Girl Hero Lori
Although Lori lives and breathes fitness she says, “it isn’t my whole life. I have a wonderful man in my life that enjoys fitness as much as I do.” They enjoy traveling whenever they can, and when they can’t, Lori enjoys reading, hiking the local parks, and painting. By day, Lori is a Residential Appraiser and by night she is a student currently studying to get her degree in Nutrition, a stepping stone to becoming a Registered Dietitian. In addition, Lori also writes her blog Get-Fit-Naturally.
Girl Hero Lori
Can you share with us a brief history of your fitness/health journey?
My journey is one that stretches over many years. I began working out in my teens, strictly for vanity reasons, LOL. But as I got older, working out became my stress relief. As I became more knowledgeable about how the body works, I feel working out is a key component in being truly healthy.
I love the title of your blog “Get-Fit-Naturally”? I’m assuming it reflects on your personal fitness philosophy. Can you share that with us?
A few years ago I wanted to try and do a figure competition. I didn’t get to compete, but I did learn a lot about nutrition. To be at its best, your body must get the proper nutrition, from real food. While I was training, I had to eat 7 meals a day – none were from fast food or processed foods. I soon realized I had never felt better! There is a huge misconception that you must restrict calories or buy supplements in order to lose weight, which usually comes from companies trying to sell your products. A friend of mine asked me to help her lose weight. I taught her how to choose her foods more wisely and plan her meals. Along with this knowledge and an exercise plan, she lost 40 pounds. She is the one who kept encouraging me to start my blog.
You say on your blog, “exercise does not have to be a chore”. Can you expand on that statement? What do you mean and how would you encourage someone to find a different mindset?
Many people think that exercise has to be a structured routine or that you have to spend an hour in the gym or hours on a treadmill. Exercise can be any physical activity that allows you to use your muscles and works your lungs. Find something that you enjoy doing and do it as often as you can. Play sports, hula hoop, turn the radio and dance, jump on a trampoline, play with your kids on the playground equipment, hike, bike – fly a kite – anything that makes you move!
I happen to enjoy pushing weight around in the gym – I enjoy it – so it works for me.
What is your favorite way to exercise and why?
My favorite form of exercise is resistance training – weights specifically. I like pushing myself to become stronger – to see what my body can do. However, I do like to be challenged with different forms of resistance training because it keeps me from getting bored. Once a week or so I will try a new routine or piece of equipment. Right now I’m enjoying kettlebells, but I also like using the TRX system and the new punching bag they put in the gym.
How do you stay motivated?
Sometimes, that can be a tough one! When I’m able to be consistent with my routine, it’s easier. When I’m thrown off by travel or work, it can be a challenge. Some days I have to remind myself how much better I’ll feel if I can get to the gym. Other days, I have to be tough on myself and pull out an old “before” photo – LOL – that usually gets my butt to the gym! I also keep motivational photos on my wall in my office.
Your goal is to become an RD. Very cool! How is that coming? What caused you to move in that direction?
I am just so fascinated by how food can affect the body in so many ways. Our food sources have become more complicated over the years. When manufacturers began using so many preservatives and additives to lengthen shelf life of packaged foods, there wasn’t enough long term data to know how they would affect people’s health. Now the data is being collected and the results are downright scary. Our bodies depend on wholesome food to function properly. The more I researched, the more I discovered, the more I talked all my friends to death about it, the more I thought about making it a career. So I jumped in with both feet and went back to school. It’s a little slow because I work full time, but that’s ok. It’s what I love.
Who have been some of your fitness (or any other kind) role models?
Oh my, there are many! Tosca Reno, because she lost so much weight and became her fittest in her 40’s (she’s 52 now), as well as my coach Christy Allen. But mostly, the people that have lost 50+ pounds and made amazing transformations. When I read their stories, it always humbles me and inspires me to do my best.
Both your mother and aunt have beaten breast cancer. Has that had any effect on your lifestyle choices?
Both developed breast cancer after menopause, and both are survivors (Yay!). It has definitely had an effect on my lifestyle choices. I try to eat a well-balanced diet that includes variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. I tend to stay away from soy because the research is so “undecided” – one day it’s ok, the next it’s not. Research shows that exercise lowers your risk – so I get some form of exercise daily. I try to stress less about the little things and get plenty of sleep. Last year I got a “call back” after a mammogram screening. Although it turned out to be nothing, it was scary and made me even more determined to be as healthy as I can.
What is one of your favorite quotes and why do you like it?
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
It takes away the words “I CAN’T”.
Thank you so much Lori for sharing your story. Your balanced approach to fitness and desire for knowledge is inspiring….you are a Girl Hero!!
You can connect with Lori on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and, of course, her blog, Get-Fit-Naturally.
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!
Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!
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This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
Keep your interviews coming! I love learning about the ladies you pick to be in your blog.
Thank you for sharing Lori! I can totally relate to your fitness journey. I’m somewhere between the stress relief and well being right now
Way to go on your schooling!
she is a great lady.always motivating .i love her!