Interview With Dana Hamilton

Transformation of the Month - November 2010





Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'


Dana Hamilton worked full-time and went to college at night for 13 years trying to better herself but, all the time, it was taking a toll on her health and her body. When she finished her second degree, she went in for a check-up, as she was not feeling well.

“The doctor reported high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. I was shocked, as I worked so hard to make sure my children were healthy and active. The cost of medications and pricking my finger everyday was more than I could bare”, states Hamilton.

So, she decided to do something about her poor health and excess weight. She went from close to 200 pounds with 34% body fat to 14% body fat. At 52 years old, Hamilton is not just a mother but, now she’s a grandmother.

"...It took about two years to reach a point where I was satisfied with my weight lose. Now, health and fitness are my lifestyle and that is for a lifetime. I am no longer diabetic, my cholesterol is great with no medication, and I am on less high blood pressure medication; so I am happy with my medical progress, as well."

WP: Congratulations on winning our ‘Transformation of the Month’. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

It is nice to get some recognition for years of hard work and dedication to a healthy lifestyle and to be able to share with others that serious health issues can be overcome with knowledge and applying it to your own life.

WP: Did you decide to go with a personal trainer, self knowledge, or a gym?

I joined a gym and started working out. My oldest son showed me his lifting routine and I began to study on my own. I attended nutrition classes at the hospital to learn how to eat properly as a diabetic. I found that I loved working out and the pounds started dropping off. I got so excited about my transformation that I sought out a personal training certification and became certified and started helping other people to reach their goals.

WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?

I met other trainers and started working out them. I was open to working out with as many different knowledgeable people as possible, as everyone can teach you something; even if it’s what not to do.

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?

Feeling terrible at close to 200 pounds and being unhealthy and the expense of medications to cover up real health issues, instead of correcting them was what made me decide.

WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?

It was challenging to take the time for myself after putting others ahead of myself for so many years. Doing the low carb and high protein diet and still cooking for a family was the biggest challenge.

WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time? If so, which ones did you take?

I started with a good multi-vitamin and added additional supplements along the way, like fish oil, Ester C, and flax oil. Now, I take BCAA’s and Whey and Casein proteins.

WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you.

I have done many different routines over the years, with the main focus on burning calories, increasing muscle strength and bone density. Had my bone density checked and at 51 had the bones of a teenager.

WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?

Wow, so many, such as feeling great and looking better than I have for many years. I have made many good friends in the gym and we all share our knowledge and help each other get better. Not to mention that after a divorce, my dating life has greatly improved, with my improved self-esteem, appearance and positive attitude.

WP: Do you believe that people can ‘spot reduce’?

Not really. You can reduce overall body fat with proper nutrition and cardio. You can also train certain muscle groups more heavily or intensely than others.

WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a ‘stand still’ in your progress? If so, did you do differently to overcome the ‘stand still’?

Oh yes, several times and it was very frustrating. I talked with different trainers for their recommendations. Eliminated wine on the weekends, cut back on fruit, upped cardio intensity, continued to shock the body by mixing up and changing workouts to push past the plateaus.

WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?

It took about two years to reach a point where I was satisfied with my weight lose. Now, health and fitness are my lifestyle and that is for a lifetime. I am no longer diabetic, my cholesterol is great with no medication, and I am on less high blood pressure medication; so I am happy with my medical progress, as well.

WP: Can you give me an example of your current workout?

I try to mix it up monthly or every six weeks; going from lower reps (8-12) and heavier weight, to higher reps (12-20) and lighter weight, to continue to shock my body. I like to rotate different cardio machines to, also, work many different leg muscles and keep it more interesting. I work 1-2 body parts per day, plus abs most days, and cardio for a total workout time of 1 ½ - 2 hours per day.

WP: Can you break down your daily diet into a sample diet for us?

Breakfast - 4 eggs whites, with a whole wheat bagel thin and sugar free jelly, sometimes with a piece of fresh fruit and coffee.

Morning snack - Apple with reduced fat peanut butter or Greek yogurt.

Lunch - Spinach, tomatoes, and various veggies, with low fat protein, tuna or chicken; sometimes fruit.

Afternoon snack - Some almonds and BCAA’s on the way to the gym.

