Announcing our 2002 First Place winner in the GHF Fitness Challenge: Myra S. Throughout the last 12 weeks of our contest, by following the GHF program, Myra lost 11% bodyfat, added lean fat-burning muscle, increased her strength considerably, and decreased her resting heart rate by 14 points! Please take a moment to read her essay, and take a look at her very impressive Before and After photos. We're sure you'll find them very inspiring and the motivation you need to achieve your fitness goals, whatever they may be.

"I was tired of being overweight and out of shape. During my second pregnancy, I had gained twice as much weight as my first. After the baby was born, my weight dropped initially, but then I hit a plateau. Despite my spurts of motivation, the extra weight remained.

At 36, it was easy to rationalize that I didn't really need to look good in a swimsuit. I was 5'4" and my weight fluctuated around 140 pounds. With two children, I didn't feel that I had any extra time to dedicate to a fitness program, but I was frustrated with my physical condition. Occasionally, I would have a flash of inspiration, and I would commit to achieving a body that wouldn't embarrass me in a bikini. Eventually however, I would lose my enthusiasm, and despite my short-lived efforts, I remained flabby and out of shape.

When I first discovered the Global Health and Fitness website, it seemed like a great program, but I didn't seriously consider membership until I saw the 12-week contest. I saw photos and read testimonials that described the success of the GHF program. I was very inspired. GHF had offered a goal, a specific time frame to work towards my goal, and a reason to achieve it. I could already feel the excitement of winning the first place prize. I could visualize my slender, toned body, wearing a bikini and basking in the sun while enjoying a week of paradise. I registered for my membership, and started my 12-week journey to a fit, healthy body.

I was excited about the contest because it measured all aspects of health and fitness, not just appearance. Plus, I wasn't required to keep receipts, or follow a cookie-cutter diet and workout program. Everything would be personalized for me. I set specific goals for the coming 12 weeks. I knew my goals were a little over-ambitious, but I was determined to give 100% to the contest. I filled out the GHF questionnaire and received a prompt, personalized reply from GHF expert, Dani Myers, with all the information I needed to get started. I could only dedicate 45 minutes; 3 days per week, but Dani designed a plan specifically for my schedule.

I started my personalized program, and I began to see some improvement, even as early as the first few weeks. I was excited about my progress, but I wanted tremendous results so that I would be in the running for the grand prize, as well as look and feel my very best. With Dani's encouragement, I increased my workouts to 60 minutes, 5 days per week.

When I felt like cheating, I would read the motivational sections of the GHF newsletter or the fitness articles on the website. Every time I wanted to skip a workout, I forced myself to read one of these sources for at least 5 minutes or consulted with one of GHF's experts, and I always ended up working out. Dani was a great encourager, and she helped me to adjust my program as I progressed. Dani's personal guidance, the GHF website, and the dream of winning the first place prize, kept me focused, and striving towards my fitness goals.

Considering my condition, I knew my original goals were a little unrealistic. In my initial evaluation, my body fat measured 30.9%! Still, I set a goal of 16-18% body fat. (Crazy, huh?) In addition, I hoped to reduce my weight to 115-119 pounds, lower my heart rate to less than 60 beats per minute, increase my flexibility, and decrease cellulite.

When the day of truth arrived, I weighed in at only 119 pounds!!! Better yet, I had lost a whopping 18 pounds of FAT, and reduced my body fat percentage to 20%. My cholesterol was lower, and my resting heart rate dropped from 68 bpm to 54 bpm. Based on Dani's recommendations, I varied my cardio workouts, and the consistent cardiovascular exercise definitely paid off.

My fitness success wasn't easy, but it was simple. From recipes to exercise instructions, from fitness tracking software to expert advice, GHF offered a complete fitness package, but the most valuable benefit was the accountability I felt to Dani Myers. Dani knew I was participating in the contest, and she offered lots of great ideas, right down to last minute success tips during the final days. It was like having my own personal trainer - at only a small fraction of the cost!

My sincere thanks goes out to GHF for the motivation, the helpful staff, their incredible exercise and diet plans, and the awesome informational website that helped me transform my body and lose the excuses. My 12-week contest with GHF is over, but now I've set a new goal - competing in a figure contest. Given my physical condition three months ago, that wouldn't have seemed possible, but with the help of GHF, I know I can do it. Thank you very much Global Health and Fitness."

Myra S.
Olathe, KS
sparkle2@hotmail.com

Congratulations, Myra! You're an inspiration to us all! We're very proud to have you as a GHF member; it's been a real pleasure helping you achieve your fitness goals. We really look forward to celebrating with you on the vacation of a lifetime!

Want to take a look at the Before and After photos and essay of our previous winners?

• Tami Sandmeyer was our 1999 1st-place winner. And click here to check out photos from our 1999 First Place Caribbean Cruise with Tami and her husband, Steve.
  
• Gary Sarchet was our 2000 1st-place winner. We went on a Caribbean cruise with Gary and his wife, Julie, on December 9, 2001. Click here to take a look at our vacation photos!
  
• Eve, Guy, Trina, and Richard all tied for our first place prize in 2001! We took them, and a friend of their choice, on a free 8-day vacation to beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexcio. If you're interested in seeing our vacation photos, click here!

GHF members, we really hope these photos and essay provide the motivation and inspiration you need to know that you too can make amazing improvements in how you look, feel, and perform. If you're ready to make a change, we'd love the opportunity to personally help you reach your full potential.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose." Ready to take the challenge? Click here to get started.