By: Julie Marquette, AHC Member
February 23rd was a very special day for me. I competed at the USA Virginia Novice Open, my 3rd official powerlifting competition. My squat was 120lbs, bench: 77lbs and deadlift 155lbs. It is exactly two years ago that I began my journey to better health and fitness. I’ve now lost close to 80lbs. Two years ago my wonderful big sis, Linda Zall Zeichner encouraged me to go to the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. The month that I spent there gave me the basic tools on how to live a healthier life. At The Aspen Hill Club, I randomly chose a trainer, John Kecman and it turned out to be the best choice I could have ever made. John has helped me to change my life in ways that I never could have imagined. In two years I’ve gone from being out of breath going up a flight of steps to being a competitive powerlifter. I no longer care about how small my body is but how strong it is. At age 62, for the first time in my life I feel in control of my body rather than my body being incontrol of me. I’d like to thank my family, friends and especially Coach John Kecman for all their support in the past two years. I couldn’t have done it without you!
