About a year ago, I was 42 years old, had low self-esteem and hated looking in the mirror. I had low energy and high blood pressure. I weighed 256 pounds. I was overwhelmed by the thought of how much weight I needed to lose, how to do it, and how long it would take. During an occasional visit to the health club I noticed they were offering a free personal training session. I was reluctant to try it, because I wasn’t ready to commit to changing my lifestyle – unhealthy food choices and very limited exercise. My 16-year-old daughter inspired me to give it a try.  I am so thankful that she gave me the motivation and support I needed to change my life forever.

I enjoyed my free training session and have been working out with the same trainer ever since. Her encouragement, support, passion for exercise and healthy eating habits gave me the tools and confidence I needed. Each week, Judy creates a strength training session that is fun and challenging. I am eager to lift weights two additional days a week on my own.

About seven months later, I decided that I wanted to kick things up a notch by running. Since I was never a runner before, I started out on the treadmill, building up my speed or distance each week. I fell in love with running after a run along Lake Minnetonka and Lake Calhoun. I ran my first 5K race and started running at 5:15 a.m. during the summer to experience the beauty of the sunrise.  I hope to do a 10K soon.

Then, I added cycling to my routine. After two weeks, my husband and I were hooked. I had finally found an activity that we could do together!  His weekends used to revolve around fishing.  Now, he makes sure to fit time into his schedule to ride with me. He bought both of us road bikes and we rode 90 miles in two days on the Central Lakes State Trail.

I also changed my eating habits. I used to skip breakfast and grab lunch at a fast food restaurant. Judy encouraged me to eat six small meals a day and keep a journal of what I ate to hold myself accountable for making good choices. I pack a lunch that includes a variety of fruit, vegetables and lean protein. It was a challenge to switch from fried to grilled or broiled. I still enjoy a few meals out at my favorite restaurants, but now I ask for substitutions, such as broiled shrimp instead of fried, a vegetable instead of French fries, etc.  I also drink a lot of water!

The past year has been a wonderful journey for me. I went from occasionally exercising to a six-day- a-week routine. I’m blessed with an enormous amount of support from family and friends. I am 108 pounds lighter and am stronger physically and mentally. My blood pressure is significantly lower and I am almost free of medication. I learned that life is full of choices, and that with determination and dedication, anything is possible.

Written by: Lisa B.