I moved from Colorado in 2007 to Washington state, and decided it was time to cut out some unhealthy habits. I was close to a size 12. My boyfriend (who is now my husband) at the time talked me into getting a gym membership at his gym. He kept me motivated, and going back. Even if I was angry at him I would go take it out on the elliptical (where most of my weight was lost). I lost between 25-30 lbs within the first year of living here. I lost weight by adding more cardio, workout classes, and cutting out simple things like soda, sugary coffee drinks from Starbucks, and drinking more water. My diet improved as i began to eat more greens and salads and cutting out unnecessary breads. I didn't overwhelm myself with a diet, I just made simple changes i could live with, and we would have a cheat day on Sunday where i would divulge into anything i had been craving that week. My lowest weight was 119, but my body maintains well around 125-128 which is where I am most comfortable.

It's been a love hate thing for me. I will be honest. I'm not like "Yea brah lets get to the gym!!" hardly ever. I can't imagine my life without it though. I go one week without a good workout, and it's a bad week. I love the feeling of being fit, healthy, and improving myself for the best. We have a great community at my gym, and that really helps keep me in check. My husband is the #1 motivator for me, I want to look great for him, and I don't want to disappoint him. He works out HARD and has huge goals for himself, and he will never stop until he obtains them. It's quite inspiring really. How could you not work out when you're married to something like that! It keeps my ass moving.