It is time for another installment of “One Fit Mommy”! As I surf around the blogosphere, I come across fit moms who inspire me to fitness. From there, I hunt them down and force them to tell me their secrets, which I then share with you!
Today’s fit mommy (and grandmother) is Susan, whom I met on my trip to Red Mountain Spa in Utah. Susan hiked her way through the red rocks with barely an ounce of sweat on her head and left many of the other hikers in her dust!
Not only did Susan impress me with her fitness level, but with her overall attitude toward life. She truly lives each day to the fullest and helped to remind me of what really is important:
“The most important thing is to make your life as stress free as possible while remaining a great mom and wife. The only people that really matter or really know who you are—are your family.”
See not only is Susan a fit mommy, but she is a wise one too! 
That line definitely gave me food for thought, how about you?
Please read on for more about Susan and how she got started with her fit lifestyle at the age of 50! She is a cancer survivor, a great wife and mom, an awesome grandma, and definitely “One Fit Mommy”!
I am 67 years old and did not start exercising until I was 50. When I was 18 I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (intestinal issues) which made it physically difficult to exercise for any length of time. Although I lived a moderately active lifestyle raising two children (both of whom are married and I have four grandchildren ages 17, 14, 9 and 7), fitness was not part of my daily routine.
When I was 48 years old, I had a mastectomy and I had a breast reconstructed from my own abdominal muscles. Losing a breast had relatively little psychological impact on me because I needed no chemo or radiation, had a very supportive husband and family, and truly believed I was cancer free, which left me extremely grateful.
Two years after my breast surgery (when I was 50) my whole system seemed to change and I was able to become more active physically. I began to take much longer walks with my husband, who started to nag me (he was an avid fitness believer) to join a gym and exercise. After some time I took his advice and began to work out with a trainer two times a week. She inspired and encouraged me for several years and I began to see a definite improvement in my stamina and well being. When she moved away, my new trainer convinced me to work out three times a week and I am still on that program. I have to be honest, the main reason I love to work out is because I love my trainer and the great conversations we have. Of course, she encourages and motivates me and we work on strength, balance, flexibility and overall fitness.
When my husband and I were 55 years old, we discovered a fitness spa which we have been returning to for years. This experience has changed my life in so many ways. Although I was a good eater (after having a Krohn’s diet of chicken and potatoes for many years) I began to really eat things in a more balanced way. Breakfast, fruits and vegetables (which my system could not tolerate before) now became staples in my lifestyle. I have never again used artificial sweeteners after hearing a lecture at the spa. I had never done any long hiking in the mountains which I discovered was so meaningful in so many ways.
Sometimes when I don’t feel like working out, I force myself. But sometimes, I take a break. I am not fanatic and do not believe in overdoing anything. I try very hard not to hurt myself and not to do things until they hurt. I have seen people have too much permanent damage which might ultimately diminish the good things working out does for you. However, I love that I am fit and able to keep up with a very busy and very active lifestyle with my family and friends. I truly believe that my fitness routine has enhanced my life in many positive ways.
Thank you Susan for inspiring other moms and grandmas to fitness!
You are definitely an inspiration!
You can see more interviews with other fit moms (and dads too!) over here.
{ 3 comments }
Thank you for this inspiring story. I love reading about other women/mothers etc who have a healthful and balanced approach to life and wellness.
thank you for nice story.
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