Ten pounds in two years

Leslie Vooris, petite with a small frame, gained just over ten pounds in about twenty-four months despite working out almost every day with strength training, boot camp classes and walking.

Friends suggested GLP-1s

When Vooris felt exhausted and defeated, friends pushed medication. One told her: "Don't stress, just get on a GLP-1, and if your doctor won't give it to you, just grab it online."

“Don't stress, just get on a GLP-1, and if your doctor won't give it to you, just grab it online.”

Her doctor said no

Vooris's BMI was not high enough for her doctor to prescribe medication, and she did not want to override her provider's advice despite wanting results from her efforts.

The gym felt like a drag

During a gym class, Vooris realized she had become lazy, picking the easiest weights and going through motions without pushing herself. The repetitive movements bored her completely.

She danced as a child

Vooris danced into high school but had to leave the program because of difficulties at home. She always felt sadness and disappointment about quitting, though she continued dancing on and off as an adult.

Four to five classes weekly

Vooris now takes four to five dance classes a week, a combination of modern and West African. It feels fun, not like the drag the gym was, and she finally lost those stubborn pounds.

Dance gave her community

When Vooris takes classes every week, she mixes up levels to challenge herself and track progress. Dance has given her a community where they hold one another accountable and empower one another.

Never too late to try again

Returning to dance helped Vooris shed extra pounds and connect to a part of herself more accepting of herself and others. She learned the workout that keeps her coming back is one she enjoys.