July 2009 - Wearing jeans that haven't fit since 2006!

She's already lost 2% body fat!

Follow Denise's Progress at CKO - Stay tuned for more pictures and weight and body fat updates!

Starting Weight: 216 lbs

Current Weight (August 2009): 208 lbs

Current Body Fat: 41.8%

Goal Weight: 150 lbs

On Inspiration:

I’ve been struggling with my weight since I had my 1st son 10 years ago. Now that I had my final baby, I want to get back to the old me. I'm just so tired of using the "I'm big cause of my kids" excuse.

My breaking point was just feeling so unhealthy and being so unhappy. I couldn’t fit into any of my clothes. Everything was fitting so tight. There were times when I would look at the mirror and just cry. I hated myself. I couldn’t believe that I let myself go. Going to the stores and trying on clothes was the worst. I was wearing size 16 -- sometimes 18 -- jeans. Being home after having my last baby just changed my whole life. I would find myself eating for no reason, gaining pound after pound. After a while I started feeling pains in my chest, gas pains that felt like I was having a minor heart attack. It scared me. I said to myself, “I can’t live like this anymore”. I have children to take care of -- how can I take care of them if I don’t take care of myself? That’s when my friend Bridget introduced me to CKO and ever since that, I’ve been addicted and the chest pains are gone!

On Dedication:

Everything about the workout makes me stick to it. The instructors are AMAZING. They make me feel right at home and like they are there to help me. If they see me slacking, they cheer me on and it motivates me to continue and finish the class, even when I'm dead tired. I like the fact that someone is there actually telling you what to do and there are people who have the same goals as I do working out as well. I feel like we are a huge team working together to accomplish one goal. They all inspire me, but my main inspiration are Carmen and Nicole (see our other success stories!). I saw their success stories online and think if they can do it, so can I.

On Results:

When I go to CKO I feel so GOOD! I leave tired but with so much energy, it's pretty weird. I feel so proud and like I’m invincible

I started CKO in March, and since then I’ve lost 9 lbs. My clothes are starting to fit me again and I’m feeling so great. Before starting CKO I was wearing 16 to 18 size jeans, depending on the brand. Now I actually fit into my 14's again!

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I know this is just the beginning of a wonderful journey I can not wait to accomplish. I finally found something that I really love to do and I know that this gym will help me reach my goal!