Client Interview: Meet R. Rizvi Her Continuous Weight Loss Journey

R.Rizvi asked that no pictures of herself be shown.

In this new series, I ask my clients to answer 5 questions about their weight loss journey so they can reflect on how they've changed and provide helpful tips for others.

1) Introduce Yourself
I’m a project management professional in the pharmaceutical industry. As a female in my thirties, I am victim to many different fad diets and my weight fluctuating over the years, especially since I work long hours and travel quite a bit for work. As I get older and more health conscious I am looking to make a positive change to my lifestyle.

2) What made you decide to make a change? Was there a turning point or sudden realization?
I broke my ankle in Oct. 2016 and was in a cast for 6 weeks. I was not able to place any weight on my foot, which meant I spent most of my days lying flat on my back, with my foot up to reduce the swelling.

I was very frustrated by the injury for obvious reasons, but I was also very frustrated that I just happened to be in the worst shape of my life when the injury occurred. As a result, my body wasn’t able to compensate for my broken ankle and I had a very difficult time being mobile.

I struggled with my crutches, not only because they take some getting use to, but also because I was not physically strong enough to walk with them for long periods of time. I couldn’t get up and down the stairs easily, and had to resort to crawling up, which also took a lot of energy. Every movement took a lot of effort and was physically taxing on my body.

I kept thinking if only I had been in better physical shape, the injury would not have been so impactful and taken such a toll. Once I was out of my cast, I really thought I would be able to recover quickly. I soon realized it was going to take me quite a long time to fully recover, and I wanted to do everything I could to expedite the process. This is what prompted me to look into a personal trainer.

 3) What has been the most challenging?
It has been challenging to change my old habits. I have to actively make the time and the effort to fit in my training, and to make my health a priority. I have a very demanding work schedule, and have recently suffered a loss in my family. For these reasons, it is difficult to stay motivated when it feels like there are so many conflicting priorities. Simone has been extremely helpful in keeping me on track. She works with my schedule, and always provides helpful tips. This way I feel I can make small changes over time instead of all at once where it can become overwhelming.

4) What was your goal when you started and how much have you accomplished so far?
When I initially started working out, I wanted to get in shape for a high school reunion. However, due to recent events in my life, I no longer want to do this just to fit into the perfect dress. I am very motivated to actually be fit and healthy and to make this a permanent change to my lifestyle. It has been 3 months since I started working out with Simone and I definitely feel stronger. I think I have a long road ahead of me, but I am proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.

5) What advice/tips can you give to others on their weight loss journey? 
I would recommend not having an “all or nothing” attitude. Forgive yourself if you slip up here and there. Be proud of your small accomplishments throughout the day or week and don’t expect everything to change overnight.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us Rubab. I am so proud of you and everything you have accomplished and reminding yourself that this is a journey, not a destination, will make it that much easier!