May's JakeBreaker! 

by Kimberly Pemberton

Kathy and her best friend, Fay, taking a JakeBreak! F.Y.I. Fay got her name because Kathy found her inside a Fay dumpster.

Meet Kathy. Just 3 years ago she was forced to stop working because she could no  longer sit at a desk. She suffered intense back pain and leg swelling. The many years of working long hours,  not eating right, lack of daily exercise, and various medical issues were catching up to her. She had gained 30 pounds because her husband's heart condition forced her to quit smoking. Unfortunately, both she and her husband ended up in Cardiac Rehab! While  there, a trainer introduced her to a healthier lifestyle. Motivated and inspired, Kathy decided to hire a personal trainer (me). I'm happy to report Kathy is  now a very active 50+ happy, healthy woman and has re-discovered how to play again!

Kathy and I sat down recently to talk about her amazing transformation. It's a very inspirational story, which is why Kathy is our JakeBreaker of the Month!

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KIM: What motivated you to start your lifestyle program?

KATHY: I had to retire for health reason . After a few months at home, I set a goal  to  get myself well. To have a better quality of life, I could no longer sit at a desk or bend over and pick objects off the floor. Life as I had known it was slipping away and I just decided I had to get a grip on it. I also had a young dog that needed to be walked.
 
KIM: What health issues did you have? 

KATHY: I have degenerative disc disease, previous spinal surgery and was  on my way to a fusion surgery.  I also had 4 DVT blood clots in months (which can be life threatening). I also have Hashimoto's disease, a form of  hypothyroidism. which lowers my metabolism.  Even with medication, it takes  more effort for me to loose weight versus an ordinary person. Not to mention high blood pressure and GERD. Many of these illnesses are aggravated by inactivity and being overweight.
 
KIM: When did you start your program? 

KATHY: I started in Cardiac Rehab in spring of '06.  In August of '06, I started Aqua Aerobics at a local health center. In August of '07, I started working with a personal trainer (you)!

KIM: How have you changed your diet? 

KATHY: We do not go out to eat much. I have cut out most all refined processed foods and gone on a low sodium diet. I try to get in at least 5-7 servings a day of fresh vegetables and fruits.  We really try to stay on a Mediterranean type diet - it isn't hard, since my husband is Italian.
 
KIM: How much weight have you lost since you started your health program? 

KATHY: I lost 16 pounds before I got a trainer. I stalled for quite awhile and then I hired you as my personal trainer. I've lost 20 pounds since then.
 
KIM: What has changed about your daily routine? 

KATHY: I play now. I wake up in the morning and ask myself how am I going to get my 45 minutes of exercise in today? My first goal is to exercise - the house can wait!  I also allow time to prepare healthy foods.
 
KIM: Where you active earlier in life? 

KATHY: I always walked, but it got to the point I could no longer do that. I enjoyed  walking and I really missed that part of my life. We've always had large dogs and part of life was making sure they were walked and exercised.
 
KIM: How many years did you smoke? 

KATHY: For 23 years - I smoked 2 packs a day.
 
KIM: How did you quit? 

KATHY: I had tried to quit many times so I had lots of practice! That was 17 years ago.  My husband (also a smoker), who was in great shape at the time, had a heart attack. During his recovery, he could not tolerate the smell of cigarettes. I would sneak 3 or 4 cigarettes a day. Then I went on the Nicotine patch. It took about 6 weeks total time to quit.
 
KIM: Was is hard to quit? 

KATHY: Yes it was horrible. I would have headaches, became physically nauseated, and nervous beyond belief. What a horrible habit!
 
KIM: How do you feel now compared to 3 years ago? 

KATHY: I feel like a new person! I feel 500% better! I never thought I would feel this good again!  I just picked up playing golf again - I was unable to play for 7 years. I can plant flowers without it killing my back -  the first time in years.  
 
KIM: Have you overcome you health issues? 

KATHY: With the guidance of my doctors and personal trainer, I keep my issues under control. I went from working out 15 minutes and then suffering leg cramps to one hour training sessions with you and only a few cramps.
 
KIM: Is this something you can keep up with the rest of your life?  

KATHY: Sure. It is such a big part of my life .
 
KIM: What activities do you do now? 

KATHY: I walk/run, swim, walk 9 holes of golf, meet with my personal trainer once a week, and do strength training exercises.
 
KIM: What are your future goals? 

KATHY: My goal is to loose 20 more pounds. I am working toward a 5k in July. I also want to pass the Army PT test for my age group.
 
KIM: What are you limitations? 

KATHY: My low metabolism. Leg cramps from my DVT.
 
KIM: Looking back, how would you help someone who wants to start a new healthy lifestyle? 

KATHY: My advice would be to just start moving, get medical clearance to see what is appropriate, and take a class in nutrition. Once you get to a point where you need more of a physical challenge, find a personal trainer that will help you meet your goals. 

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Kathy changed her lifestyle a little at a time.  She has developed good eating and exercise habits.  It has not been easy, but she has overcome so much to make her a happy, healthy person. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with someone so positive and inspiring. Keep up the great work, Kathy! 

If you're on a mission to get fit, send us your story! You could be the next JakeBreaker of the Month!

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