Post workout - BCAA’s and Ester C to bring cortisol levels back down, and Whey Protein.

Dinner - Chicken, salmon, or turkey; with cooked asparagus, broccoli, sweet potato, or salad.

Bedtime - Casein Protein; if I am starving, I will have a few nuts or celery sticks, and fat-free ranch dressing

WP: What have you accomplished since your transformation?

I have completed a 5K, become certified as a life guard, and trained with two winning figure and fitness competitors which helped push them through many low carb workouts to prepare for competition.

WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?

YOU CAN DO THIS! Do whatever it takes to find the time, find the help, find a gym, and find a trainer and the support you need. This is your life, live it as healthy as possible. YOU will be a much better wife, mother, sister, daughter, employer or employee when you feel good, and look good.

I even go into work early and do not take a lunch hour. Going out to lunch will kill any plan I have so, I can spend however long I want at the gym.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

I was blessed with good legs; thanks mom. However, having 4 babies and 3 hernia surgeries have made the mid-section a continuous project and one I work hard at improving.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

Sometimes boredom sets in and that’s when I mix it up again, or head outside to the greenway to walk, or bike for my cardio. I also swim in the summer time for the cardio part of my workout. Water aerobics is also awesome for low impact and burning calories.

WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?

I had to rest my shoulders on occasions because of arthritis and bursitis. I had to stop doing hanging leg raises and now use straps to take pressure off of my shoulders. I had to have foot surgery to remove a bone spur which slowed me down for about 6 months. The challenge is to figure out what I can still do such as seated lifting and biking, instead of load bearing lifting/standing and walking really hurt my foot because of continual bending. Learning how to work around minor set-backs are important; never give up completely.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

Meeting people who share the fitness lifestyle and planning fun things to do together, like walking at the park or running bleachers at the high school is what keeps fitness interesting to me. I also plan for have a very full and adventurous second half of my life and good health makes that possible.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

I was the 1998 Regional BMX Champion. I wish I would have known all that I know now, as I could have done better, and gone farther in that sport. I got into it as all my boys were racing and I got tired of just being a spectator. I did break my arm that year, after flipping my bike over a double jump. I won that title and finished the year with my arm in a cast.

WP:How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?

I think I have always been determined; it’s just a matter of focusing on the right things and investing your time into your health and fitness. I feel like I am in the best shape of my life at 52.

WP: Any shout outs?

I’d like to make a shout out to Natalie Zapata, Charlotte Cup Overall Figure Champion, whom is a great friend, motivator and work-out partner.

Joe Godwin, owner of Healthnutz, for sharing all his nutrition and supplement expertise.

Bruce Simmons for sharing his supplement knowledge and helping me get it right.

WP: What were you like in high school?

I was into gymnastics and horseback riding.

WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

In my fridge and cabinets, you will find 99% healthy stuff such as chicken, fresh fruits, veggies, almond milk, eggs, low fat dressings, light salt, and low fat popcorn. Buying junk means you will eventually eat junk; so don’t buy it. Wine is my cheat but, only one night a week.

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

You will find a TRX hanging on my door, an exercise ball, free weights, bands, exercise videos, and ankle weights for water aerobics.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I like to read and learn new things such as anti-aging, nutrition, spiritual, weight lifting, medical and anything that improve quality of life.

WP: Where are you going from here after accomplishing so much?

I will always be working on improving my physique as long as I am able. I continue to support my friends that are body building and figure competitors and help as many people as possible reach their fitness goals.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

After gym time, I take the time to take a hot bath every night and usually chat with friends on facebook, talk on the phone, or read.

WP: If I allowed you one company to recommend to people, what company would you recommend?

Fitness Anywhere, TRX, is a phenomenal piece of training equipment. People that try it are floored at how hard it really is and how great of a workout you get. Drew Brees trains on one, as do many professional athletes. It’s the best ab workout.

WP: Tell me about your family. In addition, tell me if you are married, single, dating around, etc.

I am currently single and divorced, and loving meeting new people, and traveling. I have 4 grown children and two granddaughters.

WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?

Just look at the before and after pictures; I think they speak for themselves! I love my life now.

WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

Again, getting some recognition without having to compete on a stage is great. I have been encouraged by looking at past Transformations of the Month.

WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our ‘Transformation of the Month’. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.