When I was in my early 20s, it was easy to stay fit, but as I hit my late 20s and early 30s, the stress of a high pressure job, the complications of a divorce and the responsibilities of owning a home and hyper puppy led to a multitude of excuses as to why I did not have time to exercise. Not to mention that cookies, candy and caffeine became my three favorite food groups because they seemingly kept me "up" for all of my daily activities. Soon I was no longer a slim and muscular 135 pounds wearing a size 4 or 6, but now I was a jiggly 165 pounds and pushing a size 12. I hated that I had let myself get to that point, but every time I tried to diet or exercise I just couldn't stick with it and I was right back where I started, plus an extra two or three pounds. I was tired all the time and the extra weight was causing my rheumatoid arthritis to be even worse. So, I finally decided that I needed someone to help me ... someone who was waiting on me to show up to exercise ... someone who was going to make me stand on the scale and be accountable for what I ate that week ... someone who was going to motivate me and help me get results . . . and I needed that someone to be constant, not an every week changing face at a diet center or health club.

I found Carrie Carmichael. Not only is Carrie knowledgeable about fitness, nutrition and exercise, but she is also the right balance of drill sergeant, friend and motivator! She pushes me to work harder, helps me stay on track with my diet and gives me something fun to look forward to after a long day at work. After five months, I've lost between 12 and 15 pounds (depends on whose scale you use!) and none of my "fat" clothes fit anymore. I just bought some size 6 pants— yea! But the size of my pants doesn't tell the whole story. My body is completely different. It is firm in places that before had never been firm. It is more muscle than fat and I feel strong. More importantly, I feel better. My joints don't hurt as much and my attitude about myself has improved 100%. My friends, colleagues and family have noticed the changes as well and that just reinforces my desire to continue with what I have started. I still have a long way to go. I want to lose 20 more pounds and reduce my body fat percentage even more, but now that goal feels attainable. Thanks Carrie!