®
Meet Your Coach
Training, Expertise, and Certifications
My name is Shenese Davis Colwell and I am the owner and founder of L.A.B. Work & Fitness. My passion for helping WLS clients reach their fitness goals and offer support for this lifelong journey is fueled by my continuous pursuit of knowledge and support in the field of nutrition, fitness, and motivation. I have certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition to my fitness certification and studies, I have trained and worked with Bariatric Wisdom, and Bariatric Support Centers International to gain coaching and group support leadership skills. I am also a member of Obesity Action Coalition and Exercise Is Medicine. My most important qualifier and source of pride and motivation is being a successful bariatric patient and keeping off over 110 pounds over 7+ years!
Shenese’s Journey
Shenese underwent gastric bypass surgery (also known as roux-en-y) in October 2012, just one day prior to her birthday. This was a gift to herself to try to get her life back on track and optimize her quality of life after many failed attempts at significant, long term weight loss. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision. There was much preparation and research that preceded the ultimate decision to undergo a surgical route to loss weight.
Well aware of, but not deterred by the stigmas associated with weight loss surgery, and armed with the knowledge and tools needed to maximize the success of her decision, would ultimately fuel the passion to help others do the same. After working with several great trainers, she realized that many fitness industry professionals were not fully equipped to service weight loss surgery clients. The actual experience and full knowledge of the journey and expectations were lacking on their behalf. They couldn't quite identify with the process, other than the fitness component to a certain extent.
The fitness portion of the journey for weight loss surgery clients is NOT to lose weight, THAT part is going to happen. The overall goal is to work on getting the body you want AS you lose the weight. To have realistic expectations and realize that WORK is required if you intend to maximize the investment you put into having the surgery in the first place. Maintenance is definitely a lifelong journey. L.A.B. Work & Fitness was created to be a partner in that journey.
