Kim - 70 Years Young

(The Kick Up – Chapter 75)

I never exercised, didn’t need to, didn’t want to.

When I turned 40 things started to change. I gained an extra 10 pounds, then another or so. I thought, “Hey, I’m in the food business. I know how to do this. I can lose the weight without exercise,” so I started to diet.

I had no real plan but I know healthy food. I stopped eating breakfast, only having coffee/lattes, ate soup for lunch, big dinner with lots of veggies and of course still went out for meals with friends. I won’t mention the occasional glass of wine.

Sounds okay–right–I GAINED weight. After a period of time I had to admit I did not know how to do this. I needed help.

Who better to ask for assistance than my ever ready hubby who had offered advice repeatedly to no avail. Maybe I had better listen!

I decided to do the Body For Life program designed by Bill Phillips. It had a comprehensive eating/exercise program, which left very little to chance.

Randy helped me plan the exercises and led me through the program for 12 weeks. We charted my food and made adjustments as required. I realized that I previously had no idea what I was doing. This was all new. I definitely needed a coach.

I got amazing results, shocking results. I lost half my body fat and 15 pounds and gained muscle for the first time in my life. I slept better, felt better and looked better.

My energy level increased. My ability to do my job, which has a physical component, improved dramatically. I no longer needed help putting heavy items onto higher shelves and I had increased stamina.

Being a small-framed woman with a thyroid condition I was always concerned about loss of bone mass while aging. This concern has been abated.

I have continued to exercise 6 days a week for the last 27 years. I have maintained my stamina, and improved my strength and balance. A few pounds come and go but I enjoy a full active life with more discipline and the knowledge to take control of my physical being as required.