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Message from the Director:

“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving… and that’s yourself.” Aldous Huxley

“Love yourself first, and then everything else falls into line.” Lucille Ball

Picture of Dyan Quesada
I often think back when I was in high school and college and participating in ballet and competitive aerobics. The pressure of staying thin was nerve-wracking and distressing. When I performed, I always knew eyes were not only on your skill, but also on your physique. I pushed it to the limit back then- over-exercising, lifting heavy weights, fad diets, or just not eating at all. And, the more weight I dropped, I never seemed to be satisfied.

This poor self image changed when I finished getting my Masters. At 22, I realized that I would never be 5’9” and have the legs of a Rockette. I accepted what God gave me- a short, muscular physique. From that point on, I truly appreciated myself, and began working in a different direction. I modified my goals; instead of trying to be a supermodel, I just worked on feeling good. I did moderate cardio exercise 5 times per week for 30 minutes–1 hour, versus 2 hours on a Stairmaster. Instead of getting in a rut of lifting heavy weights daily, I lifted weights twice per week at challenging, but comfortable resistances. I added physical activities I truly enjoyed doing: yoga, Pilates, tennis, walking. I did these activities because I wanted to, because they felt good.

On days I did not feel well, I either skipped the workout, or just didn’t do as much. I finally listened to my body, instead of Cosmopolitan magazine.

My eating habits changed. I ate 3 healthy meals and snacks. I would allow some fat into my diet, instead of scrutinizing the nutritional content of everything that was placed on my plate. I even have occasional sweets without guilt.

I noticed if clothes were fitting tighter, instead of weighing myself 5 times a day. A tight pair of jeans was my notification to decrease the sweets.

The outcome of this paradigm shift... I feel better than I ever have. I weigh the same as I did in high school, but actually look leaner. I feel energetic because I eat good foods on a regular basis, and perform moderate exercise consisting of activities I truly enjoy doing. Even though it can be disconcerting to see overly thin women plastered everywhere in the media, I’ve learned to ignore them. And, I now look in the mirror and am pleased with who I am.

Dyan Quesada, MPT, ATC

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