Mom's grit defeats baby fat

By Marjie Gilliam

In my profession I am in touch with many people who have shared inspirational stories of meeting their fitness goals. One example is Sonya Hill, a 31-year-old single mother of three children, ages 5, 3 and 1.

Hill works out regularly at the Downtown Dayton YMCA and was introduced to me by Burnette Clingman, who also works out there. Burnette met Hill a year ago, several months after she had her last child. Says Clingman, "I was drawn to Sonya because of her continued level of commitment to her aerobic workouts. When we first met, she was overweight, holding down a job and attending Wright State University. Despite her full load and being a single mother, her commitment to her exercise program never wavered, even during the winter months."

Hill agreed to share her story.

"After I gave birth to my third child, I weighed approximately 190 pounds, the heaviest that I had ever been. Initially, it did not bother me because I told myself it was just baby fat. Three months later, however, I was still wearing maternity clothes. My eating habits were getting worse, and I did not have the energy to care for myself or my children. As a result, I began to despise the way I looked and felt about myself. I became more moody and irritable, and did not even like leaving the house because I was afraid of what people would say about me.

Getting started

"I repeatedly thought to myself, 'What can I do to lose this weight?' 'How am I going to find time to exercise?' 'Who will watch the children while I work out?' 'Should I go to the gym or work out at home?'

"I finally decided to do something about my situation, taking one day at a time. For the first month, I started walking around the neighborhood or at a park for an hour, at least four times a week, with my children in strollers. Immediately, I felt more energized and noticed that I slept better at night.

I knew that the YMCA had a child-care department and scholarship program for those who could not afford to pay the regular membership fee, so I decided to apply. Luckily, I was approved for the scholarship, and I joined the Downtown YMCA. My membership could be used at any YMCA, so I began exercising at the Dayton-Liberty Road location because it was closer to my residence."

Losing 33 pounds

"At the time I became a member I weighed approximately 170 pounds. The first week was really difficult. I struggled in the aerobics classes, and some of the people at the gym who I recognized did not recognize me because I had gained so much weight. Despite difficulties, I did not let my determination falter, because I knew what I wanted for myself and I knew what I had to do to get there without rationalizing or making excuses.

"When I started exercising, I set my goal weight at 140 pounds, which I have actually surpassed, currently weighing 137 pounds. I now do a variety of exercises like step aerobics, double step, pilates, walking, jogging and weight lifting. I exercise four to five times a week for an hour while my children are in the child-care room or involved in other activities like basketball at the YMCA.

"I have changed my diet significantly, limiting junk foods and making much healthier choices. I also drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. I don't like to eat after I exercise, but if I am really hungry, I try to eat a smaller, healthy meal, like a salad or a bowl of soup."

The rewards

What motivates Hill to continue her workouts?

"I have developed a love of exercising. It is a great stress reliever for me. It makes me feel good about myself. I have far more energy, strength and endurance, and I am able to enjoy some personal time for myself. But best of all, I have made some wonderful and supportive new friends, like Burnette, and can see that, along with everyone else, hard work, determination and dedication do pay off."

Clingman, who hosts her own talk show, Rise, on Lite 99.9, recently surprised Hill by asking her to be a guest to discuss her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. "I was so excited," Hill says. "I hope that in sharing my story, my experience has inspired others."