A Note from Laura...
When I was heading into college at the age of 18, I was OVERWEIGHT and SERIOUSLY UNHEALTHY. By that, I mean I was at my highest weight of 205 lbs with a height of 5’3”. I was employed by a gym who had members that beautifully healthy and in shape. It was then that I began to realize that I needed to do something about my health. Of course, I wanted to LOOK better, but realistically, I was unhealthy – and headed down the wrong path at too young of an age. I asked myself if I really wanted to commit to this, because, like many, I had tried “dieting” and failed ALL too many times. Becoming healthy isn’t easy. It takes courage, determination, and patience. Knowing I might fail once again, I took a risk - and decided to make better choices for myself. This was the BEST risk I have ever taken. First I knew I had to change the way I ate. Sure, I didn’t want to give up how and what I was eating, but I knew that if I wanted to be healthy I needed to make a change – and fast. At the beginning, changing what I ate made a big difference for me. I set small goals of losing five pounds or so at a time – something that was attainable, so I didn’t set myself up for a letdown. So, that’s what I did. I lost five pounds…which then gave me motivation to lose ten. After about fifteen pounds, however, I noticed that the scale wasn’t moving quite as fast as it was. It was then I decided to add exercise into my routine. Exercise helped because not only was I feeling better physically, I began to feel better mentally because I was working hard to improve my well being. After seven years of living a HEALTHY lifestyle, not dieting, but making the right choices EVERYDAY, I have lost and managed to keep off 70 pounds. Before I made the choice to become “fit” I totally underestimated my strength and courage. Never again will I do that. I never dreamed I would be working in the fitness industry, but here I am; and nothing makes me happier. |