After 20 years of yo-yo dieting, I doubted that I would ever be at a healthy weight again. I teach fourth grade where we take class pictures every year. Looking at the pictures from years passed, I could literally see my weight go up one year, then the next year it would go down, the following year it would be up again, then it would be down the next year AGAIN! That pattern continued for many years. I knew I had to make some permanent changes before I started having medical problems.
In October 2016, I heard that RevFit opened up. A few of the teachers had joined, and I noticed how much of a difference it was making for them. So, on Halloween I went to my first spin class. I could barely finish the class, but it was FUN! After feeling the energy and motivation in that class, I was hooked! The next day, November 1st, I joined boot camp. After 6 months of discipline and being held accountable, I lost 30 lbs. I was determined to keep that weight off, and I DID for five and a half years!
My trainer, my friends, along with just about everyone I had started working out with left the gym. Fortunately, I have a loving family who kept encouraging and supporting me. My husband and I started working out together, and RevFit has become like a second home to us. Our gym has such positive energy! It’s refreshing to walk into the gym, knowing that we are surrounded by like-minded people who have a desire to live a healthy lifestyle.
I continued doing resistance training, spin classes, and eating a clean diet, which all helped me maintain my weight. However, I still needed to lose twenty more pounds to be at a healthy weight for my height. In July 2022, I started researching and studying nutrition. I came to the realization that I had insulin resistance and that is why I could not break through the plateau. I was also deficient in some vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, so I modified my diet and continued working out 3-5 times a week. The weight finally started coming off. Since then, I have surpassed my goal and lost 30 more pounds!
At 53 years old, I am in the best shape of my life! I do not feel forced to exercise; I workout because I enjoy it! I eat a clean, healthy diet. I have stopped eating based on my emotions or using food for entertainment.
My advice would be to educate yourself on nutrition first, then develop a plan to lose the weight. Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Enjoy the journey that will change your life for the better!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
