By Cindy Summerfield

If you knew Theresa Miller ten years ago, you’d have a hard time recognizing her today.  That’s because Miller, 44, has lost more than 100 pounds by exercising and committing to a healthy lifestyle.  Miller, known as Tari by her friends, helped herself.  Now she’s ready to help others facing similar circumstances, as she recently became a YMCA certified personal trainer. 

Facing Reality

In 1999 Miller, who stands 5 foot tall, weighed close to 225 pounds.  Like many women, Miller gained weight when pregnant with her two sons—Zach, now 22, and Noah, 19.  Both boys were born successfully via Caesarean section, but Miller began to have health problems.     

“After the C-sections, I started having hernia tears around the incision sites,” said Miller.  The tears were repaired 10 times by three different doctors, and Miller was told that if she didn’t get the extra weight off, the surgical cycle would continue.  “I had two little boys that I needed to take care of, so I knew it was time to make some major life changes,” she said.

Finding Help

Miller said she called several fitness clubs to see what they offered. “I wanted to find somewhere where I felt welcome,” said Miller.  “At the same time, I didn’t want to trade my health problems for financial problems.”  Eventually, Miller, and her husband, David, 45, joined the Tecumseh YMCA, which provided “the right atmosphere and the right offerings at the right price.”

Beginning the Journey

Miller recalled, “Even though I was in my mid 30’s, I had to start out in the Older Active Adult (OAA) class because of my physical limitations.”  In addition to exercising three to four days per week, Miller said she changed the way that she bought and cooked food.  She chose more fruits and vegetables, and replaced fried foods with those that were steamed or bake.  “I began to eat to live, instead of live to eat,” she said.  

“Katie Milliken, a fitness instructor at the Y at the time, helped me better understand the relationship between exercise and nutrition.  She also introduced me to spinning (indoor cycling), and the pounds just started melting off,” Miller noted.

Tackling Frustrations

As the duration and intensity of Miller’s workouts grew, she continued to shrink—until she hit a plateau that lasted nearly one year.  “It was so frustrating, because I was used to losing weight steadily,” she said.  Miller persisted with her new lifestyle, changing up her workouts, trying new classes and exercises, and, all the while, sticking to a healthy diet. 

“I weighed and measured every single bite that I ate,” Miller said.  Counting calories was inconvenient, but it paid off, as her weight, once again, began to fall. 

Leading Others

As Miller lost weight, she gained confidence in herself and in her ability to help others.  When the instructor for the OAA class gave notice, Miller was asked if she was interested in the job.  She accepted, became a YMCA staff member, and began taking YMCA-sponsored training courses.  Over the years she began teaching more classes, working with young and old alike.  She also achieved instructor certifications in a number of areas, including cycling, water aerobics, and group exercise.

Providing Help to Individuals

In September 2009 Miller took her fitness credentials to a new level by becoming a YMCA certified personal trainer (PT).  “I’ve learned a lot about exercise and nutrition through my own experiences,” said Miller, “but becoming a PT is like putting icing on the cake—pardon, the food pun.” 

She said that the YMCA course provided her with essential exercise science knowledge that, when combined with her personal experiences, makes her uniquely qualified to help others.  And that, she said, is exactly what she wants to do.       

Miller explained, “I’m at my goal weight of 120 pounds.  It took me a long time to get the weight off, but I’ve kept it off for nearly 3 years.  I understand the frustrations involved in getting fit.  I also understand how critical it is to have encouragement and support from others.  That’s what I received from many people at the Tecumseh YMCA.  And that’s what I intend to give back to those who ask for my help and knowledge.”