Holly and guest Christy discuss the transformative power of prioritizing physical health after 50. This episode explores how Christy overcame personal struggles with self-worth, chronic pain, and limiting beliefs to achieve a healthier body and a deeper spiritual connection through disciplined nutrition and strength training.
Turning 50 was a wake-up call for Christy, a 51-year-old accounting manager. She realized that her standard routine of light walking and mild diet tweaks couldn’t support the vibrant future she wanted. Her transformation began internally during the pandemic, where she learned to view her body as a vessel worthy of care, dismantling the habits that had previously held her back.
Christy realized her weight and fatigue were tied to emotional patterns; she used food to cope with past traumas. By choosing self-love over aesthetics, she transitioned from emotional eating to fueling her body for longevity. This shift helped her realize that fitness after 50 isn’t about fighting aging, but about building the strength and resilience needed to enjoy life with confidence.
Christy was tired of accepting the “inevitable” aches and pains of aging. She broke her cycle of starting and quitting by fully committing to a long-term plan. Instead of short-term fixes, she embraced the discomfort of growth, choosing consistency over convenience to ensure her future mobility and vigor.
Strength training was the game-changer. By lifting three days a week, Christy replaced cardio-only workouts with functional resistance training. The results were measurable: she built lean muscle, increased her bone mineral density, and even reduced her reliance on blood pressure medication. Strength training transformed from a chore into a vital investment in her long-term health.
Christy leveraged her analytical skills to track macros, treating food as essential fuel rather than an emotional crutch. This precise approach, combined with a focus on protein and nutrient density, led to major milestones: fitting into college-era clothes, balanced hormones, and a body fat percentage below 30%. She now embraces aging with peace, backed by a strong, resilient foundation.
Christy’s journey proves it is never too late to take control. Regardless of your age, you can enhance your quality of life by shifting your mindset from self-neglect to self-prioritization. By committing to your well-being today, you aren’t just changing your life—you are securing your future.
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Christy, I am so excited to have you on the show today, to have this conversation, to dive in even more, to just hear about your journey, where you are now, what you've done to get here. I'm so, so, so excited. So thank you for being here, first and foremost.
I think your story is going to be so inspiring to all the women listening right now. And so before we, you know, really jump into the good stuff, why don't you tell us a little bit about you? Where are you, what are you up to, who are you? Just tell us a little, kind of, behind the scenes.
Sure. Thank you for having me also. This is—I'm really excited to share my story. So I am a 51-year-old accounting manager in Austin, Texas. You know, typical work, a lot of hours, demanding job. I love it, but, you know, it's a lot. Sit at a desk, 9, 10 hours a day, that sort of thing.
I would say probably right before COVID is really when I kind of started working on myself, so to speak. And then COVID hit, which helped me go into that deeper inner transformation period, you know, because we're just kind of stuck at home and what else are we going to do but reflect on our lives.
So I kind of started just an inner transformation journey during that time and just did a lot of mindset cleanup, is what I call it. I just started looking at life differently. And during that process, I kind of found my spiritual self.
And anyway, all of that is relevant because it has also been part of my path as to where I am now with this journey. It's just all just, like, different links, right? So, yeah, I mean, I think it's—I think doing the inner work has helped me be at where I'm at today, which we'll talk about, but.
Mm-hmm. I love that. And what I want to hear, because of course I've got my own answer to this question, for you when you started that journey and really decided to go inward and work on the mental, emotional, spiritual inside life, how did that lead you to the desire to improve your physical life as well, right?
Because it's like, you know, there's this saying in the spiritual world that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. So there's an idea that we are spirit and we are the intangible having a physical 3D experience. And I've thought about this so much over the years. It's a topic I ponder all the time because the physical 3D reality of our body is a very real consideration.
Yes.
That also impacts us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, right?
For sure.
And so tell me a little bit about that sort of bridge or experience for you that when you were working on the inside, I know that was before we met, how did you get to this place where you're like, I want to uplevel or improve my physical reality?
Yeah. So I would say a big part of it was during that inner healing and whatnot. I learned that, that exactly what you said, but I also learned that we our habits are usually based on, you know, traumas and stuff. Like, for example, overeating. We're protecting ourselves from whatever happening that happened to us, you know, at whatever age, potentially, or protecting us.
Like, I had an unhealthy relationship. I don't want to say unhealthy. I didn't always make great choices when it came to men, right? So that's kind of what started this whole journey before COVID hit. And I realized that, like, I would put on, like, at one point I got pretty heavy. I've always been pretty average size, I guess, most of my life. But I realized through that journey that that was me compensating and protecting myself in some way, like subconscious way, you know, and eating habits, you know, aren't just, you know, eating because I'm bored. Like, there's some, you know, emotional eating.
