Meet PTC success story Katie McConnell

One of the best things about working in the fitness industry? Seeing our clients make incredible transformations — hands down! Katie McConnell, 46, decided to get serious about her health a little less than a year and a half ago, and in that time, she’s lost more than 60 pounds. Here’s what she had to say about her fitness journey!

How did you first hear about PTC?
I got a nudge from Jimmy, a former PTC trainer who is my husband’s cousin. Jimmy happened to be helping my son train for baseball, and he reached out and asked if I’d be interested in personal training, as well. That was in November 2019.

What inspired you to schedule your first appointment?
I knew I needed to do something. I was one step away from a heart attack or diabetes, but until then, I just didn’t have the motivation. I was busy being a mom and working a high stress job, not wanting to take the time to care for myself. I had tried other forms of fitness, but I never committed to anything. It was always stop-start, stop-start, stop-start. When Jimmy reached out, I realized it was time. I just needed to do it.

I first started couples training with my husband, and I immediately fell in love with personal training. It was different than anything I’d done before. Initially, the workouts were tough! I was out of shape, and I was miserable. I started doing the Couch to 5K program on my own at home in addition to my scheduled personal training sessions. For the first time in my life, I was committed 100 percent! Working alongside my husband brought out my competitive nature. At first it was against him but I quickly found the competition was against myself. I finally wanted to be a better, stronger, healthier me!

What changes were you hoping to make in your life?
This journey has been about so much more than weight loss. My biggest goal was to get rid of my “mom stomach.” I also just wanted to feel better about myself in general. I wanted to be more active with my husband and my kids, and I wanted to get over the hump of not being able to lose weight and keep it off. I was done with the ups and downs after doing the yo-yo thing for the last 20 years.

What is your favorite thing about working with the PTC trainers?
I love being challenged. I love that my trainers push me, and I’m able to see what I can accomplish now that I’m stronger. Fran takes the time to create sessions that keep me moving and push me harder. My favorite phrase is, “Bring it!” My mindset has totally changed … I feel like I can accomplish anything. In fact, my husband and I even ran a half-marathon together last year!

How has your life improved since you began your journey?
I feel 10-15 years younger. I’ve never felt as good as I feel now, physically, emotionally, and mentally. This is the first time I feel as good on the outside as I do on the inside. Since I started, I’ve lost 62 pounds and 57 inches. I’ve gone from a size 18 to a size 4 in clothing. I’ve never been this small my entire life! At times I look in the mirror and still don’t recognize myself! I don’t make excuses anymore. I put myself first and make sure I put the work in daily — exercise as well as what I put in my body. Being on this journey with my husband has been so good for our marriage.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about taking the leap?
Personal training really helped me develop the mindset and discipline I needed for my journey. The trainers at PTC do a great job of training people and providing accountability. I know they are invested in me as much as I am invested in their training. This has really helped me accomplish my goals. My training days are my absolute favorite days of the week! If I can do this, anyone can!