Walking has helped Susan Ellis lose weight, stay fit and keep up with her grandkids
By the time Susan Ellis turned 50, she was down 50 pounds after less than six months of exercise and healthy eating. More than a decade later, the Papillion woman continues to maintain that weight loss. She uses her time at the gym to catch up on television while clipping along on the treadmill. Its helped her to keep active while traveling with her husband and keep up with her grandkids.
Q: When did you start working out and why?
A: We just moved here three years ago when my husband retired. I lost 50 pounds for my 50th birthday. I just want to keep it off and live as well as I can.
Q: Describe your workouts. How many days per week do you exercise?
A: I work out about four days per week. I walk. I do a minimum of 4.5 miles.
Q: What is your current fitness goal?
A: Id like to get to 5 miles in an hour. Im pretty happy. My doctor says Im in good shape.
Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
A: Well, this sounds really dumb but when I was 10, I was 5 feet 8 inches. My nickname in junior high was Big Ugly. Im glad to see now thats considered bullying. At my 45th reunion, I saw people in there way bigger and way uglier. I settled that score. Part of it was my being self-conscious. I want to be the best version of what I can be. I may not be Miss America, but its good enough for me.
Q: What has been the toughest hurdle and how did you overcome it?
A: I would say Im a work in progress. Feeling good and being healthy opens the doorway to a lot of new things. There are a lot of good years ahead.
Q: What helps you stay on track?
A: Weighing. Theres a number, and youre either up or down. A lot of people avoid the scale, because if you dont step on it, you dont weigh that. Its a wake-up call to me. I weigh myself at least once a week.
Q: What is your gym pet peeve?
A: Youre not supposed to come in this area if youre under a certain age. Its not safe and sometimes they take my favorite machine. I like little kids, but not in here.
Q: What do you do when you arent in the gym?
A: Traveling, photography, book club, and spending time with grandkids.
Q: What is the piece of equipment, supplement, clothing, etc. that you cant live without?
A: I love the TV (built in the treadmill) because its a great distraction. Otherwise, youre just counting down the minutes.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their fitness journey?
A: It really is a step at a time. Fifty pounds ago, I couldnt have walked much more than around the block. I just want to keep going as long as I can. Some people can do it alone, but some cant. The Y has wonderful trainers and supportive people.
kelsey.stewart@owh.com, 402-444-3100,twitter.com/kels2
Read the original post:
Papilion woman's weight loss and fitness journey was 'a step at a time' - Omaha World-Herald