Like, that's a real thing. And people don't realize that, I don't think, until they really kind of do the work and be like, well, why am I doing this? Why am I eating this way? Or why am I not, you know, at a healthy weight? Or, you know, why do I not want to exercise? Or all the things, right? Like, you have to really go inside to answer those questions. And not even just around that. Like, it could just be any habit or any addiction or any kind of thing because food is kind of an addiction, you know? So, or even not eating is an addiction. Like, right? It could go either way.
So just really realizing that I actually was worthy of having I'm going to get emotional. Biggest part for me when it started my journey was learning to feel like I was worthy, period, end of story. And that's, that's really how my I was worthy of being healthy. I was worthy of being loved. I was worthy of having a good man, you know, whatever thing, you know, all those things that I did not believe before. So having going on that journey helped me finally believe I was worthy and I could do something about it.
Yeah. And like, I mean, that's so powerful. And I did not know this piece of your journey. And I picked up with you at that point where you were like, okay, I'm worthy and I want better health. I want a better physical body, whatever words you would put to it, right?
Right.
And what a beautiful thing to get to that place where you realized, A, you were worthy. And then, I imagine, it's this, like, aha of like, oh, wow. Well then, the sky's the limit in terms of what I want for myself in all the ways, right, in all the things.
And with those things, it's also, I want the body that I want, right? Whether that's aesthetically or you just want to feel better. You know, I'm not even really talking about, like, a bikini body or a certain size or weight loss.
It's like, you know, the body that you want could be strong and resilient and energetic and unlimited and healthy and all of that. And it does take that piece of like, I'm worthy of my desires. And one of my desires is that, right?
Exactly.
That is so beautiful. And I didn't know that. I didn't know the piece of your journey. So first and foremost, thank you for sharing that because I think so many women, myself included, come across that conversation and/or confrontation of worthiness.
It took me a really long time to understand that's what was operating. I didn't even know until I was in, like, my 40s that my issues or symptoms or complaints in life had anything to do with me feeling worthy. And I was like, oh, I don't feel worthy. That is a wild awakening.
And I hope every woman gets to have that awakening. And I know a lot of women do and, you know, a lot of women don't. You're on your own journey and your path. And it's so incredible. And now that I know this about you,
I mean, I literally have the chills because I know where your story is today, right? And it makes it even more insanely powerful. Like, I can't wait to get to that piece of the story for the listeners today because I'm like, oh, wow, even more meaning to what you've just accomplished with your health and your fitness and your body composition.
So tell us, when you got through that stretch and you decided that you also wanted to improve your physical life, right, your physical health, your body, et cetera, what was it you were struggling with the most before you decided to do something about it? Like, what was the thing that bothered you enough that you finally took action to change it?
So it's kind of funny, but turning 50 freaked me out quite a bit in 2025. I always kind of felt like I was younger than my actual age. But just turning 50 really was an eye opener.
Like, okay, like, I felt like I was pretty general healthy, you know, generally healthy, eating like what my doctor said, low carb, you know, whatever kind of thing, and going for walks in the neighborhood, you know, that sort of thing. But I turned 50. My knees were already starting to bother me going on those gentle walks in the neighborhood. And I was sluggish all the time.
And of course, I loathed exercising because I'm like, no, no, no, no, thank you. I don't, I'll figure out something else. But I knew in deep down, like, it was time to make a decision. It was time to be proactive, to be preventative, right? Because I am 50 and I am aging in, you know, unfortunately. And I wanted to be able to run around with my grandkids when they come. So it's just those little things. But yeah, honestly, it was turning 50 really freaked me out.
It's the awakening to, oh my gosh. I had that at 40. 40 was a big one for me, I think, because I was in the fitness industry. And so much of my business, if you will, sadly, does reflect what my body reflects, right?
And so when I was approaching 40, I was terrified about what was going to happen to my body, right? It was all downhill after 40. Guess what? If you are younger than 40, it's not. It's not at all. In fact.
Exactly.
40 was the turning point when I radically transformed my body. And I am way better than I ever was before 40. And now that I'm in my 50s, I'm way better than I was when I was in my 20s. And so I truly believe it only gets better.
But, you know, those big birthdays are such a thought-provoking time, right? Like, wow, I'm here. I'm not 20 anymore. And that in and of itself is such a powerful motivator.
You know, recently, I kind of started counting up the years and I'm like, oh my gosh. Like, if I'm lucky to live to 94, which I plan to be, it's still not a lot of years left in my life. And that's sobering, right?
It is very.
It is sobering. So in addition to the birthday and coming to, you know, the awareness of the years ahead, were there other things that you were struggling with? You mentioned that your knees bothered you. Did you have any of those other, like, physical complaints or aches and pains or, you know, body areas that you felt were aging? Was there anything like that that you were struggling with?
