Motivate: GET THE LEDET OUT

"I’m 49 years old, and I’m in better shape than people I meet who are 25." Personal trainer Elizabeth Ledet shares her tips on staying fit.

December 9th, 2013 by: Lianna Patch

Elizabeth Ledet, a personal trainer at East Jefferson General Hospital’s Wellness Center, used to work in sales. But Ledet was dissatisfied with her career: in particular, how it was affecting her waistline. “I was upset, because all you do in sales is eat and talk,” she says. “There’s a lot of sitting around.”

Ledet began to pursue fitness as a counterbalance—and loved it.
“I realized I had control over my body,” she says.

Hoping to share her empowerment with others,she became a group fitness instructor, and, for more than 10
years, taught classes at multiple New Orleans’ locations.

Two years ago, Ledet became a certified personal trainer. Now,she works with clients who have a range of backgrounds and abilities, helping them reach their weight-loss goals while also feeling good in their bodies.

On Staying Motivated
Thinking of her clients helps keep Ledet on track with her workouts. “It keeps me accountable about where I am with my fitness level,” she says.
“I’m 49 years old, and I’m in better shape than people I meet who are 25.”

On Food She Loves
“Like most personal trainers, I’m really big on protein,” she says. “I’ve eaten the same smoothie every morning for almost 15 years!”

ELIZABEAST’S BUSTOUT A.M. ENERGIZER SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Client Success Story
One weight-loss client came to Ledet one year ago. “She hadn’t exercised in years, and had gained the weight after Katrina,” Ledet says. “She has lost 30 pounds since then and has become one of my toughest clients!”

Ledet also recalled an older woman who had almost no lower-body strength. “Her knees and lower body were weak,” Ledet says. “I didn’t want her to
fall!” The client started by simply sitting and standing; with Ledet’s
guidance, just six weeks later, she had gained significant balance
and strength.

Advice to Readers
“I’ll tell people two things,” Ledet says. “The first is that every time
you get up, and move and do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone—and you don’t feel like doing it, but you do it anyway—three-quarters of
the work is getting out and doing it.”