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| AGE 45 HEIGHT 5'0" WEIGHT 158 lbs |
AGE 49 HEIGHT 5'0" WEIGHT 106 lbs |
Why I Decided To Transform
I stepped in the gym for the first time on April 1, 2008, and haven't stopped since. I weighed 156 pounds at the time and wore a size 14 mother of the bride dress to my daughter's wedding in 2007. Today I wear a size 2 (and sometimes a size 0).
Middle age was creeping up on me and I didn't want to settle with the way I looked just because I was in my mid-40s. The trigger that got me started was a book called Younger Next Year and Younger Next Year for Women by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. I read both cover to cover and recommend them to everyone who thinks they're too old, too busy, or too tired to lose weight and get in shape.
This year I turn 50, and thought it was a perfect time to compete in a bodybuilding competition. Alcohol had become a big part of my life and was beginning to affect my daily life and relationships. I knew if I committed to a competition publically on social media that I would have to quit drinking.
I haven't had a drink over six months and don't miss it one bit. My husband and I go out as much or more than we used to and enjoy hip hop music and dancing all night. I sleep like a rock and wake up between 5-6 a.m. every morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. I never seem to run out of energy!
My first NPC bodybuilding competition was in June and I had a wonderful experience. I plan to enter several more NPC and INBA shows this fall. I love the self-confidence that bodybuilding has given me. I have more energy than I ever before. I enjoy lifting free weights and love to challenge myself.
I always say that my fiercest competitor stares back at me in the mirror every morning. My husband and I have made working out a big part of our time together, which has only strengthened our relationship.
How I Accomplished My Goals
I decided to accompany my husband to the gym during his daily workout on April 1, 2008. He got me started and I haven't stopped. Intimidated by the free weights section at first, I got a trainer for a few sessions to walk me through the iron, which helped tremendously.
I followed the plans outlined in the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women and noticed a change in my strength and physique within weeks. Watching the weight drop off and the muscles develop was all the motivation I needed to keep going.
On the days when I didn't feel like going, my husband encouraged me. On the days when he didn't feel like going, I encouraged him.
What Aspect Challenged Me The Most
Diet is probably the most challenging, especially while prepping for competition. Portion sizes were difficult to cut down. Getting to the gym on work days can be a challenge, but I always feel better after going to the gym.
That positive energy is the driving force that gets me up at 3:45 a.m. so I can eat and get to the gym on the days I work.
My Future Fitness Plans
Competing! I want to continue competing as long as I find it fun and challenging.
I also plan to run my second half marathon next February with my daughter in Walt Disney World (I ran my first half marathon this past February).
Suggestions for Aspiring Transformers
- You're never too old to start watching what you eat or to start exercising.
- You don't have to have a gym to get a good workout. I've learned that an exercise band and my own bodyweight provide a good workout anywhere.
- No dessert is worth what it takes to burn off the calories it contains.
- Buy smaller dinner plates and split meals when going out to eat.
- Eat every couple hours throughout the day.
- You'll never regret going to the gym.
How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals
I joined Bodybuilding.com several years ago when I began getting into weight training and wanted a place to go to find articles and advice about nutrition, supplements, and training. The support I've received on the site has been so valuable and a very big motivational tool for me.
Anytime I need information about a supplement or a particular exercise, I can search and an article always comes up. I often email the articles to family and friends if I think it will benefit or be of interest to them. It's been fun watching others progress on their journey and has provided me with a nice online journal.
I've ordered products from Bodybuilding.com and have received them promptly as promised. I often will look to the store to compare products and check prices before purchasing in a store. The best part about the site is the friends you make and the online support received from them.