ALEKSANDRA'S STORY (condensed version)

As women, we have such a talent to make things more difficult than they really are. When you walk into a typical gym, you see piles of huge equipment that require a PhD to use. It made me feel intimidated. I felt like a fool who didn’t know how to work out... so... I never went to the gym.

When it comes to eating well, we all know a thing or two in theory. When it comes to practice, that’s when things get complicated. After noticing people’s malicious comments, not always spoken - sometimes just a look on the face, I decided that I wanted to take control. I realized that the only thing I can REALLY control is myself. Not the weather, my dog, my friends, or my family, but MYSELF! That was a huge revelation (to me, anyway!).

After some thinking, I realized that I can NOT be on any conventional diet. I have enough willpower to stick to it and lose weight, but throughout the entire process the only thing in the back of my mind is... this is temporary. This is the beginning of failure because all you think about is going back to what you did before (the bad). I decided that I needed to do something that will work FOREVER for ME.

I began on October 1st, 2004 and took things one day at a time. I started my program of healthy eating, making sure I have at least 10 servings of fruit and veggies per day. I bought a kitchen scale and measuring cups and spoons. I work out at Curves 3 times per week.

Curves is the KEY that keeps this success story going, due to the hydraulic weights. This way you never ’outgrow’ the equipment. Exercising doesn't bulk me up. After using the equipment for months I don’t look like Arnold, but I am much more toned. How do I know that Curves works? Originally, I joined Curves in February of 2003. At that time, I ate poorly and worked out and still lost weight... and didn’t get it back!!! Once I was ready to start again everything fell into place. The workout at Curves is ’user-friendly’ and very time efficient. I don't have to think, I just go and do it... it’s like brushing my teeth in the morning! The environment is great and people there are all nice and helpful.

So here I am, over 80 pounds lighter (with 30 lbs. more to go) and feeling much better. The most extraordinary thing for me was not the dress sizes and the inches, but the shoe size and ring size - my fingers got so much thinner that I lost my diamond ring at work one day. Now I only buy rings for $1.00 until I reach my goal! I am successful by working out at Curves, eating a healthier diet, and by simply taking everything ONE DAY AT A TIME!