I actually did begin to work out in October 2003 and loved what it did for me. I really didn't have a set plan at the time other than cardio with a mixture of light lifting by switching upper body, lower body days or a circuit. I saw some serious changes when I started to lift heavy with my gym friend who actually is now my hubby. I continued to work out through my 1st pregnancy in 2006, but then stopped after I had my baby boy and then from time to time would make it back in the gym. Then we had our 2nd babe in June 2008 and I just completely stopped going. However in Nov./Dec. 2010 timeframe after gaining over 50 lbs. I decided it was time to make some serious changes overall because I wasn't happy how I felt to how I looked in pictures. Even then I felt miserable that I didn't seem to have the energy to keep up with my son's at the playground. So I slowly and gradually took the necessary steps to make the changes and it all started with a journal capturing details of what I ate and what I did for exercise. The real change came when I went in to try on my maid of honor dress in April 2011 for my sister's wedding that just happened in March 2012. I remember that moment that the biggest size the store had on hand for the style she chose was the one I tried on and it didn't even zip up half way. Then that is when I decided it was time to get back to the gym and with a plan. With my husband's full support and my determination that I was going to make a lifestyle change is when the changes began for me.