Body Transformation: Ellie Lyons Lost 78 Pounds At Age 63!

After years of yo-yo dieting with minimal results, Ellie got serious about her fitness goals. She lost 78 pounds and 24 percent body fat at age 63!

Why I decided to transform

I dieted with no exercise program my entire adult life. There were varied results with yo-yo effects, which eventually led to a max weight of 220 pounds. I had increasing problems with degenerative arthritis in both knees, back and neck surgery to correct degenerative changes in my spine, and was determined to stop the progression.

I joined a gym and tried working on the cardio machines. I was much too self-conscious and didn't venture into the weight and resistance machine area. I attended group classes, but not routinely. My weight went down to 194 pounds, but I was still out of condition.

My gym sponsored a "Biggest Loser Contest" and I participated. I tracked my food, exercised regularly, and lost weight. I got up the nerve to try boot camp classes that were beyond my abilities. I wasn't among the top performers, but I gained strength, stamina, and lost more weight.

Before /// 220 lbs
After /// 142 lbs
AGE 59 / HEIGHT 5'4" / BODY FAT 38%
AGE 63 / HEIGHT 5'4" / BODY FAT 14%
Post To Fitboard

The major turning point came when I started to work with a personal trainer twice per week. My trainer provided an exercise plan that increased in intensity as I progressed. I was given diet counseling and constant support and feedback. Exercise is now a part of my life I will not compromise.

I'm proof that anyone can transform no matter how much you weigh, how out of shape you are, or how old you are.

How I accomplished my goals

I utilized an electronic program that journals calorie intake and calories burned during exercise under the supervision of my trainer. I never considered quitting. I'm inspired by my trainer and my relationship with other people at the gym who share my enthusiasm about fitness training.

Supplements that helped me through the journey

With Meal 5

Diet plan that guided my transformation

Meal 1
Meal 2
Meal 3
Meal 4

Training regimen that kept me on track

Day 1: Total Body Class
    • Burpees Burpees Burpees
      3 minutes
    • Lunge Skips Lunge Skips Lunge Skips
      1 min (both legs)
    • Wall Squat Wall Squat Wall Sits w/ Leg Out
      1 min (both legs)
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Legs
Day 4: Smackdown Class
    • Burpees Burpees Burpees
      3 minutes
    • Up Downs Up Downs
      1 min
Circuit: 2 sets
Circuit: Repeat for 8 min
Circuit: Repeat for 5 min
Day 5: Cardio
Day 6: Upper Body/Abs/Cardio
Day 7: Cardio

What aspect challenged me the most

Maintaining my diet is my biggest challenge. I work hard at it every day with the knowledge I recently possessed.

My future fitness plans

Fitness is my guilty pleasure. I do it for myself. I have 10 more pounds that I'm determined to lose.

Suggestions for aspiring transformers

My advice to people who feel it's possible is to stop making excuses. It's possible for nearly everyone to improve their fitness level and lose weight.

How helped me reach my goals

I use the site for recipes and new protein products. The site is awesome to navigate and find exactly what I'm looking for. I tried the pumpkin bars several times and they made for a great holiday treat.

Ellie's Top 5 Gym Tracks

  1. "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor
  2. "Glad You Came" by The Wanted
  3. "Burn It To The Ground" by Nickelback
  4. "Devil Went Down To Georgia" by Steve Ouimette
  5. "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis