The Lori Story

My passion for life, boundless energy, and desire to work in an industry that supports people who want to get fit and stay healthy led me to work with the 50+ segment of the population, which has been overlooked and ignored by most physical fitness experts. I embrace them and enjoy demonstrating safe and fun ways to workout without the risks associated with fitness strategies designed for younger people…and it’s been an interesting journey to get here.

The Early Years
I grew up on Long Island as a happy kid, full of energy, active, and very thin…until I entered junior high school, when my life changed dramatically. I suffered from low self-esteem, which manifested itself in binge eating and weight gain. I became a fat kid and struggled with my weight for many years.

I tried all sorts of trendy diets, including the Grapefruit Diet, Atkins Diet, and Water Diet. After coming to the conclusion that diets aren’t a long-term solution, I turned to Weight Watchers, where I learned I could eat sensibly and did a little better in controlling my weight. I gained good nutritional habits and made them part of my life. Around this same time, I attended an Overeaters Anonymous meeting and finally realized my overeating was due to unresolved emotional needs related to an earlier trauma. With this knowledge, I began to separate food from my feelings…just in time to start college.

“Moving” On
On campus, I couldn’t park close to my classes, so I was forced to walk everywhere. I hated it at first, but found it gave me the chance to unwind. In no time at all, I was walking faster and faster wherever I needed to go. I loved how the exercise made me feel and my weight started to melt away. I had much more energy and stamina, so I did everything I could to keep active. I learned that the more physically active I was, the happier I felt. I went to discos and dances, and played sports. I finally felt I was going to be okay.

After a year of college, I decided to work in Manhattan instead of returning to school. I loved working in “the city” and met my friend Monika, who loved to exercise, shortly after my move. For almost two years, we’d jog from our apartments to the entrance of Central Park and run on the bridal path. When Monika moved away, I realized I didn’t like running alone, so I joined a runners club. I wanted to be around others who shared my passion. By this time, I was at a healthy weight and in great shape.

A few years later, I moved to Los Angeles and continued my commitment to fitness by joining a local running club. I also began to volunteer at a senior living community as a way of giving back to people like my adoring grandparents, who I felt were part of a forgotten segment of our society. I created a weekly musical program that included singing, dancing and moving in all sorts of ways; you could say I danced my way into their hearts. As I volunteered more, my passion for helping seniors grew and I decided to focus my career on working with this population.

Getting Serious
At the runners club, I began to train with a coach for the first time. Coach Paul, a 65+ semi-professional athlete, became my mentor and friend, teaching me about form and technique so I could avoid injury and get faster results. His wisdom and patience were always reassuring. He inspired me to do my best, reminding me that winning was a fine goal, but I should never lose sight of the journey…something I live by to this day.

In 2001, I helped a friend start a referral agency for families looking to find housing for their senior loved ones. It became very successful in a short period of time, so after about three years, I opened my own agency and worked in this field for another five years.

Seeing my passion for fitness, my dear friend Lois suggested I become a certified trainer and specialize in helping people 50+ get and remain fit. It took me all of 10 seconds to make up my mind. I went to work to earn the necessary certifications and founded my company, Fifty Plus Fitness™.

At 50+, I’m slim and toned…a role model for others. I love working with people who are want to remain healthy and strong, intent on reducing their risk for chronic disease, or are focused on feeling more comfortable in the skin they’re in, all while having a darn good time. These are my clients and I adore them.