Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews

Ever Feel Like You Don't 'Fit In'?

by Suzanne Andrews

I don't swear either, unless I'm really mad! So I guess I was not one of the "cool" kids. I skipped 3 grades in high school, loved business, the arts and the only high I got was from exercise. I was different and bullied constantly because of it. Even beat up. The point I'm trying to make is don't worry if you are different, that just means you're NOT a sheeple. You're a people - a born leader!

Let others know it's OK to be different. Share this message with your friends, family and social media!

Order Total Strength & Conditioning Workout HERE!

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner/L

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Using Weights Speeds Weight Loss

by Suzanne Andrews

Why Using Weights in Your At Home Workouts Speeds Weight Loss

Don’t have tіmе to go to a gym or the mоnеу for a mеmbеrѕhір? Transform your рhуѕіԛuе with weight bearing workouts. In as little as 30 days, it’s possible to lose two dress sizes if you include weights in your at home workouts. Consistency and a sensible diet are key. 

By uѕіng just a simple set of dumbbells and ankle weights, you can strengthen all major muscle groups when following the instructions in the Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews Total Strength and Conditioning DVD. Weights also strengthen уоur stabilizing muscles which help with balance when walking or climbing. In fасt, you rесruіt mоrе muѕсlе fіbеrѕ while performing exercise with weights. Dumbbells also activate nerve activity which boosts your mind and muѕсlе соnnесtіоn for improved реrfоrmance of daily living activities.

Best Lower Bоdу Exеrсіѕеѕ for a Firm Butt and Legs

Dеаd lіftѕ, Squats and Lungеѕ wіth dumbbеllѕ аrе аll extremely effective in toning and firming weakened leg and buttocks muscles. Nоt оnlу аrе thеу mоrе comfortable to use than dеаd lіftѕ with a bar, ѕԛuаtѕ аnd lunges with hand weights offer lеѕѕ ѕріnаl compression and pressure on your lower bасk. Nice feature.

You саn реrfоrm саlf rаіѕеѕ by holding dumbbells іn either hand and raise up on the balls of your feet. Sԛuаtѕ аnd lunges target the quads but also work the calves, glutes аnd hamstrings.

Best Uрреr Body Exеrсіѕеѕ for Firm Arms

Dumbbells аrе аlѕо very effective in buіlding muѕсlе quickly іn the uрреr bоdу. Single аrm  rows tone and build the bасk muscles, (latissimus dorsi) and rеаr deltoids. They саn also bе uѕеd to build a firm chest аnd toned shoulders. (Think sleeveless dress!) Whіlе реrfоrmіng flat, decline оr іnсlіnе bеnсh presses you create an іnсrеаѕеd range оf mоtіоn thаt  targets the mid, lower and upper chest muscles. Alѕо dumbbells can bе uѕеd tо perform flyes on thе bеnсh аѕ an іѕоlаtіоn mоvеmеnt that really hіtѕ the ресtorals. Thay аrе grеаt fоr toning shoulder muѕсlеѕ as wеll. Sеаtеd shoulder overhead presses are very еffесtіvе, аѕ аrе ѕіdе and frоnt lаtеrаl raises. You can аlѕо do trарezius work by реrfоrmіng shrugs аnd upright rows.

And of course, уоu саn tone thе bісерѕ, triceps, аnd the forearm muѕсlеѕ which helps you carry just about anything with greater ease. Standing alternating bicep curls really help to bring оut the dеѕіrеd arm firmness. Ovеrhеаd triceps extensions are great for reducing that behind the arm flap. Dumbbell hammer curls work both the fоrеаrmѕ аnd biceps.

When beginning any workout routine start оut wіth light wеіghtѕ. Thіѕ is nееdеd tо allow аnd the additional stress оn уоur ѕtаbіlіzіng muѕсlеѕ to adjust safely. As you become stronger, slowly build up thе аmоunt of wеіght you lіft аnd over time watch your ability to do activities of daily living become easier.

