One week until the START of VT15; What will YOU do?

So you think you want to enter a transformation contest?

So you think you want to enter a transformation contest?

 

There’s a lot to think about before entering a contest

Read the RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Will it be motivating for you?

Or will it be too much pressure?

If you WIN, what do you think of all of your pictures, both before and after?

How will you feel having others see your pictures?

Do you want to share your story to help others?

 

How should you make your pictures?

Make them good quality.

Make sure there is good lighting.

Make sure they are not fuzzy.

If the pictures are blurry or fuzzy because the lighting is not right, we won’t be able to see your change or transformation, therefore we won’t be able to use them.

Get another opinion, even on the before pictures.

Treat them like a resume.  You are presenting yourself to others.  Take pride in both the before and after pictures.

Make sure you wear clothing that shows your change in shape.  If the clothing is loose and baggy and does not show your hard work, we won’t be able to use them.  If we can’t use your pictures to show your change, you won’t place.

Make sure your whole body is in the pictures.

Once you complete the required pictures, feel free to be creative and submit extra pictures (these can be cropped, and doing athletic or yoga poses).  Take fun pictures in a dress or nice outfit in addition to the “required contest pictures”; These are actually the most fun pictures to use and have.

Try putting your camera or cell phone on a timer and in a holder or propped up on a table (to prevent fuzzy pictures).

Others taking the pictures may not have a steady hand and that will make the pictures fuzzy.  Have them hold the camera on a table or something to hold it steady.

Make sure there is enough light, if not the pictures will be fuzzy.

Make sure there isn’t light directly shining into the camera lens.

 

Some things that you might worry about

Don’t worry about the contest timing.  Start making the changes in your life now.  It takes a long time to learn new healthy habits.

Don’t worry about already being too close to your goal at the start of a contest.  Anyone who works hard at the process for 12 weeks will show an amazing change.  The biggest changes occur during your last 15 pounds.  That’s when the muscle toning starts to make a dramatic show.  That’s where the real sculpting happens, especially if you hit those gym workouts.

Since our contests are not “weight loss at all costs” or necessarily the biggest loser contests, some may win based on the increase in muscle tone and just a few pounds of fat loss.

Some people think they did not change enough so are afraid to complete the contest and submit their pictures, but they may not realize that they actually could have placed.

Many women will lose 9-15 pounds during the 12 weeks, some more (but that is not all we look at).

Most who place in our contests are surprised that they placed.  If you followed the process and really practiced the nutrition and workouts; YOU WILL HAVE AMAZING RESULTS and sometimes you don’t realize that yet.  If you listen to many of the podcasts with the previous contest winners you will learn that it takes awhile for your mind to catch up to the changes you made.

We do need the two piece or bikini picture for judging purposes but we would rather use the yoga clothing pictures for the contest announcement and stories.  If your fully clothed pictures hide your shape and don’t show that you made a transformation (even though you actually did make a transformation) we can’t use them.  We can’t use pictures that do not show the changes.

 

What is Venus about?

Venus is about changing your life.

It’s about creating new habits for life.

It’s about becoming happy with your body.

It’s about learning that your body is the power house for all that you do in life.

It’s not about the 12 week contest.

We want you to WIN FOR LIFE.

So if you do a contest, do it for YOU, do it for your LIFE.

One of the most important things of all:  It does not matter what anyone else is doing!  It does not matter what the rate of change for anyone else is.  Do not compare your changes with those of other women.  Unless you see them 24 x 7 you don’t really know what they are really doing anyway, or if what they say is accurate (sometimes THEY don’t even know).  All that matters is YOU changing your own life.  That is really all that matters.  Focus on that and you will WIN.

Here’s THE ENTRY FORM where you can enter on or after August 31st.  You can take the pictures any time during the 12 weeks (August 31 to November 23).  Obviously the bigger the window you give yourself the most opportunity you have to make a change.

The contest form will not be open until August 31st, so it will not work until then.

The contest form will close at midnight Eastern time on November 23rd, 2015).

Mainly, HAVE FUN!

-Coach Roberta

 

The VT14 Venus Transformation Contest Winners Announced

The VT14 results are in, congratulations to all finishers!

One thing I love about the focus for women in the Venus program is The focus is proportions and shape (rather than weight loss at all costs or building muscle like a guy)John Barban.

Congratulations to everyone who entered and finished!  This took hard work on the part of everyone and it shows.

