Body Transformation: Comeback Cassye

Sporting a bathing suit at a kids' birthday party made her feel like the elephant woman. This was the final straw for Cassye. She took notes from Jamie Eason and went to work!

Name: Cassye Delphy
Email: cassadelphia@yahoo.com
BodySpace: cdelphy    Personal Website: 43fitness.com

Cassye Delphy Cassye Delphy
AGE 42
HEIGHT
5'5"
WEIGHT
138 lbs
BODY FAT
26%
AGE 43
HEIGHT
5'5"
WEIGHT
117 lbs
BODY FAT
14%

Why I Decided To Transform

I fell in love with strength training 10 years ago when friends who'd been college athletes introduced me to free weights. Back then, I worked out three times per week and ate whatever I wanted with good results. I worked out consistently, even through and after my pregnancy, until about two years ago when I took a part-time job and fell into some bad habits.

The realization came slowly at first - clothes fitting more snugly, feeling tired most of the time, having to go way back to find good photos of myself, and making the decision to buy bigger clothes.

At my age, I told myself, 'It's a natural progression, right? It's sort of expected, and I deserve some slack.'

Well, last spring I was forced to endure what turned out to be a mortifying experience wearing a bathing suit to a kids' birthday party. No big deal, I thought initially. It's the first time this season, but so what? I wore swimsuits all the summers before, and didn't expect my reaction.

Something was different. My body looked weird. I spent the entire time hiding - feeling like the elephant woman. Then I thought to myself, 'Hey, this is NOT you. What are you DOING?!?' That was it for me.

Now, I feel like myself again, only with a vengeance this time! I decided that a comeback was in order, but it needed to be serious. I'm serious about all of it (training, dieting, and supplements, which I never used before).

I'm so confident and comfortable in my skin, knowing all the work it took in the 12 months getting to where I am now. I love being able to perform old school moves like pull-ups, deadlifts, and squats. Hoisting luggage into the overhead airplane bins with little effort isn't bad either!

How I Accomplished My Goals

The key element to getting in shape is diet. I'll say it again, D-I-E-T! I'm not sure why it took me so long to accept this fact, but it is so true! I really just can't emphasize it enough.

I have to give most of the credit to Jamie Eason. She's so accessible! It was like having her as my own personal trainer. I followed her guidelines about eating and it paid off! I eat 6-7 times per day, depending on when I go to bed.

I no longer indulge in anything I haven't planned to eat - nothing at work, no kids' birthday party cakes … it's amazing how much mindless eating I was doing! I DO believe in cheat meals, and think I would have a hard time without them. I usually work these in during planned meals out with friends or family and at special occasions. This allows me to feel "normal" on a regular basis and not feel deprived.

The other most important factor is consistency. In the beginning, I was religious about getting to the gym and rarely missed a workout. I saw amazing results in just two months. This kept me motivated to continue way past my initial goal of fitting into my old clothes.

I had to revamp my entire wardrobe because I can't wear much of my old clothing. Having support from my family, friends, other gym rats like me, and sometimes complete strangers does wonders for motivation!

Once the people around you acknowledge and appreciate how far you've come, the last thing you want to do is let them down!

Cassye turned her life right-side-up.
Cassye turned her life right-side-up.

Suggestions For Aspiring Transformers

Set The Example: The best element of all this is letting other women know it's not over just because you're a mom, and because you're over 40. Don't let society talk you into giving up! Also, try not to let the naysayers get you down. I got a lot of "Wow! Don't lose any more weight!" and "You need to EAT more!"

I am so happy with my transformation, so I let it all roll off. Having good muscle definition is not the norm for most females, and people aren't used to seeing it close up. Some folks might feel intimidated by fit physiques, so I've tried to remain approachable by smiling a lot and just being my friendly self, especially at the gym.

This goes a long way, and actually helps facilitate conversations with others who may not be sure how to go about getting healthier.

Photo Credits