“When did I get fat?” That’s all I kept thinking. When did this happen? How did this happen? How come nobody told me?

I was thin as a child, in my teens and 20’s. At some point, sometime in my 30’s I guess, my metabolism must have changed. I was eating the same way I always did but each year the scale changed. 5 pounds this year, 10 pounds the next. Before I knew it, let’s face it, I was overweight. I stayed that way for a number of years, doing nothing about it. Finally I couldn’t take it anymore. It was my birthday and it was no longer fun to shop for a new outfit for my birthday dinner. I ‘settled’ for a not so flattering pair of shorts and a shirt that was ‘okay’.

I realized if I wanted shopping to be fun again, I had to do something. I decided a personal trainer was what I needed, because I have never exercised before (and didn’t know how to). I had never been in any organized sport, nothing. I knew I could do this if I had some direction. I got that direction from Nicole. At first I thought that if I could lose 20 pounds that would be very exciting! Nicole’s goals were a bit more lofty. I remember her telling me that if I did EVERYTHING she told me to do, I would lose 30 pounds ( and she gave me the date it would happen)!

After my first training session I couldn’t walk for a week. I was so sore I kept thinking ‘what am I doing’? But I kept at it. Whatever she told me to do, I did. I did the workouts she designed and ate the foods she told me to eat. I dropped 10 pounds the first month. This was exciting. I dropped 10 pounds the second month. Even more exciting. I realized she was right. I lost that 30 pounds she said I would, in less time than originally thought. And I didn’t stop there. I kept following the fitness program Nicole put me on, and eating the way she explained I should. It was easy, all I had to do was follow her directions. (The workouts are challenging, just never say ‘I can’t’). I was starting to see muscle where there used to be fat. I traded my oversized t-shirts and baggy sweatpants for cute workout tanks and shorts. I was shopping again, and it was fun!

In 9 months time I went from a size 14 to a size 2! My energy level is amazing and I enjoy eating healthy and exercising daily. I can weed my flower beds and work in my garden without becoming winded. I don’t like to sit still anymore.

What a difference in a year’s time. This year for my birthday, I bought a 2 piece swimsuit and cute little sundress. I knew I could do this, I just needed direction. Nicole gave me that direction!”