When you’re trying to get in better shape, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Who hasn’t made a resolution to hit the gym or eat better in January only to give up before the end of the month?
Even little lifestyle changes can have a big impact. From steps to squats, these women took control of their health and have never looked back.
IRENE MAGEE: ‘NO EXCUSES’
What began with a divine nudge has turned into a long-term lifestyle change for Irene Magee.
“I was complaining every day about hurting as I got out of bed,” recalls the wife, mother, pastor, realtor and tax preparer. “One day, God spoke to me in a dream and challenged me to re-evaluate my priorities.”
The dream inspired her to reflect on previous generations and see where they lacked. The major shortcoming, she determined, was health and wellness.
“As a mother of children who range from 11 to 30 and a new grandmother, I knew if I didn’t make some serious changes, my…children wouldn’t receive the same love and care from me because my body was breaking down.”
“As a mother of children who range from 11 to 30 and a new grandmother,” Magee says, “I knew if I didn’t make some serious changes, my 11-year-old’s children wouldn’t receive the same love and care from me because my body was breaking down.”
As it happened, her mentor was starting a walking challenge, and Magee bought a shirt that said “Walk, Girl” to support it — but she didn’t plan to participate.
“I was offended (when my husband asked about it),” she recalls, “because I knew I needed to do something but was not motivated to do anything.”
In the wake of her dream, Magee started walking daily starting on Aug. 19. She also modified her eating habits by watching her sugar and carb intake.
Magee has made a habit of taking the the stairs instead of escalators. A frequent traveler, she’s walked in the Bahamas and in Colorado. She’s walked at 6 a.m., at 10 p.m. and in the rain. She’s walked around her house after undergoing oral surgery.
“I get it in when I can,” Magee says.
The health benefits have been endless. Magee is less tired and better rested. She’s lost about 33 pounds and dropped several pant sizes. Working her way up from two-and-a-half miles at the beginning, she now can go seven if she has the time.
Next, Magee plans to add strength training to her regimen. Her best advice for others is to make time for yourself and don’t make excuses.
“Start slow and run your own race,” she says. “Don’t look at how much more someone else can do, but focus on you.”
DR. TOY L. WATTS: “I LOVE HOW I FEEL”
A veteran educator, retired superintendent of the Laurel School District and the current Mississippi sales manager for Bailey Education Group, Watts started her health journey over three years ago. She changed diet, prioritized exercise and started medication that addressed some hormonal issues related to polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“After a serious conversation with my then 9-year-old about me being a workaholic, I decided to make some changes to be better for my children. Those changes included being more intentional about work-life balance and taking better care of myself mentally and physically.”
“I was extremely stressed,” she recalls. “After a serious conversation with my then 9-year-old about me being a workaholic, I decided to make some changes to be better for my children. Those changes included being more intentional about work-life balance and taking better care of myself mentally and physically.”
In advance of her 50th birthday, Watts decided to hire a trainer — going twice a week and working harder than ever to prepare for that milestone.
“Then the dress I ordered came in and it did not fit,” she says. “I then kicked into a more serious commitment with my trainer so that I could get into THAT dress.”
Once apprehensive about doing squats, Watts now does them with weights and has vastly improved strength, endurance and agility — as well as increased definition in her body.
“I love how I feel; the physical appearance part is a bonus,” she says. “I was able to get into my dress and I danced all night for my 50th birthday!”
Going forward, she’s decided to be more intentional about nutrition. To those who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to star, Watts suggests buying cute workout clothes.
“Dressing in cute workout gear has motivated me and makes me feel good heading to the gym,” she says. “I also am an advocate for a trainer. I would have never pushed myself this hard; I would not have taken any chances with the weights, and I would have easily made excuses not to show up. Having a trainer has added the level of accountability I needed to be successful.”