Lisa Marie Ladd

Age: 49 years young
FIT Member since: 8/22/07

Goal: Ski with children, hoping to be on the slopes by winter of 2009

Results: Increased strength, specifically muscles surrounding knees. Increased muscular endurance and cardiovascular conditioning. Lost a total of 10 inches around body since starting at FIT.

Likes: Her trainer (Karen); the best and the friendly, encouraging nature of FIT

Dislikes: Stepping up onto the small box, a challenge, and sweating.

Elliptical Strides: 20 min PR – 3203

Push-Ups #7: 14

Keys to Success: Dedication and determination

Major Accomplishments: (straight from Lisa herself)

There are so many for me:

1) I made the commitment to come to work out with Karen three days a week. I believe I have only missed a handful of times-under 10, since then.

2) Since I had a tibial osteotomy in 1993, I have forgot how to walk up and down the stairs with both legs. Now I can!

3) I made a commitment to lose 100 pounds before I turn 50. I have a good start and I actually feel like I can accomplish it. I don't know about how many pounds but I have been able to wear a pair of jeans for the first time in 9 years. Now they are too big! I have lost 39 inches all around, 25% at FIT.

4) I can "stride" on the elliptical for more than 4000 at level 9 and at an incline of 12!

5) I can do 24 push-ups on level 8.

6) I have muscles! And definition in my arms.

7) My daughter can put her arms around me and hug me tight.

8) The biggest accomplishment is that I am making a lifestyle change and my children are watching me and making changes too.

Fearful that my children would live their lives by my example, I made a leap of faith and I left my marriage of 12 years. I would save them, even if I could not save myself. It was a dark time for me, and I spent a long time punishing myself for a number things. Finally there was a glimmer of sunshine; I forgave myself and gave myself the gift of grace. To be a better mother I had to. It was then I realized that I could not take care of my children if I did not take care of myself.

On a warm day I walked into FIT and I met a petite woman with the marvelous smile and a sparkling mischievous glint in her eyes (Karen Moreno). She has become my Annie Sullivan, walking down this path through the darkness of my journey with me. Enlightening, educating, encouraging, energizing, and working the daylights out of me! I could not do it without her. For that I am eternally grateful.

My small pearls of wisdom...like the Nike ad says, I "just do it." I schedule my time every week at the same time so it has become a routine and I don't think about it. Or worse, try to rationalize skipping it. Karen is waiting for me. I also remind myself of the poem "How To Eat An Elephant...” I can't eat it in just one bite; it’s just too big, but it can be done with just one little bite a day. My biggest cheering squad is my children. My daughter tells everyone about how she can put her arms around me now and she brags how when she goes shopping she has to get me smaller sizes. As a single mom I want to show my daughter and son that despite that all that has happened to us as a family, I am strong enough and determined enough to make this huge change, and lead by example. How do I manage a change in my career, my school, my children, their activities, their schooling and a smidge of a life just for me? I let go of the small things, keep the all the balls in the air of the things that matter most to my kids and I, and as Karen always reminds me every workout… just breathe.

Click here to see previous winners