Tough Mudder Competition Motivates Stacie to Drop Pounds

A TriHealth team member since 2005 (Bethesda North Radiology since 2007) and a TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion member for two years, Stacie Cox was inspired to join by a friend who wanted her to participate with them in the "Tough Mudder" event. "I figured if I was going to do the Mudder I had to get in shape," she says. Another challenge to which Stacie rose in her determination to get fit was "I also quit smoking, I am two years smoke free!" she proudly states.

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Stacie's Breaking Point: She Felt Tired 24-7

Stacie admits that prior to joining, "I had not been feeling ‘well’ for some time," and had been "feeling tired all the time and in pain." Thyroid issues had been negatively impacting her health and she was ready to take control of her overall health and wellness. Before the Pavilion, "I tried a couple gyms, but I never went back," and was very drawn to the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere of the Pavilion.

Since joining, Stacie has met several goals for herself, including running a 5K. Since January 2013 alone she has realized a 30 pound weight loss and is so happy to spend the summer in clothes she had not been able to wear for awhile, "I can fit into my shorts!" she says (with a big smile.)

Stacie Takes on a New Job: Working Out

With a job in the healthcare industry her work is stressful and the hours are not the standard 9-to-5, but she places workouts at the top of her priority list, stating "I work 40 hours in three days and then THIS (working out at the Pavilion) is my job the other four days!" She finds it most helpful to stick to a routine, while throwing in new things now and then to keep things fresh. "I run Monday, Wednesday and Friday – both on the indoor track and outside – spin Tuesday and Thursday, do TRX class on Thursdays and Abs class Tuesdays," she says, describing a fitness plan which includes a lot of cardio. Her next mission is to look at adding resistance training to her routine and adding new classes, such as a Kettlebell workout.

A healthier diet has helped her reach her goals, "I focus on a whole food, plant-based diet," she explains, "have increased my veggie intake and reduced the amount of animal products I consume." She is an active seeker of wellness knowledge, "I am a perpetual learner," she says, "I try very hard to educate myself" on fitness, exercise and diet.

Stacie’s future goals include running a 10K, continued weight loss, and maintaining the vibrant, upbeat personality which obviously has played such a big part in her fitness success!