In The Gym With Chantelle

Learn all the things Chantelle did to successfully lose excess weight.

Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.). 

Hi my name is Chantelle! Some call me Chann for short. I have been in elementary education for 5 years going into my 6th year teaching middle school Math.

I am the founder of Metro Hiking Club, which I started on June 08, 2024. Besides hiking I love singing, spending time with God in worship, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

In June of 2023 I moved to Raleigh, NC and I wanted to have a fresh start. I realized that I was the heaviest I’ve ever been  and enough was enough. It was time to take my health more seriously. I gained so much weight during COVID and was maintaining that weight from 2020 – 2023. 

What was your beginning and current weight or measurements?

My beginning weight in June of 2023 was 265.  My current weight is 241. 

How long did it take for your weight-loss transformation from beginning to end?  

It took about 3 months to start seeing the changes in my body. But it took others to notice it around the second month into my journey. 

Which physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

The physical activities I participated in during my journey was hitting my apartment complex gym. I started off working out 3 days a week, because at the time with my weight it was really hard for me. I would be extremely tired after working out.

Overtime as my body got used to it I increased to 4 days a week. A typical week for me looks like this … Sundays – Leg Days/Cardio   Mondays – Upperbody/ Cardio   Tuesdays – Leg Day/ Cardio and Thursday – HIIT.  I truly come to love challenging my body and weight training. Ladies ! Please weight train, I promise you  will not become bulky. It is amazing for your body. 

How did your eating habits change?

It was so hard for me to adjust to my eating habits. I had to truly do my research and find healthy meals and snacks that I enjoy. It took me about 3 months to adjust to eating a healthy diet. 

What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner?

Breakfast – Protein Waffles, Eggs & Turkey Sausage / Chia Seed Yogurt with Blueberries or Strawberries

Lunch – Baked Chicken, Sweet Potato & Roasted Cauliflower

Dinner – Salmon, Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans

Snacks – Boom Chicka Pop Popcorn (White Cheddar), Wheat Thins (Tomato Basil), Watermelon, Strawberries, Peanuts 

How can readers learn more about your transformation and journey online (i.e. TikTok, Instagram, etc.)?

You can find me on Instagram: FitWithChann Threads: FitWithChann and TikTok: DoItChann 

What is your favorite fitness activity?

My favorite fitness activity is Leg Day (weight training)

What do you do now to maintain your physique?

I stick to a consistent schedule and make myself go workout even on the days I do not feel like it. I also incorporate trying new healthy meal ideas to keep it fun and so I don’t get tired of the same meals. 

How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)?

It honestly took me time to avoid the bad stuff. I started off by throwing away anything that would not help me reach my fitness goals. I did a lot of research on healthy delicious meals and snacks, so it wouldn’t feel like I was on a diet. Because honestly this isn’t a diet this is a lifelong health change. 

What advice do you have for someone looking to get started with their fitness journey but not sure where to begin?

Prepare your mind and heart first. Do your research on how to begin. Find a community if you can ! Come up with a plan. It will not be perfect. It will be a bit hard in the beginning, but you can do whatever you set your mind to do.

I am your biggest cheerleader and guide if you need me to be. I love watching others take control over their health and I would love to be a helping hand anyway that I can. 

What do you think is the biggest misconception about this journey?

Lifting weights make women bulk up. Ladies again lift those weights ! It is honestly extremely hard for us to naturally bulk up like men. It is not in our DNA to do so. Weight training helps us to tone and keep our shape, prevents muscle loss, and more !

Weight training has become my favorite thing to do when I hit the gym. It feels good to know that I am strong and getting stronger.  

Do you have any fitness inspirations?  Who are they?

My biggest fitness inspiration right now is StephsBlessedd. It’s good to see a woman who is shaped like me and killing it at the gym.