Nothing delights me more than hearing the stories of people who have transformed their bodies--going from fat to fit. Each person made an authentic decision to make permanent lifestyle changes. By their example--like ripples in a pond--they each positively influence everyone around them.
Please share your story with us here and help us widen the circle of influence.
Martha Rust takes a fitness journey
As a nurse, I know well the impact extra weight has on patients' health. Since my teen years, I have alternatively starved or stuffed myself, ending up at 200 pounds while only 5 feet 2 inches tall. I joined Carole's reality Fat to Fit Television class in the hope that I could finally lose weight and become more fit. I've lost 40 pounds and 45 inches. Most importantly, I am continuing on my fitness journey.
Joseph is 88 pounds lighter
I made the decision to get fit a year ago (July 1, 2008) because I could only walk a short distance with a cane before my back would begin to hurt. I could not tie my shoes. Size 4X clothes were tight on me. But I think the biggest reason I began this journey was I felt as though my son and grandsons needed me to be a help--not a burden. I'm at 262 pounds and holding for now, but I feel great, eat right and exercise six days a week, three times a day.
Dorothy Volker learns you're never too old for fitness
I was part of a group of women who joined the Nevada County Meltdown. Today, I feel that I'm more fit than ever. Adopting more healthful eating habits, adding exercise and altering my attitude have made all the difference. I walk regularly and continue to move toward my goal of realizing my "personal best." I learned that even though I was not an athlete when I was young, I still can pursue fitness as an adult.
Diane Byers shares her surprise and excitement about her first 5K run
I am excited and surprised at what I accomplished during the AARP Fat 2 Fit Community Weight-Loss Challenge. This Sunday marks the start of the ninth week of diet and exercise for me and also my first 5K walk/run. I am down 12 pounds in two months. And I was able to run as well as walk a 5K this morning, even running across the finish line! If you had told me two months ago that my body could do this, I would have laughed long and loud. No way could this 58-year-old woman who hasn't done daily exercise since maybe PE class in ninth grade run this race. It is like I have been reintroduced to a body I said good-bye to a long time ago.
Michelle Hughes awakens to fitness
The death of my mother triggered an increase in eating. I had not been overly careful up to that point; plus, I was not exercising regularly. After much soul-searching, I decided I could best honor my mother by getting fit. I began by working out at Curves, lost 36 pounds and went on to become a triathlon athlete, competing in over a dozen events. Sometimes it takes a major event to wake us out of our unconscious fitness slumber. Once I woke up, I became an accomplished athlete.
Working Mom uses AARP Fat 2 Fit online community to lift her spirits
I'm a single parent raising a teenage daughter and a 20-year-old college-student son while working at a demanding job. I worry about mounting bills and the maintenance involved in keeping a household going. I am grateful to have this opportunity to share my feelings and concerns; posting my comments in the AARP Fat 2 Fit group has helped me to have a more positive outlook!
