Tracey Turns Pandemic Lows Into All-time Highs

Tracey Tramontano has discovered her personal fountain of youth. She cycles every day, takes GX24® studio classes, hikes, swims, plays tennis and works with her fitness coach Gabriela Da Silva twice a week.

“At 58 years old, I feel like I have more energy and vitality than I did at 25!”

Her newfound energy and wellbeing is doubly significant for Tramontano, who’s a longtime 24 Hour Fitness team member. She has seen her share of health and fitness success stories, but might not have thought to count herself among them.

In 2020, a series of physical setbacks and inactivity due to the pandemic sent Tramontano into a downward spiral affecting her health and happiness. “Everyone has a bad day, or even a bad week,” she acknowledges. But it was that extended isolation that led Tramontano to serious reflection on how to make a change. Read on to see how Tracey regained the power to define herself.

24Life: How has your experience changed your definition of success?

Tracey Tramontano: I have had a lot of success so far on my weight loss journey—dropping four sizes and well on track to drop another two sizes when I get to my goal weight! But apart from the physical aspect and all the benefits this brings, this experience has shown me I can take control of my life and my body. Being able to set a goal and achieve it and commit to a different lifestyle is empowering.

24Life: What made you decide to seek an expert, instead of going it alone?

TT: I, like many other people, was blindsided by COVID-19. 2020 was a year of health issues for me: a toe fracture, painful and debilitating shingles, allergic reactions and depression due to the pandemic. I was at an all-time low, quarantined for almost five months in my apartment with the fridge within arm’s reach! I became a couch potato and ballooned to over 200 pounds and was miserable. Quarantine gave me a lot of time to think. I came to the realization that I needed professional expertise to get me back on the path to fitness and enlisted the services of a trainer at 24 Hour Fitness Bishop Street. My trainer Gabby is my savior; she keeps me accountable, encourages and motivates me, and is as excited about my progress as I am. She creates a fitness plan to keep me on track on the days I’m not with her. It is the BEST money I ever spent, and I deserve it!

24Life: How has your success affected other parts of your life?

TT: One of the biggest changes in my life is the improvement to my health, energy and confidence levels. My doctor is amazed at my progress and the improvement in all my test results. I recently went horseback riding for the first time ever and conquered my fear of heights by hiking Koko Head which is a steep, grueling 1,200-foot-elevation hike. I also decided to give back to my community and joined the Lions Club, which is a non-profit organization. We do many community-based activities, including volunteering at a food bank every week. My job is to haul and load groceries into cars, something I would never have had the energy to do. I now take the eight flights of stairs at my apartment instead of the elevator; I look for ways to keep moving.

24Life: If you have a bad day or week, what helps you get back on track?

TT: It is so important not to beat yourself up but get back into the routine as soon as possible. I know I can get back on track quickly at 24 Hour Fitness where I have a huge support team. I can make a reservation on the 24GO® app ahead of time for the classes I Iove, such as yoga, spin and boot camp, plus enjoy the support of my trainer and co-workers while working out at the gym. I don’t have any excuses to not stay on track.

Results not typical and may vary per individual. With a regular diet and exercise routine, typical weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Please consult a physician before starting or changing a fitness routine. Personal training and virtual personal training available to 24 Hour Fitness members for an additional fee.

Photo credit: Tracey Tramontano