Today I want to introduce you to a lady that’s all business when she walks into ERF at 5:20 in the morning. That business like manner has lead to success, dropping 3 jean sizes and about 20 lbs. Jennifer works hard and never backs away from any of Damon’s challenges. The other thing you will love about Jennifer’s story is she’s real. The things that most people think she’s not afraid to say and I love that about her. This is Jennifer’s fitness story.
When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?
The year I turned 45. I got tired of feeling weak and overweight. My thighs were looking like cottage cheese and my shorts were getting longer and longer to cover my legs.
Have you made previous attempts?
Yes. They were feeble attempts and I knew nothing about what I was doing. So, the gym consisted of trying every machine and not knowing what I should do. I felt like an idiot with all the buff, in-shape people all around me. I battled a lot of injuries and pain doing the wrong things, the wrong way and even wearing the wrong shoes.
What was the difference this time?
It’s not left up to me to figure out what to do. I come in and do each station. I’m told to start and when to stop and when to move on. The only thing left up to me is how heavy/hard I want to go. I don’t get bored and discouraged trying something over and over and not being successful. Trying to be a runner was a disaster for me in those respects.
What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
Finding the time to go was the hardest. I finally decided to try to go in the mornings with my husband Damon because I was getting stuck in traffic every afternoon and finding myself dreading going. It’s so good to be DONE at 5:50 AM before going to work.
How much total weight/inches have you lost?
In pounds, I’ve lost about 15-20 lbs. Inches, I’m not sure.
How many jean sizes are you down?
I was a size 10 and about 165lbs when I started. Yesterday I bought a size 4 and weigh about 145lbs now, but you know that voice in your head that says “The size is wrong AND it is a stretchy material.” In scrubs, I’ve gone down 2 sizes.
How much stronger are you now?
In some respects TONS. In others, just a little bit. My shoulders are my weakest muscle I think. I still can only lift about 10-12 pounds on lateral shoulder lifts. My legs have always been my strongest so squats and leg exercises are easiest for me. I’ve gone up to 125lb (I think) on those. When I first started “girl push-ups” were so hard, now I do elevated pushups (just because Damon challenged me – otherwise I wouldn’t have even tried. I didn’t think I was strong enough) although still working on form…still don’t have that down. I sometimes wonder if anything will be easy but have to remind myself that continuing to increase weight, difficulty and reps is progress and if it ever becomes easy, I’m not progressing.
How much more would you like to lose?
I’d love to see 130s on the scale but I’m okay if I never do. The pounds aren’t as important as they used to be to me. I’d really, really like to see a low body fat percentage.
What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?
I just keep trying. Because I didn’t really exercise until my forties, my joints and muscles aren’t worn out like many people my age so I haven’t had a whole lot of failed progress. Damon and I challenge each other. He has a lot of pain and problems (because he’s old 😂 and he’s been active and played soccer ALL of his life – y’all know he deserved that).
How has your diet changed?
It hasn’t changed a terrible lot except that I try to make better choices. I’m a school nurse so the summers are the worst being home and “off” for months. During the school year, what I take to work is what I eat and try to make good choices. I love carbs and Revital U coffee has done wonders on cutting down on those cravings.
What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?
I eat it; I just don’t do it often.
Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?
ERF is the best choice you can make. Especially if you are like me with low experience with working out and low confidence in yourself. Combining a better diet with ERF will do wonders and sometimes you don’t even know it. It’s strange to me that others see such a big change. I don’t but that’s a self-image thing.
I want to thank Jennifer for sharing her story and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes. She’s one of the most consistent women in the gym, hardly ever missing a workout and when you look at her you can see the work she’s put in.