Winning results: more inspiring stories from readers who reached their goals - Success Stories

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, April-May, 2002

It's a fact: More and more women are experiencing for themselves the benefits of regular resistance-training and cardiovascular exercise, pushing not just their bodies but also their minds to achieve incredible goals. Here we share several particularly inspirational stories submitted by our readers.

Progress, Not Perfection

I like to think of myself as an artist, molding and sculpting myself into a work of art. As I continue to build my temple, however, I know I'll never reach my goal as long as I keep aiming for perfection. Contest judges are always looking for a flawless athlete, and I simply couldn't accept this goal as unattainable until I recently completed the famous "12 Steps."

As a personal trainer, nutritionist and natural athlete, I believe in leading by example; I also believe in balance. I'm actually now a better role model and positive example of fitness because I'm teaching others to aim for progress, not perfection. My mission is to spread the gospel of fitness -- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual -- and to balance these areas successfully myself.

Lacey Mason

Amarillo, Texas

A True Survivor

While pregnant with my third child, I gained almost 100 pounds that I managed to slowly chip away at through regular weight training and a healthier diet over a period of about three years. I had greatly improved my fitness and health, but my weight loss ground to a halt, I also felt tired most of the time and was having a lot of stomach pain.

After several doctor visits I was told I had cancer, and immediate surgery was necessary I endured several surgeries followed by three months of chemotherapy, keeping my strength up and maintaining a positive attitude by continuing my gym training. I was told at one time that I was the healthiest-looking cancer patient in the hospital. I've been cancer-free for five years now, and I look better than I did at 25!

Debbe Richardson

Redondo Beach, California

Loving the New Me

My battle with food began at an early age. My parents divorced when I was a teen and I used food to cope. As an adult, I used food to feed my emotions. By the time I turned 31, I had ballooned to 252 pounds. I finally hit rock-bottom in June of 1999 and joined Weight Watchers. For the first time in my life, I'd stop eating even if I didn't finish my meal; I also starred walking 45-60 minutes every day and lifting light weights.

The past two years took a lot of willpower and dedication, but I'm proud to say I've lost 87 ounds and weigh 165. I love the new me: I don't fear food anymore, I have good exercise habits and eat healthy. My life has changed because I've made lifelong changes.

Carolyn Hogan

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Hard-Earned Hardbody

As a young child and teen I suffered from severe asthma. Asthmatics at that time were encouraged to be less active for fear of attacks, and I was restricted from participating in sports or active extracurricular activities. I was dependent on inhalers for many years.

My asthma eventually improved and I decided to accomplish something athletic. I started walking for 10 minutes on a treadmill, and have worked my way up to jogging for a one-hour cardio workout. I'm also able to bike-ride with my family and coach my kids' soccer teams. Nearly three years ago I started a resistance-training program that boosted my self-esteem and physical ability. I'm amazed at the dietary, physical and medical changes that have occurred. I've found that no matter what obstacles you face, each small goal you meet is motivation to reach higher.

Stephanie Dilley

Lancaster, Ohio

58 and Fabulous

When I lost a dear friend to multiple myeloma two years ago, his death sent me into a state of depression and disbelief. Several other friends and acquaintances died of leukemia or cancer within a short time afterward, and I became more aware of the fragility of life. I, myself, was experiencing hot flashes, tinnitus, mood swings and depression due to menopause, and I began to feel my life was over.

With frequent pep talks from my son and daughter I started a routine of lifting weights, determined to regain my emotional and physical stability. I also joined the fight to find a cure for all blood-related cancers by running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., last October. Today, I feel like a new person. My depression and anxiety are almost nonexistent, and I'm proud to be turning 58 in August.

Elaine Rasmussen-Sylvester

Hackettstown, New Jersey