I'm accountable for ME!

223 rep

MemberSheboygan, WI

I'm 51 years old, at my heaviest I weighted 278 pounds. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes nearly 2 years ago and I was a heavy smoker for over 35 years. I was on a self destructive path for much of my adult life and I've dieted off and on for years but nothing ever lasted long. I used every excuse under the sun for failing time after time and I actually had myself convinced that I could never succeed in losing weight or stopping smoking. No wonder I failed, I didn't have the confidence to understand that it was totally up to me and nobody else could get me healthy, I had to do it for myself. I let a lot of people sabotage my good intentions but I was not confident in my resolution to change how I ate and lived my life, so I would fail again.

My attitude has totally turned around and everyone in my life are proud of me and surprised too that I'm finally "doing" something about it instead of just "talking" about doing it. I stopped smoking over 2 weeks ago, I have not touched a cigarette and I won't. Everyone was surprised I could quit, even I was surprised at how simple it seemed to be for me. I've always known that if you set your mind to doing something that you can do it. I just didn't have enough faith in myself I guess.

I joined Anytime Fitness January 11th and I'm starting out slow and doing what I'm capable of doing right now but already I feel and see the results. I've lost over 10 pounds so far. A month or so ago I was riding in the electric wheelchair at Walmart because I was a heavy smoker and I have COPD plus I've been obese for years and was finally taking a serious toll on my health and mobility. I felt ashamed of myself for letting myself get so unhealthy. So I made my mind up to get my butt in gear and be accountable for me!! So I bought the nicotine patch and stopped smoking. Then I joined a gym and gave myself NO MORE EXCUSES! I can walk a fairly steady pace on the treadmill for 20 minutes straight and ride the exercise bike for 30 minutes straight. And I even surprise myself that just by stopping smoking just how much more energy I have and how much better I breath and that made it possible for me to exercise so I can lose weight.

Peace, Cindy

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H₂i | ManagerWaxahachie, TX

that is amazing. keep up the good work and you will be surprised at how much better you feel. and congratulations for quitting smoking. i am sure that was difficult after doing it for so long. please keep us updated, we love to read stories like yours.

49k rep

MemberSmyrna, TN

Congrats! So many people don't understand some things you came upon fairly easily. 1-- it's all up to you; 2- once you set your mind to it, nothing can stop you!; 3- if you believe you can, or you think you can't, you're right!!

Congrats on the stopping smoking, Congrats on the 10 pounds, keep up the great work!!

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MemberMississauga, ON

Congratulations on the accomplishments! 10 pounds, and quitting smoking, WOW Good for you!
Way to be a self starter, getting started is half the battle, keeping it going is another thing but as you see results they will push you even harder for more.
Keep up the great work and keep us posted!

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AlumniIndio, CA

Great job! Keep going and keep us posted on your progress too!

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MemberZion Crossroads, VA

Good for you Cindy, I really admire your fortitude. I quit smoking years ago, but to do that and tackle your weight at the same time is so fantastic.

223 rep

MemberSheboygan, WI

Thank you for the encouraging comments. I know I'm not alone, so many of you face the same kinds of struggles as me. I admire all of you too for giving the effort to better your health. Peace, Cindy