Week 8: Maintaining motivation

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Reneau family took a trip back to the YMCA to meet with Activity Coach Brian West in week eight of the Extreme Family Makeover, and when they got there, they got a surprise.

"We had no idea he was coming. We were excited when he walked in," Amie Reneau said.

IPFW Basketball Coach Dane Fife came to give the family a boost in motivation.

A surprise appearance by IPFW coach Dane Fife gave the family a boost in motivation.

"Coach Fife talked about perseverance and integrity, which is when no one else knows what you are doing, if you are still doing what you should be," Amie said.

Eight weeks into the program, the family is working hard to stay on track, finding time can be a barrier

"It's hard to find a consistent time to do my exercise," Mark Reneau said.

But his family's been helping him meet his goals.

"One of the kids is helping keep mom and dad motivated saying let's go take a walk and that's neat to have that family support," West said.

Amie admitted some days are harder than others.

"It's hard to keep going some days, especially when the results aren't happening as fast as we want them to be," she said. 

But Coach Fife taught the family that when it get's tough, that's the time to push the hardest.

"These are the same things we do with our players. we have to say on them because the tough part is to maintain a workout regimen and to pace for success," Fife said.

The support gift this week, tickets to the IPFW-Michigan State game and basketballs, gives the family another way to get active.

"I call it getting exercise with basketball and not getting competitive," Fife said. "There are groups out there who want to play basketball and not get competitive."

After meeting with Coach Fife, the family hit the gym with West for core training. They learned how to do crunches on exercise balls and the floor.

"Just the few we did hurt, but it feels good at the same time," Amie said. "I like the ball for the support on the back."

Whether on an exercise ball or on the floor, the important thing is to work the abs with proper form.

"If the ball is more comfortable, than the floor, then use the ball. If the machines are more comfortable, then use the machines. The goal is quality not quantity," West said.

The Reneaus said having goals also helps keep them motivated. They hope to complete a triathlon next spring.

"But we have mini-goals to keep us going. We are doing a two-mile walk for the Three Rivers Festival and another walk in July. They keep you going until the triathlon," Mark said.

The Reneau family will lead the way for the Three Rivers Festival walk. Click here for registration information. 

While they haven't seen a lot of weight loss, they are seeing changes in their bodies.

"They're seeing more energy and some inches are being lost. We talked about how it's not just what the scale tells you, it's how your clothes fit," West said.

And the family feels confident they'll meet their goals.

"We're on the right track. We feel good about ourselves and what we're doing," Mark said.