"I started at Fit4Life the day the doors opened four years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. At the time, I had just had my second baby in 13 months. I was very overweight and unhappy with myself. Within four months, I had lost 35 pounds and rebuilt my confidence and self-esteem.
About that time, Dave suggested that I try running. I remember the day well. I told him that I couldn't run, and when he asked me why, I really couldn't come up with a good reason. I had just not done it for about ten years. So I gave it a try. That first day I could only manage to run five minutes on the treadmill, and I thought that my lungs would explode! But I kept it up, and today running is a very important part of my life. I ran my first marathon, the Walt Disney Marathon, three years ago, and it was the proudest moment of my life. Since that time I have run two more marathons and several small local races as well.
I never thought that first day that I would ever be able to do anything like that, but I proved to myself that if you try hard enough, you can accomplish almost any goal you set for yourself.
Working out at Fit4Life for the past four years has been wonderful for me. In addition to losing weight, I have learned to live a healthy lifestyle. I turned 30 this year and am proud to say that I am in much better shape now than when I was 20! That helped to take a little of the sting out of being the big 3-0! I think back to the way I was before and I am amazed at how much fitness has changed my life. It has become an important part of who I am. I am often asked how I find the time to workout everyday with two small children and a full-time job. I come to the gym at 5:00 AM so that I get my workout in before my kids get up in the morning. It was difficult for me at first, but now it's a part of my daily routine. It's something good that I do for myself everyday, and something that I will continue to do for as long as I am able!"
-Wendy Swanson
Wendy is an outstanding example of what a person can accomplish if they really want to. I remember her reaction when I suggested that she start jogging rather than walking at such a steep incline. I think she thought I was crazy. But now Wendy runs longer and farther than I ever will. Wendy's accomplishments reach beyond running. Not only can she bench press and squat more than most women in the gym, she was the top female rower during the Concept2 Fall Rowing Challenge here at Fit4Life. Her 203,000 meters rowed in less than thirty days also ranked her 4th in the nation among women rowers! Furthermore, Wendy doesn't use her young children and full-time job as a reason to skip exercise like so many women do. Wendy finds time and has made a life-long commitment to exercise. Congratulations Wendy! -Dave
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