Less is more: "I realized I was doing my body more harm than good when I exercised too much." - Success Stories

Shape, Nov, 2002

After the birth of my second child, I was faced with the demands of raising a family and didn't have time to exercise, so the pounds came on. As the needle on the scale crept higher, my self-esteem dipped lower and I started despising my body. I tried various diets, but they didn't last and my weight stayed at 180 pounds -- 50 pounds heavier than I wanted to be for my 5-foot-4-inch frame. My husband noticed my unhappiness and suggested I start exercising to help me feel better about myself.

At first, I didn't see how I could because of the kids, but when I found a gym that offered baby-sitting, I ran out of excuses and attended my first aerobics class. I stood in the back row and was embarrassed to find that I could barely make it through the warm-up. I took several breaks to rest but managed to complete the class. I talked with other gym members and learned everyone started that way, so I gave the class another try. I attended three classes a week and began eating more healthfully. As a result, [lost weight at a rate of a pound a week. Six months later, I was so happy with my progress that I decided to become an aerobics instructor.

Soon I began teaching 10 classes a week, and when I cut all the fat out of my diet, I lost weight even faster. I reached my lowest weight of 110 pounds (a 70-pound weight loss) a year later, but I looked thin and sickly and I barely had enough energy to teach. One day, a trainer at the gym asked me about my exercise and eating habits. After discussing the mechanics of healthy weight loss, I realized I was doing my body more harm than good by overexercising and not eating enough fat. I cut my aerobics classes down to five a week and began eating the right balance of carbs, protein and fat. I also began weight training to build muscle. A year later, I had gained back 20 pounds and felt great.

I continued living healthfully for the next four years and had two more children. After the birth of my fourth child, I decided to compete in a beauty pageant as motivation to lose 40 post-pregnancy pounds. I replaced two aerobics classes with two sessions of running and started eating six small meals throughout the day. Six months later, I was 40 pounds lighter and competed in the pageant. I was thrilled when I won the statewide crown and competed at a national level. Although I didn't win nationally, I reached my fitness goals, which was the greater prize. Now I plan to become a personal trainer to help others achieve their weight-loss and fitness goals. I want others to be empowered with the confidence to change their lives the way I changed mine.

RELATED ARTICLE: WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Aerobics and kickboxinq instruction: 60 minutes/3-4 times a week

Running: 60 minutes/l-2 times a week

Weight training: 30 minutes/3 times a week

MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Add weight training to your workout routine. It'll increase your metabolism, and it's the best way to change your shape.

2. Be patient. Lasting weight loss takes time.

3. Eat small nutritious meals 5-6 times a day with the right balance of carbs, protein and fat.

To become your own Success Story try iShape our new subscription-based online weight-loss program custom-designed to fit your lifestyle Visit ishape.com for details. See page 173 to submit your own Success Story.

LESLIE NEASE, 32 South Carolina

* Inches lost; bust 5; waist 8; hips 7; thighs 4

* Height: 5'4"

* Pounds lost: 50