As you саn ѕее, thеrе аrе many еxеrсіѕеѕ you саn реrfоrm tо buіld strength and endurance wіth dumbbеllѕ. A uѕеd set оf dumbbеllѕ аnd an exercise bеnсh wіll uѕuаllу соѕt under a hundred dollars. Alѕо, this set up doesn’t rеԛuіrе a lot of space. They can easily be рlасеd іn a corner оf a small room or the gаrаgе. Itѕ іmроrtаnt when lооkіng tо tone muscle уоu реrfоrm thе right аmоunt оf rерetitions, pacing and ѕеtѕ so you can lose weight the fаѕtеѕt. With that ѕаіd, be ѕurе tо gеt оut mу other Functional Fitness tips hеrе on mу frее Functional Fitness blog. If уоu wаnt tо work оut аt hоmе, or уоu dоn't have thе money tо аffоrd a gуm, іt'ѕ реrfесtlу fine tо uѕе dumbbеllѕ to lose weight аnd get thе rеѕultѕ at home.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Have Hypoglycemia?

by Suzanne Andrews

How Much Protein Do You Need for Weight Loss?

A Functional Fitness Fan shares her weight loss story…

Dear Suzanne

“Hypoglycemia has been my nemesis, but because of it, I have learned to manage things much better, and have lost 45 pounds!! There is no medicine for hypoglycemia...just old fashioned common sense eating and exercise!!  I was not able to even keep up with your tv episodes, but now I am finding I can do them, even if it is one of the modified versions.

Blessings to you, Cindy.”      

Suzanne’s response…

“Hi Cindy, by doing the modified version you proved that you don’t have to exercise hard to lose weight, just smart. 

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something I’m very familiar with. Not only as a medical professional; I was diagnosed with it in my early twenties.  I lost over 60 pounds with hypoglycemia and a malfunctioning thyroid. Talk about a double whammy!  Hypoglycemia makes it especially hard to lose weight because you must eat to keep you blood sugar level. Hashimoto’s slows down your metabolism. A turtle has a faster metabolism than me.

Needless to say I had to be very strategic about losing weight safely. A severely restricted diet plan could make you go into a coma. 

So what do you do to lose weight?

Exercise 5 – 6 days a week and eat protein!  Grill it, bake it or use 0 calorie cooking spray to keep it lean.

Good Protein Sources are:

Eggs, fish, yogurt, low fat cheeses and lean cuts of beef.”

High intensity workouts are not recommended for people who have hypoglycemia. A moderate pace of exercises that includes low impact cardio and strength training are VERY effective. Be consistent and you can be two dress sizes smaller next month!

Check out this weeks Functional Fitness 60 second video to find out all the benefits of protein and how much you need to consume for weight loss.

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner/L

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

7 Benefits of Walking with Arthritis

by Suzanne Andrews

A common myth I hear from my patients with arthritis is, “I can’t exercise because I have arthritis.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Motion is lotion for arthritis. When you move, you produce a lubricant (synovial fluid) that coats your joints and decreases joint pain.  When you use resistant bands or weights, you do double duty by providing your joints with stronger muscles to support your joints and that also helps decrease pain. Pills don’t do everything and with long term use, many medications will cause health problems. Walking is literally physical medicine for your joints. 

1. Walking Strengthens Your Legs

Stronger legs help you do more than just look great in a dress. Stronger legs help ease knee pain because your quadriceps muscles (in the front of your legs) acts as a shock absorber for your knees. Stronger shock absorption equals less pain.

2. Walking Saves You Money on Medical Bills

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average person with arthritis spends $2600.00 a year on medical bills related to arthritis. Walking helps to save you money with less trips to the doctor.

3. Walking Helps Eliminate Arthritis Pain in Hips, Knees and Back

If you get up in the morning and you feel stiff until you move, you know that movement helps to ease joint pain. Starting your day with a walk is a great way to ease pain because it helps you lose weight. Losing just 5 lbs of fat is equal to 20 pounds of pressure on your joints.

4. Walking Gives You a Non-Surgical Butt Lift!

Walking contracts the glute and hamstring muscles which helps to lift and firm your buttocks.This is important if you have arthritis because stronger glute muscles (your butt) helps to decrease back pain.

5. Walking Gives You More Energy

It may seem counter-intuitive to walk if you’re tired, but walking gives you more energy. Joint pain is very tiring to the body and when you start to eliminate the pain with your daily walks, you’ll have more energy.

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6. Walking Improves Your Libido

Let’s face it, it’s hard to feel sexy when your hips are creaking and your knees are aching. Walking releases those feel good hormones that work better (and safer) than pain pills. With the pain gone from your daily walks, you’ll feel sexier.

