Former weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 135
Pounds lost: 50
Height: 5 feet, 3 inches
Age: 44
How long she's kept it off: Nearly five years. Started January 2006 and reached her goal in June 2006.
Personal life: "I reside in Lithonia with my two sons, John, age 15, and Christopher, age 12. I work for Radio One, Inc., as a media specialist," Ward said. She's also an aerobics instructor.
Turning point: "In January 2006, I was diagnosed with hypertension and panicked because my mother and an aunt both died from hypertension-related illnesses. I was not ready to die and wanted to be around for my children," Ward said. "My dissolving marriage was taking a toll on my health, physically and emotionally. Months away from my 40th birthday, I set the goal of losing 40 pounds by age 40. My sister, a personal trainer, coached me long distance and, since my move to the Atlanta area from Maryland in 2007, we train together locally."
Diet plan: "I began each day with prayer for strength to achieve my goal," she said. She started eating fruit, nuts and veggies, and later added chicken and turkey. "I enjoyed birthday cake in June; I had reached my goal of 40 pounds."
Exercise routine: "I am an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association) certified group exercise instructor and I teach aerobics twice per week. I also combine bike riding, roller skating, hiking Stone Mountain and going to the gym at least five days per week," she said.
Biggest challenge: "The biggest challenge was believing that I would ever wear single-digit size clothing. … I now wear a six; I was hoping to make it to a size 12."
How life has changed: "I live life more fully now," she said. "I'm a certified aerobics instructor when there was a time I could not endure an hour-long fitness class." She said her secret to success was to "pray, pray, pray, and surround yourself with people who believe in you and will encourage you. For me, that was my sister; she was my cheerleader. ... I have hiked Stone Mountain many times; I've experienced rock climbing. All of this after age 40. The best is yet to come."
Be an inspiration: If you've made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your e-mail address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
About the Author
