When you are considered “clinically obese” as a child, your life becomes one hardship after another. From being bullied as a kid, to dealing with a dysfunctional family, to her private battle with fat loss—this incredibly brave RedLily® contributor has a HUGE success story to tell. All we can say is that this woman is a force to be reckoned with. She shares her story of struggle to strength so others can learn that they are not alone. Motivated, driven, inspirational, spiritual, and free are just a few words that come to mind when you think of this RedLily® warrior. Here’s Lori’s message about breaking through the layers of her soul’s purpose.
“Breaking Through The Layers”
At the time, I was what the BMI charts considered obese, pretty much off and on, the first 40 years of my life. I was so overweight as a child and went through so much mental trauma from being picked on by other kids in school that I have mentally blocked out the majority of my elementary years. I remember wearing a women’s size 18 in middle school, it was awful going clothes shopping and wanting so badly to buy cute jeans so I could fit in with all of the other girls in school.
I was also a very depressed as a child. I was the youngest of 7 children, my parents had me when they were 44 years old. My father was a functional alcoholic which made me an adult child of an alcoholic, I figured out what that was once I got older and started seeking therapy for depression and co-dependency.
My obesity battle lasted several years. I would get on a good roll and start losing weight but the mind and body connection just wasn’t there, I would always gain the weight right back, plus more, each time. I was my heaviest at 33 years old tipping the scale at 225 pounds. I have been married twice and I have two AMAZING and very driven sons.
The turning point in my life
The turning point for me came when I turned 40 and started putting myself first. My father had just passed away and I felt a sense of relief, almost like a ton of stress was lifted off of my shoulders. At the time, I was a stay at home mother/wife and also cared for my aging parents who lived two doors down from us.
Once my father passed, I joined a gym near my home just to get myself out of the house and to also meet other women and make some friends. That was 469 weeks ago! YES, I keep track of my journey!
Since joining that gym, nine years ago, I became a certified fitness instructor, Cycle class instructor, and also a Personal Trainer.
What I have learned in my journey is that I had to surrender to what I could not control. I learned that my obesity problem had NOTHING to do with the food… It was the depression that lead to my obesity issues. Until I fixed what was broken mentally, I could not fix what was broken physically.
Once I let go, the weight started falling off and my energy soared. I read a lot of books along with counselling both traditional and spiritual. All of my self-reflecting and releasing has helped me to become the strong, now single, soon to be 50-year-old woman that I am today.
What I learned by breaking through the layers
So many people sweep their issues under the rug, and also trainers and/or life coaches, when working with clients. What makes me different from the rest is the fact that I am Self-Made—I have been there. I know first-hand what it takes to make a COMPLETE and LASTING lifestyle change. Of course, I know now that in order to make this change, I had to realize that it takes a lot of work both mentally and physically. But, when paired together, it truly is AMAZING!!
Where I am now in my life
The last nine years have been incredible for me. I went from an overweight desperate housewife living in Boise, Idaho, caring or my aging parents until they both passed away, to now a single soon-to-be 50 year old, living in Agoura Hills, CA who trains in Malibu.
Here’s my message:
Today, I am in the best shape of my life; and I seem to draw people toward me wherever I go. In all honesty, I am like a magnet of energy, people want to know who I am all of the time. I try to spread my story along with my LOVE, ENERGY and HAPPINESS to everyone that I meet.
I have so much more to say to fill in the gaps, but this gives you an idea of where I have come from and what my ultimate goal is—which is to help people understand that there is NO QUICK FIX or magic pill to weight loss.
The mental work must be done first before physical changes will become permanent. There is more to an obese individual than just being lazy and eating too much…
They are usually broken and hurting inside.
My diet and workouts
I believe in Cardio and HIIT style training to get the most effective workout for the body in less time. I swear by eating food in moderation. I do not believe in “diets”.
If you are trying something that you cannot sustain the rest of your life, then don’t even attempt it, you will only fail over time.
Looking toward to the future
I have kept off 100 pounds by eating in moderation and not eliminating anything from my diet. As my body started changing and my mind gained clarity, along with learning how to love myself, I no longer craved unhealthy foods. It has been a process but it has also been a lifestyle that I can live with.
Heart,
Lori
xo
About the Author:
Lori Padleski (Weston) is a 51-year-old self-proclaimed “Fitness Junkie.” She has beaten obesity and now has a wonderful relationship with food, exercise, and more importantly herself. January of this year, 2021, Lori celebrated her 10-year anniversary of taking care of herself. Ten years ago she started her health and fitness journey and has never looked back.
“I am honored to be able to share my story with other women on RedLily. I feel that we all can use a little help and support in knowing that we are not alone in our battles and that those battles can be overcome with a little self-love and of course some work. I know from experience that the load feels heavy at times and road ahead looks too long to want to venture forward, but believe me, it is worth the journey.” ~Lori Padleski (Weston)
*Connect with Lori on Instagram @cardio_queen or email [email protected]
See Lori's before & after journey below. Click on the first image to view in gallery mode.
Editor’s note:
Hi there! Did you enjoy Lori’s inspirational transformation story? Check out our other Wellness and Motivation stories, or perhaps you have a weight loss story to share. If you think your message will help and encourage others along their personal growth journey, please Submit Your Story.
