Today’s featured weight loss success story: Lisa lost 76 pounds and became a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fitness Instructor. She has provided the FULL details of her weight loss journey (below) and I think her story will resonate with a lot of BWLW Ladies.
She wrote us to say:
“Here is my weight loss success story! I am 34 years old, 5’3 and currently weigh 124 lbs. My starting weight was 200lbs. That was my heaviest weight when I was about 20-21 years old. After I graduated college and got a job, I started gaining weight from all the office lunches and morning meeting breakfasts. I wasn’t exercising so I went from a size 9 to a size 18 over a few years. Of course no one said anything to me about my weight but I knew something was wrong. I claimed that I didn’t have money to hire a trainer but I did have the money because how was I buying all the crap food I was eating? If I had the money to buy crap food, I had the money to invest in my health. I ended up hiring a personal trainer who ended up becoming my mentor. I took her aerobic classes and began working part time for her gym as front desk desk. I ended up losing 70 lbs!
Over the next few years I started teaching spinning classes at her gym and became a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fitness Instructor in 2005! But just like everyone else, there comes a time when you start to think that you can go back to eating whatever you want…I stopped counting calories and even though I was still working out every day, I started gaining weight again because I wasn’t eating properly. Which brings me to 2007 when of the 70 lbs I lost, I gained back 35 because I wasn’t eating correctly. By my wedding in June 2007, I was back up to 171! When I got back from our honeymoon, I buckled down again and got back on track. My clients stayed with me because I was on the same struggle as them. Personal trainers are human too…we fall and stumble just like everyone else. I got back on track and lost all the weight by counting calories, weighing and measuring my food and of course exercising. I also decided to start training to run half marathons, but I started off by running 5ks, then 10ks, a few 15ks and then the big one. I got my weight back down to 134.
By the end of 2009, I had run many 5ks, 10ks, 1 15k and 5 half marathons. At the end of January 2010, I was pregnant with my 1st child…even though I watched what I ate and worked out every day, I still managed to gain 36 lbs which once again brought my weight back up to 171 when I gave birth! I was so depressed because I didn’t want to have to go through the weight loss yet again but that’s exactly what I had to do. So it did it! I continued to workout at home, canceled my gym membership and got down to business! By 6 months post partum I was back to 134 (my pre pregnancy weight). I kept it going after that by joining myfitnesspal.com to keep track of everything that I ate. I continued to solely workout at home doing programs such as Insanity, Asylum vol and and i just completed Asylum vol 2! My exercise routine right now consists of interval and circuit training. I drink atleast 1/2 a gallon or more of water per day, eat over 100g of protein, I also monitor my carbs, far and sodium intake via myfitnesspal. I also completed 2 half marathons this year and will continue my running and sports specific exercises to bring my fitness to new level. I am currently 124 lbs and have been maintaining at this weight since March of this year. I am where I want to be and will continue to maintain at my current weight.
What I have learned through my journey is that once you get to your goal, the work doesn’t end there. You have to keep going and continue to watch what you eat because if not you will gain back the weight. I’ve also learned that I am capable of doing so much more than what my mind tells me! I tell my clients all the time to believe in themselves because each and every one of us has it in us to succeed! You just have to ask yourself, how bad do you want it? If you want it bad enough, you will stop making excuses why you can’t, and start coming with with reasons why you can! Once you do that, it will all fall into place but you have to do the work!! You have to keep pushing play every day and not let anything or anyone stand in YOUR way of getting to YOUR finish line!! I didn’t!! If I did it, you can do it!! Believe in yourself!! Invest in your health! It will be worth it in the end!!”
Marsha S. says
Great stry, keep up the good work you look fabulous.
Pleschette says
I enjoyed your story as I have jumped on and off the proverbial fitness wagon several times. Thanks for sharing. My fitness pal username is Stemgurl, I’m finally friending others to access a “community”. Please add me to your list. Have a blessed day!
Adrienne says
It’s refreshing to see a personal trainer going through MY same struggle!! Great motivation!!!
Davina says
So motivational. I am inspired to persevere through any weight loss struggle I may encounter.
Thank You so much for sharing 🙂
Keila says
Your story was beyond amazing and exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation to refocus myself!
Lisa says
Thank you so very much for sharing your journey it was exactly what I need to hear. Absolutely awesome. Keep up the great work.
Shirley says
Your story is amazing & one that many of us share!! Excuses shouldn’t be used if our ultimate goal is to become healthy and lose weight! I know I’ve used the excuse that I just don’t have time but I realistically I do because I know that I should make time and save the excuses!!! I joined myfitnesspal and it helps tremendously and since joining BWLW, my motivation has soared because there are many of us with the same struggle and all of us have the same goals: to live a healthy lifestyle!!! Kudos to you for doing your thang!! You looked good in your before pictures but you look amazing in your after pics!!
monique says
Thank u…this story is EXACTLY what I needed to hear.
gg says
I just hired my personal trainer…Im 140…but very flabby!! I wanna get to were u are…firm and healthy!! Im really working on carbs and protein…the counting calories part is hardest!
Dee Carter says
Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story! I am 220 pounds and have been overweight for five years and the numbers keep on growing. After reading your story, I am fired up to begin my program – I will go to myfitnesspal.com to get started – Thanks a Million!!!
shantresse says
I love your story it sounds like mine. It gives me hope that I will get back to my goal. Thanky you for sharing.
Kendyll says
This is awesome! Love your story and soooo inspirational!!!! You go girl!!! We are not perfect as we are human but working towards our personal best is the key!!! Congrats on reaching and maintaining your personal best!
ShaRhanda Lawson says
Thank you SO much for posting. You just inspired me to get off my butt and do this Power 90 workout! If anyone wants to add me on MyFitnessPal (please do), my username is rhannie8. There’s no such thing as too many motivating friends!
Karen says
I need help!!!!!! I cannot find the motivation I need to even get started. I have gained so much weight and I feel terrible. All of my clothes are too small and I refuse to buy a larger size. I joined the gym but for the life of me I cannot make myself go. I have long work hours and by the time I get off I just want to go home and climb in the bed. HELP!!! Is it mental???
Christine says
I am so jealous of your weight loss…but so PROUD OF YOU!! Keep up the good work! YOU LOOK AWESOME!!
@Karen
December 5, 2012 • 12:15 pm .
I am in the same boat!! What you said is EXACTLY what I say everyday!! Is it MENTAL??? sigh
Trell Dodson says
Well, I truly commend you on your weight loss! I’m currently struggling with my weight every since I had my hysterectomy. My weight has gone up and down and I don’t like what I see when I look in the mirror..so depressing but I will work harder at my eating habits. I don’t do chocolate, nor ice cream, but I ocassionally drink soda, and I do eat fried foods every once in a while. I really think the problem is my portion control and the fact that I stopped exercising.
April Farrior says
I love ur story is was very inspirational. I am currently struggling with my weight. Pleas add me to ur list.
Gwendolyn Nelson says
Lisa, I need as well. Is there any way u can help me?
Sherry says
I love your story…I went from 220 to 172.. Now I am back up to 185, because even though I am still working out I am eating off my plan.. Smack in your face reality, you have to keep up eating the correct way and logging your food choices.. It’s not easy but I like buying and wearing smaller clothes and feeling really good about myself.. Thanks for your inspiration..
Cherron says
Your story is beautiful and very motivational. You are a beautiful young lady and i know that you will continue with great success.
Tara says
This is such a great story! I am truly motivated, getting rid of the excuses and making a CHOICE to believe! Thank you for sharing!
DDavis says
Your story is very motivating. Thanks!!