Fi4Females is a place that supports women from the inside out, no diets, no pills and no weight loss shakes. We run Fitness Programs that help people get strong, lean and confident. More than Boot Camp or Stroller classes, we support our members with nutrition advice and training that helps them succeed. This is the story of how our incredible member Carla lost 60 pounds. and she loves her forties!
Carla Prior
“I joined Fit4Females in May 2013 and this is my journey of how I lost 60lbs. I didn’t realize how much it would be and continue to be a part of such an empowering, encouraging and inspiring group. But let’s support a little…
I am the mother of two beautiful boys… Jack is a precocious, lovable and extremely active 4 year old and Matthew is a peaceful, sweet and always smiling 1 year old. As a mother of a newborn at age 42, I wanted to make sure I was giving myself every possible opportunity to live a long and full life with my boys. I want to chase them around the football field and dance in the kitchen for many years to come. I want to do the same with my grandchildren many years from now.
I started my fitness and wellness journey with F4F when I was 3 months postpartum. It was always our desire to have a second child. Shortly after Jack turned 1, we were shocked when after 2 days of excruciating pain I had to be rushed to the hospital. I had collapsed at home apparently with significant internal bleeding. I thought I was having an appendicitis attack but found out I had an ectopic pregnancy. We had no idea we were expecting it so it was a period of shock for us followed by grief and then a reality check that maybe having a second child wouldn’t be so easy. We had no idea how difficult the journey would be.
I spent the next 3 years trying to get pregnant, got pregnant followed by a miscarriage, 4 in total. A very painful and sad moment for us. I’ve had every test possible, seen more doctors than I can count, traveled across the country to visit a fertility clinic…looking for a reason, a solution…they always tell me the same thing…your results are “normal”…no explanation. Finally, after working closely with a Naturopath, Baby Matthew arrived. People often ask me “does Matthew ever cry? He’s always so happy”. My answer is always the same… “it takes time to make a perfect baby”. He is truly perfect in every way.
During that time I was afraid to do any exercise for fear of losing a baby. When I started with F4F I wasn’t active for a long time. I’ll never forget my first cart class when the first warm-up exercise was 25 steps. I thought I was going to pass out after 5! I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Gradually as I chatted with the other moms and read the success stories online, I set a goal for myself that one day I wanted to be one of Trina’s success stories. I contacted Trina and asked her to do a total body package (TBP) evaluation. For several months I felt like I was “stuck” at the same weight.
Slowly Making Progress
I felt stronger, happier and I could feel my stamina improving so I didn’t give up. By October I had lost about 10 pounds but was confused why I wasn’t losing more weight. I was going to 3-4 classes a week, working hard but not seeing the results I would have expected for the time and energy I invested.
Then one day during parachute time, Trina asked the group if we felt like we were “not getting results” and that we needed to ask ourselves what we were doing outside of the classroom that was undoing all our hard work. I felt like he was talking to me!
Shortly after, he announced the pilot project (now known as 8 Week Express Fit), and I knew it was just what I needed to complete my wellness journey. While I wasn’t eating “bad”, I definitely had to make some fundamental changes. I was selected for the Pilot Team for Express Fit. The advice, guidance, motivation, peer support and daily communication with the other participants was just what I needed. Within 2 weeks I lost 8 pounds and 8.5 inches. By the end of the 8 week pilot I had lost 25 pounds and 21 inches. In the weeks since the pilot ended I’ve lost another 13 pounds and 5.3 inches. In total, since my first weigh-in last June, I’ve lost 60 pounds and as many inches. What I lost, what I gained is priceless!
It has changed my life forever. Did I gain stamina? I run on the soccer field with my son. I dance in the kitchen carrying both boys. I run up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. I can do 25+ step ups, I’ve lost track of how many burpees I’ve done, I can do 10+ pull ups on the barbell, and I can run around the gym without feeling like I’m going to pass out! I eat better, live better and love life!
I gained confidence. I have very few photos with my family because for so long I didn’t want to see photos of myself and if I did I would always delete them. I am happy to share that during our family trip we hired a photographer to take some family photos and I am so happy with how they turned out.
November 2013 Before Trina’s Coaching Program
I used to dread going shopping. There were so few stores where I could find my size and if I did it was so hard to find clothes that looked really flattering and stylish. Well today I went to Mapleview Mall and I was so excited to be able to shop anywhere I wanted! I bought a pair of skinny jeans! I haven’t worn jeans in years.
I went through my closet and removed over 4 bins of clothes that are now too big. I took 8 business suits to the Tailor and for the first time in 20 years I wore a two piece swimsuit on holiday!
I gained a solid foundation to build on… now my journey continues. My last cart class was Tuesday, March 18, 2014. My next challenge will be to continue to make fitness a priority and stay committed to eating and living well.
After March 2014
Finally, the most special thing I have gained from being a member of F4F is the lifelong friendships I have developed. Being surrounded by so many inspiring women is incredible! We’ve laughed together, sweated together, and even cried together!
Big thanks to Trina for helping me find my true potential. I will follow you anywhere! As someone who has worked in a leadership position for most of my 18 years with RBC, I have the utmost respect for Trina as someone who leads with passion, authenticity and who truly cares about everyone she comes in contact with.” – Carla Trudeau