Yeah. Just in general, having different aches and pains and just being, you know, oh, it's because I'm getting older, whatever. You know, those kind of mindset, like, we're taught, like, you're getting older, so you should just expect that.
You should expect to have, you know, a tummy. You should expect to have a backache. You should expect to just feel old and sluggish and tired. And I'm like, but I know that's not true because of all the inner work I did.
This was kind of like the last piece. I've done so much work in so many areas of my life and improved. I'm like, this was my last thing that I put off until the very end, I guess, so to speak. But.
What was the thing at that time? What was it that worried you the most, right? What was worrying you that you were like, okay, well, let me pause for a moment, you know, kind of like reveal.
Christy and I had the opportunity to work together here for the past year. So she enrolled in one of my programs. And to me, that was the turning point when she decided to make a change, right?
So Christy, like, before you made that decision to really invest in your health and yourself and all of this, what worried you the most so much that it motivated you to say, I got to make a change?
I think it was just my just worried about my health in general and mobility, you know, not being able to keep up, you know, as I age and, you know, walking across the street or whatever, like those kind of things. And just I wanted to be healthy for my kids and their grandkids, you know, when it comes. And just I don't know. I just I didn't want to be just another statistic, you know?
Yes.
Yeah.
Oh, that's so powerful because if you do nothing after 50, you will become a statistic. You will, right? And, you know, I even say, and I know you know this, like, we're over here in my corner of the world fighting the fight, and it's still hard.
And so I think of the women who are stuck, right, in the struggle. And listen, the struggle is real. We've all been there. And if anyone listening is like, I'm in the struggle and I don't know how to get out of it. I feel paralyzed. I don't even know how to take action.
Everyone has been there at some point. Anyone who has really changed their life in a big way was there also. So, you know, we honor and recognize that. It's a rough place to be. And it's like that is the opportunity to really start to change things.
So I wanted to go back and look at your initial application when you applied to enroll in my program just to kind of see, like, where were we a year ago? Where were you at that point when you decided to make the change?
And so I think I forget what the actual question was, but I just want to read you some of your quotes because it makes me smile so big. It's not overly revealing, don't worry. But it's like.
No, it's fine.
Another, like, you know, reveal here is it's like, you did it. You did it. And I'm so proud of you. So you said, I do have some good weeks, but then I revert back. Then I feel guilty and frustrated with myself. I also feel exhausted and wish I had more energy and focus. And I wanted to share that back with you because I'm like, holy cow, she fixed it. You fixed that, right?
Yeah. Chills. Yeah.
Yeah. And another one. I turned 50 this year, and it has really hit me that I'm actually aging, ha ha ha. I want to make sure that I'm taking care of my body so that I can continue to feel young. Like, I have the chills. Like, you did it. I'm so proud of you. So, okay.
It's so funny to hear that because I'm like, I have all of that is just like null and void at this point.
Isn't that interesting?
Which is great. Yeah.
Right? It's like, wow, that was my goal. And it's just not an issue anymore, right? Which is, again, the reveal. So that's why it was so important to me because I was like, wow, she really did it. You really, really overcame all the things that you were struggling with and worried about.
We'll talk about that more in a moment, okay? So as I've kind of already alluded to, one of the big steps that you took when you finally got to that point where you're like, I'm going to make a change is you applied to a role in my program, the Body Composition Project. It's a high-touch, six-month group coaching program. And that was like the big step, right?
But nobody wants to hear about that. People want to hear, like, what did you do in the past, let's call it, let's call it 12 months because we've been working together now for pretty much 12 months, pretty close, 10 months maybe, right?
11 and a half.
11 and a half months.
11 and a half.
We're almost done.
I know. Second round, yeah.
I know. It's crazy. So, you know, beyond us having the opportunity to work together, what do you feel were some of the things that you did, the actions that you took, the habits that you changed? You mentioned habits, right? What were some of the biggest needle movers for you that have made a difference?
And obviously, we'll also talk about, like, where you are now. But I think people are like, okay, so when you made that decision, what were the things you did in the day-to-day that you feel checked the boxes on what your goals were?
I think the biggest, first, the biggest step I took was just making the investment in myself, not just from a monetary standpoint, but just like, okay, I'm frigging doing this. Like, one thing I didn't mention earlier is, like, I also have always wanted a toned body. So I'm like, why not start at 50? Let's go.
Yeah.
But I was like, okay, it's time. Like, I just in my mind, I'm like, this is time. This is like the last thing I haven't really done for myself. So it's time. So just in my mind, just making that commitment, an investment was huge.
