Today I want to introduce you to a tenacious lady that never quits. I’ll never forget the first time Barbara walked into ERF, we were still located in the small store front. She came in and went through the circuit and I didn’t see her again for almost a year. When she came back the second time I could tell there was something different this time. I could tell she was fully committed and all in. Barbara has rarely missed a day since the second time she walked in my door. I’ll never forget how she would struggle to get out of the floor after crunches and now she hops up like the champion she is. This is Barbara’s fitness story!
When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?
Getting fit and trying to lose weight began when I saw the scale telling me that I had to do something or I might not be able to do anything later. My doctor had told me my A1C was up and that if I didn’t get my eating under control that diabetes would be the result. He also recommended that I begin an exercise program to help lower my A1C. I wasn’t really excited to hear the word exercise, but I knew I had to do something.
Have you made previous attempts?
I have had a weight problem most of my life and have tried many diets to try to lose but I did not stick with it. I also tried exercising and went to a program that had a rotation with machine workouts, but it closed about 6 months after I started.
What was the difference this time?
I tried ERF for a week when it first opened and barely made it through that week. Then about a year ago I tried it again. When I first started it was difficult but I knew I had to stick it out. I had difficulty with some of the exercises especially the ones where I had to get down on the floor. I always needed help getting up.
What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
The confidence I gained when I was able to get up by myself and the support and encouragement I received from Jeff and others at ERF assured me that I can do this. Now I am able to go all of the rotations with ease. There are some rotations I have to modify, but overall I can say I have improved tremendously.
How much total weight/inches have you lost? How many jean sizes are you down? How much stronger are you now?
I have not lost much weight since joining the program, but I have lost several inches and have become much stronger and healthier. I am still working on getting my diet under control, but I know I that I would be worse off if I hadn’t gone back to ERF.
How much more would you like to lose?
I would like to lose about 40 pounds, but I know that will be a struggle because I have some health issues that make it more difficult for me to lose the weight.
What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?
All the people who come to ERF, along with Jeff and my family, are the motivation factors that keep me going. The compliments from friends and family about how much better I look have also helped. My confidence and strength have sky rocketed too.
How has your diet changed?
I am currently seeing a dietician for help with my diet. I am trying to eat less carbs and sugar and more protein, veggies, and fruit. I am also trying to drink more water.
What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?
When I want something off my diet I say to myself, “do I really need this or can I eat something else that is healthy and still satisfy my cravings?” Then I weigh the pros and a cons of eating something not healthy verses something that is healthy. Most of the time I can convince myself that the healthy choice item is better for me but I have made the wrong choices at times. Then I know I have to reset my mind and focus on what is better for me.
Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?
My advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight is just start doing it. Get your mind set on it and make sure you are doing this for you and not for someone else. Start with a healthy meal plan that provides the protein and nutrients you need. Don’t forget the getting fit part too. I have always been told that exercise and healthy eating go hand-in-hand when trying to get fit and lose weight, so don’t wait any longer because your life may depend on it!!
I want to thank Barbara for sharing her story. I know someone reading this or someone you know can identify with Barbara’s story. No one generally thinks about doing something for their health until it’s too late. I’m very proud of Barbara for all the improvements she’s made and can’t wait to see how much more she improves. One thing I know Barbara never quits.