7. Walking Keeps You Active

Walking keeps you doing all the things you want to do: whether it’s spending time with your grandchildren, children or going on a sightseeing trip. So get going and walk the talk! You’ll love feeling better with just a few short weeks of walking.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

New Year's Motivation

by Suzanne Andrews

How many of us say we're going to wait till Monday or New Years, or after a certain time to start eating healthy and getting fit? Instead of waiting for that perfect date, start now because now is the perfect time for your best health! 

Healthiest blessings, Suzanne Andrews

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Benefits of Strength Training

by Suzanne Andrews

4 Unusual Benefits of Strength Training in Women Over 50

Strength training, an important addition for the health of midlife and older women, is often overlooked. While we are in our 20’s and thirties, we are concerned with getting into that little black dress.  As a clinician who works with women who are middle age and older, I understand that the desire to look good never goes away.  However, as women age, there are far more important reasons to strength train.

1. One surprising aspect of strength training after 50 is how it affects your endocrine system. That's the system of organs in your body that produce and regulates hormones in your bloodstream.

Yet the myth of getting big, bulky muscles remains. Women don’t have enough testosterone to produce bulky muscles.  While Testosterone is produced in both sexes, (in the ovaries in women and the testes in men); women have about one tenth the amounts of men but it still affects your metabolism by burning fat during exercise along with increasing muscle strength and tone. Testosterone can remain in your bloodstream at elevated levels up to three hours after exercise. In women, strength training can also benefit the intensity of orgasms and that's never a bad thing.

Own Total Strengh & Conditioning Here!

2. Strength training helps improve body image… Why? A hormone that helps to breakdown unwanted body fat is estrogen. It increases your metabolism (burns fat as fuel), increases both your libido and your mood. The ovaries produce less of it as menopause is reached but strength training can elevate its levels in the blood for up to four hours after exercising so you feel sexier and happier. Now that's better than a valium and has much better side effects than any anti-depressant. (I do not advocate women stop taking their anti-depressant as they need to check with their doctor).

3. The greatest loss of bone mass is women going through menopause.  Strength training not only helps women maintain muscle – it helps to maintain bone mass and reduces risk for numerous chronic diseases. 

Osteoporosis is a major health threat for 44 million Americans every year. One out of every two women will get osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is known as the silent killer because half of the population who have low bone mass are not aware of it. Osteoporosis puts people at a much higher risk for painful bone fractures that are sometimes fatal. Over 300,000 seniors a year fracture their hip from a fall with sometimes serious complications, including death, from hip fractures.

As we get older, the tissues that comprise the heart, lungs, arteries and veins weaken. Strength training slows that deterioration by keeping higher levels of blood, oxygen and hormones flowing.

After age 50, you lose 1 -2% of muscle strength per year.  After 60, you lose 3% a year, which comes out to about 4.5 pounds of muscle strength a year.

Your legs get weaker three years before your arms start becoming weak and that's why you'll notice it's becoming difficult to walk like you used to.

Your bicep muscles in your arms help you lift stuff and your triceps help you push up to a stand.

Not all the muscles that are important to move your arms are located in your arms: your latissimus dorsi (located in your back) pulls your shoulders back and your arms to your sides.) 

While strong legs are important, strong arms are also vital for a fully functional life.  With strong arms you can lift your baby/grand-baby out of a car seat with ease, carry in groceries, get items of the top shelf and get in and out of the tub without injuring yourself. 

4. What many women are unaware of is that calcium is needed for heart conduction.  If a woman has thinning bones and doesn’t have enough calcium, the body will remove calcium from the bones to give it to the heart to avoid a heart attack. So in essence, strong bones helps to decrease thinning bones and could potentially help with heart disease.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

How to Overcome Barriers

by Suzanne Andrews

How to Overcome the Top 5 Barriers to Your Best Health

“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”

We all have areas of our lives that could use some improvement but we often put it off, make excuses, or can't make the time to address them. In the process of living our lives to build a career, raise a family, compete to acquire it all, we overlook the vital need to relax, eat sensibly and understand our limitations. Don't wait until your first heart attack, DUI accident, or other shocking event to realize your lifestyle may be destroying you from the inside.

Here’s five barriers and more importantly how to overcome them for your best health ever!

1. Your Own Psychology  

This one of the most formidable barriers. We place limits on our ability to become healthy. Rather than trust that change can happen, we talk down or highlight the impossible aspect of the changes we want to make. Believing that we can't lose weight because both our parents and grandparents were overweight is a false comfort and a method to avoid accepting a challenge. As long as you don't even try, you won't fail. 

2. Society

Changes in society is another barrier. Smoking used to be fashionable, now it’s a primary health hazard. Butter and cream sauces are considered gourmet but now are known to be fattening and increase cholesterol in blood. Don't allow society to sway you with its criticisms, traditions and paradoxes.

3. Fear

This is a tough one because it comes from within and without.
What will changing be like?
Will I be different?
Will my spouse, family, and friends still love me?

Many fears are deeply rooted in childhood, an event when discipline, accidents, or unhappiness set limits on imagination and exploration. These events place limits on our life potential and individual performance without even realizing it.

4. Rationalizations

Denial...hides the reality of your situation
Blame...can't or won't accept responsibility
Procrastination...today is the tomorrow you said you'd start. Get going.
Fear of loss...why fear sleeping better, fitting new clothes, more energy, saving money, fewer pills and doctor visits, improved health and self-esteem?

5. Fear of Failure 

Set realistic goals...lose 1 lbs. this week and do it. Next week, 2 lbs. and do it. Then each week after go for 3lbs. and do it.

If you begin a health plan by promising yourself that "I'll look like an Olympic athlete in one month", you already know how that's going to turn out. Persistent baby steps become leaps and bounds.

Functional Fitness Wisdom for You

Time is the most used excuse to not do something.  How much time do you spend watching TV?  (Honestly). The average person watches 3.5 hours of TV a night. That's 105 hours of television in a month. So all those people would rather watch somebody else live their dreams rather than pursuing their own? Turn it off!

Knowledge...use all the extra time you just discovered to research and educate yourself on what it will take to find out how to remedy all those fears, denials, and pressures in your life.

Energy...you will quickly realize that a healthy diet, regular exercise, lots of water (no sugary drinks) and even just a daily vitamin will give you the energy you've always wanted.

Support System...get your family, friends and co-workers involved. In most cases, you will have overwhelming support and even be considered a role model for those around you that have always wondered what it would be like to become what you are doing.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Urinary Incontinence Treatments

by Suzanne Andrews

Which One is Right for You?

I was just interviewed for Prevention Magazine about my natural treatment for Urinary Incontinence and they asked why I produced 30 Day Bladder Fix.  Well, have you seen those advertisements promising women to “take charge of bladder leaks.” There’s photo’s of women dancing, laughing and smiling. The message is that you can enjoy life once again if you use their products.  And exactly what products are we talking about?

1. Pads or adult diapers:

Now I don’t know about you, but I’d be very self-conscious walking around with pads catching leaks that make me smell like pee.  And did you know that urine rubbing against your skin causes rashes?  How do I know this?  Aside from the fact that I’m an Occupational Therapy Clinician who treats this all to-common problem, I too once suffered from it and looked into every possible solution.  Here’s the other “solutions.”

2. Pills:

Did you know pills only work in less than 20% of women and according to Web MD, “the most commonly reported side effect of the drugs are dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes, and upset stomach. By the way, constipation makes urinary incontinence worse.  And in older people, “complications from urinary incontinence medications are heart rhythms problems and sudden death.”  I’m amazed how many of my patients are taking 12 – 13 pills a day under the care of a physician.  “You leak, here’s a pill, is the all too common answer.” Many patients arrive in rehab due to hip and wrist fractures received from rushing to the bathroom in the middle of the night and tripping on the wet spots.

3. Insertable Objects:

Really who invented this? There’s an exercise device that cost $249.00 and this device hurts. (I tried it). Who thinks we ladies like to go around and insert objects into our private area as a form of exercise. There’s the other insertable objects supposed to help you control the problem but it still doesn’t SOLVE the problem and how healthy can it be to insert foreign objects anyway?

