NPC Muscle Mafia WV Grand Prix2015
Doação protegida
MY JOURNEY
I’m Tracie Johns and this is my fitness journey:
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be fit, thin and healthy. I’ve struggled with weight ever since high school. With aspirations of changing the way I looked and gaining my ideal body I tried all the fad diets. I’d stick it out a month or so only to fall back off track. After committing to my current routine for over a year, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that maintaining a fit and healthy life is not something you obtain from going on a diet, but is an award only achieved through a complete lifestyle change.
My transformation began with my eating choices and light exercise. When I started seeing some results they became my motivation and certainly increased my joy in the journey. My lifestyle went from going home after work, sitting on the couch in front of the TV unconsciously snacking, to leaving work, going straight to the gym, busting my butt, and giving it all I have. I’ve since lost 85lbs and reduced my health risks considerably. Now that you see where I am, please allow me to share with you how it all began…
My husband and I desperately longed to give my daughter a sibling. We tried for many years but rested in the comfort that it just wasn’t in God’s grand plan for our lives. With this disappointment I was also struggling with being overweight and having additional, female medical issues; furthermore, I also had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatigue, and I just felt plain miserable. Because of the above issues, my doctor decided I needed to have a hysterectomy. All my hopes and dreams of having another little girl or boy had come to a definite end. This was a huge wake-up call for me: I needed to put my health first.
Needless to say my husband and I were devastated. Some days it is still really hard for me, but I put my faith in God and realize that the journey I’m on is one crafted by Him, additional motivation to take my health seriously. With much reluctance, and a firm grasp on my faith, I agreed to the doctor’s suggestion. This hysterectomy, the crushing of my dreams, was actually a blessing in disguise. My surgery lasted a total of 9 hours, involving a hysterectomy and colectomy, and with additional complications, I almost didn’t make it through. But, had I not had my hysterectomy, my colon issues may have never been discovered. If left alone it could have burst causing major infection and possibly killing me. In addition to that, if I’d gotten pregnant it could have resulted in the death of me and/or my baby. I thank God everyday that I am alive. I thank Him that I was given another chance to turn my life of lethargy into one of zeal. After a long recovery, involving eating lots of calories to build my blood levels back up, I topped out at 253 lbs.
Weighing 253lbs definitely takes a toll on your body. My blood pressure was staying around 149/95 (with blood pressure meds), heart palpitations and chest pains. I went to the ER twice, which resulted in GERD and making an appointment with a cardiologist who then scheduled a stress test and recommended I see a pulmonologist for systems of sleep apnea. My stress test came back okay, but with concern I was put on a second blood pressure medicine. After doing a home test for sleep apnea they discovered I stopped breathing during the night. I was advised, at the age of 40, to start sleeping with an oxygen tank, at least until an in-house test could make a confirmed diagnosis. I felt awful about myself, knowing that what I’d allowed my health to come to was ridiculous. I said to myself, right then, “If I can get out of this without having to sleep with a CPAP machine, I am definitely going to make some changes.” The test came back okay! Praise God!! The results concluded I only needed to elevate my head a little while sleeping until I could get some weight off.
My best friend, and long time nail tech, Casey Liptrap, had already started her fitness journey. I think at this point she had lost 40lbs and was doing great. She was eating healthy, exercising and working with a trainer, Justin Smith. I wanted to know everything! How she ate, what she ate, what she did at the gym. The answer to these questions, I’ve found, is you have to want it!! Until you want it, you will not be dedicated. There were so many times I’d said I wanted to lose weight and I was going to do it. I’d try and quit. But not this time…
I started in June of 2013. Eating better and exercising at home on my treadmill. I lost a little and felt better but I knew that I needed more. I ask for Justin’s information from my friend and got in touch with him ASAP. Justin immediately started me on a regimen with him. My efforts were doing a little, but through Justin’s knowledge I quickly learned that although my at-home cardio was okay, I needed to mix it up! Incorporate weights with cardio! After working out with Justin a few times I decided that a couple times a week just wasn’t enough. I started training with him multiple times a week and in addition, I incorporated workouts he designed for me on the days I wasn’t side by side with him--listening to him motivating me through PR’s and the times when I just wanted to call it a day and move on to my post workout protein shake.
