Lesley Young/Special to The Commercial Appeal

"I have never felt better," says Rachele Johnson, who signed up with a personal trainer last fall. "I am just elated."

Once Rachele Johnson decided to lose some weight, she progressed from walking with a friend a few times a week to working out sometimes twice a day.

"My friend recommended a trainer for me, and it ended up being an excellent decision," said Johnson, 56.

She signed up last fall with Yvette Smith, and over the course of six months, she has lost more than 60 pounds.

"My weight loss has averaged 10 pounds a month consistently," said Johnson, who lives in Cordova.

Smith first gave Johnson a "calorie budget," based on her weight and age, and Johnson gradually adapted her eating habits to include more fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

"I ate very poorly," she said. "I ate lots of sweets, lots of breads, drank wine regularly, and all the foods that are not good for you."

In the beginning of her workout journey, Johnson met with Smith three days a week for strength training and some cardio exercise.

Once she had mastered that routine, Smith changed it up for her.

Continued here:
Success Story: Rachele Johnson