20 Sep 2015 Denise Brown – the biggest winner by far
by Karl Lenser
Weight loss is one of the most common fitness goals that many individuals strive for. Some succeed, but many fail.
Denise Brown’s weight loss journey began in 2011 when she decided to change her lifestyle and get in shape. The Hendrix College Wellness & Athletics Center (WAC) became her “home away from home” (and work) and provided the assistance that she needed to transform herself from a sedentary individual into a highly fit and active one. Since she started working out, she has lost 107 pounds and has accomplished this the old-fashioned way through exercise and cutting back on her caloric intake. No magic pills. No surgery. No miracle diet.
Her recipe (she works at the Hendrix cafeteria as a cook) for this weight loss combines motivation and discipline with a healthy dose of cardio and strength training. It is refreshing to see that this old school/no gimmicks method does work in losing the weight AND keeping it off.
What is your current position at the Hendrix cafeteria?
I am a cook for the Homestyle line.
What is the best part of your job?
Being able to see our students, faculty/staff and community folks enjoy the food that I prepare for them.
How long have you been a member of the Hendrix Wellness & Athletics Center?
4.5 years.
Previous to joining the WAC, were you a regular exerciser?
No, I was inactive and not an exerciser.
What was your motivation to start exercising?
I was in poor health and wanted to be healthy enough to watch my four girls grow up. I decided to join the WAC to get healthy and lose weight.
When you first started working out, what was your routine?
I would go three days per week and would do cardio and strength training every day.
How long did it take before you began to get hooked on exercise?
It was about six months before I started to feel guilty about missing a day at the fitness center.
Who helped you and encouraged you during the first few weeks and months?
A lady that I started working with in the cafeteria asked me to work out with her. During this initial visit, I also met Earl Simpson, who was employed at the WAC. He was a great motivator and helped me with my exercise program.
How do you feel now compared to when you first started working out?
I feel a lot better and have more energy than I used to.
What is your typical workout routine at the WAC?
I usually go to a spinning class or Tiffeny Crow’s “Cardio & Core” class. After the cardio, I head to the weight room to work on my upper body, legs and abs.
Why do you like exercising?
It makes me feel great and gives me more energy than I had in my sedentary days.
Any advice for those who are thinking about getting more active?
Get started now. Find something you enjoy and you will be glad you did when you see some results.
How many pounds have you lost?
107. (Author’s note: That equates to a loss of 321,000 fat calories. It is the equivalent of almost 2 x 55 pound dumbbells!)
What do your coworkers say about your fitness and weight loss?
They wish they had my energy to work out as much as I do. They are amazed at my weight loss and fitness level.
What is your favorite food?
Grilled chicken salad with a baked sweet potato and vanilla ice cream (only once a month on the ice cream!).
What has been the most difficult part of your weight loss journey?
Not being able to eat the junk food and other high calorie foods that I enjoyed during my sedentary years.
A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].
