Lisa lost 45 pounds. She knew that she wanted to avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes. She already had a passion for running and she has added to that a passion for bodybuilding and fitness. Check out how this mom of 2 took control of her health and transformed her lifestyle.
What was your motivation?
Even though I was a bit on the heavy side, I always enjoyed running in 5k and 10k runs. Running has been my passion since high school. Coming from a family that suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, I knew that I had to take control over my life and take action to avoid suffering with any illnesses. In March 2015, I took a close look in the mirror and knew it was time for me to make a Big Change in my life. I thought about my siblings who had passed on. They suffered with being unhealthy. I also care for mother who has diabetes and high blood pressure. I knew that change had to come so that I could be healthy and strong caring for my two girls and my family.
Ernestine Shepherd is my inspiration! Her story is similar to mine. I’m a woman who at the age of 46 has dealt with high blood pressure and anxiety issues. In February 2015, I suffered a TIA (mini stroke) due to stress. After that, I started doing research on getting a trainer, because I knew that I could not do it by myself. A childhood friend gave me the number of a close friend of his who is a trainer. He told me that this man is the “Truth”. When I met this personal trainer, I knew that I was in for hard work and a lifestyle change! On April 8th, 2015, I started my journey with my trainer Hifon!
He pushed me to every limit. He told me that if I wanted to ever hold a World Title, like him, I would have to put in the work, day in and day out. He would always say to me, “Pain is My Pleasure.” That would keep me moving through my cries and wanting to give in. Hearing his voice and encouraging words would uplift me. I would get up off that floor, wipe my tears and then “Go Get That Money” (Gym talk).
My 2 daughters motivate me also. They are both athletic. They play basketball, and workout in the gym. They love seeing my transformation and telling their friends that their mother is a bodybuilder!
What does your workout routine look like?
In the beginning, my routine was plenty of cardio and some lifting. I would workout 5 days a week and run every weekend, for 8 miles, on a trail. As I got more into my training, I did plenty of strength training and circuit training. Heavy lifting followed, with a lot of repetitions. I’m a bodybuilder, so I train everyday like a bodybuilder that has a upcoming competition.
Now, don’t get me wrong, in the beginning my diet was terrible! I would start healthy then fall off. My trainer knew just by looking at me that I was not eating right and would beat me up about it. I had to add prayer into my daily workout and had to journal and meditate. Hifon would tell me, “Get back on that wagon and let’s get this Money.” I stepped up my daily workouts by doing at least 3 miles at 5 am and burning 500 calories. I added an Ab workout: crunches, sit ups, leg raises and side twist (4 sets, 20 reps). After work, my trainer would have me working either on legs, chest, arms, back or cross training. I would also hit the treadmill (incline 7.0, speed 5.0) for 45 minutes of jogging.
How did you change your eating habits?
My diet right now is really good! I eat 4 to 5 spinach salads a day. I have 8 oz of protein and 2 oz of carbs with every meal. On my salads, I either put tuna, salmon or chicken with balsamic salad dressing only. In the morning, I have 6 scrambled eggs, grapefruit and my protein shake. I do everything according my a bodybuilder lifestyle. No junk food! I also drink plenty of water!
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight on April 8th, 2015 was 225 pounds and today my weight is 180 pounds. Now, some people would get discourage and say,”That’s still fat!”. I say, “No it’s not! I’m all Muscle!” I still have 20 pounds that I’d like to lose by April 8th.
What advice would you other to other people who want to lose weight?
My advice to anyone is to know who you are and what you want. Don’t try to look like someone else or like these models in these magazines. Don’t try to please someone other then yourself. Make life changes to improve your health and Yourself! Take time out to pray, meditate, journal and take pictures every month of your transformation. Eat clean and enjoy the Ride! If you can put in 8 working hours on your job, then you can put in overtime in your life while working on Yourself! It’s a life long process that have many awards! Love God, Love Life and Love Yourself!!
Instagram: @Fit_lmg
T says
Thanks for sharing your story, it was truly motivating. You look great and continued success to you!