Swimming helps build muscle and weight loss
COSHOCTON – After an incident in Tanya Brillhart’s life in January 2015, she decided that she wanted to start making healthier choices and lose weight. Just this past May, Brillhart began swimming at Coshocton High School where approximately four or five people meet regularly to swim each weekday morning at 5 a.m.
“I like it because it is a workout,” said Brillhart. “It is a total low-impact workout and it’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s been lovely getting to know the people there. Swimming has helped me achieve my goal.”
Brillhart lost 207 pounds and began building muscle by swimming. She has degenerate joint disease and can’t run or bike to stay physically active, so swimming is her workout of choice.
“I was tired of waiting for the next meal,” she said. “I was tired of waiting for my next TV show. I was tired of waiting for my life to start. I want my grandchildren to remember grandma taking them to the fair and having fun with them, and not be too tired to play with them.”
Not only has she lost weight by adding more protein to her diet and completely eliminating sugar, but she was able to stop taking all of her prescription medications within four months.
“People think that weight loss is a continued downward spiral, but it’s not,” she said. “It doesn’t come off rapidly. It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle. A lot of it is a choice. You choose to fuel your body with a healthier alternative to what you’re eating.”
Coshocton High School pool is open to the public each weekday at 5 a.m. for those who would like to swim.
“I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my parents and my children,” said Brillhart. “They are my support system.”
Category: People & Places
