If you visit the Aquatic Center at the Bear Levin Studer Y, you probably know Lorrie Justice – the lifeguard, swim instructor, and water fitness instructor responsible for the dry erase board jokes. Behind that wacky sense of humor is a dedicated Y professional who traveled an incredible journey in 2022 – a journey that so far has led her to lose more than 70 pounds.
It all started with an annual check-up when Lorrie learned that her A1Cs were elevated, and she was borderline diabetic. After the initial shock wore off, she decided it was a great time to make a change.
She cut out processed sugar, opting instead for lots of fruits and vegetables and generally watching her food intake. “Now I stop when I’m full,” she laughed. “It takes a lot of willpower and determination, but I don’t regret it one bit.”
Lorrie was hired initially as a lifeguard, but has since received her swim instructor certification, her lifeguard instructor certification, and her Certified Pool Operator credential. Her typical week at the Y includes guarding on deck in the mornings, teaching swim lessons and water aerobics in the afternoons, and returning for lessons on Saturdays. With a degree in exercise science, Lorrie now says she’s come full circle.
“I enjoy all the lessons, but the participants who are timid at first are my favorite,” she said. She has built her water fitness class up to 20 people in the activity pool. What’s her secret? “I think it’s the energy that I give off as I feel better about myself as a teacher and the energy that the class gives off.”
She’s also welcomed several visually impaired members to her class. That has challenged her as an instructor. “Having a blind nephew has helped me describe exercises to the members,” she said. “Instead of just saying ‘jumping jacks,’ I have to describe the action and put into words so they can understand the exercises.”
In her journey to better health over the past year, Lorrie has been encouraged by her mom, who’s been one of her biggest cheerleaders. Although she hasn’t broadcast her weight loss, the results have been evident and have led her to develop a fan club at the Y as well.
Recently, she went shopping for new pants and picked up a size she would normally select. “They just fell off me, which was a shocker!” she said. “It was an affirmation that I can do this.” She said she doesn’t have a specific target weight in mind, but she thinks she’ll know it when she reaches it.
Lorrie encourages other members who want to make a change to be bold. “Don’t be afraid. Step out in faith. If I can do it, you can do it!”