Stacy Lane Shares Her Health Journey
Taking my health back became a priority nine years ago. After countless failed attempts at weight loss, I decided to have bariatric surgery and have maintained a 180-pound loss. I have overcome obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, allowing me to be medication free. I am here to help those who are obese or thinking about having, or have had, weight loss surgery. I am here to help individuals reach their fitness goals through fitness training and nutrition guidance.
I am frequently asked what motivated me to lose weight. After years of being warned I was prediabetic, I finally developed diabetes. That was my “aha” moment, and I knew I had to do something. I began doing research on bariatric surgery; even though I did not want to have it, I knew I needed intervention because I had failed so many times on my own. I came to the decision to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. With this decision, I promised myself to put in the work and stick to the basic rules. I was in it to succeed and get my life back.
When I first began the physical part of my journey, I joined my local YMCA and began taking classes. After a few months, I began working at the front desk, which led to me becoming the membership coordinator. A couple of years passed, and I had totally fallen in love with the fitness aspect of my journey and decided I wanted to help others, so I started the process of becoming a personal trainer. I am still an employee as a personal trainer at the YMCA, but I do most of my work as a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the Brainerd Crossroads (BX).
Putting myself out there and letting others know the lifelong struggle I had and where I started from was important to let those in dire need know that change is possible. I was very private about the bariatric part of my journey for many years because of how judgmental people can be. It is not the “easy way out.” The mental challenge with food and physical activity can be a daily struggle, and there is nothing easy about it. However, don’t be afraid to give yourself the self-love you deserve.
The most common question I get asked is, “How do I start exercising and eating correctly?” Take baby steps. You do not want to eliminate everything all at once and deprive yourself (this is a guaranteed way to set yourself up for failure). Portion control is a must – learn to read nutrition labels and invest in a food scale to accurately get the portion. You will be amazed at what an actual serving is compared to what you think it is.
When you begin moving and becoming more active, start with something as simple as walking to build up your cardio endurance. Resistance training is also just as important to add to your routine. This will give you strength and muscle definition, as well as help you burn more calories throughout the day. Starting with body weight exercises, a band or a light set of dumbbells is all you need. Just like your nutrition, you want to start off with baby steps and gradually add to it – this will help prevent joint and muscle injuries that could occur from starting off too aggressively. If you choose to get a trainer, it is important to find one you connect with. You must be your own advocate and find that person who genuinely cares and wants to see you succeed in your journey.After helping others change and transform their lives, I knew I could give more. What better way than to give free training and nutritional guidance to those who need it and financially cannot afford it? This is how I began my nonprofit, Chosen By Fitness.
I have been asked how I chose the name Chosen By Fitness. My first year as a trainer and fitness instructor, an incredibly special lady gave me a shirt for Christmas that said “chosen”
on it. She told me that God had chosen me to be doing what I am doing, helping them exercise and taking the time to build relationships with them, and to not ever let anyone tell me differently. That moment was forever embedded in my heart, and from that simple gesture I knew “chosen” would forever be part of me.
In addition to free training and nutritional guidance, Chosen By Fitness hosts a free support group available to anyone in the community. This is for anyone struggling with weight, exercise, and/or nutrition. We share what is going on in our personal lives and any obstacles within our journey. This is a group that supports each other, shares ideas, and shares what has worked for us in the past. The therapeutic relief outlet is an important part of our daily health; whether it is a personal loss, job issue, or relationship issue, this group is here to let you know that it’s okay to feel those things and there are ways to cope with it physically, emotionally, and nutritionally. A great support system is a key component to succeed in your weight loss and fitness journey.
I am here to encourage, listen, and execute a healthier lifestyle through fitness for those who are struggling. Being obese for most of my life, I know the struggles and fears that can come with taking your health back. I know how the body feels, how self-doubting the mind can be, and the support an individual requires to get started to be successful at this new lifestyle.
Watching the transformation someone makes in themselves through diet and exercise is so rewarding. The smiles, the confidence in how they walk and talk, and the physical changes are what make me so blessed to be able to provide this service.
I love seeing happiness, self-confidence, and self-worth emerge from individuals who once worried there was no hope for them.
I am here to promote a safe environment, effective workouts, listen to any concerns one may have along their journey, and provide support. It all starts with you telling yourself, “YOU CAN DO THIS!”
- Stacy Lane
Chattanooga
