Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you are willing to make a change. About 12 years ago, I ended up in the hospital for about 8 days. Rock bottom, near death experience....whatever. It scared me enough to make changes in my health, diet and exercise routine. I've had ups and downs since then but have been fairly steady now for the past 5 years with everything. I seem to finally "get" what I need to do to maintain my weight loss and keep my health in check. I consider myself a work in progress. I know there are a few things that I may never achieve due to family history/genetics but at least I can keep those health issues from escalating.

I like working out because it is my stress relief, my release from the mind clutter. It is my social life seeing friends in various group fitness classes. They are my support, my cheer team and my inspiration. They keep me coming back for more. Working out is the tool that helps me keep and achieve my health goals. It makes going to the doctor a much more pleasant experience. It is my confidence builder. I've been working on lifting heavier weights and learning my body can do more than I ever thought. It is a great lesson for life. I am able to do so much more than I think I can or anyone else thinks I can. I just need to keep pushing myself to until I reach my limit. Then come back and try some more. I look around the gym and see people at various levels and it reminds me of different times in my life. I look around and see inspiration. I watch what people are doing and wonder if that is something I can do and where to fit it into my routine.