From Alarming Lab Work to Healthy Certified Personal Trainer

Submitted by Elverna C. from Disability and Aging

I had my annual physical on July 3, 2013 and realized I had gained 36 pounds over a three-year period. My blood pressure was high, and I had not had problems with that before. The doctor said it was probably because of my weight gain. We also realized that, based on my labs, I had gone into early menopause. All these factors had my metabolism in slow motion. I left my doctor’s office and found a personal trainer that day.

My fitness goal when I met with my personal trainer was to lose the weight I had gained. My trainer informed me that I was not eating as often as I should or the combination of fats, protein and carbohydrates that I should to ignite my metabolism. I started to eat every three to four hours per day. I measured/weighed all of my food for the proper portions. I lifted weights four days a week and did cardio five to six days a week. My body started to change. My trainer asked if I was in a hurry to lose the weight. Initially I said yes, but that changed as he explained about losing body fat versus concentrating on the numbers on the scale. He also realized I knew how to lift weights and asked if I had lifted before. I told him I had been lifting since college. He also asked if I had ever thought about entering a fitness competition. I informed him that I was training for a competition in 1991 when my then husband and discovered I was pregnant. After I had the baby, I just lifted weights to look good. I thought I was 45 and too old to think about competing. But I thought about it and discussed it with my young adult sons and they wanted me to go for it. I have competed in four shows placing in every show. I became a certified personal trainer in 2014.

I love the fact that I’m 50 years old and do not take any medications. My blood pressure and lab work have been great. I enjoy meal prepping and getting up at 4:45 a.m. to workout. Also, I enjoy training others to reach their goals. I’ve learned that only I can stop me from obtaining my goal.

My favorite part of Working for a Healthier Tennessee is the accountability that it brings – co-workers holding each other accountable and being a buddy to encourage each other.