North Bay

Member Since November 2007

My Story
I dont know if you would call me an amazing member or not but, I have an amazing story and this is how it all began!

Oh 2007 was a heck of a year!!! My Mom died from Cancer, I weighed a whopping 283lbs at 511/2 tall, and my life was out of control and spiraling downward.

My husband was worried and urged me to see the Doctor as I was not feeling well and seemed to be gaining weight by the minute without any real reason why. After my physical my Doctor called me back to his office informed me that I was obese, had phase 2 Diabetes and my blood pressure was sky rocketing. I had to make some changes or I could be in serious trouble with my heart, kidneys, eyes etc the list goes on. I was put on medication for both my Diabetes and high blood pressure. I went home to digest the news; I knew if I didnt make some serious changes I might not be around for my family.

Determined to prove to the Doctor that I could lose weight and get things under control, I started to write down what I ate and put myself on a bit of a diet. I managed to lose 14 pounds before my next Doctors visit 3 months later. My body has never responded well to medication, the blood pressure pills were not working, my blood pressure was still so high and my blood was still at 8.5; I asked my Doctor what I could do and of course he said continue to diet but you need to exercise to make a real difference. I mentioned to him that I had seen a commercial for Curves and I felt it would be something that I could do; Dr Yates said that would be GREAT but keep in mind it takes a while for a body to change and to see any real results; I just looked at him and said well see!!!

One night at supper I mentioned to my family that I was thinking about joining Curves; my husband was excited for me; my Son thought that I should join Good Life, but, I said I liked Curves as it was personable and something which was designed for women only. Kayla my sons girlfriend told me about a draw they were having at one of our local health stores and that you could win 1 week free trial; the next time she was in she would put my name in for me; I said that GREAT but, never put too much thought into it.

I contacted Curves to see what it would cost me and found out that it was extremely reasonable; less that $1.50 per day (I spent more on Coffee each day) and the people were soooooo wonderful, they almost had me there but, I still did not join.

After returning home I realized that fate must be on my side as there was a message waiting for me from Curves that I had won the free week trial at Curves and to please contact them to make an appointment.

I called and made my appointment and when I arrived at Curves Lakeshore; I was greeted by Sheena (an instructor) who made me feel instantly at home and the girls on the circuit were all saying hi to me. Right there and then I had a good feeling that I had made the right decision and my life was going to change in a GREAT way!!! I got measured and Sheena went through all of the machines with me and made sure I knew exactly how to use each and everyone of them.

And so my life began; I was exercising every day, although 3 times a week would have been sufficient. I felt so at home, the staff and members were so encouraging that I just wanted to do more and more. I had started losing inches immediately and when I got my first weigh in one month later, I was down 5lbs. WOW!!! Just imagine 5 pounds of hamburger; it is a lot!!!! I was out of my head happy!!! And guess what? My sugar was reads were now 6.7 and my blood pressure was normal.

And as if that is not enough just for weighing in each month I received the incredible Diane Magazine; full of nutritional tips, fantastic low cal recipes, and other peoples life stories of encouragement; can you tell I love this magazine!!!!

Then another miracle happened at Curves; I was introduced to the 6 Week Solution Program. My attitude towards losing weight was beyond me, I just could not learn enough about how to get in better shape and health. Jeannie was my instructor and she had such compassion and knowledge; I learnt a whole new way of living, eating and once again I benefited from Curves. I lost a total of 131/2lbs and won a prize for losing the most weight. I would recommend the 6 Week Solution to anybody; I know it will be a big part of my life forever!!!

Did I mention that Curves gives back to the community; we did bowling for Big Sisters and raised all kinds of money for the kids and then we had a food drive; it just seems like every other week we are doing something else!!! It is awesome!!!

I have now lost a total of 83 pounds; and only have 40lbs to lose to reach my final goal of 160lbs but, dont worry about me as I now know that I have all the support and technology to reach my weight loss goals at Curves!!! Everyone says that I look amazing, my Doctor is flabbergasted but, more that anything I have learnt a whole new way of life, gained amazing friends and guess what? My blood pressure is still normal, my blood sugars read 4.9 and I have been taken off all medication for blood pressure and diabetes; pretty amazing eh?

I can never tell enough people about Curves, the instructors or the members and how it has changed my life; am I an amazing member? Yep!!! Just like every one of us who takes the courage to step through the doors of Curves to a whole new way of living! The hardest part is getting started; once you do you wont want to stop!!! What are you waiting for?

See you on the Curves Circuit

Tammy Peddigrew
xxxxoooo