Bio of a Metabolic Warrior: Phyllis

This is the third in what will be a series of postings highlighting Warrior Triumphs.  A few weeks ago we shared Katie's fitness journey with the hope that it would inspire you to know that your trainers face the same life challenges that you do and we have to find ways to stay motivated and push forward.  One of the things that inspires us is YOU.  Yes, each and every one of you inspires us in some way.  You may think you are sneaking into training at the last second, setting up in the WAY back, and making a quick exit without being noticed.  But we see something in each of you, and know just enough about you, to know that one day life is up, the next day it is down, and yet you rebound, and just by being present and giving your best you motivate us and your fellow Warriors.

 


This week we are taking our inspiration from Phyllis who just celebrated her two year anniversary of becoming a Warrior.  We are not sure how she celebrated but we are guessing she did hundreds of push ups!  Phyllis is a retired Physical Education teacher and she has shown that she knows the importance of making health and fitness a lifelong endeavor.  Phyllis holds the prestigious honor of being our most seasoned Warrior at 78 years young.  While all of us receive motivation by trying to keep up working out next to Phyllis, she shared that being the oldest Warrior has been one of the biggest hurdles she has had to overcome in staying consistent with Metabolic Training.

Phyllis had another hurdle to get over this past year.  She was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation.  After taking a short time off after her initial diagnosis she was cleared by her doctor to return to training.  In spite of her doctor's assurance that it was safe to return to exercise and to get her heart rate up, she expressed concern over "getting winded".  Then she discovered that one of her trainers has a heart arrhythmia as well and that seemed to help bring back the determined side of Phyllis we have come to know.

No more wings!  That is one of the benefits (in our words) that Phyllis has seen from Metabolic Training.  Okay, in her words she has gotten rid of most of her flabby upper arms, has kept her body weight consistent, and feels stronger doing household chores.  But the unexpected benefit she has seen which is much more fun is the increased distance off the tee in her golf game.  She says she can actually feel her core muscles engage.

Phyllis has always been physically active and enjoyed playing both individual and team sports in high school and college.  We had the opportunity to come to know Phyllis several years ago when Sherry was her first Personal Trainer and Katie her first post-retirement boss.  When asked what prompted her to begin Metabolic, she replied that she trusted us to give her the correct information and that the concept of Metabolic Training makes sense.  She added that it helps that the workouts are short and that she prefers a class setting as opposed to working on her own.

With age comes wisdom.  When asked how she successfully manages to make fitness a priority at least twice a week, Phyllis noted that it is what she sees in others who are inactive that helps keep her motivated.  Seeing others who are younger, overweight, and inactive, and have already had to have joint replacements helps get her to Metabolic Training which she describes as "as fun as possible."  And the reward when the workout is complete is one we can all relate to, "I am so glad I DID IT and shook of the LAZIES".  She did add that the home grown peaches and figs that Katie shares with Warriors helps a little too.

The message that Phyllis wants to share with us as a take away from her personal story is powerful.  She says," I truly believe I would not be here today (alive) if I was not as active as I possibly could be.  We all must find what works for each of us and remember how good it feels when you step out of that shower afterwards".  As a side note she added, "Last week was my 60 year high school, class of '54 reunion.  This is most likely the last as there are not enough left to make it worth it.  There were more than 300 in my class and only 105 are still alive.  My goal is to be the last one standing!  Or sitting!  Or propped up!!"