Jen Ray, aged 50 (++!) has been a member at Challenge for just over 1 year. After smoking all of her adult life Jen managed to kick the habit 9 years ago. However just 2 years ago she was diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a lung disorder caused by smoking. After completing a rehab course at a COPD clinic, Jen was recommended to continue exercising to improve her lung capacity and oxygen flow. At 5 ft 5” in height and a weight of 9 stone 10 pounds, Jen also wanted to tone up and feel stronger.
Jen says she has received tremendous help from Instructor and Personal Trainer Toby, seeing him every 4-5 weeks for program updates. Jen says, “It’s a great incentive because I want to achieve and go beyond what Toby sets me. He’s a hard taskmaster!”
Jen works out 3-4 times per week and completes both cardio and weights based exercises. After a 20 minute walk on the treadmill and 6 minutes of rowing Jen tones her whole body using various resistance machines, focusing on her core in particular. Jen keeps her workouts varied by including skipping, boxing and medicine ball work.
Because Jen had high Cholesterol levels she’s also made some changes to her diet. To reduce her fat intake Jen has cut out butter, fry ups and some meats. To ensure she still gets the much needed protein Jen also drinks Whey Protein shakes regularly.
As a result of her exercise regime and low fat diet Jen now weighs 8 stone 11 pounds, losing just under a stone! Her lung capacity has also improved massively. Walking her dogs up steep hills is now a breeze!
Jen says, “I feel good. It spurs me on and makes me forget I’ve got an illness. I feel normal!” She hopes to continue to increase her lung capacity, core strength and ultimately reach 8 ½ stone in weight.
Jen has done amazingly well and is a true inspiration! Well done from all at Challenge!
