When we chose Alberta to be our very first participant for the Leslie Jean Scholarship, we immediately knew we had someone special. In reading her application, I felt an immediate connection with her and the relationship she had with her daughter. It reminded me of mom and me. So when Berta came to Finally Fit she quickly became part of our fitfam. Over the course of 16 weeks, Berta dedicated herself to her new program without fail. She stuck to her nutrition program and lost over 9 pounds of fat mass and dropped 4% body fat! Numbers aren’t the reason why she was chosen, in fact, she was already chosen before taking her most recent assessments. Berta was chosen because she did not let anything get in her way. Her strong, tenacious approach is something to be admired and getting to know her was an honor.

Berta says “Before Finally Fit I enjoyed working out, but had many physical challenges. Finally Fit helped me to accommodate my challenges and feel fulfilled in my efforts to achieve a great work out. It has been empowering to experience adaptation to my needs!  My Nutrition was clean, but I think I still was eating too many carbohydrates; my health was in a state of repair due to a really stressful 2 year divorce. Every number that could be off -was, and after 3 months of Finally Fit diet and exercise, not one number was out of range.  My activity level prior to Finally Fit was dependent on my ability to push through chronic pain. I have had some issues here and there, but for the most part have been able to push through in adaptation due to specialized attention to my body and its needs. I am very grateful for that approach. My diet was pretty clean before, but now it's more balanced with protein and portion appropriate; my activity level has increased 100% due to Rebecca's care to details about my individual needs in order to have a challenging, fun work-out. My health improved in combination of diet and consistent exercise, and I had amazing lab work this annual exam.

My goals beforehand included finding a medium to achieve a level of fitness in spite of certain physical limitations.  Watching my girl graduate and celebrating the milestone with her; forcing myself to take a baby step in the direction of living my life as a single person (not just a single mother).  Now, life is good. Life is filled with celebrations -- from the simple (not vomiting after an amazing workout) to the complex -- celebrating ever-growing commitment and awareness to oneself. I see myself continuing to improve my level of fitness and I hope to one day soon be able to reflect on the OUTside the level of fitness that I have achieved on the inside. To continue to strive and be aware of my own needs, and to learn to value myself enough to not feel guilty for nurturing my goals.  Allowing myself to reach those goals, enjoy the journey, and CELEBRATE all the milestones along the way.”

Thank you Berta for being our first recipient for the Leslie Jean Scholarship and for making an IMPACT on my life as well.