The Stronger U Member Spotlight: Lindley Gray

This week the Stronger U Member Spotlight is highlighting Lindley Gray, who worked with Coach Anthony Bainbridge. Congrats, Lindley!

What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)

Lindley Gray

Tell us a little about you in 5 sentences or less. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What are your hobbies? Anything unique about your life that you want to share?

I am fifty years old. I am married to an awesome guy, he also has been my photographer for my progress photos. I do not have children, just a crazy one-year-old Bengal cat named Miss Bella. I am a certified ophthalmic technician. and currently hold a position as surgical coordinator for a cataract surgeon, I help people see better to live better. In the summer I spend time boating on the ocean, reading books in the sun, and thanks to Stronger U running has become one of my favorite pastimes, and I have entered some 5k’s this spring.

What led you to join Stronger U?

I was tired of feeling unhealthy. I did not feel good, look good, and was very depressed. My physical fitness had bottomed out, because of my weight and not feeling motivated. With my 50th birthday on the horizon I knew I needed to make some changes for my own health. I discovered Stronger U from a friend I saw at a local gym and she looked awesome! Happy, healthy and fit, just what I wanted for my own life. I found out she was working with Stronger U, and well here I am happy, healthy, fit and fifty and feeling fabulous.

What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?

I have been on Weight Watchers, and the Abs diet. I was not able to maintain the weight loss and gained it all back and then some. I feel these programs do not provide the tools to maintain the weight loss.

It’s clear Stronger U worked for you. Why do you think Stronger U worked so well when other programs or diets may have not?

Stronger U is sustainable. You eat real food. Foods you enjoy, but just less. I have never felt deprived on this program. You are provided guidelines, processes, and tools by your coach to reach your goals, and to be able to maintain for a lifetime. Having a coach provides accountability, and also a resource to answer questions. You develop habits that will provide you a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime.

Can you give some insight into your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?

I ate fairly well Monday thru Thursday, and when Friday arrived the flood gates opened. Chips, salsa, pizza, breadsticks, multiple glasses of wine, ice cream. We would eat out 2-4 times on the weekend, and it was not macro friendly.

Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?

I eat a lot of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. My plate at all meals consists of carbs, protein, and fat. I do food prep on Sundays and plan my food for the week. I do not drink wine anymore, and I do not even miss it. We only eat out 2-3 times monthly unless we are traveling. When I do eat out I know how to navigate the menu and make healthy food choices. If I treat myself I plan for it.

If you exercise or train for a sport, what does a typical week look like? Did Stronger U have any impact on your decision to start exercising or training for a sport?

I work out 5-6 times weekly. I love it, it is ” me time”. I run 2-3 times weekly, weight train, 2-3 times weekly and take an indoor cycling class at a local Y. I have signed up for some local races the spring because my physical fitness has accelerated due to Stronger U providing the nutritional foundation, and confidence in myself that I can finish these races.

How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?

49.5 lbs

How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?

12 inches off my waist. 38 inches to 26 inches.

What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?

Came off my blood pressure medication
Quit drinking wine
Size 12 to size 2

Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.

Oh yeah. I have a ton of energy, I am confident, independent, feel amazing, look amazing. I believe in myself, and for the first time in years, I love myself.

Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?

Stick with it, yes it is a lot of work and feels overwhelming at first, but I promise you it will become second nature, and part of your daily to routine, by establishing new habits for your new healthy lifestyle. My Coach Anthony used to say to me: “Lindley follow the process and the results will come.” The results came and are truly amazing. I love my new lifestyle and the new Me.