Peace and Fitness

Joyce’s Journey. A Simple Reminder.

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http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXPdJFU-gadzROEZJXGW8ZyUNs0GW-2LcPsPCbc5pmd4Z7xzV9Much of the world is waking up today and thinking about how they can improve their lives.  Many have resolved to do many different things more, or less, but no resolution comes up more than the one that says “I will exercise more and  lose (fill in the blank) pounds.”

I would like to share the “Evelyn Woods” version of my student Joyce’s weight loss story.  At about 460 pounds she had gastric bypass.   Sick from the surgery, she lost hundreds of pounds only to find that while she couldn’t eat very much at one time, she could eat small amounts often and soon gained much of the weight back.  Next stop, Atkins diet.  That did help take off the weight she put back on, but when she hit a plateau and the diet stopped working for her, she got frustrated and started eating again.  Neither the surgery, nor the diet, changed her brain.  One day she woke up and said enough is enough and joined the gym where I teach.  I didn’t know her as she started working with Ron and Wendie to get herself on a healthy eating and routine exercise program.  I didn’t know her because she would watch the classes and think “I can’t do THAT!”  Fast forward to Joyce in ONE-derland, weighing in about 300 pounds lighter than when she started her journey.  She looked at the class one day and basically said, screw it…I AM going to try that!  That’s how I met Joyce, was totally inspired by her journey and was reminded once again that:

A HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISE ARE THE SAFEST, SUREST, and SMARTEST ways to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance results.  This story has no end, but I am happy to say that just a few weeks ago Joyce brought her other half to the gym and while his weight is good, he found himself disgusted with all his huffing and puffing to get through the cardio.  A few weeks later he told me he threw his cigarettes out after that class.

It’s awesome how one positive change can create a domino effect and lead to all kinds of positivity.  As you consider what it is you might do to make some change this year, look at all the potential you already have and go from there.  Don’t be tricked into easy seemingly easy fixes.  There really are none.  You have got to put in the work, but it will all be worth it when you watch the scale and your mirror smiling back at you.

Today really is the first day of the rest of our lives.  Let’s get busy.  If you, like me, over-indulged this weekend, revisit last Monday’s entry and start downing that water and those veggies, today and get your body moving!

Speaking of moving…good luck to my boy Jason Taylor as he moves on from his football career.  I am sure we will be seeing plenty of him in the future.  Great job by all the Dolphins yesterday.  Great to see them beat those Jets (even if I did nap through most of the game).

All classes at TFC are back on schedule…at least I know mine and Ellen’s are!  See you there, or right here. 

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Comments

  1. You know I absolutely LOVE you!….and you are a sweetheart to tell my story. Yes…I was 460 lbs that had no life, and couuldn’t even take care of the things we all take for granted..like getting in and outta a bath tub, sitting in a booth at a restaurant, going through a supermarket turn style…keeping my body clean..and to be perfectly blunt..wiping my butt. I had very few clothes, mostly stained and torn, and still had to go to work, it was a chore just to sit behind a desk and walk to the counter and back. I was exhausted when I came home. Rashes..sleep apnea..headaches..poor hygiene..and a sadness and despai no one person could fathom. People that are morbidly obese know all to well the lonliness that encapsulates them. Social life?….lol….not a chance. More like a world of dreams, fantasy and pretend. Because ANYTHING else is more tolerable than our reality.

    Let me say this to you….

    I’m 55 years old…and here’s the big secret….

    Ready?….listen closely now..you might miss it….

    (SHOUTING)…..THERE IS NO SECRET SISTAS OF THE FLESH…….EAT SENSIBLY, WATCH YOUR CALORIC INTAKE AND MOVE YOUR ASS!!!!!!

    p-e-r-i-o-d.

    If anyone would like to see my pictures or even need me to inspire you…I’m here for anyone who’s heart is hurting…because I NEED to give back what you need to move forward on…

    I love you B….and to all your students….let me say we are all lucky to know such an awesome girlie!!!!

    Joyce…;)

    • Joyce…I am so glad you checked in and responded! I am posting your response as a blog entry because it’s from the “mouth of babes.” YOU are an inspiration beyond anything I can say or do. You walk the walk and you do it beautifully. My wheels are spinning on how you can get that surgery. You should send your pics to every plastic surgeon in South Florida…to Dr. Oz, Ellen, the Doctors Show, Dr. Phil…Maybe just mass produce a letter and photos and send it everywhere. And as a side note, if you NEVER get your surgery, you are still beautiful and don’t ever forget it!!!!