Here are the winners:

First Place – Jonda

Jonda-BnA-VT14

“Women face challenges that men don’t. We deserve to know what REALLY works and when we are wasting our time. This is not a difficult program. It is however a mindset. You have to be at that point in your life when you really want it.” -Jonda

 

Second Place – Denise

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“My Venus Thanks for giving me my life back, i had given up losing weight , when one day I searched for a weight loss program, and then i saw Venus and heard everything that John said in this promotion waooooouw i was blown away and i still am, what a journey and i know i still have a lot to lose , but i am on my way, and im so happy for all my new Venus sisters without them, it would never had happened. I’ve found my place where I can be healthy and get fit :)” -Denise

 

Third Place – Vanessa

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“I was able to finally lose the weight following the Venus Factor System in 12 weeks when I couldn’t do it with every other diet and exercise program on the market in 24 months. I call that a true success! I lost 8.2 lbs during this 12 week contest period but even greater, I lost 13 inches off my body. I had moved up to a size 6 but I am finally in my 2s again!!”  –Vanessa

Fourth Place – Nisel

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“Venus has given me a plan, purpose and goals to strive toward as I continue my journey toward health and fitness. The contests helped me to have a short term goal and accountability. With 2 kids and a full time job, I feel that the Venus program is one that I can keep as a lifestyle not just a diet and exercise program.” -Nisel

Fifth Place – Helen

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“To me being a Venus means the process is a journey of learning and Venus fits in my lifestyle. Just as it was said in the beginning, the program is simple, but not always easy, but neither is life, and I feel such a connection to so many ladies on the forum, that my greatest hope is that one day I can meet them. I will continue on this journey, and I am not where I want to be, but I much better than where I started. Thank you everyone at Venus.” -Helen

Sixth Place – Aja

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“I finally finished the Venus Index! My favorite development from working on a stronger, leaner body is my ability to do things that were difficult or straining to do before — such as dancing, reaching & lifting, rollerblading, climbing, jumping, and every day normal things. The best part? I notice it after a task is complete. I actively think every time, ” Wow, I am … a lot stronger than I thought!” I feel like I am a more capable person.” -Aja

Seventh Place – Julie

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“Venus has given me the tools to succeed and has also given me a whole community of Venus ladies to swap stories with, get advice on nutrition or even advice on a modified move. I am so blessed to have found exactly what I needed for me, my body and my journey. This will always be the life style I choose to live. I hope my children grow and learn from all of this and never have to struggle with obesity. Thank you Venus, you saved my life.” -Julie

 

Eighth Place – Laura

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“I’m a wife and a full time home mother of two little ones. I started to join the Venus work out class not to long ago because I was trying to find the work out class that I like in all the aspects. In a short time started to love it!” -Laura

 

Ninth Place – Therese

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“Today, I challenged my husband to who can get abs first–me or him. It is going to be me!!! Since I have been doing the Venus Factor my husband has lost 30 pounds and two of my four children who are home for the summer have both lost weight. The journey I am on has no finish line. I will continue the weight loss with maintenance process until I reach my Venus Factor figure and then I will continue to strengthen my body and maintain the weight loss.” -Therese

Tenth Place – Dawn

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 “I still have a long way to go and look at this as part 1 and will continue on with the Venus plan. I have more energy and feel fitter and stronger. I have lost inches more than pounds and know that it didn’t happen overnight and will not improve overnight as well. I am thankful that I found this plan and grateful that FINALLY something is working for me to see some changes in my body and not feel deprived or overtired or too sore to workout in the process.” -Dawn

 

Congratulations to all!

As everyone who entered or is in the process of transforming to a healthy shape knows;  It’s hard!  Every single one of these ladies deserves a huge round of applause.

The Transformation Contest place has prizes for placements:

  • First place: $500
  • Second place: $350
  • Third place: $250
  • Fourth place through tenth place: $200

 

VT15 will start be Aug 31st – Nov 23rd

There is NO DEADLINE within those dates to enter.  You can enter your before and after pictures ANY TIME during those windows.  Obviously the earlier you enter your before pictures and the later you enter your after pictures will give you the biggest opportunity for change to happen.  It’s hard enough for any of us to produce a change in just 12 weeks.

We want this experience to be as stress free and as fun as possible for you.  That’s why there is no fee to join.  All Venus customers who have never placed in a previous contest can enter.

