July 24th 2019
“Hello & Namaste! The day I walked into PDRC, I was nervous and wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing. I have been overweight all my life, and had tried every form of exercise, yoga, and diet plans under the sun! It was a constant battle – me against my weight! Nothing worked; primarily, because I wasn’t consistent. I gave up too soon each time; I always had an excuse, and I succumbed to negative self-talk. When I took up a new job as a university professor, I noticed that my life had gotten even more sedentary with several hours before the computer or at my desk. I thought to myself – if I don’t start working out consistently now, I might die when I am 35! So, I decided to work with a personal trainer in the hope that my trainer would be a “magician”.
Shari Lesser was my personal trainer at PDRC. She was realistic and not a magician! She has been supporting me and coaching me with fitness, strength training, and weight loss. I have been going to PDRC at least 4 days on a busy week and 6 days on a good one. Her workouts were customized to what my body responded to, and what I felt comfortable doing. It wasn’t easy though – she pushed me the right amount and constantly encouraged me to push myself without hurting my body. She also helped me monitor what I ate. In fact, since I started working out, I don’t feel the urge to feed my body any junk. The consistency in my workout has improved because of how they make me feel. I feel energized; I feel lighter. I don’t have heart burns any more. My knees don’t hurt as much. I eat right and sleep well. Overall, I feel good about myself. I know I have not reached my “perfect weight” yet, but I know I am in the right direction, and honestly, I don’t value myself by my body size any more. I value health, and I value the energy that allows me to do the things I want to do with my family like hiking, biking, playing outdoors, and being more active.
Recently, I was able to get in 5.5 miles on the bike in 30 minutes and I go hiking to the mountains frequently without feeling much pain in my knees. It is hard, but I am doing it! I could do 1.5 miles on the bike in January 2019, and was always reluctant to hike. When I see myself reach new milestones like this, I feel empowered! I always knew that I could do anything I set my mind to, but now, I am actually doing it! I believe that we women sometimes forget to take care of ourselves as much as we care for others. The functional training I’ve done with Shari has made me feel strong physically and mentally, and I truly have begun taking care of myself in a mindful way. If that’s not a happiness and health booster, what is!?!”
Thanks,,
Siva priya Santhanam