“If you are persistent, you will get it. If you are consistent, you will keep it.”

We couldn’t think of of a more perfect quote to describe Doni and her commitment to herself and her health and fitness journey. Doni shows up daily for herself and others, and is extremely dedicated, persistent, and routined, so we just had to interview her to learn more about how she motivates herself and how she stays motivated when she feels herself slipping into a funk or “falling off the wagon”. Here, Doni shares with us her ups, downs, and how she gets back on track. 

As you can see - Doni is fit and fabulous into her 60’s - but it wasn’t always this way.

“People seem to judge us for the way we look now, but they don’t know what we’ve been through.”

I once had someone say to me “easy for you and your skinny legs”, but they had no idea that for much of my life I was 50+ pounds heavier. Which is one of the reasons I stay so consistent - because I don’t want to go back to that place. 

What is “that place” exactly? 

Growing up, I had always been the chubby girl. I could be found hiding in the back row during Phys. Ed. and later in life in fitness classes which I was brave enough to try and realize that I loved. I loved the people and connection, friendship, and support, yet nothing really seemed to change in my appearance until I changed my nutrition.  I was still the chubby girl inside and out, and even though I have lost over 50 pounds and kept it off, that girl is still in me. It’s a battle to keep the weight off, but it’s also what keeps me going. I know how good I feel, and I can’t imagine feeling like I used to.

Tell us about your journey from then until now.

Estevan is really fortunate to have and to have had some amazing fitness instructors and options. There really is something for everyone, at any stage in their life. I started with jazzercise in University and then worked out with Audrey Shauf, I was one of Gunvor’s girls - and we stuck together even when she stopped teaching. It was the community that really helped me stay consistent. No matter what stage of life you were in, we could all connect and support each other. That’s why I love group fitness - the people become some of your closest friends, especially as your kids grow older and you lose much of the social aspect of running with them and their activities. Fitness has brought me friendship.

It wasn’t until Doni learned more about nutrition that her body really started to change and transform. 10 years ago, Shelley Yakimchuk talked Doni into watching what she was putting in her mouth, which made all the difference for her.

I was a sugar addict for years. I loved bread, muffins, and pasta, but I’ve learned that what I put in my mouth affects my body and the way I feel. Now, I follow the 80/20 rule - I eat well 80% of the time, and 20% of the time I allow myself to be less disciplined and just enjoy life, which is what I do on vacations and holidays. But I also now notice how my body feels when I start to slip back into my old habits. When I start to find myself ‘falling off the wagon’ I remind myself of how terrible I feel, and I challenge myself. I might eliminate wine, or sugar for a while to remind myself that I can, and I make sure that I am meal prepping on Sundays to prepare for the week. I’ve done the nutrition program at Encompass too when I need a little reset or motivation.

Doni is also an amazing support for others.

It hurts me to see others struggling with their weight or their journey because I know what it is like. I love that about group fitness too - we are there for each other. We accept and support each other - especially when someone is struggling. I would encourage others to be open to inviting others into your journey and forming friendships. You need people in your life who won’t give up on you even when you give up on yourself. It’s way easier than forcing yourself to go to the gym alone when you know you have a great community of like-minded people.

When she is struggling herself, she finds that reaching out to a supportive friend from the gym to unload and get some fresh air and activity together has really helped reset her mindset and motivation. I’ve made amazing friends from the gym, and being on a journey together is really nice and helps to form friendships. 

To conclude our interview with Doni, we asked her two questions to gain some insight and some of her wisdom. 

Why is it important to you to be a strong and healthy woman? 

To age well. I want to be able to chase after grandchildren and enjoy life with them. I want to be an active grandma, not one just sitting and watching them. I think it is important to look after ourselves so that we don’t age before our time. I want to be healthy for myself, for family, for my friends, and to be able to travel and see the world (when we can do that again). My nutrition and fitness has helped me to do this. I really don’t think that I am my age in my head, because I feel good.  

Doni also mentioned that she loves the book “Younger Next Year for Women” by Henry S. Lodge, M.D. and that she has bought it for multiple friends. We’ve posted the link here to check it out. (There are even his and hers versions!)

Any advice for other women?

I would encourage moms to take time for themselves, but also to give themselves some credit. I think it’s important to take care of yourself, but also not to be too hard on yourself. As you get older, it becomes easier to take time for yourself. When you’re a young mom it can be more challenging, but do what you can.

P.S. Over the years Doni has hired babysitters, found gyms that offer daycare, and has even taken her kids with her to her classes. Talk about one dedicated Mom! And another reason she inspires us :) 

Interviewing Doni was such a treat, and such a great reminder that things worth having, like a healthy body, take time and commitment - and don’t come easy, but they are worth it. We are so proud of Doni for continuing to fight the “chubby girl” inside her head, and to show up for herself and focus on how good she feels mentally and physically when she does.

Thank you, Doni, for your words of wisdom and encouragement!