Bio of a Metabolic Warrior: Heidi

When we moved to Sedona I asked our neighbor for a recommendation for a dentist and what I couldn't have known at that time was that I would be assigned to the perfect dental hygienist for me.  As most of you Warriors know, I LOVE to talk fitness and Heidi is one of the few people I know who LOVES to ask questions about fitness.  At first I wasn't sure why she was asking so many questions but it quickly became apparent that Heidi loves to challenge herself with fitness.  She runs and hikes and best of all, she is a girl who is not afraid of weight training!  And if you have seen her push those heavy dumbbells overhead you might be afraid of her, until she puts them down and smiles at you and starts asking you questions or complimenting you and you are immediately at ease with her.  She has a subtle little way of taking any attention off herself and being encouraging and supportive of her fellow Warriors.  So she may blush a little bit but just for this one week she is going to have to endure being highlighted as one of our amazing Warriors.

Heidi enjoying one of her many activities

Heidi's family shares her love of fitness and being active.  

Here they are out for a run on the Mystic River.

Date of Interview:  10/20/14

Name: Heidi Lawler

1. Current/Past Career/Vocation?   Dental Hygienist

2. Age?  56

3. History of activity/fitness?   Water skiing, weight lifting, kettle bell training, hiking, running (two half marathons), and participating in, and coaching many sports

4. What prompted you to start Metabolic?  Sherry has been a patient of mine for many years, and I have always been in awe of her accomplishments and dedication to fitness.  I told her that I would try her class the day after I cleaned her teeth in April 2013 and was instantly hooked. 

5. How long working with Smart Fitness/Metabolic?   1½ years

6. What expected benefits have you gained from Metabolic?   Better overall fitness level

7. What unexpected benefits have you gained from Metabolic?  My body feels more toned.

I wasn’t sure that evening exercise would work for me because I am a morning person, but it does, and I feel even more energetic!   Years ago, I was told that you couldn’t build muscle after age 40.   I don’t believe a bit of that anymore!  My squats, lunges, and push-ups are much deeper and stronger than they were before!

8. What keeps you going or inspires you with Metabolic/Smart Fitness?   Consistency is what works for me. When I can’t make it to class, you don’t want to be around.  Endorphin addiction is possibly happening, but pushing my personal limits feels great!   The instructors and fellow warriors are inspiring!

9. What hurdles have you had to overcome to succeed in consistently attending Metabolic? (emotional, physical, mental)   I’m emotionally distraught when I don’t make it to metabolic.   A knee injury from running made a few exercises uncomfortable, but with the help of Katie and Sherry, I was able to work through it.   Feeling like I can do something to improve my fitness level helps my mental well being.

10. How do you successfully manage to make fitness a priority 2x’s a week or more?

Keeping on schedule at work and having my clothes and weights prepared to go in the morning is critical to getting to metabolic class on time.

11. How has working with Smart Fitness impacted your life, point of view, changed your outlook on fitness?   It is the most important part of my day.  In my profession, neck and back issues are common.  Working all the muscle groups that we incorporate in metabolic seems to help balance the ones that I overuse in Dental Hygiene.  Katie and Sherry make class fun and challenging and I look forward to attending.

12. What message do you want to share with the reader as a take away from your story?

My husband and I live near Red Rock High School in West Sedona.  He is an avid golfer and dreams of building a new home in the Village of Oak Creek.  I have been hesitant, and do not want to until I retire.  When mentioning how wonderful my class, instructors, and fellow warriors are, he is anticipating an earlier decision!