If you have placed in a previous contest and want to enter again, you can get featured in the “Cover Girl Calendar Girl” category.  No prizes are awarded except you get to show off how superbly you have maintained a beautiful shape with the Venus program.

Contest rules and regulations

 

Until next time,

-Coach Roberta

 

Tracie finally found something that worked to drop the baby weight

Tracy before and after

Tracie placed in our recent VT13 Venus Transformation Contest.

She did a phenomenal job and her results display the hard work she put in. She was late entering into the contest, so she did not even get a full 12 week run at it, and still she showed stunning results.

Tracy after

Here is what Tracie had to say in her own words

My decision to join Venus was fueled by looking at some pictures of myself & realizing that it was time to get rid of the baby weight. I tried a calorie counter & following various “drop weight fast” diets. It taught me a lot about how I had been eating. I did pretty good on my own & dropped about 20 lbs in 6 months (not exercising.) Then I plateaued & couldn’t get anywhere. I tried cardio & it only helped me to be hungry. I had heard of Venus & seen some of the results in person and online but I wasn’t ready to commit quite yet. The months dragged on with no real progress & I finally thought “What do I have to lose?” I joined with my best friend and the results were spectacular! In 8 weeks I’ve dropped 15 lbs & lost inches like crazy! My body is toned in ways that I hadn’t been since early high school. I’ve been shocked at the amount of people who have noticed & ask me what I’m doing – I’ve told so many people! People I’ve never really spoken to have approached me to comment on how great I look. Venus has given me more confidence in how I look & in how I deal with my children, spouse, & people in general. I want everyone to have the opportunity to transform themselves with the Venus program & I tell anyone who will listen about my Venus transformation. It truly is life changing. You don’t have to be perfect just trying my very best has provided amazing results! As a mother of 3 I love that I can do everything at home. I never dreamed I could have this great of a physique after having 3 kids. Thanks Venus!

Tracie with her best friend Erin

Tracie with her best friend Erin

Tracie loves the online Venus community

You can find Tracie active in the Venus community and read her blog!

Tracie Venus Community

tracie before and after with same friend

 

Tracie’s Metrics Results

Weight Height Waist Shoulders Hips
Before 153 lb 70 in 30 in 42.5 in 39 in
After 140 lb 70 in 28 in 42 in 37 in
Deltas -13 lb 0 in -2 in -0.5 in -2 in

tracie before and after with baby

 

Tracie’s Written Interview (scroll down for podcast)

How did you find the Venus Factor?

I watched Coach Liss’ amazing transformation a few years ago. I wasn’t ready to start at that time because I was still having babies. Then when I finally was ready, I tried to just “eat healthier” but that wasn’t the answer for me. My best friend Erin is Liss’ sister-in-law & we decided to give Venus a try together. Having that accountability really pushed both of us to continue on!

What things had you tried in the past?

I found a diet on Pinterest that was a 10 day shred plan. I stayed on it for 14 days & it taught me a lot about how to make better eating choices. I also learned the importance of protein during that time! I was on & off that shred diet for around 6 months. I did dance workout DVD’s also & I lost about 20 pounds. But, I still wasn’t happy with my overall body shape.

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

I think the fasting for 14-16 hours overnight helped me most. Thinking about my appetite as an on off switch made so much sense! Plus when I had 1100 calories to eat in an 8 hour period, I rarely felt hungry. Plus I love that no food was off limits. I LOVE pasta & the 11th & 12th week were the best because I finally could eat most of my calories as pasta!

Which workout(s) did you use during the contest?

All I did during the contest was the Venus workouts 3 times week. The only other thing I did was take walks with my kids.

What did you enjoy about those workouts?

They only took me an hour or an hour & a half to do. I was willing to commit that amount of time 3 days a week. Also, I always feel incredible after I’ve lifted! I might not enjoy doing the workout but I always look forward to the high afterwards!

Did you use a particular style of eating?

I get stuck on a particular food for lunch & I eat it for weeks at a time. I’m currently eating mushroom pizza made on a sandwich thin almost everyday for lunch. I don’t know if I have a “style” but, what helped me most was planning what I was going to eat for the day before I ever took a bite of food. That way I know what I can eat & when to eat it, so I’m not starving at 7 pm with no calories left.

What was your nutrition strategy?

Don’t go over my calorie limit & always hit my protein goal! I know I stay fuller longer & feel better if I eat all my protein. I also weigh everything I put in my mouth.

Did you use any supplements?

I take a multivitamin, fish oil, & a probiotic. The original shred diet introduced me to doing those daily.

