Hope Ellis-Ashburn Whitwell, Tennessee

A full-time high school teacher, Hope rides English and Western, competing in hunter classes and trail riding when she’s not riding in the arena. She rides six days a week.

Favorite ways to exercise: Hope exercises for 30 minutes every morning, seven days a week. She has a library of secondhand fitness DVDs and a small collection of fitness equipment.

“The DVDs do a good job of blending cardio and weight training, and easily fit into my busy schedule,” Hope says.

Diet: More than a decade ago, Hope started Weight Watchers.

“It changed how I eat,” Hope says. “I make different choices in the meats I consume, I eat many more vegetables, include some fruits, eat more whole grains. Any dairy I eat is fat-free. My sugar intake has greatly decreased. I probably eat more often than I used to, but I watch my portions and I’m eating foods that are better for me.”

Hope has lost 50 pounds and continues to follow the maintenance plan for the program, which helps keep the weight off and keeps her energy level up for riding.

Fitting it in: Hope wakes up at 5:15 a.m. on weekdays to exercise before breakfast and getting ready for school. She works out after morning coffee on the weekends.

“The key, for me, has been to make exercise a priority and set aside a time to do it every day,” Hope says.

Fit tip: Start your fitness program when you’re ready.

“Only you can decide when [you’re ready],” Hope says. “Once you decide to go for it, truly decide. Be a warrior in terms of self-discipline, and stick with your goals. Don’t let small setbacks keep you down. Just as with riding, get back up and go at it again.” 