Twelve People Who Lost 50+ Pounds Share Their Best Advice

Image: Athina Garza

With the warmer months upon us, some people are still taking steps to trim off weight that may have crept on over the winter. Summer activities like pool parties, boating, surfing and water skiing are good inspiration.

For those who are looking for weight loss tips, sometimes the best come from people who have recently fought or are still fighting the battle. 


Barb Sullivan Photography Via bsiznks.500px.com | BE Photography / Via bephotos.smugmug.com

For instance, Olivia Sullivan, shown in the photos above (before and after she lost 100 pounds in one year), got candid about cardio. Whereas many people start walking, power walking or jogging when they embark on a weight loss program, that type of exercise is not for everyone, particularly in the initial months.

“The biggest revelation I’ve had is that cardio sucks. Cardio REALLY sucks when you are 275 pounds; it makes you feel really bad about yourself. A friend introduced me to strength training and I fell in love with it. It was doable at my heaviest weight and I realized I was kind of strong. I would do cardio a few times a week but it was lifting that kept me coming back to the gym. Then in October, about halfway through the year, I found boxing. I had built up just enough endurance and strength that it was really fun.I box three days a week and strength train the other three … Cardio is much easier now at 175 pounds and I’m hoping to do my first 5K this summer!”

Hear more advice on weight loss from others who have recently lost fifty pounds or more here.

Twelve People Who Lost 50+ Pounds Share Their Best Advice