While fibroids are relatively common for women, with Medline saying one in five women are known to get them during childbearing years, that doesn’t make them any less painful or less of a bother in a woman’s life. For Toya Wright, she found out that she had fibroids after noticing excessive bleeding during her period and some severe cramps three years ago. The change was a pretty drastic one, so she saw her doctor about it. She was told that she had the uterine tumors.
“I was nervous because at the time I didn’t know anything about fibroids,” Wright told PEOPLE. “My uterus is the size of the five-months pregnant woman.” After starting with cramping and pain, the effects of her fibroids moved to weight gain and Wright realized she would have to make an effort to be more active and eat healthier.
She decided to remove red meats, caffeine and fatty foods from her diet and made sure to increase her water intake.
“I had to switch it up because I used to eat all types of stuff and I would just get bigger,” Wright shared with the publication. “I had to scale back and eat healthier things like fish and salads.”
And something that also helped with cramping pains and weight gain? Making workouts, at least four a week now, a priority.
“I found exercising has been more helpful in relieving the symptoms,” she said. “I do a lot of cardio, like walking and cycling. At that time of the month, the fibroids flare up, and when I exercise it helps me not feel so much pain.”
Check out a few images of Wright flexing in the gym and outdoors, not only toning up and burning calories, but dealing with the side effects of her fibroids:
On a mission to lose 12 pounds. @optwellnessatl about to get me right. Who’s with me?? Let’s get it! #teamgetinshape #itsalifestyle ??
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Feb 7, 2017 at 1:10pm PST
Gym session with @optwellnessatl ??
A photo posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Feb 1, 2017 at 12:20pm PST
Boxing session with my trainer @dtopt. Yesterday was my 1st day back in the gym. I gotta get my shit together. #ilovefood
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Nov 15, 2016 at 7:52am PST
I was feeling adventurous today! #thebikecrew
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Oct 5, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT
We did 24 miles today! #bikelife ?
A photo posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Oct 5, 2016 at 1:03pm PDT
That girl quick with them hands.? S/O to my trainer @dtopt ??
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Sep 20, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT
My brothers taught me.?? #fistoffury training with @dtopt ??
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Sep 7, 2016 at 1:14pm PDT
Today’s Workout session with @dtopt #optwellnessgym ?? Snapchat? iamtoyawright
A video posted by Antonia Wright (@toyawright) on Sep 1, 2016 at 11:10am PDT
