THEIR STORY

Laquita and Nate are true high school sweethearts, having met in the hallway 33 years ago. After asking for her number, Nate took Laquita out to a school game, and the pair have been inseparable ever since. While both were active in high school — Nate played basketball and ran track, and Laquita was a majorette and did cheerleading — things took a turn after the couple welcomed two beautiful children and noticed a bit of unwanted weight gain creeping up.

While they regularly took walks around the neighborhood and did home workout videos in the spare bedroom, Laquita was having trouble shedding her pregnancy weight and wanted to tone up. She started exercising with a personal trainer, and Nate eventually started tagging along.

A few years later, the couple switched to training with the owner of Versatile Action Fitness Gym and personal trainer Ezell Owens due to its proximity to their new home and work commitments.

PATHS TO FITNESS

Nate’s love for a challenging lift pushes Laquita. “He has such a positive attitude, it’s infectious,” she says. Ezell helps keep things interesting for the couple through combined workouts tailored to each partner’s goals. Laquita and Nate work out with Ezell four times per week, with Nate squeezing in two additional solo workouts weekly. In their spare time, the couple likes to get outdoors for walks and long bike rides.

STRENGTHS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The two constantly inspire and playfully tease one another. They also celebrate their individual accomplishments together. Laquita is proud of recently shedding 20 pounds, and Nate is proud of crushing it at unassisted pull-ups. When not at the gym, Laquita also frequents HotWorx and Evolve Pilates.

GOALS & ADVICE

Their goal is to be in the best shape — physically and mentally — as they move through life, while incorporating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. They both know the important role exercise plays in combating some symptoms related to aging, especially hormone-related shifts such as perimenopause, among other things.

Their advice is to always keep pushing yourself, even on days when you don’t feel like it or feel discouraged by not seeing immediate results.

 

By Shlomit Ovadia
Photo by Tindall Stephens