The Story of ONE…

So, here we go again. January 1. Here comes the onslaught. All the articles on weight loss, the TV, radio, newspaper commercials, diet books, and the annual speech from Oprah. We can count on all of these things coming to pass, only because the retailers know that YOU are thinking about it.

Just like anyone else, at our gym, we try to take full advantage of the month. We put our special offers out. We lower the rates, we up the advertising budget because we want to increase our membership. But it’s more than just that. It is watching a person transform and somewhere in their story, being able to relate it to life – it may be a different part of life, not necessarily weight loss, but there is something spectacular about watching another person’s determination change the course of their life.

Take Glaydeane Lee, for instance. A 49-year-old employee of The Cancer Association of Spartanburg & Cherokee Counties. This is someone who works with cancer patients everyday and finally, in January of 2008 felt guilty about allowing herself to live as an overweight person, and decided to be one who would set an example to the clients she saw each day.

Beginning on January 25, 2008, she started her diet and exercise program, and as of December 12, 2008, she lost 52 lbs and is still counting. The loss of the excess pounds is “exciting”, as she puts it, but Glaydeane says there is more than just that. “It is what has happened to my body, mind and spirit that make my efforts fulfilling. By seeing the results from the lifestyle alterations and experiencing the full body changes, it increases my drive more and more each day.”

Glaydeane Lee - Before

Glaydeane Lee - After

Being 49 at the beginning of this journey, Glaydean’s goal was to get in shape and have a better body with a stronger heart for when she turned 50 on August 2009. She is confident that she is well on her way to achieve and surpass these goals.

We are saying good-bye to one of the toughest economic years this country has faced in a very long time. As we walk forward, into January 2009, lets remember a few things. Health and fitness can change the quality of life. Being healthy can also save thousands of dollars as medical costs skyrocket throughout the country.

Take the time this year to hunt around. Take advantage of mass advertising campaigns and special offers that will be coming your way. You can find something that matches your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Take it from one who is ending one of the most personally fulfilling and successful years of her life. Glaydeane says, ” If I could leave you with just one thought, please don’t ever think that you can’t change your body -because you can. It just takes dedication, hard work, and people who are on your side, helping you every step of the way.”