City of Columbus

Success Stories: Jennifer Bynum

Emergency Preparedness Planning Coordinator
Columbus Public Health

I had been fairly fit when I started graduate school in 2012, but over the two years, the stress of school and overeating caught up to me. I weighed my heaviest in Fall 2015 and decided it was time to take some action. First, I downloaded a free fitness and nutrition app called Noom Coach; my friend was using it and was having great success. I met with Pat at Front Street Fitness Center to complete the Right Start Program to map out my goals and establish a baseline. We worked on an exercise plan together and I put in the work to do it. In addition, I also signed up for as many classes through the employee wellness program as I could.

Slowly over time, with the combination of exercise, proper nutrition and logging my activity, the weight started to melt away. At the beginning of January 2016, I had lost 15 pounds and became a team captain for the Live Healthy challenge. During the challenge, a few of my team members and I decided to eat clean as well. During the 10 weeks of the challenge, I lost an additional 15 pounds.

In addition to the weight loss, since starting back in September I have lost 3 inches from my waist and hips, and went down 3 pant sizes! I have so much energy and feel so great every day when I wake up. I am now working on a goal to increase core strength through yoga and strength training, and try not to hate running so much! I joined the city's run club and signed up for a few 5ks (including the free one offered by the City).

I am so proud of myself, but I couldn't have done it without the support provided by the City’s fabulous employee wellness program.