Did you use the online community and if so, how was your experience with it?

I would get on & search if I had a question. There were posts answering every question that I ever had! I got more active after I completed my 12 weeks & I wish that I would’ve been active sooner because the women are all so amazing & encouraging!

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

I think it was not eating until I felt full. I cook big portions & my family enjoys eating my food. So I’d eat with them until I was full. Second helpings were not uncommon for me. I enjoyed the taste of food so I’d eat a lot very quickly & be miserable afterwards. Now that I weigh my portions I try to savor each bite!

What kept you motivated?

My best friend Erin was the best help. We’d ask each other about workouts & made sure the other one finished all 3 workouts each week. My husband was also very encouraging. He always told me that I was hot no matter what. But, the more I progressed the more he told me daily how awesome I was looking. Also, I started under growing my clothes so he told me that when I reached my goal I could buy new clothes. That really motivated me!!!

How did you feel about your final pictures?

My mom took my final pictures the day before they were due. So it was a bit rushed but I think they turned out so well! I still do a double take at my pictures because I remember how I looked before & I always think “that’s not me!”

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

I always want to be a Venus woman! I believe that they are beautiful inside & out. They’re so encouraging & supportive of each other & they’re hot!!!

What advice do you have for other women going through the contest or considering the contest?

I hope everyone enters the contest! It helped push me on days when I just didn’t feel as motivated. Even if you don’t do the contest, take before & after photos. Photo results are very dramatic! They truly show how far you progress.

Tracie_Collage small

Listen to Tracie’s interview with Liss and Jenny below:

A Tale of Two Venus’s

Roberta and Pam talk about how their lives have changed.

Roberta and Pam talk about how their lives have changed.

With a few weeks to go in the current VT14 contest we thought you could use some motivation for the final push.

Here’s Pam and I talking about how Venus changed our lives:

The VT14 end of contest deadline will be midnight Eastern Time on August 3rd.

Email me if you have any questions: roberta.saum@gmail.com

 

-Coach Roberta

Essay Writer Rebate Encipher July Uk We suffer leaned we birth taken of people with pct of the rule come and, thusly, get grave http://scienceresearchpaper.net/writing-a-research-paper/ Moreover, the servicing offers the most convenient prices for its permanent customers who uphold cooperating with it for age Then, revision the subpoints and transitions so that your hale essay points towards that determination.

Today is THE DAY; Venus Transformation Contest starts NOW

VT14-Announcement-collage-TODAYistheDAY

The 14th Venus Contest starts today and is a great way to get motivated to change your life.

It is about YOUR LIFE. Don’t you want to change it for the better?

All you have to do is own a copy of the basic Venus program to enter.  There is no fee to enter.  You can enter anytime during the next 12 weeks (May 11 through August 3), but you’ll want to take your pictures and measurements as soon as you can.

Here’s what you do to enter after taking those pictures and measurements:

Go to your downloads area.

Venus-Contest-Start-Downloads-link-and-Contest-Button

Venus-Contest-start-Contest-Dasboard

Venus-Contest-start-entry-form

Venus-Contest-Start-NonBikini-Form

If you need help with your transformation participate in our Online Community or if you Need a Coach you are welcome to choose the one you want when you sign up for coaching.

The online community is free to all Venus members and it’s the same login as your downloads login.  Remember that the more active you are with others, the more help you will get, just like in REAL LIFE RELATIONSHIPS, it’s a give and take.  At the same time there are many who will help you when you “come and go” every now and then.  There are lots of nice Venus ladies in there willing to help when they can.

If you are a previous contest winner and want to enter the Calendar Girl category simply enter your current measurements and previous contest pictures so we know to expect final pictures later.

More than anything, HAVE FUN, and enjoy the journey because this is a LIFESTYLE we teach and not a 12 week lose fat at all costs contest.

See you on the inside!

-Coach Roberta

And the Venus Contest Winners Are … VT 13 Winner Announcement

The 12 week contest only shows the small window of time at the end of their transformation.

The 12 week contest only shows the small window of time at the end of their transformation.

 

Before I announce the winners of the 13th Venus Transformation contest it’s important to note that what you see for the contest is merely the last 12 weeks of a long transformation for all of these women.

What makes our contests unique is that they are not fat loss at all contests. The focus of our program is to learn a sustainable healthy lifestyle. That is why it is important for so many to stay active in our private online community for women only.

