The Right Path
Facing challenges in her personal life, Carla Pawitch used fitness to help her stay on the right track.
A Dark Place
Before starting my fitness journey, I was in a really dark place in my life. I wasn’t happy with what life was giving me, and I wasn’t happy with myself. I started to drink more because I thought it would hide the pain. That was a path I swore I would never take, as I had watched my mother start to drink more and more. It ended her life two years ago. It was like the alcohol took over her life.
Turning it Around
Other than after having my kids, I would say that I was at my heaviest weight in the spring of 2016. I was at 172. I started to train for a triathlon in August and dropped 20 pounds, but the weight started to creep back in April of 2017. I was back to 164. At that point, I’d had enough! A lot of things had to change. 
On the Right Track
I started to eat right and ride my bike again. I also looked up some weight training that I could do at home with my Bowflex. Then, at the end of April, I contacted a coach to help me do things right. I wanted to eat what my body needed and work out to make real changes. So I started to work with Ange Hauck that May. She designed my workouts and my meal plans, so all I had to do was follow it all. I would say that exercise and diet go hand in hand. They both played an important part in my transformation.
Feeling Strong
At about the six-week mark, my clothes were fitting differently and I was sleeping better. I now feel 100 percent better about myself — mentally, physically, and emotionally. I think more clearly and I’m more self-confident. It’s not an easy road, but it’s worth every step along the way! You will be doing this for yourself. In return, it will make you feel like a better person, which then reflects onto others.
Just the Beginning
My weight is currently sitting at 117 pounds, but that doesn’t mean my work is done. In fact, this is just the beginning. I’m now starting a new phase. I’m doing a building year, and then in November 2018, I’m going to compete in nationals. My goal all along has been to do a fitness competition. I’ve seen how to fit all the women who compete, and that’s what I wanted to see my body become.
At the time, I didn’t know anything about competitions. I had never even watched a show! It’s amazing to think of how far I’ve come. Besides the weight loss, I am more confident now. I also feel better about life and what it has to offer. I feel I am a better person all around..
PHOTOS BY CHRIS V. LINTON Follow @CHRISVLINTON
