered I was born with severe hip dysplasia, and I was a candidate for the 6-hour periacetabular osteotomy surgery. This surgery involved cutting my pelvis in three places, changing its position, and placing 4 large screws into my hip to lock it into place. After the surgery I was stuck in bed recovering for 6 weeks, and it will be a full year before I have full function of my leg and hip again.
I wanted to go into this surgery in the best shape of my life, which I did thanks to Stay Fit Mom! I will admit, I gave myself some grace and took a break from tracking during my 6-weeks of bed rest as I was having meals delivered by friends and family. However, I continued to ensure I was getting enough water, veggies, protein, and fiber in daily. I was amazed at how easy it was to snap back into my plan (thanks to Krista’s recipes) and my recovery has been more than fantastic. At my most recent appointment, the surgeon said my bones healed faster than the bones of a teenager and wanted to know my secret. I truly believe it was by following proper nutrition and getting lots of sleep.
How has your macro counting journey impacted other areas of your life besides getting a new wardrobe?
Shana: I honestly didn’t join the program for weight loss; however, I enjoyed the 8 pounds I lost initially. The rest was all about non-scale victories. Last summer, I was able to earn a third-place finish in the lumberjack world championships, as a 43-year-old. Most of the other competitors were in their teens. And, as highlighted above, I was able to go into my hip surgery in the best shape of my life. And now, as I focus on recovery and returning to sport, I truly believe this macro counting journey is the secret to my success.
What’s your most used, favorite SFM recipe?
Shana: Hands down the Pork Enchilada Bowls. I’m literally eating a bowl now as I answer these questions!
Tell us about your experience working with Coach Chelsea specifically.
Shana: Chelsea is the coach I needed, and she came at a time in my life when I needed her. As I’m sure is true with your entire crew, she guided me through the process in the beginning, didn’t make me feel guilt when I had an “off” day or week, and celebrated my successes with me. Her knowledge and empathy are truly second to none.
I’m thrilled that many of my fitness clients have now joined my journey with Stay Fit Mom, and I will continue to sing its praises from the rooftops. More information about TRX, Keiser, lumberjack sports, and my fight against Huntington’s Disease can be found on my website: www.shanaverstegen.com.
Interested in macro nutrition coaching? Learn more about our program and get registered today!
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