I Lost 90 Pounds in 8 Months Going to Free Outdoor Workouts
Marni Harmon Ortiz co-founded We On a Mission, which hosts free outdoor FitCamps.
Photographs courtesy Marni Harmon Ortiz
Changing your body takes hard work, persistence, and dedication. Here’s one local’s story. Want to share your Transformation Story? Email ccunningham@phillymag.com
Who: Marni Harmon Ortiz (@mehiphop), 42, a transformation coach and co-founder of We On a Mission from North Philadelphia
Why I wanted to make a change: “I was inspired by happiness from people in a nutrition club that I was invited to. I was in a really dark space mentally, physically, and spiritually. I was recently divorced and had lost everything. I was looking for a way out, but I had no clue this is what it would be.”
Height: 5’4″
Weight lost: 90 pounds
How long it took: 8 months
What all changed: “I am now an athlete. I never could run and didn’t have any interest in sports or fitness at all. This lifestyle has allowed me to push past limits. If you told me five years ago I would run a quarter mile, I would have bet my life that that would never happen. I’ve run 22 miles across state lines because of this community and lifestyle. I have tons of energy now to keep up with my three kids, and I found my peace and happiness.”
How I changed my diet: “I chose to do a meal replacement shake (Herbalife) twice a day, have one clean meal, and snacks in between. I made small changes which added up to huge results. Instead of butter, I use olive oil. Instead of mayo, I use mustard. I try to cut a lot of sugars, but I still enjoy food.”
“Change comes when you take a stand for yourself and make a decision that you will no longer live in a way that doesn’t serve you.”
How I changed my workout plan: “I started running with a group of people (We On a Mission) and working out outside in the rain, sleet, hail, or snow. It didn’t matter. All we cared about was being together and being happy in that moment.”
What I’m most proud of: “The growth from the chin up — really finding out who I am and the gift I have to help others.”
What I want everyone to know: “You don’t have to do things alone. Ask for help, look for a community, plug into things outside of your comfort zone. Change comes when you take a stand for yourself and make a decision that you will no longer live in a way that doesn’t serve you.”
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