KNEE CAP REMOVAL AND UNDUE STRESS DIDN’T STOP MIRIAM FROM REACHING HER GOALS.

Miriam’s story began years ago. While at work, an unfortunate event took place that resulted in a hole in the middle of her patella (knee cap). After a couple of scopes, a knee brace, and pain with every step- the kneecap was removed a year and a half later. After years of not being very active, and gaining weight, Miriam decided in 2008 to start to invest in her health and by 2011, she had lost 47 pounds with us. She felt fantastic and rejuvenated. But the same year, she moved away and took on a very stressful job. It was certainly much more stressful than she could have imagined. We all understand stress can play a major role in our health journey. In fact, the stress was a larger trigger than removal of her kneecap. Slowly, the weight drifted back on. That is what I love about Miriam, she noticed a new trigger yet was bound to learn how to overcome it just as much as she did with knee surgeries. She fought back. She has lost all that weight and ventures to lose more. This is her #RiseAbove story.

What do you think was the largest contributor to your weight gain over the years?

Between 2011-2018, it was definitely work-related stress (and the inevitable food and wine that comes with that!). But other major contributors were some loneliness, some major personal losses, and the inactive periods before having both knees replaced in 2014 and 2016.

There are many factors to your weight loss. What do you think was the largest contributor?

Hands down it was working with Group23 and the Weight and Lifestyle Program. Jason is a fabulous, supportive, and highly knowledgeable coach (and I’d like to also thank Tracy and Ashley for their support). Checking in every week, fine tuning your program, and receiving that level of support is absolutely critical! And it’s so important if you had a discouraging week, since I always leave my session inspired to have a better week ahead.

What advice would you give to anyone who is starting their lifestyle change?

Learn to love yourself, since you need to believe that you are worthy of excellent health and fitness! It is a long journey, but it’s worthwhile. Remember that Group23 is a partner- and they will be with you through every step. Don’t waste energy beating yourself up for getting heavy – none of us can change that, but we can change our future.

What do you think will always be a struggle in keeping your weight off?

I don’t think I will struggle at all for a couple of reasons. I have great ‘tools’ from Group23, and an awesome team with Jason and Chase, my trainer at Winsport. I have also completely changed my environment. I moved back to Calgary, became an avid cyclist (700kms this past summer), and feel both blessed and lucky that I have a home gym, a high energy dog – Spencer – who needs lots of walks, and I have now retired, which frees me to do lots of writing and exercise. Because I feel so healthy, my body feels awful – almost right away – if I eat too much, or have any food that is fatty or sweet. And I always ask myself how much weight do I want to have to haul up those hills when cycling?!

Miriam has learned that weight loss isn’t a number on a scale. She recognizes that weight management is complex and we can’t always predict the future. We don’t plan for broken knee caps and lots of stress. Life happens and we just need the tools to overcome adversity to allow us to be in the best health possible. Miriam is on the other side and has traded her weight number for heart rate and distance goals. On one of her cycling routes, there’s a really steep hill that she calls ‘Lucifer’. The first time up, she had to stop at least three times and was completely winded. By the end of the season, she rode straight up Lucifer and was always the first to the top. I am absolutely inspired by Miriam’s fight to be better every day. We all have our ‘Lucifers’ and I hope Miriam’s story inspires you to climb yours.

To learn more about how to start your #RiseAbove weight management journey, click learn more below.