We all have a story to tell...

And we never know who it's going to touch.

We are all so unique and so are our stories. Some of us have experienced so much in our lives, whether it be health issues, heartache, victories, family related, travel, or all of the above, we have come out on the other side having learned something about ourselves and others. That is our story. It's not necessarily WHAT happened/happens to us, but HOW it SHAPED/SHAPES us and makes us become WHO we are today!

I have to be honest, I love a good testimony. And working at a gym is THE best place to hear and witness. I have spoken to so many of you at FitStop, learning about your lives, what brings you to the gym, what motivates you, what changes you and these stories, they inspire me! Everyday!

I recently starting sharing a few testimonies on the bulletin board and I hope you've had a chance to read them. (one was from Sandy, one from myself, and one from Elaine) I will definitely repost them again some day! But I'm going to use this blog as an opportunity to share a beautiful story of one of our members, Lisa. I know you'll be encouraged once you read this.

"I'm writing this to share my wellness journey. I am 57 years old and I was born with a bowel disease called Hirsprungs Disease. This has caused me a lot of sickness, surgeries and long stays in hospitals on and off the island. 10 years ago, I took very sick and in Halifax hospital and had major surgery to have all my large intestine removed as well as my rectum. This meant I would have to have an ilieostomy for the rest of my life. An ilieostomy is when they take a piece of your intestine outside your body and you wear a bag. That is how I go to the bathroom. I had many complications after this surgery and spent months in the hospital. When I returned home, I spent months in rehab and physiotherapy. I had a lot of muscle atrophy and lost a lot of weight.

"But as time went on, I gained a lot of weight. My physical and mental health suffered a lot.

"Now on to the good part! In Sept 2024, I was 206 lbs, high blood pressure and overall wasn't feeling good. I knew I had to do something. The doctors always told me I shouldn't lift more than 5 lbs because I was at a high risk for a hernia due to all surgeries I had. I did some research, and found a special belt that is made for people with ostomy, to protect me from a hernia.

"My daughter and her husband are lifestyle coaches and started working with me. We started with diet changes and short walks, then onto some band work and easy exercises at home. After a couple of months, I joined the gym. My weight went from 206.8 in September to 170 lbs in June. BUT, it's not just about the scale. I no longer have high blood pressure. I have more energy. And I am feeling better mentally and emotionally.

"So, to anyone who reads this, you can do it! If I can, you can. I never thought exercise and eating clean could make a life changing difference. It has not always been an easy journey but it is so so so worth it!"

We are all so thankful, Lisa, for you sharing this story!

A few weeks ago, I shared this in the blog and bulleting board. But I'm sharing it again! Because yes, it's powerful!

(from 3 weeks ago)

Do you have a Wellness testimony you'd like to share? Testimonies are amazing tools that we can use to help encourage and motivate others around us. We don't know how powerful our story is until it lands on the right ears. Someone needs to hear your Wellness Story today. If you feel called to share, reach out to tracy.jones@summerside.ca

thank you!

"One day, I started going to the gym...I was very self-conscious. I only wore sweat pants and baggy clothes. But I stayed. I had decided I needed to focus on me. I wanted to be happier: physically and mentally. My kids chose to gift me a full year membership, as their way of saying: I love you Mom and thank you for getting sober and taking care of you. I am celebrating 20 years sobriety now! The gym has helped me develop a great support system! It has helped change my outlook on life. I have lost between 60-70 lbs! I eat better. I am happier b/c of the changes I have made!"

-Sandy A

PSA:

We have a new workshop coming up on July 23rd! Topic is Stress Management.

Register today as space is limited.

sside.ca/StressMgmt

Just a friendly reminder that for everyone's safety, please be careful when you are on your phones in the gym as it may distract you from what's happening around you.

Also, a reminder to put equipment away once you are finished with it.

I will be deep cleaning barbells and dumbbells over the next week. It hasn't been done since October and I hope to do a good job for you all. The scrubbing not only removes dead skin cells and dirt from handling, but it also makes gripping the bells much better; much safer.

Lastly, I would like to challenge all of you to 2 things:

1. Tell your story. Even if just to one other person. :)

2. Try a class, or a new class! Sign up here: bit.ly/CUP-Bookings
   

   Your coach,

   Tracy