A view inside the Vitamin T Fitness Center spin class.
It’s been almost 5 years since Tiffany Blakemore weighed in at just over 300 lbs. She made the lifesaving, life-changing decision to drop bad habits, shed more than 100 pounds, and inspire others to embrace a life of fulfillment and fitness.
“The pity party was over,” said Blakemore. “I had to save myself from my own struggles.”
The next few years would take Blakemore on a sometimes challenging journey of learning healthy eating habits, maintaining consistency in exercise, and ultimately guiding others to do the same. Over time, fitness enthusiasts from beginners to veterans began attending her Chicagoland-based cardio, weight training, and spin classes, all led by a shy, soft-spoken but results-oriented Blakemore.
“I kept wondering if people would follow me, given that I didn’t fit the stereotypical ‘Hollywood’ image of fitness,” recalled Blakemore, who embraced the Fitness alias Vitamin T.
Turns out, many were looking for just that—someone who could empathize with the real-life struggles of weight loss and maintenance.
No matter where Blakemore set up her classes, they were consistently full, proving that her story and her ability to connect with people on a personal level were her most significant assets.
But Blakemore still yearned to create something in her home region of Northwest Indiana.
On Black Friday 2023, the Gary native’s dream came true as she officially opened the doors of Vitamin T Fitness located in Merrillville, Indiana.
Nestled in a plaza at 6128 Broadway, the facility offers a range of classes, including spin, boot camp, weight training, trampoline workouts, and more. Future plans include meal planning, weight loss challenges, special events, and personal training.
Blakemore’s journey towards fitness and health resonates with many, as evidenced by the testimony of a former Master Trainer. “Instructors and now owners of fitness centers like Tiffany, are game-changers for many people,” said Bryce Fountain, founder of Body By Bryce. “Not only does she push you to your limits, but she also understands the struggles and the journey because she’s been there herself.”
“Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real when I unlock the doors, turn on the lights, and see my name and likeness on the wall,” laughs Blakemore. “They are constant reminders that I am in this for the long haul, not just for me but for all who cross my path seeking help with their fitness goals.”
In a season of New Year’s resolutions, Blakemore seeks to motivate and empower others by sharing her story and the weight loss success she is facilitating along the way.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), even modest weight loss can lead to significant benefits such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugars. “Blakemore’s journey underscores the importance of these findings,” emphasized the CDC.
For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, a 5% loss is 10 pounds, reducing the risk of chronic diseases related to obesity.
The Mayo Clinic warns that “being overweight or obese raises your risk for health problems, including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.”
Achieving a healthy weight involves a lifestyle characterized by healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, and stress management.
People with gradual, steady weight loss (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more likely to keep the weight off than those who lose weight quickly. Blakemore’s journey emphasizes the importance of sustainable, long-term changes.
Sleep, age, genetics, diseases, medications, and environments may also contribute to weight management. Exercise provides numerous health-related benefits and is a crucial countermeasure against chronic diseases, reducing overall mortality risk.
Participating in a fitness class offers benefits such as motivation, a sense of community, and a communal approach. Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals working toward fitness goals can be highly motivating and encouraging.
As Tiffany Blakemore continues to inspire and transform lives through Vitamin T Fitness, her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, lifestyle changes, and the importance of mutual support on the journey to improved health.
