BONNIE HILL (third from left, wearing neon green shirt) recently participated in the Survivor Mud Run in Portland. Hill has lost a total of 170 pounds in the last several years and participates in numerous classes with personal trainer and instructor, Kim Witherspoon.
HOCKINSON RESIDENT Bonnie Hill makes it her mission to get through the course at the Survivor Mud Run in Portland.
BONNIE HILL has lost a total of 170 pounds over the last several years. She participates in a variety of fitness classes instructed by Kim Witherspoon through Battle Ground Community Education.
SIXTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Bonnie Hill takes fitness classes like Pilates, zumba and more with fitness instructor Kim Witherspoon.
KIM WITHERSPOON is an area personal trainer and fitness instructor. She teaches a variety of fitness classes through Battle Ground Community Education.
Hockinson resident Bonnie Hill may have recently lost a total of 170 pounds through hard work, exercise and dedication, but the 66-year-old has overcome much harder obstacles throughout her life.
Hill was born in Maryland and, since her father was in the U.S. Air Force, she moved quite a bit growing up. She moved to Vancouver when she was 5 years old and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School, afterwards attending business school and receiving a certificate of completion.
In 1978, Hill married Larry Hill. Kim Witherspoon, personal trainer and fitness instructor who holds classes through Battle Ground Community Education, said Hill has overcome many hurdles such as a severe car accident in 1988 and skin cancer in 1998. Over the years, however, her weight got out of control.
“It was very difficult for her to get around her farm,” Witherspoon said. “She would have to sit in her car while her husband would grocery shop because her weight limited her movement. She hurt all of the time. That is when she went to the doctor and and got approval to exercise.”
After her car accident in 1988, Hill also lost her memory. She had to learn to read all over again and did so with the help and encouragement of her daughter. Hill also participates in the North County Relay for Life with Battle Ground Curves.
In 2012, Hill joined Curves in 2012 and lost 60 pounds in about six months. That is when she met Witherspoon through Battle Ground Community Education. Hill began taking classes with Witherspoon such as zumba, weight training and Pilates four times a week.
Since then, Hill has lost a total of 170 pounds, toned muscles, toned and tightened her core, and is strong and fit, according to Witherspoon.
“She has also ventured out to other classes in our community,” Witherspoon said. “She has so much fun and has made so many wonderful friends. She recently ran in the Survivor Mud Run in Portland. Zip lining is next on her list. Bonnie has acquired very nice friends on her journey of living a healthy and fit life. She has support, encouragement and lots of laughter.”
As Hill continues on her fitness and healthy lifestyle journey, there are two quotes that she continues to live by: “If you don’t climb the mountain, you can’t see the view” and “Sing like no one can hear you, dance like no one is watching, love like you’ve never been hurt and enjoy live to the fullest.”
For more information about Witherspoon’s fitness classes, contact her at (360) 771-9165 or check out her fitness schedule through Battle Ground Community Education.