SmithFit training is the best thing that has happened to me. Justin and Katie have been a foundation for my transformation. Through Justin’s training and Katie’s food tips, I have totally transformed my body. Not sure of my current size but I know I have cleaned out my closet and have gotten rid of all 2X, 1X, XL, 18, 16, 14, and 12,’s. I’ll remind you, my beginning weight was 253lbs. I am now 168lbs! 85lbs lost, to never be found again, and more to follow! Off scale victories include: losing one blood pressure medicine COMPLETELY; off of GERD medicine; only on a half dose of my final blood pressure medicine; I feel better, look better and am overwhelmingly excited by my progress. I’m actually eager to look at myself in the mirror now. I get excited to put together stylish outfits, even wearing heels now! My self-confidence has been low for as long as I can remember, but each day I gain a newer and better respect for myself and my appearance. I’ve fought for this. Day in and day out. Resisting cravings, killing cardio, lifting heavy, and staying motivated.
Thank you SmithFit Training for helping me achieve my goals! I continue to work with Justin twice a week and do additional workouts either him or Katie create for me. Katie and I do post-workout cardio and stretching together and are always talking about food! If I ever have a question I know I can ask either of them, and if they happen to not know the answer, they do what they can to find it out for me. From the moment I first met with Justin I have listened to his guidance and followed through 100 percent! We’ve both been dedicated to one another and I’m thankful for all that the Smith’s have done to guide me to where I am. I’m Tracie Johns and I love being a part of the SmithFit family!
Oh! And watch out 150…I’m coming for you!
UPDATE 4/24/15: now 43, weighing 155, closing in on my goal of 150, off all my meds, size 6/8
WHERE I AM GOING: training for my first figure/physique competition slated for Oct 31, 2015. So excited but terrified at the same time but I want no regrets!! Wish me luck!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/657295624393242
UPDATE: 7/12/15 made the paper!
I’m Tracie Johns and this is my fitness journey:
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be fit, thin and healthy. I’ve struggled with weight ever since high school. With aspirations of changing the way I looked and gaining my ideal body I tried all the fad diets. I’d stick it out a month or so only to fall back off track. After committing to my current routine for over a year, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that maintaining a fit and healthy life is not something you obtain from going on a diet, but is an award only achieved through a complete lifestyle change.
My transformation began with my eating choices and light exercise. When I started seeing some results they became my motivation and certainly increased my joy in the journey. My lifestyle went from going home after work, sitting on the couch in front of the TV unconsciously snacking, to leaving work, going straight to the gym, busting my butt, and giving it all I have. I’ve since lost 85lbs and reduced my health risks considerably. Now that you see where I am, please allow me to share with you how it all began…
My husband and I desperately longed to give my daughter a sibling. We tried for many years but rested in the comfort that it just wasn’t in God’s grand plan for our lives. With this disappointment I was also struggling with being overweight and having additional, female medical issues; furthermore, I also had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatigue, and I just felt plain miserable. Because of the above issues, my doctor decided I needed to have a hysterectomy. All my hopes and dreams of having another little girl or boy had come to a definite end. This was a huge wake-up call for me: I needed to put my health first.
Needless to say my husband and I were devastated. Some days it is still really hard for me, but I put my faith in God and realize that the journey I’m on is one crafted by Him, additional motivation to take my health seriously. With much reluctance, and a firm grasp on my faith, I agreed to the doctor’s suggestion. This hysterectomy, the crushing of my dreams, was actually a blessing in disguise. My surgery lasted a total of 9 hours, involving a hysterectomy and colectomy, and with additional complications, I almost didn’t make it through. But, had I not had my hysterectomy, my colon issues may have never been discovered. If left alone it could have burst causing major infection and possibly killing me. In addition to that, if I’d gotten pregnant it could have resulted in the death of me and/or my baby. I thank God everyday that I am alive. I thank Him that I was given another chance to turn my life of lethargy into one of zeal. After a long recovery, involving eating lots of calories to build my blood levels back up, I topped out at 253 lbs.
