Sole Stories: Tia Pettygrue
Everyone has a story. For some it’s a story of wanting something more, for others it’s a story full of tears, heart and determination. Our series “Sole Stories” will give you a glimpse into what drives women to change their lives and their “soles.” Ashley and I recently met Tia via our Facebook fan page after she posted a “before” and “after” photo of herself. After seeing her transformation, we had to know more about her and her weight loss.
After seeing your picture, I have to ask how much weight did you lose? How long have you kept it off?
I lost a total of 45 lbs, went from size 14 to size 2. I’m 5’3″ and size 2 is the perfect size for my small frame. I started my journey in Dec. 2008 when I was size 14 and got to size 4 in September 2009 and was happy with my size, then decided to do a figure competition, which focused on building lean muscle and took my body fat from 29% in March 2010 to 12% by July 2010, so through that process I went to a size 2. I plan to keep my body fat around 16%.
What motivated you to lose the weight?
I had maintained a size 10/12 for the past few years, but getting to size 14 was something I vowed I’d never do. Then at a Girlfriend’s Clothing Swap party in 10/08 I got a pair of jeans that fit SO perfectly, and THEN I looked at the size – yes, 14!!! OMG I thought!
Tia's 2008 Cruise
But my “Aha!” moment came the first week of December 2008 when my husband and I were on a cruise. I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in over 2 years and she said she barely recognized me because I’d gained so much weight (picture attached of me and her). At that moment I decided to change my lifestyle. I didn’t wait to get home from the cruise, but right then I started eating better and exercised every day on the cruise. When I got home, I signed up for a 15k and started tracking my food. And there it began…
How do you stay motivated to keep the weight off?
I love how I feel, I have more energy and while I’ve always been a very confident person, I have a different kind of confidence now. I love being so active and I now enjoy healthy eating with an occasional splurge. And while my husband of almost 20 years has always made me feel beautiful and sexy, he loves the fact that I have muscles and thinks that is so sexy. I also enjoy being an example to others and this is such a motivation to me to continue my healthy lifestyle. I want to help as many as possible to see they can do it too.
What is your exercise regime?
I do cardio 5-6 days a week, mainly running and I lift weights 4-5 days a week as well.
Besides running, what are your other go-to exercises?
Weight lifting, bootcamps and kickboxing classes.
Are there any foods that you just can’t resist?
Potato chips and red wine, and instead of depriving myself of them altogether, I consider them as a weekly treat for keeping my schedule.
Do you have any words of encouragement for other women who are embracing fitness and a healthy lifestyle?
Yes, throw the word “diet” out of the window and focus on making small changes at a time, such as starting to eat breakfast every day, reducing sodas or finding exercises you enjoy. I didn’t focus on losing weight as quickly as possible, but doing it steadily. I’ve used www.sparkpeople.com since Jan. 2009 to track my food and this is such a great way to help! I learned that your eating is 80% of losing weight.
My saying is “Don’t lose weight fast, lose it FOREVER.” No matter where someone is, they can do it with time and consistency!
Congratulations and keep up your hard work!! I love your saying it is so true.
What an amazing story! I love hearing about personal transformations, and it always seems like the bottom line is that the person who underwent the transformation, whether it be physical/spiritual/mental decided in their “aha moment” as described in this story, to begin NOW, not after the New Year, not after the next birthday party or wedding, not after the birth of their 3rd child…but right now. Thank you so much for posting this, it’s such an empowering post!
What an inspirational story! Congrats on your success!
Thank you.. This re motivated me to continue my weightloss journey.. She looks great..
Whoa. How great.
And I’m blown away to see THAT body on someone who has to be at least around 40 years old.
Wowzaa!! What an amazing transformation in every way!
I must agree with you inspiring others continues to be a motivation factor. Keep on inspiring!
WOW! I am absolutely blown away by Tia’s transformation. I am hitting the gym TOMORROW. I am so inspired by reading her story and seeing the pictures. Thank you BGR for posting this today.
An amazing inspiration…not just for those of us trying to lose weight and become more fit but those who are just stuck in a rut.
I can relate to Tia’s story as my own “coming to Jesus” moment came when I went from a size 12 to 14 earlier this year. Everyday I fight with myself to stay on track and stay motivated to eat right and get in exercise. It HAS to be a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix. Tia’s story definitely gives me the motivation to keep on keeping on!
Thanks for sharing.
I love the “Don’t lose weight fast, lose weight forever.” Thank you for sharing your story!
Super inspiring! Great feature. Her pictures are drastic – she looks awesome! Congrats to her and thanks to BGR.
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
CONGRATS on your success! I love your saying at the end. You’ve inspired me to get back on the workout wagon.
I love this story. I think she is an awesome lady. This was truly an inspirational article.
Congrats! Seems so small a word for the victory you have earned/achieved. So inspirational
You are fit and fab! Congrats!
I, too said I’d never go past a certain size (size 10). And I also hear similar comments like ‘I didn’t recognize you. You used to be so small.” The words cut, but also challenged me to reverse the over 35 yr old weight gain that happens to some of us, just because. I’m currently 45 yrs young.
Your story encourages me that I can get back to my ideal size 6 and 8. I’m currently a healthy 12, but I know I can do better.
Thanks for the tips!
Individuals designed for greatness will be tested and have to overcome obstacles in contrast to people that are meant for mediocrity will have it easy
What an inspiring story! Thanks for sharing:)
You look Fabulous! Congrats!
Very inspirational!!
Tia – you look fantastic – beyond fantastic !!!
Kudos Beautiful!!! You inspire me.
Holy crap, what a transformation! Gorgeous! Congrats- the hard work paid off.
I love this story! She looks awesome she is now my new inspiration! What I like is that she made it a life style and the last thing she says about not losing weight fast but forever is priceless! Thank you! Thank you!
This is such an inspirational story. CONGRATULATIONS!!! & thank you. Now I know It’ can be done