Sometimes the best stories start in the most unexpected ways.
Joanne Slingwine’s story actually started years before she ever became a client. She had reached out through email, but unfortunately, it slipped through the cracks.
I remember going through my inbox around January 1st and seeing her message. I recognized her name but realized I was months behind—maybe even close to a year. I immediately felt terrible. I emailed her back and apologized, explaining that her message had simply gotten lost. Thankfully, she was willing to reconnect.
Later, when we talked about it, she told me she thought maybe I was just too busy for her. That stuck with me because it reminded me that, as much as we focus on helping people, there are always areas where we can improve ourselves. Business, communication, and organization are all things I’m continually working on.
The good news is that Joanne gave me another opportunity, and I’m so thankful she did.
The Beginning of Joanne’s Fitness Journey
When Joanne started, she was around 245 pounds. Almost immediately, we connected. Our personalities matched well, and we were able to meet right where she was—understanding her goals, her challenges, and what she wanted her future to look like.
At the time, Joanne was still working and approaching retirement from the state. That transition period is one of my favorite times to work with people because it represents something many people forget: Retirement isn’t the end of your life. It’s the beginning of a new chapter.
Too many people believe that getting older means accepting limitations. It doesn’t. It means learning how to adapt, changing your focus, and taking care of your body so you can continue doing the things that matter most. Joanne embraced that better than almost anyone I’ve worked with.
A Systematic Transformation and Sustainable Weight Loss
Fast forward to today, and Joanne is down almost 80 pounds. But the weight loss is only one part of the story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sustainable weight loss relies on long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
What makes me most proud is how Joanne approached the process.
- Nothing was extreme.
- There were no shortcuts.
- There was no punishment.
We focused on building a foundation. We worked through different phases of exercise, improved her posture, and rebuilt movement patterns with a heavy emphasis on consistency. When she started, she struggled just getting out of a chair. Now, she can walk four miles comfortably. That’s not just a physical transformation; that’s a life transformation.
Finding a Whole New Level of Energy After 60
One of my favorite moments with Joanne was when we worked through removing excess sugar from her nutrition. She told me she had probably never truly removed sugar from her diet throughout her life.
Then one day, she woke up and said something I’ll never forget:
“I have never felt this way in my life.”
She had spent years waking up feeling tired and sluggish, and suddenly she experienced a level of energy she didn’t know was possible. At 60 years old, she discovered a version of herself she had never met before. That’s what makes this work so rewarding. Sometimes people aren’t just losing weight—they’re finding a whole new life.
The Real Reason Behind Fitness Results
The best part about Joanne’s success isn’t just the physical changes. It’s everything those changes have allowed her to do.
- She’s a better grandmother.
- She’s a better wife.
- She’s a better mom.
She can get down on the floor and play with her grandkids, keep up with them, and enjoy the moments that matter. That is the true goal: not just looking different, but living differently.
The Next Chapter: Building Strength for the Future
Now we’re entering another exciting phase of her journey. The weight loss was just the beginning. Now we’re building muscle, improving tone, and continuing to develop her strength.
I truly believe her best results are still ahead. She wants to continue improving her health, minimize inflammation and swelling, and do everything she can to stay ahead of the genetic risk factors she has for heart disease.
That’s what makes Joanne special. She doesn’t do this for vanity. She does it because she values her life and wants to protect her future.
Joanne represents everything I believe in: It’s never too late to change your life. You are never too old, and you can always improve. Her success is earned, deserved, and inspiring.
Joanne, thank you for trusting me, believing in the process, and representing what this journey is all about. I couldn’t be more proud of you. Keep working hard—because your story is far from finished.
For help achieving your own goals, check out our Online Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching page to get started.
