October 2011

Photos courtesy of Dawn Freeland Photography

Name: Cynthia Conrow

Trainer: Ashley Smith

Major Fitness Accomplishment:

Lost 35 lbs. and 6 dress sizes in 9 months

Client since: February 2011

Two events finally convinced me that I needed to lose weight
and get in shape. The first was a physical with my doctor. He passed me with
flying colors but commented, “you can be healthy but unfit. Now it’s time to
get fit.” When I stepped on the scale, I was met with a scary number: 174.
Next, my friend Sheri sent me some photos she had taken of our kids playing in
her driveway. In the background was this woman I barely recognized: dumpy,
frumpy, overweight and obviously unaware that she was being captured on camera.
That was me, and I was horrified at how I looked.

I had gained so much weight without really acknowledging it.
I’d stopped looking in full-length mirrors and quietly slid my size 12s to the
back of the closet while inching closer to a 14. I’d buy fuller skirts and hide
under XL hoodies.

I decided it was time to take action. To lose weight and
embrace a healthier lifestyle not only for myself but for my son and husband as
well. I emailed Paul Sklar at Prescriptive Fitness and he introduced me to
trainer Ashley Smith.

It was hard to admit that I was at “fitness level zero,” but
Ashley started me off, weakling that I was, with a very basic routine. It was a
challenge for me to stick with it, but I did. I also used an app called My
Fitness Pal on my phone and recorded everything I ate. I tried to stay under
1200 calories a day while increasing my protein intake and eating throughout
the day to keep my metabolism up.

Quick results were my motivation. From a tight size 12
jeans, I went to size 10, then 8. The pounds melted off, and the workouts
became more challenging as I became stronger. I have had several women tell me
I am inspiring them! I can’t think of a nicer compliment.

Today, after just seven months, I have met my original goal
of 30 pounds lighter and I’m wearing mostly size 6 clothing. I could lose about
10 more pounds to be within “normal” range, but I feel good about where I am
now, and I owe much of it to Ashley’s patience and enthusiasm, and the
encouragement and support I have from my husband and son.

I’d advise anyone who wants to get started just to set your
mind to it and go. Realize nobody in the gym is criticizing you or even paying
attention. Everyone in there, from the gorgeous woman with the “perfect” body
to the older man with dozens of pounds to lose, is there for the same reason:
to get fit, improve their quality of life and live longer. The YMCA is a great
environment for everyone and Prescriptive Fitness has the trainers with the
qualifications and experience to get you on the right track.