4. Surgery:

As of early 2015, an estimated 70,000 women filed lawsuits against mesh manufacturers after suffering serious injuries from the products.  During my search for treatment, a urologist told me to undergo mesh surgery and I’m so glad I didn’t because problems from mesh surgery can include:

• Severe pelvic, genital or groin pain
• Recurrence of prolapse or incontinence
• Nerve damage
• Vaginal scarring
• Degrading of the mesh
• Infection, including urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Neuro-muscular problems
• Vaginal shrinkage or shortening
• Vaginal bleeding
• Blood in the stool or urine

5. Kegels:

You’ve probably heard about Kegels. Well kegels are not the total answer either.  And it can be hard to know if you’re doing them right.

It is because of all these products that I produced 30 Day Bladder Fix.  I wanted to give women (and men) a natural way to eliminate Urinary Incontinence without pills, surgery, inserting foreign objects or expensive pads.  If I can help you not have to go through the embarrassment that I went through, it will be worth it. And you don’t have to pay the expensive three times a week co-pay for the therapeutic pelvic floor exercises I teach all across the United States. You can sit in the comfort of your own home and do the program in privacy and you don’t even have to get on the floor!  It’s all done sitting on a chair and lying in bed. 

You know what the best thing is?  Hearing from you all about how 30 Day Bladder Fix is helping you!  I’m so happy because you’re all my sisters in wellness! Here’s some reviews.  Keep them coming and share this post on your social media. Together we can let women know how to SOLVE the problem, not mask it.

Frances P.
Verified Buyer
05/28/16
Hip on Functional fitness.
I have been using the 30 Bladder Fix for two weeks and have improvement with bladder control when I sneeze. The sneezing was my main concern.

Happy C.
Verified Buyer
04/15/16
This Works!
I can't say enough about this DVD. I tried the medicine to stop bladder leaks and it didn't work. I was even thinking of surgery but I heard of all the complications including a friend that private part perforated from the surgery. I have to say I was skeptical about this but tried anyway and am so glad!!! I can finally go on long car rides without having to stop at a rest stop every hour and I can also sneeze without the floodgates opening up. Thank you so much. I hope you don't mind that I don't use my name as this was a very a very embarrassing problem to have.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Tight Schedule?

by Suzanne Andrews

How to Get a Tight Body in 30 Minutes a Day! 

Do you have a schedule so tight that it’s enough to choke a horse?

As a television producer and host of Functional Fitness, I don’t have enough heads to put on all the hats I have to wear throughout the day: so I really do get how your day can be busy. 

Yet if you were to email me, I’d respond immediately and if you phoned, the tone in my voice would convey that I’m not in a rush to get to the pile of never-ending things to do.

Why? Because you’re important and so is your health. That’s why I now end every episode of Functional Fitness with, “thanks for taking the time to be with a very important person – YOU!

I’ve learned to do things immediately or otherwise my “to do” pile gets out of hand.  So what does this have to do with working out on a tight schedule?  Everything.  You need to put YOU in the “to do” pile. No “ands,”  “ifs” or “buts” about it.

But you don’t have time right? If you can squeeze in 30 minutes today, tomorrow and the next until it becomes a habit, you’ll feel so much better! That 30 minutes of purposeful exercise takes years of your looks, adds years to your life and more importantly life to your years.

What do I mean by purposeful exercise? By doing 30 minute workouts that help you function at your best, rather than workouts that make you want to scream!  Instead of “I must get through this killer workout so I can be a size skinny,” how about changing your mindset to “I must do a functional workout to be able to go sightseeing on that trip I’ve got my eye on, or I want to get totally strong and conditioned for __________ (you fill in the blank by thinking of something you want to accomplish).

By working out with purpose and doing an exercise program that is realistic, you’ll accomplish the one most important part of getting healthy naturally: consistency.  In addition, a 30 minute workout leaves you with enough energy stores to do everything else you have to do. So take 30 minutes and make your day, your year, your life!

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

How I lost the Weight

by Suzanne Andrews

Prevention Magazine Full Interview with Suzanne Andrews

How much did you weigh at your heaviest?

I was 186 pounds after giving birth in my 30's and since I'm only 5 foot 2", that's an uncomfortably large size. I had a background in fitness so I thought I'd just get the weight off right after giving birth.  But there was one big problem, weighing that much was painful!

 What made you decide to make a change in your habits?

Every step I took was excruciating. At 5’2″, I was putting a tremendous strain on my knees and hips. The simple act of walking was an arduous task. Walking places a force of 3 times your body weight on the critical joints of your body and I got bursitis in my hip which was very painful.

What did you do for exercise when you just started out?

