“I am in the best shape ever, free from fibromyalgia pain and have lost 60 pounds…and all without medication!”
Suzzanne Clapper’s Experience
In 2001, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes widespread pain all the time. I was out of shape, overweight, and facing a future that included high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. I was in pain and unwilling to face a future that included medication and further medical complications. In February 2007, I decided enough was enough and started working out with One on One through my employer, Minitab Inc.
At first, I didn’t change my eating habits too much since I was more concerned with reducing pain and improving strength. Over the next three years, my trainers discussed healthy eating habits, ways to improve and I slowly started making small changes that made a difference. I started feeling better…I was gradually losing weight and experiencing less pain. This motivated me even more and made me wonder how much better I could be. My improvements also allowed my trainers to adjust my routines and challenge me even more.
In the fall of 2010, I started to pay attention to not only what I ate, but why I ate. I wondered why I ate the ”not so good” foods and decided that understanding “why” was going to be the key to determining the changes I needed to make. I started a journal daily on (a) why I was hungry or craving that ‘not so good for you food’,(b) what I wanted to eat, (c) how I felt after I ate it, and (d) if it was worth the calories. By Thanksgiving, it became clear to me that in the majority of cases, my need to eat poorly was solely based on emotions and not because I was truly hungry and that after eating, I felt no better. It became crystal clear that my emotions drove my eating and not true hunger.
In December 2010, with the support of my trainers, I started eating healthy with lean protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. At each session, we discussed how it was going and once a week documented my weight, good or bad. They answered every question and provided support throughout this journey. In January 2011, I added additional cardio workouts to my weekly routine. Now, it is October 2011 and I feel fabulous! I am in the best shape ever, free from fibromyalgia pain and have lost 60 pounds…and all without medication!
My trainers and the entire One on One staff are wonderful to work with and take a personal interest in each client’s well-being. They are all very supportive and will help in any way possible. If you ever wondered whether a personal trainer is worth it, stop thinking about it and call One on One. They are worth every penny and then some!
My journey has been educational, enlightening and very difficult. However, the hard work and dedication has made me much healthier and much happier. I am a new person thanks to One on One, my employer, my family and friends!
Thank you.
Suzzanne Clapper, State College, PA
Client since February 2007