BB told us how touched he was that MB had helped so many people to transform their lives and bodies. He told us how she started getting into physical fitness after their youngest child reached school age and in not a very long amount of time, she transformed her body. At age 45 was a living endorsement for physical fitness and the fact that it really is never too late to try. I replayed his reaction to her students/clients admiration of her over and over in my head. He was humbled that so many people had so much appreciation for his wife and that she had made such a difference in so many lives. It stuck with me.
I wrote here about a month ago that MB's story, as told by BB, inspired me to hire a trainer and go to the gym. I am taking this moment to again thank MB who, even in death, was able to inspire someone (me) to make the effort to be more physically fit, stronger and healthier. I am a lot older than MB and frankly thought that maybe it really was too late but her determination made me also determined. No, I will not be a body builder or a gorgeous 45 year old again (I wish - haha) but in just one month, going twice weekly (even when I really do not want to go), I have:
-turned 3 miserable minutes on the elliptical machine into 14 minutes that fly by
-turned 5 horrible minutes on the recumbent bike into 6 miles - yes SIX miles - in less than 30 minutes. (I take this time to pray)
-done 4 reps of an exercise movement on Friday, with ease, that I thought would be impossible for me and would have been 3.5 weeks ago.
-increased my original 2 sets of 10 reps to 4 sets of 15 reps on machines and with free weights.
-increased the weights in baby steps, adding between 4 and 15 lbs depending on the movement or machine.
-noticeably improved my posture and my balance
Seriously, a month ago I was slouched, had no muscle tone, was very weak all over, my legs felt as though they could not longer support me with any stability and I had no strength in my arms. I dreaded grocery shopping, a gallon of milk was a burden to pick up and carry and I contemplated selling my house for a single story home because climbing the stairs was getting painful. Everything was an effort which left me tired, so I began doing less and less.
Now, I stand straighter, the groceries are lighter and the stairs are just not a problem. I can hardly wait to see what changes will have been made after 3 months and then a year. I could do more than I am doing but by taking baby steps I am gaining confidence and am not injuring myself - I have a smart trainer.
Missy Bevers, had I never heard your story I would never have been inspired to hire a trainer and attempt the impossible. I would have continued on a rapid physical decline and very soon found myself to be a very weak and fragile old person. With God's grace I will get even older, but perhaps not so weak and frail. Thank you.
I hope this doesn't come off as sappy or bragging, I just wanted everyone to know that MB is still transforming people's lives. I would say that is a pretty good legacy.
