FR Member of the Month: Debbie Parker

After my youngest offspring (Nora) was off to college, I decided to make time for me.  In my youth and BC (before children), I was an active person who played softball, racquet ball, and eventually started running my 1.5 miles in the mornings.  When my girls were born, my life centered around my family and work.  Over the next 20+ years, I grew overweight and out of shape.  Getting up off the floor was a challenge.

I started working out with Dexter 3 years ago.  I tried a Groupon with another facility and decided that there may be a better fit somewhere else.  I had seen Dexter’s classes (then called Memphis Adventure Bootcamp)  online and decided to give it a try.  At first, I went only to gain strength and feel better.  I was not really interested in losing weight.  I started feeling better, had more energy, and toned up enough to drop a dress size.  I still couldn’t keep up with the younger crew.  But, I did what I could, pushing myself a little more every time.

The next year, I competed in my first challenge and won!  I tell everyone that I found my abs, but just didn’t know what to do with them yet.  Still not committed to a lifestyle change in eating responsibly, I did not lose any more weight.  I won the second challenge that I entered the next year and decided that I wanted more results.  I was committed to working out and eating responsibly.  As the pounds started coming off, I gained more mobility and flexibility.  I was maintaining the weight loss but not making much progress.  So, I took the “20 pounds in 6 weeks” Challenge.  Extra incentive was the trip to Vegas (and the upcoming wedding of my daughter, Erin).  I lost 20 pounds (exactly) and won the trip to Vegas!

I have reduced my medications, lowered my blood pressure and cholesterol, and have a lot more energy and strength.  Oh, I forgot to mention the 40 pounds I have lost!
I love the classes at Fitness Revolution and the people I meet.  It is good to have friends working towards the same goal—being a better you.  The 5:30 am crew is the best!  Sharing ideas; encouraging each other.  I would never be able to do what I have accomplished at home by myself, or even at a gym.  The classes and challenges provide a level of accountability that motivates me to meet my goals.
Speaking of goals, I had told Dexter when I began my 20 in 6 Challenge, that I probably would not want to lose anymore than the 20 pounds.  Well, I may need to take that back.  I plan on losing another 20- but that will have to wait until after the wedding.

Dexter, Amanda, Carla, and Ann have provided the opportunity to improve myself and the motivation to keep going.  I am 61 years old and feel better than I did in my forties.  Thank you, Fitness Revolution!