10 to 20
That’s the number of times I would make myself sick on a daily basis and how many cigarettes I would smoke
8 possibly 10
That’s the number of different sleeping tablets and anti-depressants I was prescribed.
3 maybe 4
That’s the number of large glasses of wine I would consume each evening.
Yup….at my worst, these sadly were my daily statistics.
So HOW did someone living this life end up becoming an Elite Personal Trainer and fitness entrepreneur??
One word – FITNESS!!
Here’s my story and how it can help YOU….
I began making myself sick around age 13.
Strangely enough this had nothing to do with weight issues and more about being in control.
Over the years bulimia became my secret ‘best friend’ although that so called ‘best friend’ melted away my 4 front teeth, stole my teenage years and my 20’s, cost me thousands of pounds and eventually took me to the point where I actually thought my body and heart were going to suddenly stop working.
I’ve been super skinny and also heavily overweight.
From age 13 to 29 I very rarely kept down a meal from birthdays to Christmas’ to simple Sunday family meals, it became an obsession and food was my life.
It wasn’t just meal times, I’d go to the shop and binge on enough food to feed a small family then throw it all up for no other reason than addiction, habit and control.
I could eat next to nothing yet still make myself, I didn’t even have to put my fingers down my throat.
I was a ‘bulimic professional’ and living down south, away from Aberdeen I managed to hide this secret life from pretty much everyone.
Despite the sickness, depression and unhealthy relationship with alcohol, I was always active, from gaining my black belt in Karate, being a Watersports Instructor in the South of France to an Adventurous Activity Residential Care Worker in England but from School, to University, to jobs my ‘best friend’ was always there.
By chance at age 29, something forced me to have a serious think about my career.
I’ve always worked with people, I’ve always been some kind of teacher and I’ve always enjoyed helping others.
But what did I really want to do?
It was at this point I discovered Personal Training, found fitness and turned my life around.
I went to Glasgow for my 6 Week Intensive Personal Training Course with The Training Room and have never looked back.
Fresh from training…
I launched my business, Lee Donald Personal Training and began training my first client from my mum’s living room with just one kettlebell to my name.
4 years down the line I’ve built my very own fitness log cabin on the property of my new house, fully equipped with everything I need.
I’m at my full client capacity for Personal Training with a waiting list.
I’ve created 3 successful, unique and exclusive women only fitness classes which are all part of The BodyMax Network.
I won the Scoot Headline Business Award in 2014, Female Role Model of The Year in 2015, had the pleasure to be part of numerous charity and fund raising events, become a columnist in The Gazette, BEAT Eating Disorder Media Volunteer and am about to launch my online business.
I also have 5 Tough Mudders under my belt (probably the toughest event on the planet).
Most importantly, I’ve been on a journey and help motivate and inspire others to make them realise they can do ANYTHING they want if they set their mind to it.
Physically, mentally, emotionally, nutritionally – I’ve NEVER felt better, stronger and more in control.
Sure I went through some really tough times but I wouldn’t change that for the world as I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t.
Having walked in many of my clients shoes, it allows me to understand where they’re coming from so I know how to help them get where they want to be.
Moral of the Story:
THEEE only person who can ever make you happy is YOU!!
YOU have to want to change MORE than you want to stay the same.
YOU have to believe there’s no limit to what you can DO, can CHANGE, can BECOME.
Here’s some other things I’ve learned along the way:
- There’s NO quick fix.
- It’s ok not to feel ok.
- We all have to start somewhere.
- You can’t control everything in life.
- There’s ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel.
- Helping others releases and amazing feeling inside.
- Mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Sometimes we go backwards before moving forwards.
- Never underestimate the power of a support network.
- Listen to your body – if it needs something, it will tell you.
- There’s no better substitute for feeling good about yourself and sleeping like a baby than a healthy diet and regular exercise.
It’s been a LONG road to recovery and something I still, to this day keep chipping away at but every day of trying and not giving up has definitely paid off.
If I can do it, YOU can do it!
If you’re experiencing issues with eating, smoking, drinking or simply aren’t happy with how your life is just remember…
YOU are the person in the driving seat and YOU have the power to make change happen.
Lee ‘living and loving life’ Donald
