Lessons learned thru my 87 lb weight loss journey
**LINK TO POWER PILATES AB 10 MINUTE WORKOUT BELOW ARTICLE**
In 2015, my life took a painful turn when I started experiencing excruciating low back pain that radiated down my leg to my foot. Despite my efforts – hours on ice packs, yoga, swimming, and even steroid injections – the pain persisted. Eventually, I saw a back specialist who diagnosed me with a condition called pars defect on my L5 S1 vertebrae, likely an overlooked birth defect manifesting in my middle age.
This back specialist told me if I had been strengthening my core thru exercise such as Pilates it would have helped strengthen my back. This was the first I had ever heard the word “PILATES”. I immediately turned to the internet to learn more and eventually spent hundreds of dollars hiring a personal Pilates trainer. The journey began to strengthen my back. Although my effort couldn’t undo the damage, Pilates became instrumental in my rehabilitation after undergoing a challenging back fusion surgery in May 2017. Despite lingering pain from the damaged L5 nerve, Pilates became my hope of helping me regain strength and diminish the damage I had suffered. I had no idea how important it would become in the coming years.
Fast forward to the day after Easter in 2019, a subtle pit in my stomach grew into a concern for my health. After weeks of unrelenting thirst and nightly consumption of 100 ounces of water with frequent bathroom trips left me with grave concerns. Conversations became challenging due to an insatiable dryness that required constant sips of water. Blurry vision added to the puzzle. At the time, I was on a recently increased medication for my back, and its side effects seemed to align with my symptoms. However, a fasting blood sugar test one unforgettable Monday morning revealed a staggering 386 blood sugar reading. This officially marked my entry into the world of Type 1 diabetes. At the age of 48, I was Type 1 diabetic, a condition that had plagued my family. Battling this newfound challenge, I witnessed my body drastically change. Within 5 months after diagnosis, I had gained 60 lbs. Despite setbacks and numerous attempts to lose weight I was not successful. My doctor at the time told me starting insulin will often cause weight gain. I wanted to do everything I could to prove him wrong.
However, Pilates remained my constant. In the fall of 2021, I decided to pursue my Pilates certification. The global pandemic forced me to go the online route for my training. It’s one of the best things I have ever done. Pilates became a source of joy and eventually a physical transformation for me. I began teaching Pilates classes around my pool and later adding classes IN the pool! I might add Pilates in the Pool is simply one of my favorites! I love water and I love Pilates so it’s the perfect combination! I found so much joy in helping others while continuing my battle with Type 1 diabetes. It is a 24/7 job managing Type 1 diabetes and I still struggled getting my weight off. I added multiple Pilates classes weekly, as well as lifting weights, and being very careful with portion control with my diet. I have also gained a love of weightlifting. I believe the combination of weightlifting and Pilates can change the way your body looks. I have never seen muscle definition on my body until I added weights into my workout routines. In my opinion, lifting weights especially as we age is one of the most important things we can do to better our health.
In the midst of my struggles, I found strength in the memory of my father, my hero, who battled Type 1 diabetes with unmatched courage until his untimely passing at age 58. His legacy reminded me of the resilience that runs in our family’s veins. Alongside me in this journey is my husband, who, like me, faces the daily challenges of Type 1 diabetes. Together, we have become an unbreakable pair, supporting each other literally through the highs and lows. I am grateful I have him by my side through this journey.
Countless tools were tried in the pursuit of weight loss. Managing blood sugars took precedence, and counting carbs became a daily ritual. Eventually an additional insulin was prescribed to help lower my A1c and it helped jumpstart my weight loss. A1c is strictly monitored in diabetic care. An elevated A1c is an indicator of poor blood sugar control. It’s crucial to have an A1c within normal limits to help prevent the devastating complications that can happen with Type 1 diabetes. Eventually, I was able to resume with two insulins to manage my diabetes. Through all of this, I learned that protein is very important in stabilizing my blood sugars. I also learned portion control IS important. I realized that counting carbs and protein were critical in helping manage my blood sugars and also my weight. I had to count every time I ate anything. FULL DISCLOSURE …I hate counting anything and this is a daily challenge for me…STILL! The struggle is REAL!
As I reflect on my transformative journey, one thing remains abundantly clear: Pilates has been the cornerstone of my strength and resilience. It became more than just a form of exercise; it became my sanctuary, a source of empowerment. Pilates, coupled with weight resistance training and mindful portion control, not only aided me in shedding 87 pounds but also played a pivotal role in keeping the weight off.
Suffice it to say Pilates has become instrumental in changing my life. It has helped transform me, making me physically and mentally stronger. Beyond its physical benefits, Pilates has provided me with long, lean muscles, a strengthened core, and a clear mind. I recognize that Pilates might not ignite the same passion in everyone, but its importance in strengthening our core and instilling mental clarity cannot be overstated.
When we are physically strong, we are better equipped to face life’s challenges head-on. In the end, Pilates has not only reshaped my body but also my spirit, reminding me that with every stretch and every breath, we can find the strength to rise above our limitations and embrace a life of endless possibilities.
Thinking back to 2015 to now at the age of 53, I am feeling better than ever! It has been a journey of growth, learning so much about my body and what makes it work and lots and lots of prayers. I am so very grateful and I am really looking forward to what the future holds. I have so many things I want to accomplish and do!!! No matter where you may be on your journey, I want you to know you can DO IT! All things are possible with understanding YOUR body, consistency, hard work and maybe a little Diet Coke 😉
Click below for my Power Pilates Ab workout. I have found this to be very instrumental in strengthening my core in just ten minutes a few times a week. There is a charge for this workout but the good news is YOU CHOOSE what to pay. I won’t see who bought it and for how much was paid. So GO FOR IT! Learn a new ab workout to add to what you may already be doing or use it to jumpstart your journey!
POWER PILATES AB WORKOUT
CUTE PILATES SHIRTS, AND FUN GRAPHIC TEES AT LINK BELOW!!
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