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Chelita Hall’s Journey: From Running to Strength Training Transformation
At the age of 42, Chelita Hall welcomed her first child and discovered how motherhood profoundly changed her body. While proud of her greatest accomplishment, she struggled with her self-confidence and body image. With a wish to stay healthy for her son, she decided to reignite her fitness journey.
With a background as a former collegiate track and field athlete, Chelita was familiar with structured workouts and training. However, after college, she found herself on an exercise hiatus. Though she occasionally worked out or trained with a personal trainer in her 30s, she never fully committed to fitness. In her 40s, inspired by her marathon-running fiancé, she transitioned back into running, completing several half marathons and her first full marathon in 2021. Running rekindled her love for fitness, albeit primarily through cardio without a structured gym routine.
It wasn’t until she witnessed her best friend, Sarah Soliman, undergo a remarkable health transformation that Chelita recognized the need for a change. Sarah’s inspiring journey led Chelita to The Wonder Women program, founded by fitness influencer Joan MacDonald and her daughter, Michelle. Captivated by Sarah’s results and mindset, Chelita applied to the program in June 2022 and was accepted the following December, marking the beginning of her dedicated commitment to physical fitness, nutrition, and mindset.
Upon beginning virtual personal training with coach Melissa McKenzie in January 2023, Chelita established specific muscle-building goals. Although she excelled in cardiovascular fitness from her marathon training, she aimed to enhance her physique by toning her body, particularly her legs and glutes. Initially, the shift from running to resistance training was challenging due to knee pain, but after a month of prioritizing strength training, her discomfort subsided.
Starting with just a set of adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands in her garage, Chelita focused on fundamental exercises, quickly becoming enamored with the strength she was developing. After six months of home training, she joined a commercial gym, motivated by the community and additional equipment.
Chelita now trains four days a week: three sessions dedicated to lower body strength and one for upper body. Following rotator cuff surgery, she adapts her routine but maintains her commitment to her fitness goals. Each lower-body session includes a variety of movements such as leg extensions and hip thrusts, while her upper-body day concentrates on shoulders and biceps.
Throughout her journey, she emphasizes the importance of nutrition in achieving her fitness milestones. Learning to count macronutrients and paying close attention to nutrition labels became key components in her regime. With a focus on protein, carbs, and healthy fats, Chelita’s diet supports her muscle-building aspirations.
Reflecting on her success, Chelita identifies three crucial elements that contributed to her strength transformation. Firstly, she appreciated the value of holistic training tailored to her specific goals. Secondly, she cultivated self-discipline to juggle her workouts with her responsibilities as a mom and professional. Lastly, her son played a significant role in motivating her to set an example of a healthy lifestyle, proving that it’s never too late to pursue new challenges.
Encouraged by the progress she made, Chelita decided to compete in her first bodybuilding competition—a leap outside her comfort zone. Her original plan was to compete in July 2024, but due to shoulder surgery, she has adjusted her target to November. Despite her injury, Chelita remains dedicated to her training, focusing on lower-body exercises and collaborating with her physical therapist to regain strength and mobility.
Through perseverance and a holistic approach to fitness, Chelita Hall serves as an inspiring example that with dedication and the right mindset, anyone can achieve their fitness goals at any age. As she approaches 50, she eagerly anticipates becoming stronger than ever. “I have accomplished my most significant achievements in my 40s. As I near my 50s, I am eager to become stronger than ever.”
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