Our program is designed to build your best female shape while losing weight at the best rate for yourself.  For many women that might only be 10-20 pounds in 12 weeks.  Our program is designed to help women keep their hormones stable while sustainably losing fat and building muscle tone.

In the weeks ahead you will have the chance to see and hear the bigger story for all of these new Venus winners.

Alright then, on with the announcement so many have been waiting for:

 

First Place – Kirsty

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Second Place – Karen

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Third Place – Michele T.

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Fourth Place – Michelle N.

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Fifth Place – Tracie

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Sixth Place – Amparo

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Seventh Place – Annette

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Eighth Place – Laura

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Ninth Place – Melisia

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Tenth Place – Michele A.

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The deadline for the Venus Contest VT-13 is one week away; April 13

Come join our community of successful women!

Venus has winners of all ages!

 

What about “prep” for the Venus contest?

It’s totally up to you if you want to do any version of “prep week” before your final photo’s or not. It’s not a requirement and it’s completely personal preference. The Venus Factor “Slim in Seven” is a good program and not as drastic as the old school fitness competitor prep week.

If you decide to follow the Venus Factor “Slim in Seven” there is a daily diet protocol designed by John Barban. A lot of people ask how do they know what percentage their protein, carbs, and fat are? The best way to do this is to use a tool like Myfitnesspal to set your macro percentages. In the MyFitnessPal menu you can do this by going into your Home menu, then Goals, then the green “Change Goals” button, then select “custom”, then Continue.

 

To set your macro percentages in In the MyFitnessPal menu; go into your Home menu, then Goals, then the green “Change Goals” button, then select “custom”, then Continue.

To set your macro percentages in In the MyFitnessPal menu; go into your Home menu, then Goals, then the green “Change Goals” button, then select “custom”, then Continue.

 

Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be exact.  You can change things up depending on how you feel or how much stress you are under.  As you can see from the experiments of many of us what matters most is all the work in the weeks and months ahead of time.

Whether you are finishing the contest as a transformation, cover, or calendar girl you are not required to have a professional photographer.  Be proud and make your best presentation ever!  Celebrate your hard work and success by giving it your best effort and having pictures that you will cherish for the rest of your life.  It’s a record and a reminder for you on what you have accomplished.

Preparing For Your Contest Photo Shoot – Part 1: Posing Practice

Preparing For Your Contest Photo Shoot – Part 2: Photography And Lighting

Preparing For Your Contest Photo Shoot – Part 3: The Final Week

 

What to do with your final Venus contest photos?

When you submit your final photos the bikini type outfit will be used primarily for judging purposes only. Please feel free to submit other final pictures in nice clothes of your choice that still show off your new shape; for example a dress, skirt, jeans and tops, sports outfits, hobbies outfits like tennis, golf, yoga, etc.

We would also love to have a before picture that tells your full weight loss story so others can see that there is more to the story then just the 12 week contest window.

Get ready for AMAZING!

Will you be next?

Get your final entries in by midnight Eastern time April 13th.

Use the contest entry form (the same that you used to enter the contest).

The contest entry form has easy steps that will prompt you to enter the following items:

  • front pose
  • back pose
  • side pose
  • newspaper pose
  • up to 15 cover pictures of your choice
  • your 250 word or more essay (please include your age in the essay)

and your measurements:

  • height
  • weight
  • shoulders
  • waist
  • hips

Note: If you have errors with the contest tracker please clear your browser history or cookies and try again.

We are looking forward to the amazing results of your hard work.

Coach Roberta

If you have any questions or problems with uploading your pictures email me: roberta.saum@gmail.com

Contest rules and regulations

Contest schedule for 2015

Jenia finally has the confidence to be in pictures on vacation after finding Venus

Jenia before and after front small

Jenia placed in our recent VT12 contest

She had an amazing transformation in only 12 short weeks.

Jenia used to take a picture of her foot instead of being in family photos

Jenia used to take a picture of her foot instead of being in family photos

jenia before and after white small

Now Jenia rocks pictures with confidence

  Here is what Jenia had to say about her experience with the Venus Factor program:

How did you find the Venus Factor?  I randomly clicked on a facebook ad.  I had no idea I would change my life that day.  It was almost 1 year ago February 13th, the day before Valentines day last year.  I’m just an infant in Venus years.