At first I thought exercise was out of the question. I could barely see my toes; being able to touch them was a fantasy. Even having a background in fitness wasn't enough. It wasn't until I began working with a Physical Therapist as a Therapeutic Exercise Specialist that I realized exercise was the one thing I needed to do to get rid of the pain! I was so impressed with the results that I got a degree in rehab and when I'm not filming my PBS series, Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews®), I'm treating patients all over the country with the latest medically proven moves for specific conditions.

 My favorite saying to them when they say they can't exercise because they are hurting is "one day longer is one day stronger with Functional Fitness!" (They've been cleared to workout by their doctor). Since weak abdominals can cause back pain, non movement causes arthritic joints to increase pain: stiff shoulders cause frozen shoulder, a weak butt and tight hamstrings can cause back ache. You show me a fit, strong body and I'll show a happy body. Show me a weak body and I’ll show you a sick body.

 Did you know there's actually a condition/diagnoses that I treat called, "Generalized Weakness." That condition causes a host of diseases.  It's not easy getting to your healthy state, but so worth it! With that being said, there wasn't anything out there for an overweight, unfit person to do.

I also have a background as an esthetician (skin care and make-up artist). While working in New York City at CBS TV, a psychology guest told me meditation could help. I was skeptical. At first I didn’t understand how a sedentary activity like meditation could help me to lose weight. It was not long before I discovered the secret—during meditation your mind is the CEO and your body the dutiful employee.  Because the first step to weight loss begins in your mind. By meditating and visualizing myself at my goal weight, I designed an exercise program that a heavy person could do. I started exercising sitting down so I wouldn't hurt my hip and gradually progressed to a more challenging standing level. Little did I know I was designing the context of my PBS series. I was the first person to design exercises with modifications that included seated and standing levels - I even have walking workouts you can do seated!

What was a typical week of workouts like?

First, I would meditate (every day) for 10 minutes and visualize myself at my goal weight in an outfit that I wanted to wear right down to the color of the outfit and what I would be able to do without all that weight literally weighing me down!   I would do 30 minutes of chair exercises and two to three times a week I would incorporate weights into my routine. I had health issues from a previous car accident (back and neck problems) and had to work-out out without causing further damage. I remember the day I started doing the workout standing up. I felt lighter and had more energy when I woke up that day and so I thought, why not see if I could do standing low impact moves? I kept going until what you see on the TV today, two to three fitness levels demonstrated by myself and an expert guest or two.

What did you change about your eating habits?

Weight loss is 50% diet, 50% exercise and 100% determination!  I needed every ounce of determination when I decided to get some pre -packaged frozen meals to get me started losing weight. When I first saw the tiny amount, I thought I was going to starve!  Yet, when I didn't die from starvation and instead just kept losing weight, I knew the food was enough to sustain me. I'm Italian, and my entire family has weight issues. We love to eat. So the biggest change about my eating habits wasn't just downsizing portions, it was downsizing the excuses and realizing that even little snacks add up. 

How much do you weigh now?

Now I'm a healthy 125 lbs. It was never my goal to be an unhealthy stick.  I'm a woman. I have hips and a bust. Years ago in my 20's, I was swayed by the unrealistic images you see in the media. Well, now I am the media and have the opportunity to educate women that instead of striving for an unrealistic size 2, strive for a size healthy! I remember speaking with some beauty/fashion CEO's about the unrealistic portrayal of the ideal stick thin image in my younger years in New York City. They replied "women don't relate to real women, they want a model thin women to look up to."  If you read the letters I get from my viewers, you'd know they were dead wrong! I am real.  I am a women and proud to be a healthy role model for real women who want to be real healthy.

How long did it take to reach your goal?

I lost 2 - 3 lbs a week.

Are you comfortable using your full name in this article for Prevention.com?

Yes.  Suzanne Andrews. Founder, Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews, PBS TV and president of healthwiseexercise.com

How old are you?

If you put in Suzanne Andrews in the Google search engine, you'd see people actually google Suzanne Andrews age.  I'm proud to reveal I'm 53 years young and owe my age to Functional Fitness!

Where do you live?

I live in Florida, but spend a lot of time travelling throughout the US teaching my evidenced based exercises to help others take back their life and be healthwise –exercise! It’s always a thrill to see how Functional Fitness helps them.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.