Before: 160 pounds
After: 129 pounds
Height: 5'3"
Age: 46
Valerie Zielenski, a mother of five in Sparta, NJ, wore size-2 clothing after giving birth to her youngest child in 1997. But a few years ago her weight climbed to 160 pounds, and she developed a slew of unexplainable health issues—blurry vision, muscle soreness, desensitized taste buds, discolored skin, and weak nails. Visits to an endocrinologist, allergist, massage therapist, physical therapist, and chiropractor came up fruitless. Then she started working out with a trainer, and her problems disappeared.
The Goal
Valerie wanted to improve her health and sleep better at night. Back and hip pain prevented her from sleeping on her sides or back.
The Problem
She couldn’t lose weight because she was eating too many calories and filling up on the wrong type of foods, such as refined grains and fatty proteins. The lack of exercise did not help, either.
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The Solution
Valerie’s friend invited her to attend a training session with Charlene Beebe, CPT, at Sparta Athletic Club in Sparta, NJ. Valerie didn’t know it at the time, but that day in October 2008 marked the beginning of a relationship that would change her life.
Charlene introduced Valerie to weight training by designing circuits with higher reps and lighter weights. “I didn’t want to do too much too fast,” Charlene says. “We created a foundation so it would become easier for her.” They started meeting on a weekly basis, and now alternate among supersets, circuits, and interval training. Lately, Valerie aims to go to the gym five times a week: twice to meet with Charlene, twice to attend Spinning class, and once to do cardio on her own. (Video: Strengthen your body with this at-home circuit.)
Valerie didn’t lose weight the first few months, but she started to feel better. Her trainer kept saying that food would drive 75% of her success, so Valerie finally decided to change one meal: She swapped her breakfast cereal for eggs. The scale showed immediate results. “When you see something working, you ask, ‘What else can I change?’ ” She cut out white bread, switched to whole grains, and started keeping a food journal—which pushed her into full-blown weight loss mode.
After the first year, Valerie met with a nutritionist, who helped clean up her whole diet. Now she drinks only decaf tea and water. She switched to lean proteins and low-fat dairy, and knows how to size proper portions (thanks, in part, to Charlene’s visual aids). She continues to track her food intake. Not only does she look better, but all her inexplicable health problems have vanished. (She now suspects she was allergic to artificial sweeteners.)
The Motivation
With such a large family, there’s always something scheduled on the Zielenski calendar. And Valerie uses upcoming events, such as a mother/daughter brunch at school or a trip to visit old friends, to keep her focused.
The Reward
After she lost 25 pounds, she treated herself to a makeover, a keratin treatment, and a sassy haircut. She bought a new—smaller—outfit and looked in the mirror. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Valerie’s Tips
Put it in writing. “You think you’re eating well, and then you start writing everything down and realize ‘Oh, I ate a lot today.’ ”
Shell out the cash. “Going to a personal trainer might be expensive…but it was the best money I’ve spent on myself.”
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