Transforming at 57: How Dina Turned Frustration into Fitness & Lost 45 lbs

Introduction

At 57 years old, working full-time as a pharmacy assistant, Dina found herself in a familiar trap: long hours on her feet, low energy, and a body that kept getting heavier despite good intentions. After a year of personal training at a big-box gym and no visible results, she joined Fight Fitness. Six years later, she’s down 40–45 pounds, stronger, more confident, and thriving.

I had the honour of sitting down with Dina to dive into her transformation — the real talk behind the photos, the losses, the gains, the mindset, and the grit.

The Starting Point: “Nothing Was Working”

Before Fight Fitness, Dina spent a year at Good Life Fitness. She followed trainers, showed up, paid her dues — but felt stuck. Her motivation was low, the program generic, and the results? Non-existent. She described feeling “tired and unhappy with my appearance.”
That feeling of showing up and not seeing payoff is all too common — especially when you’re older, busy in a demanding job, and your body doesn’t have the same resilience it once did.

When she joined Fight Fitness, it wasn’t about a quick fix. It was about real change.

The Six-Year Journey: “Slow but Consistent”

Dina’s path wasn’t explosive. There were no overnight transformations. Instead, what she built was consistency.

• Over six years, she lost 40–45 pounds.

• She committed to semi-private training sessions with coach Sean, where the plan was personalized but the environment was communal.

• She didn’t skip the hard days. She showed up even “when tired.”

• Her job on her feet actually became easier — improved endurance and conditioning translated into better work performance.

The key? Recognising that transformation is often a marathon, not a sprint. Especially when you have other life demands.
This slow-and-steady model works because it respects longevity, sustainable habits, and the fact that life doesn’t pause while you’re getting fit.

Why Semi-Private Coaching Was a Game-Changer

Dina compared her old training to the new-method at Fight Fitness:

• At the big-box gym, she felt lost in the crowd, with generic programs.

• In the semi-private model, she got personalised plans, direct coaching, and the ability to modify technique — and she felt seen.

• The community aspect mattered: being alongside others, yet still receiving focus, accountability, and real coaching.

• Her coaches (Mark, Rachelle, Sean, Chris) provided both structure and support. She didn’t go at it alone.

For many people — especially those past their 40s or 50s — this hybrid model (smaller group, big-heart coaching) often delivers better results than solo gym efforts.

Mindset, Motivation & The Importance of Showing Up

One of the most useful take-aways from Dina’s story: It’s not always about “feeling like it.” It’s about being there.

“Showing up every day, even when tired” — that’s what Dina emphasised.

Her motivation wavered. She had underlying conditions (which she bravely discussed in the interview) that made progress slower. But she stuck with it. She prioritised attendance over perfection, progress over speed.

If you’re starting your own journey — especially later in life, or in a demanding job, or with other commitments — that mindset shift is powerful:
Consistency > speed.
Attendance > motivation.

Results & Ripple Effects

Beyond the 40-45 pound drop, what changed?

• Improved endurance and conditioning (both for gym work and life).

• Better work performance: being on her feet as a pharmacy assistant became easier thanks to the fitness gains.

• Increased confidence: feeling more capable, more courageous, and more proud.

• A sense of team and community: she didn’t feel like a number, she felt like part of something.

Her story underscores that fitness isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you live.

Final Thoughts

Dina’s journey is no glamorous explosion of change. It’s a quiet, steadfast move forward. For every person who has tried and been disappointed, who feels like “maybe it’s too late” or “maybe nothing works for me,” this is your message:
It’s not too late.
Something will work for you.
But you have to pick the right model, show up, and stay with it.

If you’re curious about semi-private training, coaching models, or want to hear more real stories like this — check out the video above, share it, and if you’re in the Markham area (or beyond), drop by Fight Fitness and see if this program might be the right fit for your life.

Thanks to Dina for sharing her story. Her journey is proof that transformation doesn’t require perfection — it requires presence, persistence, and the right people beside you.