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Tampa, FL
Member Since January 2006
My Story
I was a chunky kid who turned into an obese adult. The funny thing is, most of the time I didn't see myself as being that big. Three and a half years ago I weighed 305 lbs. and wore a size 26/bordering 28. And I was fine with that because in my mind, there was nothing wrong with me, I was just a little overweight. Sure I had fat days, but what woman doesn't? But then my fat days turned into fat months and I became disgusted with myself. I hated shopping because nothing looked good anymore, and I was terrified that one day I would go in and be too big to wear anything in the store. I would make up excuses for why I couldn't go to amusement parks because I didn't fit into the seats on the rides. I even started to feel uncomfortable just going out in public because I felt awkward, as if everyone was constantly whispering about how fat I was. I was bordering a depression when something in my head finally snapped and I realized that something needed to change, and I was the only one with the power and control to do it.
It's always been hard for me to ask when I need help. Especially when it came to weight loss. I didn't want to admit that I had a problem, that I wasn't happy with myself, that what people had been telling me for years was true, and that I was unhealthy and needed to lose weight. I was embarrassed by what I had become. And so I tried to do it alone. I had bouts here and there where I would diet and exercise to try and lose weight for this event, or to fit into that dress, but nothing ever stuck. The fad diets didn't work, and I felt uncomfortable in a co-ed gym. But given how much I had grown to dislike myself, I finally realized I couldn't do it alone anymore. I needed to admit that I needed help. My mother had recently lost 60 pounds with the help of Curves, and as it was close to Christmas, I asked her for a membership. And that year, mom helped me to get my life back.
January 5, 2006, armed with the gift certificate from my mother, I nervously walked into the Egypt Lake Curves in Tampa, FL. Michelle, the Curves employee I met with, was so friendly and encouraging. Having lost a large amount of weight with the help of Curves herself, she was an inspiration to me, and helped me to feel like I could actually do this, I could lose the weight and be happy with myself. I did my initial assessment that day, came in the next day for my first work out and have been back 3-6 times a week ever since. It was hard in the beginning, but I was surrounded by women who were supportive, and encouraging. After a short time, I wasn't just going to Curves to work-out, I was going to meet up with friends. And that support system, those wonderful women, are a big part of why I've been able to continue on my journey to becoming healthy.
I am now 106 lbs. lighter, wearing a size 14, and I feel amazing. I'm doing things that the me 4 years ago never would have thought possible. I just got back from a white water rafting trip to celebrate my 30th birthday. And I want to plan another one in addition to sky diving, dog sledding and skiing. I want to be outside, I want to be active, enjoying everything that life has to offer. I have more confidence, more energy. Sure I still have my "fat" days, but they're rare, and when they come, I just take myself to Curves and the feeling subsides. But more important, I like myself again and I feel as though I'm worth the invaluable support that the women at Curves have given me over the past 3 years and will continue to provide for many years to come.
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