Lisa Turned Her Life Around
“Where do I start when this journey has been 5 years in the making. Oh, how about my 5- year award. What will it be…a gold watch, a few free sessions, maybe some new swag from Jarrett? My family is surprised that I did not quit!
Seriously, I have been getting stronger and in shape with the help of Jarrett since October 2018. I was 176 pounds, 5’1 and a slew of medical conditions. I’m still 5’1, but 30 pounds lighter and down 2 sizes.
I started this journey because my doctor was not happy with my weight and said I needed to drop some pounds. To be honest, neither was I with my weight, but life happens. I just had my yearly physical at the end of September and the doctor was thrilled as I’m still 30 pounds lighter, my blood pressure is still controlled without medication, my A1C is now 5.3 and my BMI is 26.
Let me describe the old me… I was 176 pounds taking 7 medications for a host of things from pre-diabetes (A1C at its highest was around 7) to high blood pressure to thyroid and para thyroid disease and a few things in between. I can honestly say that I have stopped working on being bionic and I don’t have any loose screws, but I do have a few screws…a screw in my right knee due ACL surgery, a plate and screws for in my neck for thoracic fusion and rods and screws where my back is fused at L4-L5.
Today, I am only taking 3 medications for my thyroid and cholesterol, just a few things that will never change due to genetics, like my height. I’ve been told that I have osteopenia and I have to watch my blood calcium levels since these things can cause my bones to be brittle and break more easily. That’s probably why I broke my left hand 6 years ago when I tripped over a doorstop in the middle of a floor. I wish that wasn’t a memory from my trip to Jamaica, pun intended. One way to improve those things is via strength conditioning and muscle tone. My bone density scans have gotten better and my hips stronger.
Sure, there have been some hic-ups along the way, but Jarrett has always been there to pick me up and put me back together. Today, my routine is training twice a week, walking 2-2.5 miles a few days a weekand lastly, playing pickleball a few days a week. What more could a girl want…a gold watch, a few free sessions, maybe some new swag from Jarrett.”
When you first meet Lisa, with her infectious energy and humorous demeanor, you'd never guess the hurdles she's faced. In 2018, Lisa came to NOVA Strong with a history many might find daunting: four back surgeries, a neck fusion, an ACL repair, and a previously broken hand. But Lisa isn’t one to back down from challenges. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, commitment, and the belief that with the right guidance and mindset, it’s never too late for anyone to turn things around.
(Lisa started when Coach Bean was still in her internship.)
Before working with us, Lisa had spent years as a full-time caretaker, always putting the well-being of others before hers. Which meant long hours, lots of stress, and not much room for self-care. For once, Lisa wanted to prioritize what was best for her. It wasn't just about looking better; it was about feeling better and living better.
With the given amount of surgeries and the physical limitations that accompanied them, many would have conceded to a life of restrictions. Not Lisa. Her aspirations were clear: she wanted to shake off the shackles of her Blood Pressure and A1C meds, drop the extra weight, and most importantly, rediscover the physical freedom that she once took for granted. It’s with this desire that she sought out a specialized trainer who could help her break these shackles and overcome her physical limitations, leading her through our doors.
After deciding to take charge of her health, Lisa began her journey with NOVA Strong by utilizing two pivotal services: Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching. Consistency is key in any transformation, and Lisa took this principle to heart. She showed up for every session, rain or shine, always eager to push herself and embrace the day's challenge. Her trust in the process was evident, and even when life threw unexpected hurdles, like pesky pickleball injuries, she remained committed, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, was progress.
Under our guidance, Lisa learned the art of balanced nutrition. Through our coaching, she grasped the significance of managing healthy portions, even when indulging in her favorite treats. Prioritizing veggies and lean proteins became second nature to her, but it wasn't about strict dieting—it was about informed choices.
And when it came to physical training, the generic approach was never an option. Lisa's history demanded specialized attention, and that's precisely what she received at NOVA Strong. We tailored training routines to not just accommodate but strategically strengthen areas of previous injuries. The result? Not only did she achieve impressive strength milestones, but she did so without compromising her well-being.
Through her sheer determination, consistency, and specialized guidance, Lisa's hard work began bearing fruit. One of the most remarkable achievements was her ability to completely come off her blood pressure and A1C medications. Her health improved dramatically, not just on paper but in her daily life.
The scale also testified to her dedication: Lisa dropped an incredible 30+ pounds and has impressively maintained her weight for over two years. And if numbers are a testament, the gym had its own story to tell. Lisa, against the odds of her previous injuries, squatted over 100 lbs for reps. She didn't stop there; she showcased her strength further by deadlifting her body weight.
But it wasn't just about lifting weights. Lisa celebrated other fitness milestones too, like nailing her first pushup and subsequently achieving a set of 15. These feats, some might say, are small. But for Lisa, they represented breaking barriers and setting new standards for herself.
It's evident that with the right coaching and a willing spirit, hurdles can be transformed into stepping stones. Lisa is a testament to this synergy.
Lisa's story isn't just her own—it's a beacon for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their past, believing that their physical or health challenges define them. Lisa teaches us that persistence pays. Over her 5+ years with NOVA Strong, she faced numerous obstacles that could have deterred her, but her commitment to evolving and growing never wavered.
She's a living testament that an all-or-nothing mindset doesn’t always serve us best. Sometimes, it's about making adjustments, rebuilding when needed, and understanding that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks.
If you’ve been seeking a sign to begin your fitness journey, to trust the process, and to break free from what's been holding you back, let Lisa's story be that guiding light.
