FORMING HEALTHY HABITS AND FRIENDSHIP
Member Carolyn Copp works out with a kettlebell during one of her one-on-one sessions with Personal Trainer Laurel Dewolf-Grise.
Carolyn Copp joined the Beede Center in late 2016 with a single goal: Make exercise a habit. The decision, she admits, was partially prompted by her physician who raised two eyebrows at Carolyn’s recent lab work. While nothing screamed “medical emergency,” the doctor suggested that Carolyn “get moving.”
Carolyn, 59, felt she could use a little help following her doctor’s orders.
“I knew that I had to work with a trainer in order to get myself into the habit of exercising,” said Carolyn while explaining why she chose to work with Laurel as her personal trainer. “I wanted to work with a woman and she looked friendly and competent. I also wanted someone who was around my age. I lucked out because not only is she a great trainer, but we share many of the same interests in books, movies and TV shows.”
Weight loss was Carolyn’s biggest challenge. Despite committing to a full year of training sessions with Laurel, Carolyn had barely dropped 12 pounds. She could not rely on exercise alone. Attempts to alter her eating habits only put the weight back on.
“My medical tests were better, but not great,” Carolyn said. “I was stronger, but I was still too heavy. I was constantly battling negative thoughts about my weight. Laurel pushed me physically and mentally. She offered practical suggestions related to food--some of which I incorporated, but I was still stuck. Even so, I kept at it.”
After two years of personal training, Laurel suggested Carolyn join Weight Watchers.
“I joined WW and found that Laurel's encouragement, recipe sharing, and personal accountability have been instrumental in me losing 43-plus pounds so far. My doctor was amazed at my progress! My exercise routine has stayed consistent, although more and more intense as I've gotten stronger. I couldn't have done this without Laurel. She came up with a great idea to prepare soups on the weekend that are zero points (in WW lingo). I started doing that and now we often bring in a soup for each other to try.
“Laurel has truly been my partner in this new lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating.” Carolyn continued. “She also is constantly introducing new exercises into my workouts and setting up ways for me to beat myself, or her or other clients, whether it is with the Blazepods, shoulder pull ups or planks, she knows how to get me to do more.”
Carolyn suspects Laurel modifies the counts to sneak in more reps. The subtlety reminds Carolyn that she can do more than she originally thought. Carolyn appreciates the technique. She respects Laurel’s commitment to professional development by attending workshops and conferences. She is also grateful for unsolicited encouragement from members and other Beede staffers.
Mission accomplished, Carolyn. You’ve made exercise and good health an enduring habit, and acquired some good friends and recipes along the way. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
