Alexandria

Member Since January 2007

My Story
I have been suffering from chronic Lyme Disease since September 2004. This condition has severely suppressed my immune system and has caused me to develop reactive arthritis, vasculitis, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, and neurological problems, among a few other nasty things that I cant even spell or pronounce. I have been in constant pain and have experienced chronic fatigue for almost three years. During this time, not only my physical state but also my mental state suffered. I was an athlete for many years but let my body deteriorate because of pain, fatigue, and depression.

A friend of mine told me about Curves and how she lost weight and inches by only working out for 30 minutes, three times a week. Since my friend is 12 years my senior and has bad knees, I considered joining but there was no facility near me. Then Curves opened up in Del Ray, just two miles from my home. I walked in the door one day in January 2007 and have, with only several exceptions, worked out at least three times a week and sometimes four and even five. As of July 26, 2007, I have worked out 90 times and am looking forward to breaking the 100 workout milestone.

Unlike most people who join Curves, I was interested in gaining weight and adding inches (in certain places) and have gained almost 10 pounds in muscle weight, not pounds from fat. My doctor is quite impressed with my ability to sustain the workout regime I have made for myself and has even said she has no idea how I do it because with all my ailments I shouldn't have the energy to walk down a flight of steps. Well I have proved her wrong and I thank Curves for that.

There are some days when every part of my body hurts, I don't feel like getting out of bed, and I know the machines at Curves will be a little more challenging. But I also know this exercise program, along with the support of the caring Curves personnel and encouraging members will brighten my day and Ill feel better about myself.

Postscript: The above was written on July 26, 2007, and today is October 22, 2008. I have worked out at Curves a total of 169 additional times since that day (259 total), have fired one of my doctors, and have been taken off the majority of my medications. I no longer feel the fatigue of over a year ago and look forward to my workouts at Curves. I even get a travel pass to the Curves in Lenoir, North Carolina, when I visit my mother. I really believe that Curves helped me to return to my former athletic state and I am proud of how I, with the help of Curves, have regained my life.

Today is July 31, 2009, and I just completed my 404th workout. I can't wait to hit 500.