“You can have results or excuses. Not both.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

This is one of my favorite quotes and one I utilize often in my professional career (trust me, employees love it). However, until now, I never applied it to my personal life. Looking back at how I got here, I was always an energetic, athletic person with a great metabolism. Then life happened and in the blink of an eye I woke up to meet a 37-year-old woman with countless titles that include wife, mom of teenage girls, business owner, and many more – who doesn’t have a minute to herself,  let alone time for the gym.

After countless runs to our local hot wing restaurant, habitual nightly glasses of wine, chronic fatigue, a high cholesterol diagnosis, and trying to squeeze into pants 2 sizes too small, I realized excuses were getting the best of me. I allowed myself to slip into a life of complacency and it left me feeling drained, unattractive, depressed, and craving something more.

I’ve been a Life Time member for a couple years now and would come in occasionally during my spare time. I even signed up for other 60days (that I would quit after a week or two). Once I was ready to look myself in the mirror, I realized health and happiness were dependent on me making a significant lifestyle change. Don’t get me wrong, this change was not easy. But I also realized in order to take the program seriously, it would require me to take time for myself on a daily basis. The concept was so foreign I was doubtful I could succeed.  Then that annoying little quote kept creeping into my head and I decided it was time.

With the support of my family, Life Time’s resources and trainers, and my continuous drive and dedication, I feel better than I have in ages. This experience has left me with such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, especially with the inner strength needed to avoid sweets (especially chocolate), alcohol, convenience meals and high caloric dinners during the holiday season. I can honestly say I’ve never eaten healthier, worked out as much or effectively, or had a toner body. And it was amazing how much money I saved by menu planning and eating healthier! But that’s all just icing on the cake.

It was sheer will power that got me on this journey, and I now know I can do whatever I set my mind to. It wasn’t the activity itself that was difficult but the time and dedication needed. Allowing space in my day to achieve something for myself that I knew would increase my energy, empower my mind, and elevate my health made the activity that much easier. My mindset has changed and I no longer feel like an average, middle aged woman who needs junk food or a glass of wine to make me feel better after a long day.

The past 60 days of transforming my daily routine and eating habits has trained me to be more cognizant of what I consume and how I spend my time. I’m excited to continue on this path and live a healthy, fulfilling life. No more excuses!