What things had you tried in the past?  I haven’t really tried any of the popular diets.  I read the Atkins thing back in the 90’s because everyone was losing with it, but it wasn’t for me.    I’d just exercise like crazy – naturally all cardio.  And I’d just try to watch what I was eating without any guidelines.  I’d usually do really good with calories and was probably eating too little for too many days in a row without any eat up days.  Then I would binge like a week and then try it all over again.  I might succeed with 10 pounds here and there, but never anything permanent.

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?  All of it.  I can’t imagine any of the parts being better than the others.  The undulating protocol is brilliant; the workouts are fantastic and I can’t live without the community any more.  Now that I have access the podcasts are just as important and I wish I had them to learn this from the beginning.

Which workout(s) did you use during the contest?  What did you enjoy about those workouts?  During the contest I was wrapping up Final Phase and then went to Phase 3 as my main workouts in the evenings.  I also used Specializations and circuits for my morning routines.  I did chest and butt specializations twice a week and legs once a week.   I absolutely love learning the weight lifting and pushing harder.  I love the shape that has emerged that was never allowed to come out with all that cardio I did for years.

Did you use a particular style of eating?  What was your nutrition strategy?  I simply followed the undulating protocol with the thought to eat protein first.  I printed out the protocol calendar and wrote my calorie totals in on each day.    I’m one who never gave up alcohol nor did I completely give up treats like ice cream and I didn’t really change what I eat.  I just measured and ate less of everything.   I just account for it and keep going.  I do always skip breakfast and lunch is usually my big meal.  If I know I have a big dinner planned I have a light lunch and save the calories for dinner.  It’s all just accounting – the job that comes naturally to me.  I’m still working on getting better at the nutrition planning and having better variety in my food.

Did you use any supplements?   No.

Did you use the online community and if so, how was your experience with it?  You know I think the community is the most valuable asset to the Venus program.  Being involved in this group has made all the difference, it’s a huge part of my success.  I could not have done it without Roberta and Liss, all the rest of coaches, and the entire Venus sisterhood.   We are never alone now that we belong to Venus.

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?  I’m still working on my hardest obstacle which is changing myself on the inside.  In my head I’m still a fat woman in a thin fit body.  I’m still working on confidence and the inner Venus.  The podcasts are helping so much with this.  I didn’t think I needed the inner work, but it really must go hand in hand or you just always feel like a phony and an imposter in the new body you made.  You don’t just suddenly have confidence just because you look different.   I have most definitely learned a lot in the last few months working on this inner struggle.  I had so many decades of putting myself down, and jokes on my own behalf it’s really a hard habit to break.  But it’s coming around.

What kept you motivated?  The results.  When you see yourself shrinking before your eyes it keeps you motivated to keep going even through the plateaus and stalls.   When you know that the process is still working and the results will come if you just keep going.  Being able to communicate with the Venus ladies during struggles is also very important, it’s nice to hear that that others experience these same kinds of difficulties.

How did you feel about your final pictures?  I wish I would have had them done professionally.  I will forever have this ideal of me now….I was good enough to place in a fitness contest.  I did it and I can keep it that way!

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?    Absolutely.  I’m not stopping now!

What advice do you have for other women going through the contest or considering the contest?  I would tell the ladies on the fence to go for it, there is really nothing to lose but fat.  It’s not like a do or die thing, it’s just bettering yourself and there’s nothing wrong with that.  I’m not in the least bit competitive but I thought this would give me the extra push to keep going and reach the Venus ideal for me.  It worked for me even though I didn’t really want to win top prize or anything.  I just wanted to get there.  But I have to say the Immersion prize was the carrot I chased throughout the duration.  Now that I did place I am super proud of it and don’t want to be the one who placed and then let it all go.  I have something to be proud of and something to always aim for.  I don’t want to let the Venus community down by letting my old self come back around.  Being a contestant makes me feel responsible to myself to keep up my health and fitness.   If there are ladies out there who think they will do Venus for a while and are afraid they will let it go, perhaps they should try the contest because it makes you feel responsible to the plan and the community.

Jenia before and after bikini

Jenia transformed inside and out

Jenia loves the online Venus community

Jenia Blog

You can find Jenia active in the Venus community and read her blog!

My Experience with the Venus Factor System – Jenia

I wasn’t planning on changing my life when I clicked the Venus advertisement.  Approaching 50 years old, I thought I was destined to live in the overweight body I was used to, nothing would help at this age.  I had given up scales decades ago.  I always told myself to gauge weight loss by how my clothes fit.   Yeah, well as long as you keep buying larger sizes your clothes will always fit so why bother with scales, right?

