Client Interview: Meet Joanna. Her Journey of Not Giving Up

Joanna has lost a total of 15 pounds from January 2017 to August 2017. Her goal was to reduce her waist, arms and overall body weight. She has done just that. Her waist circumference has decreased from 41 inches to 36.5 and her arms have decreased by 4 inches.

When I first met her, just walking was a challenge due to her balance issues. Before we even had our first session, she wound up in the hospital due to a fall. She called me once she got better and was cleared for exercise and so, began her journey.

1) Introduce Yourself
 
My name is Joanna I was born in England but have lived in Canada for 53 years.

2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?

I fell and broke a couple of bones in my back and I hoped as my body got stronger I could get rid of using a walker and a cane.

3) What has been the most challenging?

Daily exercise.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?

To loose 20lbs. Also to be able to walk without help. I have reached about half my goals.

5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey?
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Do what the trainer says. They are there to help. Exercise daily and eat healthier. 

I am so proud of you Joanna! Thank you for sharing this with all of us. ​

​This is some of the exercise equipment I use with Joanna along with her strength training, balance and agility homework. We've made many modifications to her program until it finally fit her just right. She's very happy with it and does it consistently 3-4 times a week along with walks. 

Usually, I change the exercise homework I prescribe to increase the difficulty but because Joanna likes consistency and this program is working for her and is getting her results, we've kept it the same. if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

​This is Joanna's fridge that I recently took some pictures of in July. Unfortunately, I didn't take a "before" picture but it is evident that she now has a lot more fruits and veggies than she ever used to. Most importantly, she still continues to eat what she enjoys (yogurt being one of them).


​Update August 2017: Joanna is still using her walker and cane, but less often than before. We go on walks where she doesn't use it at all (only with me). She also let me know that for the first time in her life she looked at herself in the mirror and thought "You know what, I'm not half bad!"