And then I was like, but also, like, the money investment helps keep me accountable, right? Because versus like a $20 book that I might buy with some pictures of exercises in it, which I tried, by the way, before I found your program. And I tried it for a week. And then I was like, this is stupid. So.
Yeah.
Like, this isn't working. You know, and then over the years, you know, I tried all the different things. If you name it, I probably tried it. But that was the first step.
And then just starting, like, I think even when I did your free class, before I even joined your program, I had already started changing my nutrition, like looking at my macros and just logging my food. And that made a difference initially, like almost immediately. I'm like, whoa, like in my metabolism alone.
And just being aware of what I was eating, right? Like, that's so huge. Like, we don't realize, I didn't realize some foods were fat dominant. I thought that was a protein dominant food.
But learning and educating, you know, getting the education on food and nutrition in general is like, I can't even explain how important that is. Like, I want to go tell everybody when I see somebody, I'm like, you should be eating protein with that apple, you know, or whatever.
Yes.
But I don't because I'm like, people don't want to hear that necessarily.
Yep.
Anyway, so, but anyway, and then the strength training. So joining your program, of course, was the Body Composition Project, specifically joining that program and starting the strength training was, I was a little bit nervous about it, to be honest.
The first week, I was really overwhelmed and kind of got organized. And then I started. And once I started, I'm like, this is awesome. Like, I love this. I get bored pretty easily. So I was worried about that being an issue. I think you and I talked about that in the beginning, actually.
I have not been bored. I love exercising now. I love strength training. I don't love cardio still, but that's, you know, a different story, but.
Same. Same girl.
Yeah. But strength training three days a week and then watching my nutrition, logging everything and not eating out, like cooking all my food at home, meal prepping. I mean, within a couple of weeks, probably, I was already noticed a huge change just in how I felt. Like, it's really hard to explain, but it was like my body was thanking me for finally making it a priority. Like, I could just feel it.
And it's actually, I might be jumping ahead, but I've also become more, what's the word I'm looking for? Even closer with my spirituality, like even deeper. That's the word. Even deeper connected through this process. And if you go back and look at any of my weekly progress reports, you'll see some mushy stuff in there probably because of that, because I'm just so the gratitude I had for finding the program and all the things. So yeah, those are the biggest.
You know, that's the thing. It's like that was what you just said is exactly what I was thinking about when we first started recording and you shared that early part of your journey where you started working on your mindset and your spirituality. And when a person begins to invest in their physical health and then starts to see some results, the benefits of it, I believe it's a very quick, natural
new awareness of how that is an extension of your creator. I've always believed that, right? And I know everyone has different philosophies and perspectives on God or the universe or, you know, whatever your higher power is.
And the more people really invest in their physical health, the more you see it's an extension. It's a love letter to your creator. And it's a piece of how we are supposed to be living our life in all the glory that we were created, right?
Yeah.
And so recently, I was watching a television show, and it is about, I don't want to reveal too much about what it is because I'm embarrassed that I watch it. Okay, I'll reveal it. It's the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Show.
Oh, nice. Okay.
I don't know if anybody watches that show. It's on Netflix. I love it. And they really kind of changed the show this year. I think they call it America's Sweethearts now, but I've always watched it.
And there's this absolutely lovely young woman that was just so captivating in the early part of the season, just sparkling and like jumping off the screen and so just like dynamic and beautiful in so many ways. And she made a comment that just kept me. She's very religious and very Christian. And she said, you know, I want to be the best that I can be to show God how much I appreciate this life that I've been given.
And I was just like, oof, that's so. And that was her motivation. And I was like, and that is why you're so good. And that is why you're so gifted and so talented, right? And so I see this a lot in athletes, right? There's a reason why so many professional athletes tend to thank God when they get a big award, right? Because it is such an extension of your relationship with your creator, whatever that looks like, whatever your religion is, whether you're religious or spiritual or whatever.
So I had no idea this is where the conversation would go with us. And that's how these interviews always roll. I'm always so surprised by where the conversation goes. But that's like such a powerful piece of my own operating system that I don't talk about a lot, right? Because I respect everyone's spiritual beliefs, religious practices, et cetera, et cetera.
And I'm so glad that you touched upon it because for anyone listening who maybe feels a little lost emotionally or spiritually or in the dumps or even at the stage of life that has you questioning everything, this is why I often say, create the body that you need to keep up with the life that you love because your physical body really does impact how you think, how you feel, your beliefs, and your spirituality. So.
Yeah.
Yeah. Christy, thank you for sharing that. I think it's like so huge. And, you know, let's talk a little bit. This might be out of the timeline, but I don't care. I think it's relevant.
Tell us a little bit about, like, where you are now because I think that's what ties this whole conversation together. Tell us about the journey in terms of the benefits that you've experienced, the things that have happened along the way that have been so life-affirming, right? And where are you now? Like, what has been the result of all of your effort over the past year?