My original goal was to lose the same 20 pounds I have always lost over the years.  Somehow that 20 pounds now put me at a higher goal than it used to.  I chalked it up to age and just started the program with those 20 pounds as my goal.  I began with the idea to totally ignore the Venus ideal body measurements, I figured they were for younger ladies.

Having the calorie deficit/maintenance undulating protocol really makes dieting easy for me.  When you can eat whatever you want but just account for it, you really can’t go wrong.   I think the really brilliant part of the program are the maintenance days.  This is the kind of thing that is always missing in other diet programs.  Feeling deprived each and every day is no fun in life.   Looking forward to maintenance days is such a bonus to the program.  It not only helps us mentally but internally as well.  Simply brilliant!

So, like I said before, at first I thought the Venus matrix was unrealistic.  I thought the system gave you this unforgiving number just to keep you working the program.  However, the closer I got to my Venus numbers the more I realized that those numbers are real and they ARE attainable.   They will actually give me the shape that was always just out of reach.  Going at weight loss alone and blind I would have stopped with the first 20 pounds and would still be an ordinary, average, somewhat overweight woman.

I began the Venus Phase 3 exercise program about the same time that the contest started.  The introduction to this program mentioned that this routine is not for everybody.  It’s based on more exercise days per week and more dedication.   I thought to myself, well when I reach my Venus matrix I won’t be every body.  I will be my Venus body, so this is the right one for me at this point in my journey.

Working with weights has become my new passion.  I absolutely love how it makes me feel and the difference in my shape is more than I ever thought possible.  Being cardio queen for decades on bicycles and ellipticals, both indoor and outdoor, did not do anything to help me lose weight.  Being Venus for less than a year has made all the difference – allowing me to achieve 45 pounds of fat loss and over 30.75 inches are gone from my circumference.

I say “being Venus” because that’s what I think this is all about.  The best asset about this entire program is the most awesome community and support team.  We are all Venus no matter where we are in our transformation, and it’s so nice to be able to get and give support to so many wonderful ladies.  We are all on common ground and we are all supportive of one and other.  So many times women tend to be super competitive with each other, you won’d find that here.

They say you are what you eat, right?  Well I think the Venus ladies are what we DON’T eat.     It’s a way of life, a mentality that will stick with me for the rest of my life.  It’s really a life changing program, if you allow it to be.  It’s something I totally fell into at the click of a mouse, and I am so happy I did.  I am the fittest I have ever been in my life, even better now than my teenage years.   I’m loving the new Venus me.  My new standard is not ordinary, it’s extraordinary; I am Venus forevermore.

Thank you all so much for creating such a wonderful and workable program!

Jenia’s Metrics Results

Jenia lost 1.5 inches from her waist and 8 lbs in only 12 weeks using the Venus program!

Jenia lost 1.5 inches from her waist and 8 lbs in only 12 weeks using the Venus program!

 

Jenia made a stunning transformation and just glows!

Jenia made a stunning transformation and just glows!

You can listen to Jenia’s story here:

It’s okay to make mistakes with diet – just keep moving forward – says Contest Winner Sheralyn

Sheralyn says she is a Venus for life!

Sheralyn says she is a Venus for life!  Look how tiny she is in her after picture!

 

Sheralyn placed in the VT12 contest. Here is what she has to say in her own words:

 

How did you find the Venus Factor?

The Venus link was attached to email that I got from a self-esteem help promotion. I was not feel well emotionally or physically and I was looking for self help before going to a professional. I clicked on it knowing that my biggest problem was my weight, but I did not know how to take it off without depriving myself or making me feel worse. It made sense to me and I purchased it right away.  I started reading all the information and found it not only fascinating, but it made sense to me. The very first thing I was excited about was the workouts.   I have worked out a majority of my life, but I hand done anything consistently in the past few years.

 

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

For me, the most beneficial is the flexibility to make it work for me, my family, and my life style. You can make it so personal in every way from the food to the exercises.

 

Did you like the Venus workout?

I LOVE the workouts!!! I started them right away.

 

Which workout(s) did you use?

I did Phase 1 twice, I have did Phase 2 (Final Phase) twice. I am planning on doing Phase 3 next, a modified version; one that will fit with my time schedule.

 

What kept you motivated?

My biggest motivation was the mirror and fitting into cute clothes. Now, a huge motivation to keep it off is my health. I feel so much better both physically and mentally.

