March 12, 2007

Dear Nancy,

I would like to formally thank you, the instructors, and the staff at Bodyfit for helping me to lose more than 50 pound and keep the weight off for almost 2 years.  I have struggled with weight issues all my life.  At 38, I never imagined after three children, three miscarriages and a broken ankle, I would be able to drop the weight I had gained (and lost and gained again) over a ten year period of time.  I am anxious to tell my story only because I feel like it may help other women who are struggling with similar issues. 

I am sure I was classified as morbidly obese (185lbs. and 5’4 inches) after the birth of my second child in 1999 when I fell and broke my ankle and gained even more weight. With the help of a physician monitored program, I was able to successfully lose 50 lbs  in about a 6 month period of time but was unable to keep the weight off and by the time my third child was born, I had gained every bit of the weight back.  This time, I tried everything, from diet to running (up to 3 miles per day 3-4 days per week) and was still unable to get the scale moving.  I really thought the weight would never come off.

I was truly desperate to find a fitness program that could work with my busy schedule.

Your program provided classes in hour long increments all day long and offered excellent care for my children (Keisha-you rock!).  It is and has been a very positive and nurturing environment for me.  Thanks to Bodyfit I have been able to drop the weight. But the best part is that I am still motivated and challenged by changes I continue to make on the outside as well as the inside. I now understand that I being fit helps me in every aspect of my life.  I have the confidence and energy to deal with my whole life more effectively.  I have learned that fitness will be a life long journey for me and I am so grateful to have an environment in which I can continue to grow and be challenged.  

Last fall my children’s elementary school sponsored a 5k road race fundraiser.  I entered, ran and I won in my age category!  I do not run as often as I probably could/should but I feel like Bodyfit’s classes have helped me maintain a fitness level that afforded me the endurance I needed to finish and win.  Please understand that winning for me means having a great place to exercise everyday!  Please share my story and pictures if you feel it could help someone else in their journey toward fitness!

Sincerely, Laurie Strickland