The two things I’d never done were to exercise and to change my eating habits. As I became older and fatter I suffered from the usual middle-age post-menopausal health issues. I was grossly overweight and had diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and assorted pains in my joints and lower back. I had no energy and was a physical wreck, all of which devastated me emotionally as well as physically. Just walking up or downstairs was an effort. I’d never set foot in a gym after high school; I always loathed exercising and I hate to sweat. That said, I understood I no longer had a choice in the matter. In desperation, I finally joined Curves. I had some initial success at first but some medication issues set me back. Once that was resolved I decided to follow the Curves diet plan for carb-intolerant people (which was good for my diabetes) and to continue religiously with my exercising. To my amazement I had great success! I lost 40 pounds and innumerable inches in about 8 months! I just kept getting smaller even though my weight has remained constant for many months. I’ve become much more flexible and strong, and most of my assorted aches and pains have left. I have much more energy as well as a more positive outlook and a better, healthier self-image. I actually like myself now and have more self confidence. I am able to walk (not waddle), to dance, to enjoy my life. I can now fit into clothes I’ve not been able to wear for many many years. My blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol are now all well within normal limits and under control. (Unbelievably, my doctor recently had to lower my diabetes medicine because my sugars were going too low!) I am not embarrassed any longer to be seen in public because people no longer turn and stare as I waddle by. I am constantly getting compliments from family and friends and fellow Curves members, many of whom have told me I’m a great inspiration to them. I now enjoy clothes shopping because I can find stylish things that look good, fit well, and please me. I don’t need to wear stretchy fabrics and elastic waists any more and can now wear jeans for the first time in my entire life! I’m having no problems maintaining my new lower weight. I know I’ve finally found the key to weight control and the tools to help me at my Curves. To sum it up, I look better and feel better. I am a smaller, fitter, healthier, happier person, and I know I could never have done this without Curves.

February 11, 2003 is the day that Irene Wanner changed her life. She was overweight at 230 pounds, had bad knees and was using a cane for support. Her doctor told her that she would have to lose some weight and get her blood pressure down before she could perform knee surgery. Her doctor gave her the name of a local diet clinic, but the thought of getting on yet another diet did not appeal to Irene. Then she remembered a friend telling her about Curves. She joined immediately! After three months she was losing weight and her knees began to feel a lot better. She continued to lose weight after she joined the Six Week Solution Class. It has been four years since Irene never did have to have that knee surgery. In fact, she hung up her cane for good!

Tracey Toltl didn’t like the woman who stared back at her from the mirror each day, so much so that she eventually stopped looking. Her mother struggled with diabetes, high blood pressure, and more, and Tracey knew she was headed in the same direction unless she took control of her health. That, and Curves’ TV commercial, motivated her to join. Before long, she was happy to see herself not only reflected in the mirror but also in the eyes of others.