I found Debra Mazda and ShapelyGirl Fitness at a point where I needed it most in my life. I was recently dumped by my first love and tipping the scales at close to 350 pounds. My ex was kind enough to use the fact that I had never succeeded in losing weight for the 2 and a half  years we were together as one of his reasons for leaving me. When I was on my own I made a decision that I couldn’t stay how I was. I was so unhappy and unhealthy. I had seen a discount ad for classes at ShapelyGirl Fitness before and I decided to look into it further. My best friend and I decided to come one night and check out the weight loss support group that was held at ShapelyGirl on Tuesday nights. We felt so welcomed, I loved the atmosphere. Everyone was so warm and loving towards us…we signed up for memberships that night. It has been a long road since then and I have had my ups and downs but I am down 70 pounds so far and I know I’m doing it the right way with Debra’s help…slow and steady. I’m not always perfect, I’ll never be, but I have learned not to allow myself to get lost in my mistakes. In prior weight loss attempts I’d give up so easily. I’d get to a certain point and gain all the weight and more back. This time I am beyond any point of weight loss I had achieved before and I know I never could’ve done it if I hadn’t found ShapelyGirl Fitness. I used to hate to exercise, I would get angry and quit at the first drip of sweat, the first twinge of pain. I’m doing things I never thought I’d be able to do. Coming to the gym is a happy time for me, I get to see my friends, we laugh and dance and actually have fun working out. At this gym I get unparalleled love and support…what other gym can you say that about? Whether you live across the country and connect with Debra only through Facebook and her DVDs or you are fortunate enough to be able to physically attend her gym….The ShapelyGirls are a family and I know I’d never have succeeded the way I have anywhere else. Here’s to another 70 pounds and beyond…. I have immeasurable amounts of love and gratitude for Debra and all the ShapelyGirls! We can do it! Colleen