Inspiration: How Jennifer Chapman Overcame Challenges and Lost 95 Pounds
Jennifer Chapman at 230 pounds
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Name: Jennifer Champman
Age: 44
Home: West Deptford Township
Starting weight: In October 2001, I weighed 230 pounds — my heaviest. Even though I had weight-loss success during this time I don’t think it was as successful as it could have been because my focus at this time was mainly the numbers on the scale. Fast forward to August 2013, when I weighed 165 pounds. This is when I would mark the real start of my weight-loss journey. It has turned out to be my most meaningful and successful journey.
Current weight: 135 pounds
Total time it took to lose the weight: This started as a fitness journey for me in August 2013, and with the success of the fitness side it turned into a weight-loss journey as well.
My weight-loss wakeup call: Already having an extensive orthopedic history, which causes me to walk with a limp, and going through many surgeries in my past, I had another surgery in late 2011 and had to start using a cane for every day use, limiting my physical activities even more. My wakeup call came in 2013 when I realized I was having more difficulty with my mobility and that I had also gained back almost 20 pounds from a previous 80-pound weight loss in 2001. I realized I needed to find a fitness program that could work with my limitations.
Jennifer Chapman today, at 135 pounds
How I did it: After seeing an FYI Philly episode that featured a rowing workout, I scheduled a private session with trainer Laura Frigeri from RowZone to see if this might be a workout I could handle with my limitations. After my first session, I knew I wanted to continue with it, but I had concerns about being able to keep up in a group session. After discussing this with Laura, we decided to continue with private sessions and I’m so glad I did. If it wasn’t for meeting Laura, I don’t think I’d be where I am today with my health and fitness.
The moment I realized I was succeeding: As I mentioned earlier, this started for me as a fitness journey, but soon I saw my weight starting to drop. I realized if I also started focusing on my nutrition along with the fitness, I could finally reach all my goals with my health, fitness and weight loss.
The biggest obstacles I had to overcome: Learning to work with my physical limitations and at my own pace to reach my health and fitness goals.
My three best tips for anyone trying to lose weight:
- Schedule your workouts like any other important appointment. My datebook has everything I plan to do that week.
- Continue to challenge yourself by setting new goals and striving to reach them.
- Find that someone to challenge and encourage you every step of the way. (Thank you, Laura!)
The one thing I would say to my old self: Realize how much you have accomplished and continue working towards the best you.
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