Health Scare Fuels Life Changes and a New Career for Jodi Dolo

In July of 2017, Jodi Dolo had a doctor’s appointment that changed the path of her life. At 35 years of age, she had high blood pressure, was experiencing heart palpitations, and was told her health was in danger due to her weight of 231 pounds.

“I grew up with a parent who was in and out of the hospital with poor health,” she said. “I have two young boys and did not want them to go through that or repeat my unhealthy mistakes.”

Jodi had struggled with her weight all her life, and on that day, she walked out of the doctor’s office scared and in tears and decided to make some changes.

The Process to Become Healthy

Jodi began going to a local gym but said she didn’t know what she was doing. “I used whatever piece of equipment didn’t terrify me,” she said.

Growing up, her mom had been a Weight Watchers Leader, so she started that and began to see some changes, saying, “I had a health scare on the line, so I put in the work. It wasn’t about simply trying to look better,” she said.

After some time, she began using an app called Fitbod that helped to guide her through workouts. “I used to be scared and intimidated going to the gym,” she said. “I was afraid I would be judged and ridiculed, but the app gave me a plan to follow, so I followed it.”

After committing and seeing changes, she says she fell in love with the process. “I realized I could have been doing these things all along, but I guess going through the struggle and the health scare was simply part of my process,” she says.

Becoming Certified in Fitness and Nutrition

Having gone to art school, Jodi had made a career in graphic design but has found the work somewhat uninspiring.

She eventually attended a fitness retreat where she told her story. People began to reach out to her for advice and guidance on their weight loss issues and that inspired her.

“I love being the person that I wished I had had in my corner during my struggle. Being able to help people become healthier is so rewarding,” she said.

Getting certified and moving toward a potential career change began to feel like the right next move.

“I had befriended someone from the Fitbod app’s community, and we began messaging about becoming certified,” she said. “This friend went on to get her certification through ISSA, so I decided to do it too.”

Jodi achieved her ISSA Personal Trainer Certification in August of 2023. She then decided to embark on the Nutritionist Certification and completed that in October of 2023.

What Life Looks Like Now

Six years later, Jodi has lost over 90 pounds and was taken off her blood pressure medication by her doctor three years ago. Her asthma has improved and she’s gone from a size 20 to a size six.

She is wrapping up things with her current graphic design role and leaving that company in February to launch her next stage in life.

“I want to help and inspire those who are like me in my ‘before’ picture,” she says. “I want to let people know it’s possible to change and we deserve to be in the gym making that change and we are worth it.”

She is exploring nutrition-related avenues and is considering starting her own business.

In the meantime, she and a new friend from her fitness community have started a positive body image support group for those struggling with body dysmorphia. About this, she says, “We’ve created a safe space for people to talk about this and get support. People don’t realize how common this issue is.”

Her ten- and thirteen-year-old sons have cheered her on throughout all of this and now they both exercise. “My ten-year-old belongs to a youth Crossfit program,” she says. He flexes during his workout for me and I cheer him on.”

In closing, she says she’s a completely different person than she was. “I did not believe in myself six years ago, but today I’m completely comfortable in my skin. My commitment to change, my certification through ISSA, and the work I’ve put in have brought me to a place of confidence, health, and joy. And I believe anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.”

Jodi’s transformation has been life changing. Even further, her passion for helping others transform their lives similarly is inspiring. Inspired by Jodi’s story? Learn more about how you can help others transform their lives today.