At 42, Chelita found herself facing a familiar post-partum reality: a body that had changed after childbirth and a yearning to feel confident and strong again. While she possessed the athletic background of a former collegiate track and field athlete, years away from structured training left her seeking a new path. This isn’t an uncommon story; many women experience similar shifts in their relationship with fitness after having children.
Running had reintroduced Chelita to exercise, providing cardiovascular fitness but lacking a targeted approach to muscle building. Witnessing her best friend Sarah Soliman’s remarkable transformation through the “Wonder Women” program – founded by fitness influencer Joan MacDonald’s daughter Michelle – sparked Chelita’s own desire for change.
The Wonder Women emphasizes not just physical training, but a holistic approach encompassing nutrition and mindset, which resonated deeply with Chelita. Accepted into the program in December 2022, she started working with virtual personal trainer Melissa McKenzie in January 2023, setting her sights on sculpted legs and glutes.
Switching from cardio to resistance training brought initial challenges – particularly for Chelita’s knee joints burdened by years of running mileage. After a month, however, the discomfort subsided, replaced by newfound strength and visible changes.
The transformation wasn’t just physical; it was mental too. Chelita embraced the discipline required to stick with a structured routine, balancing workouts, motherhood, and work commitments. The program instilled in her a deeper understanding of how nutrition directly impacts fitness results, prompting her to track macros and refine her dietary choices.
Her initial skepticism toward “numbers” gradually melted away as she mastered deciphering nutrition labels and meal planning. Now, five meals a day ensure a consistent intake of protein, carbohydrates, and fats – strategically adjusted for training days. The kitchen, once a source of passive sustenance, became a crucial partner in her fitness journey.
A key takeaway: Chelita discovered that “gains” are a product not just of gym sessions, but also mindful food choices.
Her progress wasn’t solely about aesthetics; it was about pushing boundaries and defying societal expectations around aging women. Having never considered bodybuilding before joining The Wonder Women, she found herself inspired to compete – initially aiming for July 2024, but delaying due to shoulder surgery.
This setback became a test of her newfound resilience. Instead of viewing injury as a roadblock, Chelita adapted her training, focusing on high-volume lower body exercises and light upper body work with the guidance of her physical therapist and coach. The goal remains firmly set – stepping onto the bodybuilding stage come November 2024.
Chelita’s story is a compelling example of how women in their 40s can redefine strength, both physically and mentally. It highlights the transformative power of targeted training, mindful nutrition, and embracing challenges beyond perceived limitations. The Wonder Women program, in her experience, provided more than just workout routines; it offered a blueprint for achieving holistic well-being at any age.
