Episode 7 WIth Loren Simmons

Loren Simmons knows a thing or two about how everything is a journey. After experiencing a traumatizing life event, she decided that she wanted a healthier lifestyle. She shares that it was commonplace for people to comment on her pretty face and beautiful personality, but those same people felt a slimmer body was needed. Loren also shares tips on how she committed to a new lifestyle through first developing a physical fitness routine through sessions with a personal trainer. These sessions were gifted to Loren by her mother, who has always been a major cheerleader. Loren started out with baby steps; at first, she couldn't do one full sit up. When she started a cycling class, she couldn't stand while pedaling. However, through a loving approach toward herself, Loren saw small and incremental changes in both her body and mindset. "I'm all about loving myself," says Loren. She refused to beat up on herself, especially when she had days when she over ate or when the discomfort of Arthritis got in the way. Loren has developed a wonderful relationship with her trainer Calvin, who wasn't a drill sergeant, but a trainer who used patience, compassion and a skilled knowledge of what works for clients individually. Calvin's sessions with Loren were designed especially for her. One training style doesn't fit all. She stresses that the weight loss/exercise path is a journey with many setbacks, but the love of her inner self helped her over many a hump. The result — 90 pounds lost over a four year period! Loren makes a point of emphasizing that older women owe it to themselves to put themselves first with guilt and self-sacrifice.