Congratulations Heather!
"...Before I began a regular exercise routine, the word "Gym" alone would send wrinkles across my nose. I was never a fan of physical activity, especially when there would be people around. Uncomfortable, self-conscious and secretly worried I wouldn't be successful. I had convinced myself I didn't care how I looked and didn't even realize how terrible I actually felt. In fact, not caring seemed to be the way to go, because caring meant admitting an unhappy truth I didn't want to face. I had no energy, constant back aches, and tying my own shoes was more of a chore than I cared to admit. I knew I needed and wanted to change, but didn't know where to start. I found most of my initial attempts to be inconsistent, at best, and fairly short lived. Then a friend of mine joined Dukes and was working out nearly every day. Over about 8 months she lost nearly 50 lbs and looked awesome! The changes in her were huge and not just physical. Above all, she was happier, Healthier, and she convinced me to give it a try. At first it was hard, trying to keep up, getting frustrated easily, but with time came patience and to my disbelief, things got easier. I was seeing results, feeling better, things were going good. Slowly, though, I began to get bored and without direction I lacked the motivation that I needed. This went on for quite a while, and I was obviously due for a change. It was around then I heard that Nate was going to be starting the "Resolution Challenge", it seemed like perfect timing. Those first three trainings nearly killed me. When Nate gave me my routines, I really thought grossly he overestimated me. The truth is, I pushed myself further than I knew I could. I did things that in the not so distant past seemed impossible to me. I realized how much harder I was able to push myself and grew excited at the new possibilities I could already feel opening up! Surviving my trainings really inspired me to get the most of my time and try to focus more intently on my nutrition. I would not let myself undo everything I worked so hard to do, and worked at changing my habits. I learned it was not so much what I was eating and also what had become the more than just occasional pint of Ben & Jerry's didn't help. I spent afew weeks journaling my entire food intake. I was surprised at how much I ate, without even thinking. I know if I wanted to reach my 20 lb goal over the 12 weeks, I'd have to be more mindful of these habits than ever. I did my best, changes became more of everyday living, and by the second weigh in (6 weeks) I lost 14 lbs! I shocked myself completely! It was around that time I decided to keep doing whatever Nate said, no matter how awful it may have sounded at the time. It was definitely working for me. By the end of the challenge I had reached my goal, losing 22 lbs and 9% body fat. Since I started at Dukes until now I'm totaling a 50 lb loss all together. I feel better now than I have ever felt and am enjoying all the aspects of living a healthier lifestyle. I've had such a great experience during my time at the gym and the challenge was exactly the motivation I needed. I've made great friends, whose encouragement and conversations made everything a little easier, and I am ever grateful for. Along with friendship, from this experience I am taking with me new knowledge, strength, health, confidence, and courage to guide me on my journey. Not to mention, I can tie my shoes like a pro!" Heather Bright "

Congratulations Chrystal Owen!
"...One year ago, I was overweight and completely convinced that I would never be able to lose the weight that I had gained during my second pregnancy. I was hurting so bad on the inside, everyday feeling more and more helpless. I have battled with my weight my entire life. I was always losing the battle in one way or another. When I wasn't overweight, I was hurting my body by not eating and losing too much weight. I got a membership at Duke's Fitness Center in September 2005, and I remember how intimidated I was to start going to the gym to workout. I have worked out at other gyms, but never when I was out of shape. I started my journey at the gym in hopes that I might lose a few pounds & maybe start feeling a little better about myself. It seemed so hard to imagine having time to workout with a job and two children to take care of. Thank goodness for the childcare offered at the gym! Within a few weeks here at the gym I was hooked. The people here at the gym never made me feel as if I was unwelcome. In fact I have made quite a few friends along the way. I always feel positive energy when I walk through the door. It is not to say it has always been easy. I have put a lot of work into losing weight and getting healthy. There have been days when I wanted to give up, especially when the weight wasn't coming off as fast as I would have liked it to. That is when I learned to focus on other things than what the scale was telling me. I would make mini goals for myself. For example, I would tell myself that by the end of the month I would be able to complete 20 minutes on the stair climber at one level higher than I was doing. I also had specific goals to increase weight. I had finally after all of these years made the connection - I am in control of my body! With just some changes in my diet and working out regularly at Duke's I have lost 43lbs and I have reshaped my whole body. Most importantly I feel physically and mentally healthy. I have myself and Duke's to thank for my accomplishments. I hope that if you are reading this and you are where I was at about a year ago that my story might make you see that it truly is possible to take control of your life and health. I have done it here and I know that you can too!"