"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 was still a little skeptical. I then saw before and after 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 registered for my membership, and started my weight loss diet.

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 weight loss diet and exercise program specifically for my schedule. I was extremely excited that everything was personalized for me.

I started my personalized program, and I began to see some improvement, even as early as the first few weeks. 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, and the GHF website in general, 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 I measured my progress after 12 weeks, 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, changed up my workouts, improved my diet, and the advice 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,a s well as the personal consulting she and other experts provided. It was like having my own personal trainer and motivator - 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. I've now 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. sparkle2@hotmail.com