Elyse Punches Her Way Back to Fitness  

By day, Elyse spends her time as a Genetic Counselor at the University of Chicago.  She works with women and couples who are at risk of having babies with genetic birth defects.  She explains what risks exist, where they came from and what to expect during and after pregnancy.  She’s been doing it since she graduated from college three years ago.

Speaking of college, Elyse is a former collegiate athlete.  Her days were filled with books and workouts – something she really enjoyed.  But when she started her career, Elyse found less and less time to take care of herself with a regular fitness routine.  She gained weight and started to feel unhappy with herself.  True to her winning spirit, Elyse decided to take control of her life and start back with a fitness routine.  “It wasn’t about wearing slinky outfits again or looking like Brittany Spears,” she commented. “It was about feeling good about me again and liking what I see in the mirror.” 

She started exercising with a new elliptical machine.  While she saw some results, Elyse got bored with a routine that didn’t change from day to day. So, she bought fitness magazines and read up on different exercises and routines.  “I didn’t have the motivation to do the exercises by myself.  When I did try them, I didn’t know if I was doing them correctly or not,” she said.  “I received a flier about the Studio and decided to join because I wanted exercise to be fun and not a chore.” 

Like most people, Elyse felt more comfortable coming to someplace new with someone she knew.  She called her sister, Stephanie, and invited her to come to the Studio.  “I was really interested in Kick Boxing. I read up on it and watched videos, but always found reasons not to exercise at home,” she reflected.  “When Steph and I came to the Studio the first time, we had so much fun together that we promised each other we’d keep it up and be each others support.”

Since she joined, Elyse has toned down and looks great.  “I have three sizes of clothes. My high school clothes, my regular size and the size that I’m proud to say I’ve grown out of,” she laughed. “It’s wonderful to fit back into my regular size – and, if I suck it in really hard, I can even fit into my high school jeans again.  The ones that I can’t fit into I think I’m going to cut into shorts and wear in the summer.”

When asked for some advice on how to get started and stick with a fitness routine, Elyse offered these points: 

• Join a Studio where you have more intimate classes and can get to know and relate to each other. If I joined a larger health club with people who look like the models on the commercial, I would have become discouraged.
• Find someplace you feel comfortable and fit in. The social support goes a long way to keeping you motivated.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut down on the cookie dough and McDonalds!

So, where is Elyse going from here?  “I still have the drive to compete – not with others, but with myself,” she said.  “I’m going to compete in the triathlon in downtown Naperville with the other women from the Studio.” 

Stay true to your goal and stick with your dreams, Elyse – we’ll cheer you on at the Triathlon!!!