Former Olympian battles obesity
By Allison Olcsvay
September 18, 2013
His goal was to sit in a chair with arms again.
It’s something most people never consider. But to someone whose weight has crept into the morbidly obese range, this is an everyday embarrassment.
Not even the best exercise programs, diets or bariatric surgery could trim him down, said local trainer and exercise physiologist Rosemarie “Bud” Seaman recounting the story of one of her clients.
Seaman said that weight loss takes more than a few trips to the gym – it’s a state of mind.
“If you don’t change on the inside, any program will fail,” she said.
Bud’s Ultimate Fitness takes a whole-person approach to weight loss, partnering with mental health counselor Sandy Canfield.
“Overeating is emotionally driven,” Canfield said. “People mistake emotion for hunger. I help them connect the emotion to the cravings and sort through it.”
For someone needing to lose 50 pounds or more, feeling safe with a trainer, both physically and emotionally, is an important first step.
“For some people, there are years of self-esteem issues, coupled with eating disorders and other emotional problems that need to be addressed, so we take our time, making slow, steady progress,” Canfield said.
Both Canfield and Seaman recognized the need for a team approach early on and began referring clients to each other almost from the beginning of the training center back in 1986.
Born and raised in Winter Park, Seaman began Bud’s Ultimate Fitness in a converted RV, traveling to clients’ homes to bring the fitness to them.
It wasn’t until Seaman found a permanent location that the center really took off, adding the ability to host group classes and circuit training.
Seaman brings her life experiences as a triathlete, marathon runner and Olympic swimmer to her clients, backed up by a master’s degree in exercise physiology.
But Seaman doesn’t rely solely on fitness training. She also lends emotional support and camaraderie – the most important part of the training, Seaman said.
“There are no judgments here,” Seaman said. “You don’t have to worry if you fit in. You are welcomed in with open arms.”
Longtime client Julie Cole appreciated these aspects of the training, making her feel comfortable in her own skin.
“I am very grateful for Bud, for creating a haven, where you can feel safe, loved and encouraged,” Cole said.
Sandy Carrell teaches a spinning class at Bud’s Ultimate Fitness and admits there are still days when choosing to get up and exercise is difficult.
“I never want to back off though, no matter what is going on, I know I can come here and talk through it,” she said.
Ron Lynch came to Bud’s Ultimate Fitness through a referral from his therapist, hoping to find ways to develop a healthier lifestyle to better manage his diabetes.
Three years later, he’s lost 60 pounds, gained control of his blood sugar and regained his ability to enjoy life again.
“I can now go on walks with my family and play with my 8-year old granddaughter,” Lynch said.
“The biggest thing for me is the caring environment and the focus on helping me improve my health,” Lynch said. “The regular exercise and emotional therapy has helped me to grow a lot as an individual and helps keep me on track.”
Even as the outer person shrinks, it’s the inner growth that means the most, Seaman said.
“I am thrilled for them,” Seaman said. “I’m very attached to all my clients. I know they are changing their lives, saving their lives, and it’s that inner change that’s important.”