01/28/2026
In 2020, I was working as a nurse in a facility that experienced a devastating COVID outbreak—unbeknownst to us at the time, due to a two-week delay in test results. The viral load was overwhelming. Almost every patient and many employees who were exposed lost their lives. This was before vaccines were available.
It almost took mine too.
COVID affected every system in my body. My heart rhythm was unstable, my labs remained abnormal for nearly five years, and I couldn’t even stand without my heart rate spiking into the 200s—let alone walk, shower, or do the simplest daily tasks we often take for granted. Even on medication, my heart rate was uncontrollable.
Because I couldn’t participate in normal activity, the weight slowly but steadily came on—and it was incredibly hard to lose. I was unable to return to work for two years.
During my recovery, I begged doctors to help me lose the weight that was impacting my health. They had no solutions. So I turned to social media, where I started seeing videos about Skinny Shots and how they were changing lives. I was skeptical—I had tried everything.
This wasn’t easy. There were many moments I thought I’d never get here. But I didn’t quit. I stayed consistent—through two life-threatening surgeries and a cancer diagnosis last year.
And here’s what I gained by not giving up:
✨ I didn’t just lose 100 pounds
✨ I decreased my cardiac risk
✨ Lowered my blood pressure
✨ Lowered my cholesterol
✨ Lowered my Hemoglobin A1C
✨ Decreased my diabetic risk
✨ And I am actively decreasing my cancer risk
This journey is about health, survival, and reclaiming my life.
To my clients who trust me with their health goals—thank you. You inspire me every single day. And congratulations to several of my clients who have also lost 100+ pounds—you are living proof of what’s possible.
While I haven’t been consistent with the gym in the past due to my health challenges (now behind me), I’m excited to move forward. Since being cleared to work out after Christmas, I’ve already completed 20 workout days—and I’m looking forward to showing up 5 days a week.
This is just the beginning. 💪✨
Dale Rider
Lesley Pavelka
Sweat Fitness