I have always been overweight, for as long as I can remember. I tried every diet fad imaginable, Jenny Craig, Atkins, you name it I did it. Well, at least for a couple weeks, then it was back off due to the usual: not enough time to go to the gym, can’t afford a gym membership right now, healthier food is expensive.

The only time I did lose weight was my sophomore year of high school and it was the absolute wrong way to do it, although I didn’t know it at the time. I took diet pills and exercised minimally. Looking back, the only reason I lost weight was because the diet pills suppressed my appetite, but the damage that can be done to the heart and the lack of nutrition are not drawbacks one should take lightly. That lasted all of 2 years and then I went to college where the weight came back with a vengeance.

From that point on until 2 years ago I gained about 10lbs a year. Added up that’s 100lbs total. Oh, I tried in that time to lose weight again here and there, the sporadic bursts of inspiration to make myself better but they all eventually failed. And let’s not forget the things we tell ourselves: ‘I’ll start tomorrow” or “I’ll start Monday”… and then eat everything you think you’ll have to deprive yourself of cause you can only eat salads and frozen lean cuisines.

Then I joined Cornerstone.

The first time I went on the elliptical machine I thought I was going to die before I hit 5 minutes. I used to go twice a week and do the elliptical and some weights but I got bored easily and did not know how to properly workout. In one of my fits of inspiration, after I found out I was almost 300lbs, I decided to go for broke and try the Bootcamp offered for beginners to experience. It kicked my butt and introduced me to Zone. I fell in love.

For a small fee you just show up at the Zone and all the exercises are laid out for you by experienced trainers. The exercises hit all your major body parts in less than one hour. For a year I went twice a week and lost some weight, but I still needed more.

My mom and weight loss partner found a nutrition/biggest loser class and we decided to do it. Each week we learned the importance of nutrition and how to eat properly. Basically, we had to learn how to eat all over again. That’s when I finally learned, at the embarrassingly late age of 28, that with regular exercise and nutrition combined weight loss is easier and more sustainable. You don’t have to eat ‘rabbit food’ to lose weight, as long as you’re good 80% of the time. I still eat what I want, just smaller portions . And I’ll admit that I steal bites from my boyfriend’s plate at times! He’s dubbed it ‘mousebites’ – but that way I can enjoy it without overindulging myself.

With this new knowledge we hit the gym with a different look. I no longer wanted to be embarrassed to walk across they gym floor being overweight while fit people were all around me working out. I wanted to be fit.

One of the first new classes we tried was Mark’s Tuesday spin. Let me tell you, my butt was sore for days, but after that it never hurt again. Then I tried kettlebells and loved it just as much as Zone. Sometimes I think Joanna is nuts – but then I must be nuts cause I keep going back for more! All the classes were difficult in the beginning, but the trainers are always supportive and constantly tell you how one day you’ll get it, just keep trying.

They are absolutely right; I am doing things now I never thought I could do. It’s the entire environment at Cornerstone that encourages you and congratulates you on your successes and attempts. Not only have the trainers been an excellent source or encouragement but fellow gym members have as well. In class they will call out your name to get you through a tough exercise and make notice of shrinking waistlines. The atmosphere is one of fun and camaraderie. Tony always has a smile for you when you trudge through the door at 6am.

Anyone can do it and the support is there. I just had to find the classes that I really enjoyed and make the decision that I am going to change my life once and for all. For myself, the entire process is a constant mental battle; making myself get up early 5 days a week to go to the gym, arguing over whether I can have a certain food item, or how much of it can I have without ruining my exercise. However, it has now been a little over a year and I have lost over 80lbs and am still going strong. My mom has also lost 70 lbs. I have never had more energy and am not planning on slowing down. I especially want to thank Joanna, Lisa, Clark, and Ellen for all they have done but may not be aware of in helping me on this journey.

Linay Williams
Member Since 2006