Ripped Series and Eating Clean help me beat R.A.
I'm so excited to share with everyone the exciting journey I've been on for the past 8-9 months (or longer) Here goes!
The end of 2005 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was so sick, I could hardly lift a pot, stir anything or sometimes get out of bed. I began a series of different medications to help reduce the inflammation in my body caused by the disease. I was put on a steroid, which along with causing me to gain tons of weight, also caused my adrenal glands to crash. After getting off the steriods, I was still taking an infusion therapy once a month as well as taking weekly medication. This continued for about 3 years. My body was so compromised by the meds I was taking that I could not fight off bacterial infections or fungal infections. This created a need to stop my monthly infusions. At that time, I found a book which described the way food can create or reduce inflammation in our bodies. Since I couldn't take my meds anymore because of the side affects, I thought I'd try the diet. After a week on the diet, I felt so much better, I began to exercise. My doctors had discouraged exercise as they were worried it would hurt my joints. Anyway, I began feeling better and better, exercising more and more until I realized I was not really getting anywhere with my body shape. I still had muscles that were not strong or defined. I was still carrying the spare tire around my waist. Then I found Jari's Ripped Series and began working out with her 3 times a week. Within the first 2 weeks I saw definition in my upper body, especially my arms and shoulders. After about a month, I lost my first muffin top (I had two!). After working out with Jari (who I tell people is my trainer) and to this date, I've lost a total of 27 pounds, 25 inches overall and have gone down 4 sizes and am still losing inches/weight! The icing on the cake has probably been following the Eat Clean diet which has begun to chisel my middle and reveal the abs I had before giving birth to 5 kids.
I am 48 years old. I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I am constantly having people comment on how good I look (after losing my weight). I love telling them about my diet and exercise routine. All my facebook fans hear Jari's encouragements because I'm always posting things like, "Redefine you!", "Be tenatious, don't give up, and you can achieve your goal!" "If you don't feel the burn, add more weight!" which I of course give credit to you, Jari!
I love you Jari and you are such an encouragement to me. The videos that have older men and women really are great. It proves that we can begin again at any age. We can be healthier today than we were yesterday. We can redefine who we are! I am so glad you are here to help all of us reach our goals and be better, healthier and happier people.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Renee Hughes on -
Thank you for sharing your story this is really inspiring. As someone who is trying to get rid of a 34 inch waist for years now I really appreciate hearing that it can be done. Thanks so much!
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Permalink Reply by Lori V. on -
Terri, you are living proof that you CAN beat illness IF you choose to do so. I LOVE how you ignored the doctor's warnings to not exercise! I think the whole philosophy of "just sit there and don't do anything because your're medically fragile" is just bull. What you did made you WELL. ANd how awesome is losing 4 sizes??!!!! I'm sure you look like you're about 31! Thanks for the motivation to do Jari 3x/week. I'm working on that myself!
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Permalink Reply by old lady on -
Terri.....It is wonderful that you were able to heal your body using strength training. What a coincidence I was reading at Mercola.com this very article: Exercise Poses Virtually No Danger to Your Joints
check it out: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/02/19/Exerc...
The article details people who suffer from joint inflammation such as osteoarthritis.
Good luck in the future with your new found knowledge...I am over 50 and wear a size 6, never thought that would happen, but cleaning up my diet, adding cardio and strength training to my life has been a great experience for me. What is so funny is I have to eat a ton of food (healthy) to keep up this lifestyle. I enjoy..I enjoy! I have so much energy. I think back when my co-worker and I started out with Jari Love and we saw the older women in the DVDs and wondered how could we get bodies like theirs...those women were in there 50's and we want bodies like theirs...what a testimony to weight training and Jari Love's program!
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Permalink Reply by Jari Love on -
Terri - this is so inspiring - can I share it in my next newsletter?
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Permalink Reply by Terri Maverick on -
Absolutely, Jari! I would be honored if you did!!
Terri
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Permalink Reply by Jari Love on
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Oh that is so great! Do you mind sending it to me in a word document to inquiries@jarilove.com? I would really, really appreciate it :) Do you have any pictures of yourself that I could use to accompany your story?
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Permalink Reply by Terri Maverick on
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Sure. I think I may have a before pic. I know I have a current pic. I'll get that to you asap.
Terri
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Permalink Reply by Toni on -
You Rock Terri!
What an inspiration to hear your story. You are proof that if we take charge of our health we can make such a bigger difference and beat the odds. Congratulations on all your success :-)
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Permalink Reply by Genette Macintosh on -
I also have RA and at one point I had trouble just getting out of bed. I have found that strength training has helped me build strength and endurance. I am still on medication for my illness but at almost 45 I am in better shape than ever. I have also surprised my rhumatoligist with the news that I had climbed the stairs of the CN tower in Toronto twice so far. I hope to do it again. I enjoy all of the ripped workouts and recomend them to my friends as well. Even got my husband hooked. I will never let my age or my arthritis get in the way of staying fit.
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