Total Woman Gym Trainer Provides Ongoing Inspiration to Be Happier and Healthier

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Lucie Leblanc
Town: Alameda, CA
Nominated by: Sallyanne Monti

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
Lucie Leblanc is a Personal Trainer at Total Woman Gym in Alameda. In January of 2013 at 51 years old, I weighed 207 pounds, suffered from severe sciatica down both legs and couldn't walk more than a half block without having to sit down.

To no avail, I tried everything to get well (physical therapy, accupuncture, chiropractic care and painkillers) except the obvious solution which was to lose the 90 pounds I had put on over the last 30 years.

Out of desperation and with immense fear, I joined Total Woman and shortly thereafter began training with Lucie LeBlanc. Through her example, Lucie taught me that a healthy lifestyle, daily exercise and nutrious foods was not only within my grasp, but was the key to reclaiming my life.

I was skeptical I could sustain a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, where pizza, giant hero sandwiches and pasta and potatoes once ruled; but Lucie won me over and the lifestyle I once knew is long gone, along with my dibilitating sciatica and the 90 extra pounds.

As I jog on the treadmill each day, warming up for my daily workouts, I think back to my early personal training sessions with Lucie, where walking across the gym seemed an impossible feat and the the thought of jogging on a treadmil an impossibility.

Like a child taking their first step, it was fear of failure that riveted me to the spot. But like that same child determined to live life the fullest, I looked into the stern and confident eyes of Lucie Leblanc my Trainer. Sweating and full of anxiety, I bent over to pick up the small 3-pound weight, my baby step to health. As I rose with the weight in my hand I was about to play that "this is hopeless tape" in my head again.

I was thinking about dropping the weight to the floor and running for my life, when I saw the stern look on Lucie's face (clearly telling me you can do it). As I continued to rise, our eyes met and Lucie mouth broke into a giant smile lighting up her entire face. It was infectious. As my pounding heart was smiling with hope I felt my face break into a giant grin as well; as our palms met in a giant clap. It was at that moment that I realized, Lucie had crossed the room to high five me to successful encouragement.

Like any person determined to change their life, it takes one defining moment to draw from when doing the heavy lifting seems impossible.

Lucie Leblanc is my inspiration to believe that what you fear most, is the very thing that will lead you to your biggest success.

Now 90 pounds lighter, as I live my healthy life, it's at those defining moments of fear we all have, typically followed by a moment where a choice must be made; that I imagine a stern yet encouraging Lucie Leblanc walking slowly towards me with her palm going up in the air for the high five that inspires me to never give up.

I can't help but break into a giant smile; and even though I know it's coming that imaginary clap startles my senses every single time. Just enough to take the baby step into my next success. 

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

As surely as the sun rises and sets on South Shore Center; everyday, rain or shine, starting at 5:30 a.m. Lucie Leblanc provides ongoing inspiration to women of all ages and sizes to believe in themselves and live happier, healthier lives. Through her mix of compassion and encouragement, she is a living example of inner strength.