Lisa
How did you begin your journey at (MDR) and when? At the end of May 2023 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It was a wake up call that I needed to start taking my health seriously. My goal was and is to try to get to a point where I am either not taking any diabetes medication at all or at least cut the number of pills. The main way to do it is what “they” always tell you - diet and exercise. I started by walking almost everyday, but felt I needed something more. I was at a Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Event (shout out to a great group!) and I won a drawing for…a $500 ad in a local magazine. I traded that with another member who won a two week pass to thestudio(mdr). I needed some sort of exercise more than an ad for my business. After my two week trial I was hooked and have been coming ever since.
How has your fitness journey progressed since we last featured you? I have definitely lost weight and am more toned, but I also am able to move in ways I haven’t been able to for decades. For personal evolution, that is harder to pinpoint, and perhaps more subtle. I am definitely prioritizing me and my needs more ahead of work and other distractions. It used to be if a client reached out to me to do something I dropped everything to get it done. I still get what is needed done, done well and in a timely manner, but if I have my class at thestudio(mdr), whatever they want can usually wait until after. Same goes for a call. If my watch goes off in the middle of class, I am not stopping what I am doing to check it - which I would have done a year ago. I am doing what I need to do for me and my health in order to better serve my clients, family and friends.
Have you achieved any significant milestones or goals since then? Patience. I am not a patient person. Also sticking with it. I am very shocked I have been as good about my regularity in going, but I think it ties in with realizing I need to prioritize my health and well being, otherwise I will not be able to be there for others or for the things I want to do.
How has your perspective on fitness and wellness evolved over your time at (MDR)? Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry about what you think others are thinking. Keep going. All the usual platitudes…it turns out they are true.
What role has The Studio (MDR) continued to play in your fitness journey? Part of what keeps it bright is being able to do things I haven’t been able to do in years, no decades. Hike 4 miles. It was hard but I did that last week. Sit “criss-cross-apple-sauce”. Also seeing the improvement in each class keeps me going. In my first class I could barely do a tricep extension, now it is easier. Also having all the support from my friends, family and really the community at thestudio(mdr). Everyone at the studio is so supportive and patient with me. And finally with every ten pounds I lose I get a new fun work out t-shirt.
Have you discovered any new favorite workouts or fitness activities? My husband can hug me closer.
How do you stay motivated to keep up with your fitness goals? I am working towards my first weight loss goal. It is a semi-mid-point goal since I have a lot to go and my goal really is to be healthier and not a specific number. I haven't set a final goal yet. I am going to try to walk 300 stairs in a castle in Germany in a little over a month. Hopefully I will be able to do it.
Have you noticed any changes in your body or overall health since our last feature? My mindset is more that I can do physical things. It may take me a little longer to get into position, but I can do it. Also I have become more positive in my mindset.
How do you balance your fitness goals with other aspects of your life? As I mentioned above, the Studio (MDR) has been a major reason I have come this far. I was worried about coming in at such a low physical level, but everyone made me feel comfortable and supported, and not to compare myself to the others in the class. I am there for me ultimately. The instructors have been amazing with encouragement. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ann, Lisa and Nancy and the rest of the staff and Playa Vista. It has made me look forward to exercising.