Success Story: Sally
At the age of 51, my life, like that of most people, was hectic and stressful, and I was not doing a good job of balancing my love for, and time with, my family, my commitment to my career, and my passion for ballroom dancing. The long hours I spent working were worth it, I felt I was making an important contribution in my career. However, I wasn’t feeling completely satisfied with any part of my life, and in the mix of looking after everyone and everything else, I had forgotten to look after for me. My body was sending me messages, so I listened and knew it was to make some significant changes.- the biggest of which was joining Defining Eve.
I decided to begin working with a personal trainer, because I knew I wanted to see results quickly to keep me motivated. Despite having great intentions, I hadn’t been successful at sticking to a training program (group or otherwise) on my own, so I knew I needed the accountability of working one-on-one with a trainer. Over the past year I have worked with my personal trainer three times each week. More recently I have added in at least three 5 Km runs on my own.
My motivation comes, primarily, from the way I feel every day, all day, whether it’s a training day at Defining Eve or not. I have caught someone stopped in his tracks watching me bouncing down a hall or through a doorway, my smile wide, more than once! He must wonder what I’ve been up to. The secret is out. I feel terrific about myself, both with how I look physically and how I feel psychologically.
My goal was not to lose any weight, but rather to tone and sculpt, and the results have been amazing. In addition, I am better able to cope with the daily stresses associated with my career, I have more time to spend with my family, and have the energy to dance as much as I want. The encouragement and positive feedback I receive from my husband and two sons are incredible.
My ultimate goal is to continue to increase my level of fitness and to be able to continue to dance competitively into my 60s. My second goal is to continue running. Since I began at Defining Eve, I have, after a lifetime of absolute avoidance of running (because I didn’t like the way it felt) started to run! With the encouragement of my trainer (he made me do it), my legs have turned over quickly and often enough to complete three 5K and one 10K race. My finishing times were adequate, and much to my amazement and joy, I absolutely love running. I have started training for my first half-marathon in the spring of 2008. Wish me luck!
Realize that you are worth it! Taking time for yourself means you will have more time for those in your life who matter.
