Fit and Fabulous by 40

Living with Hypothyroidism, Julie Takes Charge of Her Life

For many years, Julie lived in a fog.  She existed day-to-day, without little to no energy to do things that most people take for granted.  These days, however, she’s living life to the fullest – she greets each day with renewed get-up-and-go and a smile on her face. 

What changed?  She looked inside, found the inner strength and commitment and changed her lifestyle!

Her journey to a healthy lifestyle began in April of 2004.  Julie began her day with a routine visit to the doctor’s office where she was told, “You know, next year, you’re going to be 40 and it doesn’t get any easier to lose weight.” 

Those words weighed heavily on her mind and she initially rejected them.  “I thought - the nerve of this woman!  I have hypothyroidism, I can’t lose weight, I can’t exercise and I’m too tired.”  Then, she decided to do something, instead of rely on excuses.

“I researched my disease and found a prescription drug that had helped many people,” reflected Julie.  “My doctor and I decided to try it and I found that I had more energy.  That was the first part of the solution for me." 

Her next step was to find a form of exercise she could do in an environment where she felt comfortable.  “Yoga was highly recommended, so I decided it would be a good place to start,” Julie remarked.  “I looked all over Aurora and Naperville, but could not find a program that I liked.  One day, I saw a sign in the Studio window and decided to give it a try.”  She attended a yoga class and not only immediately fell in love with it, but also discovered the other half of the solution to living with hypothyroidism – exercise. 

“My biggest fear in trying to find someplace to get fit was that I would have to deal with fitness freaks that have the perfect figure, the perfect outfit and the perfect hair who want to shape me into their perfect idea of fitness,” Julie said.  “I’m far from perfect and don’t think I’ll ever fit into anyone’s textbook ideal of how I should look.”  What she discovered at the Studio was that “everyone who works and/or takes classes there is friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and NORMAL!  My goal is not to fit into a certain size – my goal is to be healthier and that’s what Roxanne’s emphasizes.” 

A lot has changed since April.  These days, Julie’s taking Spinning (indoor cycling) two to three times a week as well as integrating her workout with Pump/Butts-n-Guts and Yoga.  “I have energy now!  It’s not something I was used to before. And if I don’t work out, I feel yucky.  One of my friends at work (who is an exercise machine) has been teasing me because she thinks I’ve “got it” now,” she laughed. “My husband, Chris, has always been supportive and he sees how much happier I am – which makes him happier. The joke around our house is “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”

When asked for gems of wisdom that might help others, Julie thoughtfully replied:

• My biggest life lesson came after my mother got sick and eventually passed away.  You may not be here tomorrow, so do it right today. 
• If you don't like something, change it. 
• Don't deprive yourself of anything. 
• Don't let fear stop you from doing things - you might find that you actually like it. 

If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be exercising 4-5 times a week and spinning to boot, I would have said they were off their rocker.  It shows you what can be done when you stop accepting things and start controlling things. 

Congratulations, Julie, for having the courage and commitment to try something new – and start your 40’s fit and fabulous!!