online edition - PRO Sports Club

20/20 Success Story:Cyndy LaRoweI have been an outdoor and endurance athlete most of my adultlife. Over the years I have learned a lot about cardiovascular,strength and flexibility training, and how to use nutrition to supportand enhance physical performance. What I had not learned washow I used food in my life in other ways—specifically as a meansto cope with emotions and stress. I was able to “get away” with thatas long as I was physically active. However, it really caught up withme when I lived and worked in Europe. Between living on my own,building a new business, and traveling most of the time, it was verystressful – with limited physical activity and the best quality food.When I came back from Europe, I knew that I needed to get backinto shape in a holistic manner. I thought I could put togethertraining and nutrition plans on my own, but knew I needed outsidehelp to change how I used food as a coping tool – or risk going backto my “old” ways.At the suggestion of PRO personal trainer James Louthan, whoconducted my Initial Consultation, I attended the 20/20 Lifestylesorientation. Given my goals for getting back into shape, it seemedlike a perfect approach. I knew the 20/20 program was workingfor me when I saw obvious changes in weight loss, increasedcardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, and changed bodyshape. I also saw changes in how I planned food, allocated time forhealth, and how I dealt with stress, emotions and food.The biggest challenges for me were realizing that 1) losing weightphysically does not equate to changing the mental habits andbehaviors that led to gaining it in the first place, and 2) you mayhave to work just as hard to reach your health and fitness goalsafter 20/20 as you did during the program. Although frustrating andstressful, these challenges taught me an enormous amount aboutmyself and how holistic health, fitness, and life change works.My relationships with my trainer, dietitian, therapist, and 20/20group have been life changing, providing expert theoreticalknowledge and strong personal support. They have been unflaggingin their creativity, flexibility, and commitment in helping me get themost from the program and to expect the most for my life. Eachwould say that I’ve done the work and the success is mine, but Iam 100% certain that I would not be where I am today without theirhard work.Although I don’t consider myself a “natural runner,” either byphysical build or gait, I love the freedom that a pair of running shoesallows no matter where you are in the world. It’s been hard work,but also a lot of fun, training for endurance distances again. I wantto run more marathons, do more high altitude climbing, try ultramarathons and get involved in adventure racing.My friends’ and family’s willingness to accept and embrace what I’velearned and the changes I’ve made as a result has been essential.They have been very open and enthusiastic to learn about theprogram and have made some changes collectively when we aretogether. Knowing that my friends and family support me the waythey do is encouraging and sustaining.Total WeightLost: 59 lbs.Cyndy’s advice:Set goals. Know what you want and need from the programand for your life.Be proactive about getting the specific knowledge, support, andexperiences from the program and other resources that work best for you.Keep focusing on your long-term life goals and have patience.Life change is a journey, not a project.Coaches:Lida Buckley, and Sara SlaterDr. Joe Upton54 PRO PULSE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2006photoBy Gerald Pope