Weighing 253lbs definitely takes a toll on your body. My blood pressure was staying around 149/95 (with blood pressure meds), heart palpitations and chest pains. I went to the ER twice, which resulted in GERD and making an appointment with a cardiologist who then scheduled a stress test and recommended I see a pulmonologist for systems of sleep apnea. My stress test came back okay, but with concern I was put on a second blood pressure medicine. After doing a home test for sleep apnea they discovered I stopped breathing during the night. I was advised, at the age of 40, to start sleeping with an oxygen tank, at least until an in-house test could make a confirmed diagnosis. I felt awful about myself, knowing that what I’d allowed my health to come to was ridiculous. I said to myself, right then, “If I can get out of this without having to sleep with a CPAP machine, I am definitely going to make some changes.” The test came back okay! Praise God!! The results concluded I only needed to elevate my head a little while sleeping until I could get some weight off.
My best friend, and long time nail tech, Casey Liptrap, had already started her fitness journey. I think at this point she had lost 40lbs and was doing great. She was eating healthy, exercising and working with a trainer, Justin Smith. I wanted to know everything! How she ate, what she ate, what she did at the gym. The answer to these questions, I’ve found, is you have to want it!! Until you want it, you will not be dedicated. There were so many times I’d said I wanted to lose weight and I was going to do it. I’d try and quit. But not this time…
I started in June of 2013. Eating better and exercising at home on my treadmill. I lost a little and felt better but I knew that I needed more. I ask for Justin’s information from my friend and got in touch with him ASAP. Justin immediately started me on a regimen with him. My efforts were doing a little, but through Justin’s knowledge I quickly learned that although my at-home cardio was okay, I needed to mix it up! Incorporate weights with cardio! After working out with Justin a few times I decided that a couple times a week just wasn’t enough. I started training with him multiple times a week and in addition, I incorporated workouts he designed for me on the days I wasn’t side by side with him--listening to him motivating me through PR’s and the times when I just wanted to call it a day and move on to my post workout protein shake.
SmithFit training is the best thing that has happened to me. Justin and Katie have been a foundation for my transformation. Through Justin’s training and Katie’s food tips, I have totally transformed my body. Not sure of my current size but I know I have cleaned out my closet and have gotten rid of all 2X, 1X, XL, 18, 16, 14, and 12,’s. I’ll remind you, my beginning weight was 253lbs. I am now 168lbs! 85lbs lost, to never be found again, and more to follow! Off scale victories include: losing one blood pressure medicine COMPLETELY; off of GERD medicine; only on a half dose of my final blood pressure medicine; I feel better, look better and am overwhelmingly excited by my progress. I’m actually eager to look at myself in the mirror now. I get excited to put together stylish outfits, even wearing heels now! My self-confidence has been low for as long as I can remember, but each day I gain a newer and better respect for myself and my appearance. I’ve fought for this. Day in and day out. Resisting cravings, killing cardio, lifting heavy, and staying motivated.
Thank you SmithFit Training for helping me achieve my goals! I continue to work with Justin twice a week and do additional workouts either him or Katie create for me. Katie and I do post-workout cardio and stretching together and are always talking about food! If I ever have a question I know I can ask either of them, and if they happen to not know the answer, they do what they can to find it out for me. From the moment I first met with Justin I have listened to his guidance and followed through 100 percent! We’ve both been dedicated to one another and I’m thankful for all that the Smith’s have done to guide me to where I am. I’m Tracie Johns and I love being a part of the SmithFit family!
Oh! And watch out 150…I’m coming for you!
UPDATE 4/24/15: now 43, weighing 155, closing in on my goal of 150, off all my meds, size 6/8
WHERE I AM GOING: training for my first figure/physique competition slated for Oct 31, 2015. So excited but terrified at the same time but I want no regrets!! Wish me luck!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/657295624393242
UPDATE: 7/12/15 made the paper!
http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20150712/GZ05/150719880
Thanks to all that have supported me on my journey. I will need continued support now more than ever!!
Being in a competition can get very expensive. NPC card, suit, shoes, jewelry, tanning, teeth whitening, training, meal prep and travel. Any donation that you can give to help me chase my dream will be greatly apprecaited.
God Bless!!
Organizador
Tracie Sword Johns
Organizador
Teays Valley, WV