Yeah. From a mindset standpoint, like, I just feel so freaking empowered. I mean, that's, I can't tell you how many times I wrote that in my weekly progress report. Like, I just feel empowered. I mean, I just, it's so amazing. Like, I've thanked my body for protecting me all those years and have vowed to protect it now.
Yeah.
Sorry.
Yeah. No, I so welcome it. It's big stuff. You know, your life is like.
Yeah, it's big stuff.
Really changed on all levels.
Yeah. Yeah. And now I, you know, I've been doing this for 11 and a half months. I haven't missed the strength training exercise at all, other than my little recovery week between the six-month programs that I took. And, but honestly, I miss exercising. I could not wait to get back to it. Words I thought would never come out of my mouth in 50 years. But I absolutely love, love, love strength training.
And I went from my little apartment, inside my apartment, to my apartment gym, which is amazing. Like, that was a huge thing. And I'm like, oh, this wasn't so scary after all. And now I'm on the verge of moving to a big gym. That's just a, I have to get in the car and drive situation. So, but anyway, I digress.
But now I'm, my metabolism is just insane. Like, I rarely have coffee or, actually, I stopped drinking coffee in January, switched to green tea. But now I rarely even have the green tea. I just don't feel like I need it. If I have it, it's just because I want the taste of it, not necessarily for to wake up. But I sleep better.
I actually wake up feeling refreshed every day. I actually wake up kind of after like seven hours of sleep, which is weird. I used to be like a late, I could sleep till 9, 10, 11 o'clock, you know, if I wanted. But now I'm like up 7, 8 o'clock on the weekends. But I just feel great. Like, I just feel down into my core. I just feel amazing. Like, I feel healthy finally.
I have been on hormone therapy for many years. I went through menopause at the age of 40. So I've been, you know, struggled with that for a few years before I figured out that's what it was. So I've been on HRT. And after the first six months of the program, first round of the program, I was due to meet with my holistic doctor. She checks my hormones every six months. They've been steady for however many years. And my testosterone jumped tremendously. I had to actually cut back on my hormone taking hormones.
That's amazing.
Yeah. It's like, whoa, what are you doing? I'm like, I'm healthy. So getting up and strength training, she's like, this is awesome. So just.
That's huge.
Just the proof in the records, right? In the lab work is just, you know, and I think I stopped taking my blood pressure medicine. I forgot to mention that.
Oh, my gosh.
That was a thing. Yeah. I stopped taking my blood pressure medicine in February, March.
Wow. Oh, you, I don't think you told me that.
I know. I don't think I did. Yeah. It's probably in my progress report, but yeah.
Christy, that is so huge.
Yeah. I always had high blood pressure. I stopped drinking during COVID, so I thought it was related to that. And then I think it's like stress-related, honestly, because I wasn't drinking more and I, and you know, I wasn't overweight like I was back then. But the exercising helps with the stress. Oh, my gosh.
Yeah.
I mean, like, yeah, especially if I am stressed and I'm so tired and I'm like, I'm just going to go exercise. The difference I feel afterwards, I can't even put into words. Like, I'm like, I'm so glad I did that because, wow, I feel so much better.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Wow. These are like, these are such huge things.
Yeah. The muscle, like, I have nice, I will, I have nice arms. I have a nice butt. I have nice legs. Like, I can't even, I say at 51, I'm like, what? How is this happening? Like, I've never looked at this toned in my life. I'm wearing a size I haven't worn since college. Like, that's 30 years. So I guess it is probably 30 years. I don't even know. But yeah. So.
That's so huge. You know, I know we just recently had sort of an update where I looked at your DEXA report and the metrics of your progress. And so, and you can share those if you want. I won't reveal them.
But now that you're saying about your clothing size, I know you lost weight on the scale. It sounds like you're actually smaller than the weight that you lost. Does that make sense? So, okay, how much weight did you lose through this process?
I think it in total in the last year is like 14 or 15 pounds.
Exactly. Yep.
Yeah.
That's what I'm remembering is about 15 pounds from your assessment, right?
Yeah.
So 15 pounds, right? 15 pounds usually equates to like one and a half dress sizes. But it sounds like you're actually down a number of clothing sizes. Would you say that's true?
Yeah. So what's interesting is the first six months of the program, the first round, I lost maybe three or four pounds net, but I dropped two sizes, which to me was like mind-blowing.
Yeah.
And now I've been the same size, but I could go down. I'm in between sizes now. So I've almost three sizes I've gone down.
Oh, my gosh. That's amazing.
Which I, yeah, college is the last time that I just, it blows my mind. Like, I didn't even think I could ever get into the sizes again just because I've had babies in my hips. You know, they, you know how your hips change when you have babies? And I'm like, oh, okay, we're doing this.
