03 Nov 2012 Ready to make a lifestyle change
by Sonja J. Keith
Jamille Rogers is ready for a lifestyle change. And she’s getting a helping hand.
Jamille, the library media specialist at Marguerite Vann Elementary School in Conway, was the winner in a drawing by Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center at the annual Conway Teachers Breakfast. She won a 12-week fitness package that included a one hour assessment, 24 30-minute personal training sessions with Gina Tusson, a metabolic test and six nutrition consults with Kellie Dye, R.D.L.D.
Originally from Little Rock, Jamille was a petite cheerleader 13 years ago at the University of Central Arkansas. After graduation, she taught kindergarten at Ellen Smith Elementary for four years before becoming the media specialist at Marguerite Vann.
Jamille is familiar with the importance of exercise and nutrition, but those haven’t necessarily been the choices she has made recently in her life. “I go to the gym all the time,” she said, explaining that she would typically go to the second floor, visit, and spend about 30 minutes on an elliptical machine and then go home. “I didn’t do anything extra.”
Citing her 30th birthday last January, Jamille is ready for a change. “It’s time to make it my lifestyle. I know I will never be that 97-pound cheerleader at UCA again, but I need to get healthy and make it a lifestyle.”
Jamille said her birthday was a “big deal” and considers herself successful in both her educational career and real estate work. She even loss nearly 20 pounds so she could wear a particular dress she purchased for her two birthday parties.
“I can do it,” she said. “I just don’t. I have to make it a healthy lifestyle every day.”
When she turned 30, Jamille recognized there’s “only one me,” and she made a decision to let some things go. In addition to adopting a healthier lifestyle, Jamille would like to drop a dress size or two.
“That was the hardest, but it’s ok. You can’t help everybody,” she said. “I’m learning to make time for me. I haven’t done that in a long time.”
Jamille recognizes that over time her body has changed, and where it used to be easy to drop some weight, now it takes more effort. When asked what is most challenging about the 12-week program, Jamille replied, “It’s all a challenge.”
Since embarking on the fitness program, Jamille has had to overcome time and schedule challenges. She is single, so when she cooks, she is only preparing for one. “It’s easier to stop and pick something up.” She understands that healthy eating requires thought and preparation. “Planning is a big part of it.” Still, Jamille thinks she will do OK with the food aspect of the program, although she’s a little nervous about the holidays coming up.
There are some personal aspects to address, as well. Her mom – her inspiration to become a schoolteacher – died of cancer when Jamille was 17. “At yesterday’s workout, I was on that circuit and I was able to push through it. I had to make this choice.”
Jamille – who “had a million things going on” in college – still maintains a busy work schedule. She is at school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. She leaves for the gym immediately after school and afterward heads to the Sandstone Real Estate Company office where she is an agent and part owner. “I also like to help people understand real estate, especially young people. My passion is simply helping people.”
When she’s not working, there are family commitments. She is close with her family and attends church in Little Rock.
“My passion and calling is to help people. At school, I get to do that with 500 kids every day.”
It used to be that she would stay up until the wee hours – 2 a.m. or so – and be back up at 6:30 to begin her day. She could maintain that schedule for about six weeks before her body needed a two-day recharge. “I have learned that I have to get some rest.”
Right now, she is exercising five days a week – two days with her trainer and three days on her own. “Gina is very, very good,” Jamille said, explaining that she has worked with her previously in group exercise classes and Boot Camp at the fitness center.
Jamille’s not hung up on the numbers on a scale, but “if I have to buy smaller pants, I’m doing good.” She will consider the fitness program successful if in May – long after the 12 weeks has passed – she is still following a nutrition plan, working out regularly, making better choices and encouraging others to make it a lifestyle.
“If I make time to do it in these 12 weeks, I can make time the rest of my life.”
