Tracee’s Not Sweating the Small Stuff Anymore

“Whatever!” That’s what Tracee would say if she were a bumper sticker.  But – she doesn’t mean it in the disrespectful way that we see in the movies or hear on the streets.  Tracee’s philosophy on life is “Take whatever happens in stride and don’t sweat the small stuff.” 

As a single mother of three daughters, ages ranging from 11 ½ to 15, she should know about the small stuff – and the big stuff.  Tracee joined the Studio in August, after being laid off from her job as a Customer Service Manager for a large corporation.  “Losing my job has been really stressful for me,” she remarked.  “I had to do something to release the tension, so I decided to get back to working out.”

Other factors also led to Tracee’s decision to start exercising.  She had gained weight and was on medication for anxiety attacks, a direct result of stress.  “I wasn’t pleased with the way I looked or felt … and I hated being on medication,” she said. “So, in August, I decided to take the first step and take back control of my life.”

Since August, Tracee’s been taking a variety of fitness classes including Attack the Fat, Spinning (indoor cycling) and Pump, Butts & Guts.  She’s committed a minimum of three hours a week for work outs.  “The changes have been great,” she commented.  “It starts with the physical – I can feel a difference in the way my body moves, in the way my skin feels. I’m resting better and eating healthier.  And my kids have noticed too – my daughter says I have a “bubble butt” – a great compliment, because it means I’m getting a nice shape back there!” 

In addition to the cosmetic changes she’s noticing, Tracee is pleased to share that she no longer has to take anxiety medication.  “Exercise has given me the release that I need,” she smiled. “I don’t like taking pills for anything, so being able to release the tension naturally is a huge success for me.”

More important than the physical, though, are the emotional benefits. “Like most American women today, I was beating myself up for not having a perfect “barbie” figure,” Tracee reflected.  “These days, I’m not obsessing so much about my size or my weight.  The little voice inside my head is learning to love me for me and appreciate the great things about me.  Most of the time, I don’t’ have to think about pulling things in or pushing them up! I’m learning to love myself again.”

When asked about her feelings on the Studio, Tracee grinned. “The best part about coming to Roxanne’s is that I’m building healthy relationships with other women.  I’ve met remarkable women who I call friends – we support each other to do our best and we really care.  I’ve watched my friends get stronger and fitter over the months.  In particular, Char and Sue have been very inspiring to me as I’ve watched their bodies change and shared with their positive attitudes. They are leaders by example.”     

For the new year, Tracee has set a couple of goals for herself. One priority is to find a new job that is challenging and rewarding.  Another is to find happiness. “As I’ve gotten older, my definition of happiness has evolved.  I want to be able to support my children, have fun in life and be comfortable with myself.”  She’s also giving thought to becoming a plus-size model.  “Women with normal figures like mine need role models.  I want to help women understand that you can be beautiful, regardless of your size.”

Her nuggets of inspiration include:

• Keep moving. If you’re tired, frustrated or feeling really challenged, just take it at your own pace – but keep moving! – and you will see results.  That philosophy also applies to life – if you lose your job or encounter a tragedy, you have to keep moving and stay focused on your goal.
• Love yourself. That concept encompasses a lot of things – love your body, your personality – accept yourself as you are.  It can be a challenge, especially with the pressure to be “perfect” … whatever perfect is.  We need to shift our focus from the negative to the positive.
• Find someplace where you feel like you belong.  It makes all the difference in the world.  

Keep moving, Tracee! You're doing a great job - and we appreciate the great things about you, too! 

"Love yourself. That concept encompasses a lot of things ... we need to shift our focus from the negative to the positive. ”