Yeah.
So.
That's the power of muscle. That is exactly what muscle does. It makes us tighter, smaller, more compact.
And so, as I've said a gajillion times, most of my clients, I would say the vast majority of my clients experience weight loss on the scale. You see the number go down, okay?
But most of the time, the actual improvement in body composition, the percentage of body composition improvement is so much more than just the loss on the scale. It's like it compounds and multiplies. And I see that in people. It's like, you'll keep noticing as you continue, the more muscle you put on, the smaller you get.
Yeah, which is crazy.
Yeah. And like, I, your weight might stay the same about where you are right now, but as you continue to build muscle, your body fat is going to keep coming down. So the scale might stay the same, but you're going to keep getting smaller and smaller and smaller. And that is the power of muscle at play that nobody believes me until they experience it.
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I did not obsess about the scale at all, especially after starting this program. I just would check my weight maybe every few weeks. But I knew, like, well, the net difference is, you know, this is because I'm gaining muscle or losing fat at the same time kind of situation. But I will say that my recent scan, I'm below 30% body fat. So.
Yeah.
Yes.
So huge.
Super celebrating that.
It's a big, big, big, big deal. And for anyone who's listening who may or may not have a, you know, a history of conversation with me, one of my probably number one targets for every woman, every client, I believe, whether you work with me or not, is to first at least achieve a 70% lean mass percentage, which means of your current body weight, 70% is lean mass. And so when we look at that, that would mean then the inverse is, that means you're 30% body fat or better.
And because there's misunderstanding in the world about body fat percentages, a lot of people are like, wait, 30% body fat is a lot. It's actually not. The vast majority of people are walking around above 30%. And so my first target for everyone is to get below that point because then the sky's the limit. Then you reduce your risk of disease. You don't got a care in the world. You get to do what you want from here on out.
And that is a huge milestone to celebrate. I'm so proud of you because it can be, it can be hard to get there. It really can. And so that, that jumped out at me when I did your assessment. And then the other thing that I was very excited about, I did a couple of assessments earlier this week. Am I right that your bone mineral content went up?
Yes. I was about to say that. That was really surprising. Like, oh, this is really good.
Yeah. So what's called the BMC, bone mineral content on her DEXA. She did a DEXA for body composition. Bone mineral content increased. And so what that means is the weight of her bones, her bone mass went up.
And that is something I see maybe 30% of the time in my DEXA scans. And so I do see it. I do hope for it. I do know it can happen, but it doesn't happen a lot.
And so that was really huge for you to be, you know, at 50, right? When, you know, the next decade is when our bone health really does tend to shift. And so the fact that you're investing and banking into that now is a big stinking deal.
Yeah. Yeah, for sure. For sure. Prevent those bones from getting old.
Yeah. That was very exciting. So I'm assuming your knees don't hurt anymore. Talk to us about like, how does your physical body feel? I'm, you know, I know the aches and pains have changed, but talk about some of those specifics.
Yeah. I mean, I just feel just like my mobility, like I'm able to bend my knees, like squat without any issues. I can actually get up from the squat without maybe falling, which was kind of a worry before.
I'm learning how to bend correctly so I don't hurt my back, right? I mean, there's just even that, you don't think about that, but doing the strength training, you learn posture also, like how to sit at my desk.
I catch myself slumping during my desk day. I'm like, nope, shoulders back and down. Like that is, I'm going to get it tattooed, I think. Shoulders back and down because it's been brained into my brain.
Oh, I will love that day when someone does that. I hope it's you.
But yeah, so I just learning to have good posture alone and learning how to load dishes in the dishwasher so that I don't hurt my back, right? Like there's those little things you don't think about, but that's what strength training teaches you also.
And for me, it's specifically your program because you're so great at explaining all of the things to where it clicks and makes sense and works for my brain, right? Like, okay, this is why I need to be doing this this way because it's going to be preventative for whatever.
Yes.
So yeah.
What would you say was the hardest part along the road or what were the challenges that you had to confront or deal with in order to get here where you're, you know, you've got all these benefits and your body and your life has changed so much. Like when you think back, what were those moments that were like, ooh, this part's hard?
Yeah. So I thought honestly that just doing the strength training, the exercise and stuff would be the hardest part and even changing my nutrition. But since I was ready in my mind, I was made the commitment, it wasn't as hard as I thought. But the hardest part was honestly the time commitment, not realizing, you know, I need to, how much time I need to devote because now I'm eating healthy. I'm cooking all my meals. I'm prepping all my meals. Like that's, you know, a time commitment that I wasn't really prepared for.
