Deedee

“DON’T MAKE EXCUSES, JUST DO IT!”

You could say I’ve been with Doreen since she started her fitness instructor journey.

I attended Doreen’s very first Zumba class when she became an instructor, many years ago.  That first class was so much fun, I just kept going to her classes.

And three or four years ago, she branched out and a personal trainer.  I knew I had to try that too!  I was right. Her personal training sessions we right on and quickly became the highlight of my week. She kicks my butt, and I love it!  Her training challenges keep me progressing forward, weekly.

Some others have had ah-ha moments, not me.  Mine was more like a gradual ah-ha. It started slowly,  my weight started to come off.  Then, I could see my muscles.  Then I watched as my muscles transformed my body.  I really liked what I saw in the mirror.  It was at that point I was hooked.

I looked forward to my workouts, though I’m not going to say it was ever easy.  I kept getting stronger.  As I did, Doreen or Dave seemed to make it their personal mission to push me right out of my comfort zone and up to the next level.  I view my workout times with excitement and am proud of the things my body can do now.

I had experienced the vicious cycle before with inconsistency of eating and working out.  What I found was the positive cycle.  For me, eating better went hand and hand with becoming more fit. Better food choices led to feeling better, more overall energy, and better workouts.  It seemed that I floated from the unhealthy side of life to the much happier healthy side of life.

Like everyone, I’ve had my fair share of challenges with extensive surgery on my elbow, knee, and hip. Recovery is crucial, always! Since I had made so many changes, my recovery time was much, much faster than the doctors (and even Doreen) had expected.  In fact, Doreen had to tell me numerous times to pull back and not be quite so raring to go. It is great that she understands my body. I appreciate her recognizing when it’s time to push and to back off.

Additional challenges I have to face are those nuances associated with being a Type 1 diabetic.  I do have to be careful since I tend to have low blood sugar issues, so it’s always a balancing act.  There are days where this is not my friend in the weight room, and I’ve pushed through like a stubborn mule.  Through my time with Doreen, I have seen very positive results in my numbers. Proudly, I’ve been able to reduce the amount of insulin, which is fantastic.

I find my biggest motivation is how I feel and what my body is now able to do.  A small example I’m excited about is chin-ups. Like for many, they at one point were in the realm of impossible.  Today I can do over ten! What a monumental achievement that was.

I am also very proud of my husband. Once he saw all the positive changes I was making, he drank the kool-aid and joined in the fun. A little background, in addition to training, I also walk three times a week –  rain, snow, sleet, or shine.  And now my husband and I walk together – rain, snow, sleet, or shine.  I love being able to spend time with him doing active things. We both feel better. I look forward as he continually adopts more healthy changes and together we continue our healthy lifestyle for many years to come.

I’ve grown better over the years, and now I am facing my biggest challenge yet to come.  I will be adapting to totally new surroundings, as I pack up and head to Hawaii. The baby bird is ready to fly, although very nervous. I’m already thinking about how I can continue exercise and healthy food choices. I’ve come this far, and I am determined to continue my fitness journey.  And I know that Dave and Doreen have my back!

Speaking of which, I wouldn’t have been able to make and keep these healthier habits without them. Being held accountable for what I do and don’t do has been critical to my growth. I’m not one to make excuses, it’s just nice knowing they want the best for me.  And that does include some butt kicker workouts where I tell them I hate them for an hour and still love him at the end of a session.

If I were to offer any advice for anyone, I’d say to get off the couch and take the first step. That step leads to the second step which leads to walking around the block which leads to all the places you will go.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME:

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I love yoga and it helps my daughter is a yoga instructor.  I also enjoy scrapbooking, if I find free time.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like them all.  However, give me a little country, especially Kenny Chesney.

If you could spend time with a famous person, past or present, whom would it be and why?

My famous person isn’t really *that* famous.  I would LOVE to meet Gladys Dull. Gladys was 90 years old in 2007 and she had been a Type 1 diabetic for 83 years!  As brutal as this disease can be, that is incredible. She passed away in 2009 and her story is amazing.

What do you think is your most outstanding characteristic?

I hope I’m an encouragement to others. I like being able to motivate someone to improve their life through a healthier lifestyle.

What are your words to live by?

To paraphrase Nike, Just Do It! No Excuses!

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my regular workout habits and how much I love them. I do not miss walks. It’s my me time, and I find my day just goes so much better when I walk.

What is your favorite healthy meal?

I love spaghetti squash. My favorite recipe is in pasta with marinara sauce. It’s so delicious!

How much sleep do you get per day?

I get about 8 1/2 to 9 hours of sleep. When I sleep well, I have more energy, and it’s even easier to keep up with my healthy habits. It’s a positive cycle that I continually benefit from.

What do you like most about Reformed Living?
Hands down, I like the trifecta of motivation, support, and accountability. Doreen and Dave are fantastic people and fantastic trainers!