EXERCISE VIDEO SUCCESS STORY
Losing Weight, Gaining Strength!
Name: Angie
Forum screen name: Angie
Location: Wadsworth, Ohio
Age: 55
My story:
n 1984, after I turned 30, I began doing the original Jane Fonda Workout, which was only available on a vinyl double album. I got hooked on regular exercise, so I began my fitness quest and continued to "do Jane" every day at home. In a few months the results were showing, but more important, it made me feel so good! Unfortunately, at the time there was no such thing as Collage or DVD's, so in my many moves around the country I continued to exercise, taking my Jane Fonda L.P. with me and reaping the benefits. After 11 years of this, I began getting interested in Yoga and other instructors with different types of workouts, so I bought VHS tapes and tried new things. In 1995 I discovered Collage and began ordering tapes from them. Exercise was a part of my life now, as essential as breathing and eating. Also, I ate a healthy diet, and, with working a full-time job, found I had the energy needed to get through each busy day with strength and stamina. Exercise also helped me sleep restfully at night.
Fast forward to late 2007. I lifted a very heavy box at work, twisted, and heard something in my lower back go "POP!" The pain was excruciating, and what followed has changed my life forever. I was diagnosed with a broken facet joint in my lower spine, and a severe misalignment known as "spondylolisthesis". I was forced to quit my job, as I can no longer stand for long periods of time, lift more than 5 lbs., bend or twist, or even sit longer than 30 minutes at a time without pain. This injury has been extremely limiting, and at age 55, has made me rethink everything I do that involves physical activity.
In early 2008 I met my soon-to-be husband, moved to another state, and got married all in a 6-month time frame. I was afraid to exercise but continued gentle stretching. All the stress of so much change in my life took it's toll, and I spiraled into a deep depression. I ate too much, felt sorry for myself, and my weight soared to nearly 140 lbs. At 5'2" that was unhealthy. Looking at my unclothed body made me cry! I was losing muscle tone and the cellulite was creeping on. One day I decided to go to the local library and research exercises for back problems. A Collage catalog arrived and my journey to become fit again began there. At this point in my life it's more difficult to maintain my current weight of 114 than it was at age 30, but I have done it with much perseverance. I have the occasional setback, and I have to "cool it", as I tend to get too intense with my workouts. My doctor tells me to slow down when I have these flare-ups but for me, it's tough. I am so used to being physically active & strong, and yes, I'm stubborn! But I have worked around these setbacks with the help of my doctor and all the wonderful Collage videos. I am thankful I can do what I do as far as exercising goes. And, I can look at myself in the mirror with pride once again! Besides this, I feel so much better and my clothes all fit well again!