So it was a little overwhelming in the beginning, but now I'm like, but also I was like, what was I doing with my time before? Laying on the couch, probably binge watching Netflix or a book, reading a book. So because I'm like, I have no idea what I was doing before, but now it's nice because I don't, I don't miss, I don't know what I'm trying to say. Like I love that it's, it's not an issue, right? Like this is time commitment. It's very time commitment to be healthy.
I mean, to be a healthy lifestyle. Like it's, you have to make that commitment and time commitment because the alternative is less time on earth, right? So that's just the way I look at it. Like it's just my time is better spent by taking care of my health. Anyway, so that was the biggest transition for me.
And then I would say, I mean, it was nice because now I hardly ever eat out if I do it for a special occasion, whatever, but I know how to eat when I eat out. But before, I would just, if I didn't feel like cooking, I would just eat out. I'm like, I just go, even if I thought I was being healthy and getting a salad from somewhere. But learning how to eat really changed that. And I'm like, now I don't even have the cravings for the junk food or, you know, whatever the case may be. So yeah, I think that was probably the biggest.
Was changing your diet, like that part of it, was that hard, right? Or was it the learning that was hard, right?
Like some people have a hard time giving up certain food habits, right? Like they love XYZ that they do. And so giving it up is hard, but then there's the other side of it that's like, oh, just learn the learning of the process and protocols, if you will, that's hard.
What kind of hard was it for you?
Giving up was easier than I thought it would be because I immediately started feeling better just in general, like the inflammation in my body I could tell was better, like those little things, right? So, but learning the right foods for my body. And one thing that's also been eye-opening is when you start eating clean, then you can realize which foods your body actually tolerates and doesn't tolerate.
That was a big game changer for me because even though food may be healthy, like broccoli, well, broccoli, my body doesn't like it. And I balloon up immediately. But I love broccoli, like the taste and stuff to eat it. So I have to figure out, okay, well, I just got to figure out another alternative.
So anyway, so just, I think for me, just kind of learning and a process of elimination really is like, and then also, like I just don't miss, I don't know, like I eat boring most of the week. People are like, what are you having for lunch? I'm like, just, it's boring, but I like, I like it. Like it's boring to most people, but I'm like, I like it because I feel great, you know?
So I don't know. I just look at food so differently now. It's really hard to explain, but it's, I don't look at it as an emotional need probably is really the case if I think about it.
Yeah. Or like a pleasure, a comfort, a support, an upliftment, right?
Yeah. Now it's just fuel.
Exactly. It's fuel. It becomes utilitarian, right? And some people hear that and they think, oh, that's so sad. I love food so much, right? There's an emotional relationship with food. And that doesn't have to go away, but I think that when you do improve your biology, some of that naturally shifts and that's actually a good thing. It really is.
Talk to us a little bit about, and you touched upon it super briefly, but since we're talking about food and learning how some foods impact your body, before you plugged into what I teach, what were your philosophies, right? You mentioned that a doctor had suggested low carb. Before we started working together, what would you have said? If someone's like, hey, what's your diet like? Did you have a philosophy you followed?
I would say I'd probably just eat like some grilled chicken and salads, try to just stick with that most of the time, but not really. I mean, it wasn't great, but that if I was eating healthy in my mind, that's what I would eat, like grilled chicken, salad. I didn't realize like low carb. I think what she was referring to when she said low carb was probably like the bad carbs, if you will.
Yeah.
And not realizing, well, I actually need carbs. And you and I just had this conversation recently, like I actually need carbs, you know, more carbs than I was realizing. So, which has been really nice because I love carbs. And I don't have to love the bad ones like this or whatever, you know, the fried french fries, you know, all of those are great. I don't miss them. Like, right? I can make my potatoes a different way. Oven-baked sweet potatoes are amazing.
So anyway, but yeah, yeah, I think I just was like in my mind, I just didn't know, like I just didn't understand food. And now I'm like being a numbers person, I am kind of obsessed with the macros balancing and counting my calories. I'm like, is this thing, this recipe actually correct on the calories they say it is? Because now I know how to calculate them. So anyway, it's just.
You know, that's funny. Like that, when we talk about tracking food, logging food and macros, right? I love, it's like a game for me. And it sounds like you've got that same bug. There's something about the numbers. There's something about the desire for precision, if you will, right? And like I find it a fun game to try and hit those numbers. And it's funny, I didn't draw the conclusion, you're an accountant.
Yeah. So I'm very, like, I like things to reconcile and be balanced.
Totally. That is like hilarious to the degree that like personality comes into play also, right? But it's like you said, I feel that when a person starts to see the benefits of putting some energy into what they're eating, all of a sudden it becomes a motivating experience and you feel good about how you're investing your time because you see the payoff, right?
