Healthy Lifestyle Pays Off Big

Many of us can relate to a busy schedule fraught with stress, juggling a challenging career, community volunteer commitments, and family responsibilities. Making exercise and health a priority often becomes something you'll do tomorrow or next week.

Lisa Augustine, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Duluth, can relate to this, but she finally said enough was enough. Over approximately a decade, she saw her weight and stress increase to as she puts it "an unacceptable point." In June, 2007, Lisa made the decision to put her health first. She made changes to her lifestyle that included beginning an exercise program and choosing healthier more nutritious foods.

Lisa found that she needed to invest time into planning meals and snacks. She depends on a healthy lunch and snack to give her sustained energy and promote weight loss. Many days, she brings her own lunch, and almost always has whole, fresh fruit on hand for a snack.

In her teens and early twenties, she used to run for exercise so it seemed like a good choice again. "It was not easy starting up again," admits Lisa, "a year and a half ago, it took everything I had to jog 30 minutes." It's hard to believe that now. Because of Lisa's firm commitment to her health, she has found a way to incorporate running into her busy schedule at least 5 days a week.

"Actually," Lisa explains, "running has become essential for time management." If she runs in the morning, she uses the time to plan the day; if her run falls in the evening, it's her chance to unwind, clarify her thoughts, and relieve the stress of the day. Running isn't the only exercise that Lisa does. She also includes weight training and other "active" activities into her schedule.

Lisa prefers to run most days on the treadmill. Running outside is a treat according to Lisa. When I asked her why she doesn't run outside more, she mentioned that running on the treadmill indoors provides a consistency that's helpful for Lisa's schedule. And, she added that it's not very safe to run at 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning. That's right, in order for Lisa to get her exercise in for the day, she may have to do it that early.

After a year and a half committed to healthy lifestyle choices, Lisa feels more energetic, has less stress, and has lost over 60 pounds! Lisa's husband, Stan, has reaped some benefits too. He was inspired by Lisa's progress and re-committed to his own exercise program and began to run. In a relatively short time, he has experienced a decrease in his acid reflux symptoms.

Thank you Lisa for inspiring me and many others who will read about you!

Lisa is a true inspiration to all of us!
If you know of a Duluthian who would serve as an inspiration because of their commitment to health, please send us a description of your candidate to: info@fitcityduluth.com or Contact Us