Marcy White
Age: 37.
Occupation: licensed acupuncturist; owner of Copley Acupuncture.
How often do you work out? I try to work out at least three times a week; right now I’m working out every day because I’m doing training. I’ve never really been an exerciser. I’ve been very active, but I would get fatigued very easily and I never really felt well. About three years ago, I found out that I had three heart defects. I had a very large hole in my heart and some other defects that had to be fixed. I was told I’d feel better than I’d ever felt in my life, and that didn’t happen. About eight months ago, everything sort of changed, and I started feeling phenomenal. It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever worked out.
How do you stay in shape? I do a lot of cardio and strength training. I walk a lot, and I did a lot of Pilates for about six months.
What inspires you to work out? I think what inspires me the most is the experience that I went through and how badly I felt for so long. I had no energy for so long, and I just feel like I want to appreciate every day that I have when I feel well and really take care of myself.
How closely do you watch what you eat? I’m really adamant about what I eat. One reason why I quit Pilates is because I spend all my money at Whole Foods! I ten not to eat a lot of sugar, I don’t drink soda, I don’t drink caffeine, and I try as much as possible to eat all organic.
What are your favorite foods? I eat salmon about three to four times a week, preferably raw. And I love sushi.
What indulgence food tempts you the most? Cookies. I love those big iced cookies at Starbucks.
What is your favorite exercise? I really like lifting weights; I love working on my arms.
What is your least favorite exercise? I hate running, and I won’t do it. It feels like torture.
You have a great body now, but did you ever go through an awkward stage? I’m going to have to say the last few years have been the hardest. When I was growing up, I don’t remember feeling super-self-conscious. I didn’t focus so much on my body that much until after I had surgery. Then I started to have issues. It moved some things around, and things didn’t look the same.
Has your work in acupuncture affected how you see your body? Acupuncture does start to make people more aware of their whole bodies, and it often puts people on a path to better overall health.
