Update: Shantiqua’s weight loss story

Transformation of the Day (Update): In 2020, Shantiqua shared how she lost 120+ pounds. Recently, she wrote in to update us on her awesome journey. One of the things this proud mom learned is that a balance of cardio and weight training can be more beneficial than cardio alone.

Social Media:
Instagram: @tees100lb_journey

Read more about her journey from the feature we did in 2020.

Hi! I wanted to share my transformation story again since it’s been a while. My goal is to encourage other women.

What motivated you to change your lifestyle?

My journey began in 2018 after my second child. My postpartum weight was over 300 pounds, and I truthfully felt defeated. I knew my past had a lot to do with the weight I’d gained over the past years.

I was in a teen shelter at the age of 18. I transitioned to a pregnancy shelter for nine months and then went to the family shelter in 2013 after I had my first child. Once I got into a place where I could focus on myself, I never stopped.

How did you change your exercise and eating habits?

I was able to put myself in a calorie deficit after speaking with my nutritionist. MyFitnessPal was something I lived by. It made staying within my calorie deficit so much easier.

I was in the gym 3-4 times a week. Truthfully, the gym became a way to take my mind off some of my current issues. My workout consisted of lots of cardio in the beginning. Now I lift weights due to losing lots of muscle.

Starting weight/Current weight

My current weight is 200 pounds. My lowest weight doing cardio was 170 pounds. My highest weight was 310 pounds.

What is your height?

I’m 5’9″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

One of the biggest lessons I learned: DO A MIXTURE OF CARDIO AND WEIGHT LIFTING. I lost so much muscle doing strictly cardio.