I took aerobic classes for many years. Between that and walking, I had no problem keeping my weight off, as long as I didn’t miss too many of my six weekly classes.When I turned 50, however, things started turning ugly for me. Step classes and walking no longer kept off the pounds, and I saw myself going from size 4 to 6 to 8 to 10 to 12. When I could no longer fit comfortably in a size 12, I reached my breaking point and decided to do something to reverse the trend. By this time, I was age 62 and hoping it wasn’t too late. I did an internet search for a trainer/nutritionist, not knowing if it was really necessary for me to take such a drastic measure. I found BOE, and after interviewing with Katie, my doubts about whether or not I needed this degree of help evaporated. I realized I didn’t have a clue where to start on my own and would have gone right back to walking and taking step classes. Katie started out educating me on what I should be eating to eliminate body fat and replace it with muscle. This was a challenge for me at first because it went against everything I learned back in the 70’s and 80’s and because I also just didn’t like fresh fruits and vegetables (not the good kind anyway). But, the more I got into it and the more I learned, I really started liking the new way of eating. I learned that I actually do like fresh vegetables; I just don’t like them cooked. I now only eat raw vegetables and have the complete set of Kristen Suzanne’s Eating Raw cookbooks. Katie then put me through three 30-minute resistance/strength building sessions a week which seemed like 2-hour sessions to me at first. I couldn’t believe how I was huffing and puffing and groaning in agony. It was embarrassing, so I’m glad not too many people had to witness that. I was shocked to learn how much of an aerobic workout you actually get from resistance and strength training. As tortured as I am during class, I feel really great afterwards. At the end of the 1st month, I had lost no pounds and only 1.2% body fat. That was really discouraging, but Katie reminded me that it took many years to reach my current situation, so I shouldn’t expect to see a reversal of the situation within a month. So, I kept going, working as hard on the diet part of the equation as the exercise part. At the end of the second month, I started seeing a lot of progress. I was building more muscle, and, like Katie promised, my metabolism started kicking in. Now at the end of 3-months, I’m fitting comfortably in size 8 and well on my way to getting rid of that last bit of muffin top that still stands on my waist. Thanks, Katie!!!
Linda