Exactly.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah. It's really, really huge. I'm so proud of you. You've really just kicked butt and it's so wonderful to just kind of have this full circle.
I want to share with you another thing that you had put down on your initial assessment. And again, I forget what the question was, but it was like, you know, what do you anticipate is going to be the hardest thing? And you said, my biggest hurdle will be motivation and sticking to a plan.
Yeah.
I often start big ideas and plans, but then get overwhelmed, frustrated, and give up. Like once again, I have the chills because that's exactly what you didn't do. And you were overwhelmed, but you didn't give up, right? And like the motivation grew because you stuck with the plan. And so again, it's like, it's like a huge checkbox.
Yeah, for sure. And I will say, I'm going to give you a little plug because I was overwhelmed the first week because there's a lot of information at once, right?
But once I sat down and got organized, the way you have the program set up was so nice because I am a very detailed and organized person and I need step-by-step instructions and I need, you know, whatever.
So it was so perfect for me to be able to follow. I'm like, okay, I'm doing this day and this day and this day and kind of had a schedule. I put it in my calendar. I had printed all my sheets out, right? And knew exactly what exercises I was doing.
Like that for me was exactly what I needed because trying to figure it out on my own just wasn't working clearly.
Yeah.
So kudos to you because you got the program nailed down on just helping us. Like there's no excuse if we can't stay on track other than it's just our own fault because you give us all the tools we need to be successful. So.
Yeah. Thank you for that. And that has always been my goal is to say to a person, here is exactly what works. Now, I'm not saying other programs don't work, but this works if you follow it, right? Now, some people don't follow it and that's a whole other nut to crack.
Right.
But here's the blueprint. Here is the how. And you can stop trying to figure it out on your own. If you just put your head down and put one foot in front of the other, you're going to get great results. And Christy, like you're the perfect example of that.
Yeah. Yeah.
I love it. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Of course.
So, okay, wait, I've got two more questions for you.
Okay.
No, three questions. Number one, what would you say is your most favorite strength exercise now?
Oh, man. My most favorite. Oh, let me think.
If you had to pick one, if there was one that you had to do for the rest of your life, your desert island strength exercise.
It's a tough one. It's going to be something with the legs.
And it can be because it feels good. It can be because you get satisfaction from it. It can be because it makes you feel powerful. Like the reason why it's your favorite almost doesn't even matter.
So I'm going to say this, and although every time I do it, I would not agree with myself, but I'm probably going to say the Bulgarian split squat because it's a love-hate relationship, but it's the most, I can feel the most improvement in my hamstrings, my knees, like that once it's been the biggest tweaking my position with your help has made such a tremendous difference that even though when I started, I'm like, okay, here we go, we can do this.
And I feel so much better afterwards, but I would probably say that one.
Okay. And if you had to pick, what is your most hated exercise? Probably the same one.
No, actually, I think it was one from last round. Let me think. I can remember the name. That was so happy we weren't doing this round.
You can describe it and I'll know what it is.
I can't remember. I'm trying to think. Oh, the Bosu bridge thing.
Oh, yes.
That one, I was like, I don't feel like I'm, I always feel awkward and I'm like, I don't know if I'm getting this right. I don't feel like it's doing anything.
That's a hard exercise because it really isolates the hamstrings and the glutes in a really unique way. And so in a way where it highlights everyone's weaknesses, like every woman has weaknesses in her hamstrings and her glutes. And I would actually think I have to agree with you. I hate that exercise. I hate it so much. So I'm with you on that. Okay, then one more question.
Okay.
I guarantee there's a woman listening right now who feels inspired, who feels like she wants to make a change in her life, and she might even feel a bit doubtful that she could do it. What advice would you offer her?
You know, as women, we tend to make sure everyone else is taken care of first. And then if we have some energy left, we might take care of ourselves.
But you have to stop waiting to make yourself a priority because now is the time to make yourself a priority. Like there's no more excuses. Like, right? Like that's, you have to make the decision to make yourself a priority because one, it will actually benefit the others in your lives.
That's how I believe it because you can't pour from an empty cup, so to speak. But also just because you deserve it and you are worthy, period.
Yeah. Yeah. That's really beautiful for us to bring it back around to this piece of worthiness, right? And it's something that doesn't get talked about a lot here on the podcast that I think is such a through line and such an important thing for women. You are worthy, full stop, right? For all the reasons and for no reasons.
And if this is something that you want to do for yourself, like you are worthy of the desire and you're worthy of the achievement. A big reason why I do these interviews with women who have been successful is to also show you, it's also within the realm of possibility for you to be as equally successful. So it's out there if you want it. And it's just deciding that you're going to take action on it.
Yep. Exactly.
Yeah. Christy, thank you so much for doing this. I think this has been so great.
Thank you for having me.