December 2017

Lacy Payne found working out at the gym boring – and it didn’t produce results. Then she tried CrossFit. When a friend started a CrossFit gym, Lacy decided to give it a try. It was tough at first, but now she goes six days a week and says it’s “fun.” Along the way, she started eating healthier, focusing on fruits, vegetables and lean meats, and lost 45 pounds. But it’s not just about losing weight. She wants to be healthy and strong. Next up: A CrossFit competition.

What prompted you to get in shape?

I was just tired of being overweight! I got married last year, and while we were dating we went out to dinner a lot. I got to the point I couldn’t tie my shoes.

What did you try first?

My husband got me going to the gym. But I was intimidated and didn’t know what I was doing. I lost weight, but I wasn’t strong and didn’t lose inches. And it was boring!

When that didn’t work out, what did you do?

One of my childhood friends started a CrossFit gym. He told me to give it a try because it’s more individualized.

Was it hard at first?

When I started, I was actually scared. Now, I laugh at myself when I see how weak I was.

What kind of exercises do you do?

Sessions are 45 minutes and different every time. They may include cardio, weights, a warmup, running, weight lifting, squats and conditioning.

How often do you go to the gym?

I go six days a week, Monday through Saturday. CrossFit can be hard on your body, so sometimes I take rest days. I usually go after work at 5.

What do you like about it?

We’re like a team – about 10 men and women of all levels. We encourage each other and the trainer encourages us too.

Are you on a special diet?

It’s really more of a lifestyle of making healthy choices. I eat meat and make sure to get enough protein, and I eat a lot of vegetables and fiber. But I avoid wheat. Sometimes I allow myself cheat days.

What food do you dream about?

I miss fried or baked potatoes the most. I sometimes have a baked potato, but without all the extra stuff.

What is a typical day diet-wise?

I meal prep with portion containers on Sunday. Breakfast is usually eggs and sausage. Lunch might be salad with fish or chicken. Dinner is a salad. Some weeks I make protein smoothies for breakfast and lunch with things like kale or spinach, mango, celery and carrots. On cheat days, I go to Luby’s for eggs, sausage and hash browns.

Do you ever get tired of going to the gym?

I like to go because it’s fun, but sometimes I have to push myself. I just think about how much healthier I am and how good I want to look. If I’m feeling weak or I’ve had a bad day, I go to gym and kill the workout. Then I feel better.

What positive changes have you seen?

When I started, I weighed 178 lbs, now I weigh 135. I’m stronger, healthier and more toned – and my husband thinks I look great!

What’s next?

I want to lose about 10 more pounds, and I want to be healthy and toned. I’d like to challenge myself by entering a CrossFit competition.

Do you have any fitness advice?

Keep going. Don’t give up!