Tracy Messer First-grade teacher of the deaf at Lexington School for the Deaf in Jackson Heights Late 20s To me, strength is a skill. It’s something you need to practice, nurture and watch grow. It is more than being able to pick up heavy things; it encompasses your entire being—mentally, emotionally and physically. Strength training has changed my entire life. It gave me a passion I never knew I had. I always hated working out in the past. I found cardio machines boring, and I couldn›t stick to a workout regiment for more than a few weeks. I would dread going the gym, but once I started strength training, it became the highlight of my day. Now, I plan my day around my workouts, rather than seeing where I can fit them in my schedule, if it all. It has taught me how to take care of my body, which includes the kind of food I eat. It gave me a different outlook on the term diet. Strength training and eating properly go hand in hand. I eat more now than I ever have. I started working with a trainer to get toned for my brother’s wedding. I went into it with that short-term goal—to look good in my dress. I would have never thought I’d still be doing it four years later. I was apprehensive in the beginning. I thought I would get “bulky.” It has changed my body and my self-image in ways I never thought possible. I am the leanest I have ever been; however, I am not the lightest I have ever been. Strength training has taught me that I don’t need to pay attention to the number on the scale. I now only weigh myself once a year at the doctor’s office. I can honestly say, without Chris, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has taught me the meaning of strength and coaches me to push myself in a safe environment. To women considering strength training—do it and don’t ever look back! It will change you and your body. It will give you a whole new confidence you never knew you had and teach you to make yourself a priority. FEBRUARY 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 35 Julia Christodoulou Real estate professional Mid 40s Strength is a word that makes me feel proud. To be seen as a strong woman makes me feel I can accomplish anything, and more importantly, get through anything. As a single woman fast approaching my fifth decade, being verbally identified as strong gives me more confidence than the sexiest pair of high heels. It’s a confidence that precedes me into a room and props me up when I feel insecure. I know I can depend on my physical strength to survive anything that is affecting me, even emotionally. A good, physically demanding, sweat-inducing, tears-to-my-eyes kind of strength training session can cure me of anything. I just have to think, “I am strong!” My life changed forever when
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