 

Do you have a particular style of eating?

Not really, during the school year eat my salad lunches, the weekend I eat pizza with my family. I fast twice a week. The summer is a little more lacks.

 

Did you use the Undulating protocol?

The first 12 weeks I followed it exactly.

 

If so how did it work for you and did you make any modifications?

From then on I pretty much eat maintenance on Fridays and the rest of the week I stay close to my minimum.

 

Did you use any supplements?

I just take 1 A Day vitamins and fiber gummies.

 

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

For the first 12 weeks I was a community “stalker”. After that, I had the courage to be more involved. I think the community is such an important part of Venus. This is where we can share our ups and downs without fear of criticism, you learn that is it’s ok to make mistakes. You can be encouraged when you feel that you are not making any progress.  There are so many beautiful women to lift you up. It is such a positive, encouraging place.

 

Did you find support with friends and family?

Funny story, my family did not know I was doing anything different until 3 months after I started and they started noticing I was losing weight. Now my family is eating better and exercising more.

 

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

To not be discouraged by the scale, but to rely on other things, the tape, clothes, the mirror.

 

How did you feel about your final pictures?

WOW is that really me???? Sometimes when I look in the mirror I have to stop and stare and ask is that really me???

 

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

This is definitely for life!!! For me this is not only about weight loss but about learning about my self. I learned, for me to be a better person to my family, friends, and students I need to take care of myself. Also, there are so many Venus ladies that are wonderful examples of being older, fit, women that are an encouragement to keep on.

 

What is your best advice for other Venus’s?

No matter how slow the pounds come off keep going, it is ok to make mistakes, just continue forward. I like what John wrote somewhere “What would your future self say to you now?” I need to remember this again with my last few pounds and inches to lose.

 

Sheralyn's Venus lifestyle includes enjoying time with her family.

Sheralyn’s Venus lifestyle includes enjoying time with her family.

 

Sheralyn is active in our private online community and you can find her on the inside.

 

Sheralyn recently celebrated her one year anniversary with Venus!  Stop in and say congratulations.

Sheralyn recently celebrated her one year anniversary with Venus! Stop in and say congratulations.

 

Sharon, A Venus for Life

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Sharon placed in our recent VT12 contest

She did a fantastic job, and these before and afters only capture a portion of her total transformation. Sharon completed one round of 12 weeks with the Venus Factor system before the contest started.

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This is what Sharon had to say about her experience:

I stumbled across this program on FB and watched a portion of the video, then deleted it. A couple of weeks later, I came across it again. I know things happen for a reason, so I decided to watch the entire video and haven’t looked back since! My experience with Venus has been amazing! I’ve had a few setbacks and have had quite a bit on my plate. I’m opening a new business in two months, started a class that is very demanding of my time, have a full time job, a part time job and then I had to fit in a diet and exercise regime. I wasn’t  always able to maintain self control as I love my sweets but that’s the beauty of this plan. You can have what you want as long as it’s budgeted in!  However, if I fell off the wagon, I’d just get back on! The exercises were my favorite of all! I used to use workout videos and they got VERY boring. These workouts were always different, very challenging and had instructional videos to watch if I didn’t know how to do it. I NEVER missed a workout, ever! I may have had to do them on different days than I had planned and even sometimes back to back days but NEVER missed a workout! The best part was I could watch my soaps on TV AS I worked out. (I am quite the multi-tasker! Lol. Gotta use my time wisely, I’m busy!) Since I’ve started, I’ve actually inspired others, most importantly, my 18 year old daughter and that is soooo exciting for me! ME, an almost 49 year old, in menopause and a mom of an adult…an inspiration to others? Wow!!!! I weigh less now than when I was 29 and I’m positive I have more muscle now than I did then! This is definitely a program I will use the rest of my life. It’s the only thing I’ve used that made sense and that I’ve seen results with that I know I can actually do long term. Although I am pleased with my results, I feel as though I could have done so much better had I not been so stressed with so much on my plate and a little more self control. However, I do know in my heart, I will continue to get better after the contest. I’ve only just begun! Thank you Venus!

 

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Sharon’s Results

Sharon lost 4.25 inches from her waist in only 12 weeks!

Sharon lost 4.25 inches from her waist in only 12 weeks!

Sharon looks so confident and happy!

 Sharon was a joy to interview and she has some wonderful advice to pass on to the next round of Venus contest participants.  Listen to Sharon’s interview here.

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