I was never what you might call a naturally thin or fit person. Even as a kid, I much preferred reading and watching cartoons to climbing, running or jumping. I played soccer and a few other sports half heartedly but gave them up by the time I got to junior high. High school was another adventure in inactivity- I was editor of the newspaper and involved in other extra curricular activities, but it wasn’t anything close to exercise or physical exertion. And like most teenagers, I lived on fast food and junk after school. I went off to college as a size 14.
In college and beyond, my bad habits continued. I lost weight a few times and discovered step aerobics and Weight Watchers, but I was never consistent and constantly gained and lost the same 25 pounds. Like most everyone, I met someone special, got married and was very happy for a long time. Eventually at about age 30, we decided to have kids. My weight still fluctuated in about a 15 pound range but I was a semi-regular exerciser by this point. I got pregnant and had a fairly normal pregnancy until about 31 weeks, when I was put on bed rest. The end result was a baby girl born a bit early but otherwise very much OK. I lost 35 pounds after her birth by doing an elliptical and using weight machines in a half hearted manner. I got pregnant with her brother right after her first birthday. Four more months of preventative bed rest followed and at the end of it, I was 60 pounds overweight with 2 small kids. I had to do something- I had no energy and I felt terrible. I di d the elliptical again and sometimes yoga, losing about 20 pounds.
Then I found Cathe on FitTV- I did the Cardio & Weight workout and I was hooked! I found The Cathe Nation and the rest is history- I lost over 60 pounds total with Cathe’s help. I bought every DVD Cathe made and am still as exhilarated and excited to do them as when
they were brand new. I love the changes to my body and most importantly, to my mind. I love that I am strong and fit and feel like I can do anything. I love that I am setting a good example for my kids- exercise and eating healthy are a given in our household. I got to meet Cathe at the 2009 Road Trip recently and I never had a chance to tell her my story- but I want her to know how much she has changed my life. Thank you Cathe! You are my inspiration everyday.
