Meet Gloria Switzer – She is a FITBODY Inspiration!
“My family motivates me. I’m lucky that my husband and daughter are so supportive. For the first time in my life I’m truly happy of who I am and where I am.”
I’m 42 years old and currently work for the family business, Switzer Performance in Oberlin ,OH. I’m married to a wonderful man, Tym and we have an incredible daughter, Kayleigh. I also have 3 furry kids…2 chocolate labs, Copper & Moose and a cat, Patches. All of my life I have battled with my weight, my body image and have self-confidence issues. At my heaviest I weighed 230LBS. All of these things have had a very negative impact on my life. Throughout my life I have had health issues, physically and mentally. I joined Julie’s Team Fitbody in January 2012. It wasn’t until I completed the 13 week program that I started to understand that being fit is not only about looking better but it’s about feeling better.
What are your greatest fitness accomplishments so far?
My greatest accomplishment is getting in front of dozens of people in my suit (and shorts…not ready to give them up yet) to practice posing during the Team Fitbody meetings. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would even consider doing something like this. Oh, and losing 8% body fat in 12 weeks was awesome too!
Transformation Info: In 12 weeks I have gone from 31% body fat to 23% body fat. I still have a ways to go but I’m looking at it as I’m a work in process. It’s hard to reverse 40+ years of damage. It takes time. I’m so thankful that my “midlife crisis” brought me to Julie and her team. The thing that helps me the most and keeps me going, is knowing we have such a great support system with working with Julie. She is always helpful, understanding and can be brutally honest (in a sweet way, of course). I have no doubt in my mind that she has my best interest at heart. But it’s not just about changes you can see on the outside. I have changed on the inside too. My outlook on not only fitness but life as well has changed for the better. I’m not embarrassed about going out in public, I’m not afraid of the “guys side” of the gym and I don’t fear what the future may hold. For the first time in my life I’m truly happy of who I am and where I am.
What do you enjoy most about fitness?
I love to see the changes in my body and I love how fitness can help put you in a better state of mind. And I have learned that exercise is not “punishment”. The pain of being overweight is far worse than any training session I have ever put by body through.
What are your fitness goals?
I want to lose another 7% of body fat and maybe be able to compete in a show.
What motivates you to maintain healthy lifestyle?
My family motivates me. I’m lucky that my husband and daughter are so supportive. We have lost too many family members and have seen them suffer needlessly due to lack of education regarding fitness and nutrition. We do not have control of the quantity of our life but we can control the quality.
What is the best part of working with Julie?
Julie actually cares. She cares about each and every client as if we were family. Yes, she wants us to look good but she is also concerned about our health, physical and mental. She understands we are all individuals and we all cannot follow a “cookie cutter” diet and exercise plan. She takes the time and gets to know us. She knows our weaknesses and strengths. She pushes us when we need it and she’s there to pick us up and wipe our tears when we fall. I have never in my life met a more remarkable woman.
What is the worst part of working with Julie?
Absolutely nothing! I swear this woman must have a halo hidden under her blond locks because she truly is an angel.
Favorite “diet” food:
I cannot live without Beverly Internationals Ultimate Muscle Protein. We use it every day in pancakes, shakes, puddings and we even use the vanilla flavor in place of milk. It’s awesome.
Additional Comments: I would like to thank my daughter Kayleigh for accompanying me on this journey. She joined the team to support me because she did not want me to be alone. I am truly one very lucky girl.
