I grew up on a farm. We worked hard and ate big meals. As a child I was over weight and teased about it. When I went to college I determined to lose weight and I did. However, over the years I gradually gained close to a pound a year which didn’t seem like much at the time. I have participated in a number of programs, mostly self-directed, and read many books on diets to help me lose weight, but I did not keep up with any of them and each time gained back what I had lost. My family history includes heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. In 2002 I began having lots of pain and discomfort in my joints and was eventually diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. On Christmas Eve of 2002, our first granddaughter was born. I remember sitting on the floor holding her during the holiday break and had a very difficult time getting up while holding her. That really bothered me. I knew I had to do something if I wanted to be able to play with and really enjoy my grand children. I once again determined I would exercise and do what I needed to do to get in shape. I told myself I could do it on my own. Needless to say, I continued to gain weight. I blamed the weight gain on the medication I was taking for the arthritis. In May of 2006, I requested as a Mother’s Day Gift from my husband a one year Curves membership. I joined and was off to a good start and then summer came. I worked out very few times that summer. But I refused to cancel the membership. A little voice kept telling me I was wasting money and I wasn’t getting any better physically. I started back in earnest in the fall. By January 2007 I had lost 10.75 inches but only 3 pounds. I knew I was making progress. I felt better and my clothes were fitting better. I kept up the exercise but was not paying attention to what I was eating. After all I was exercising so I figured I could eat what I wanted. Once again I gained weight. By January of 2008 I weighed 5 pounds more than I did when I joined Curves. I was still smaller. I told myself that was OK because muscle weighs more that fat. But I knew I really needed to lose weight. Once again I refocused. I worked out regularly. In the summer I began working out 4 times a week and my husband and I walked 4 or more days each week. This was a big boost to my metabolism I began losing weight as well as inches. When Curves Smart was introduced, I signed up. Having goals set for me helped me stay focused and really put forth effort during the workouts, not just go through the motions. I also signed up for Curves Complete – the online program that provides a weekly meal plan and the tools for users to keep track of their progress including workouts, weight loss, calorie consumption, and the number of fat grams and carbohydrates consumed daily. This was very beneficial. It helped me see what worked best for me. I have now lost 19.5 lbs and 20.5 inches. At age 61, I feel better than I have in many years. My Rheumatologist told me at my last check up that my immune system had turned around. I now have 5 grandchildren and can easily lift them and get up and down off the floor to play with them. I credit my weight loss and much improved health to the good habits I have developed through the Curves program and the encouragement and support of the Curves staff.

I didn’t always have a problem with my weight. Before I got pregnant with my first boy, I could eat whatever I wanted and never gained weight. However, after I had him, it seemed like all I had to do was look at or smell food and I would gain a pound here and there. I would lose some, and then gain it back. What I gained was always more than what I lost. After giving birth to four boys and fighting with my weight, I joined a weight control program. I lost the weight and reached my goal. Then I gained it all back, plus a few more pounds. I just couldn’t maintain my goal weight. It didn’t help me like it seemed to help others. In January 2002 we lost our 12 year old son, Matthew, in a drowning accident. Our youngest son, Aaron, 11, was with him but couldn’t save him. I put my life on hold to help Aaron cope with what had happened. As it was, I just sat at home unless I had an appointment or when Aaron needed me. I would eat and just sit; do housework and then sit some more. In May 2008 I decided it was time to do something for me. It was time to move on and get my life in order again. That’s when I decided to join Curves®. I got out of the house. I met people. I made friends. I was exercising and feeling good about myself. I began to cut back on what I was eating and began to drink more water. By January 2009 – just 7½ months later – I have lost 33½ pounds and 27½ inches! And it’s staying off! I feel so much better about myself and am able to participate in activities I couldn’t do just a few short months ago. I would like to lose another 43 pounds and am confident that I will get it done. I am aiming for year’s end to reach this goal. When I reach my final goal, I know the employees at Curves will help me maintain my weight and help me keep physically fit. Had it not been for Curves, I would not have been able to achieve these goals.

Bridget Schmidt had struggled with her weight her whole life, but when she hit 255 pounds at only nineteen years of age she realized that she had to change her lifestyle. That’s when she discovered Curves and began our workout and weight loss program. After a short while she noticed the pounds starting to melt away! Bridget says, "Losing the weight was a long process and sometimes I felt like giving up, but the amazing support I received from my family and my local Curves kept me going.” According to Bridget, every time she worked out her fellow Curves members would tell her how great she looked and cheered her on. She was even nicknamed the “poster woman” at her Curves for her great success at the weight loss program. Her newly found self-assurance has lead her to pursue a career in nursing, which she says she would have never attempted at her past weight or mindset.