My Spinning Testimonial
My name is Tami, and I’m an obesity survivor!
A little over 18 months ago, I was 273 lbs., and a size 26W. I had high blood pressure and suffered from aching joints and heel spurs. I had low energy, and avoided shopping and social activities. At age 47, I decided that it was time to take charge of my life and health. To help facilitate weight loss, I had lap band surgery in September '06, which helped with portion control and hunger management. Within a few months, I had lost over 70 lbs., and my doctor told me that although I'd developed much better eating habits, if I wanted to get all the way to goal, exercise would be essential.
I joined a gym, and started slowly, but consistently. One day, I was on the elliptical, chatting with the person next to me about the "elite" athletes who were heading to the Spinning room, and saying how I wished I was fit enough to join them. A guy nearby overhead me, and stopped by to talk to me about Spinning. He had recently completed Spinning Instructor Orientation, and told me that Spinning is a great low-impact exercise for anyone, at every level of fitness, and that each individual can customize their workout by simply adjusting their resistance and cadence. A few weeks later, my gym offered an "Intro to Spinning" course, and I decided to give it a shot. I've been addicted ever since! I'm very lucky to have a Master Spinning Instructor, Lisa Coen, who leads classes at my gym, and she has not only instilled in me a love of Spinning, she's taught me a lot about my metabolism and how to maximize fat burning as well.
Since starting Spinning in February '07, I've lost an additional 54 lbs., for a total weight loss of 124 lbs. Even better, I’ve gone off of 3 prescription medicines, dropped to a size 6/8, my heel spurs are gone, and my hips and knees no longer ache. I now feel strong, energetic, and physically fit. I recently came in second place in a fitness challenge at my gym! A cloud of apathy has lifted from my life. I’m much more self-confident, and ready to take on new challenges. I plan to take the Spinning Instructor Orientation myself in a few weeks, and hope to share my love of Spinning with other people who want to get fit.
I feel so very lucky to have had the opportunity to recover from obesity and regain control of my health and fitness. Life is too short not to live it!
