When I started HMR in October 2010 (at home for 6 weeks and then in Phase 1), I was nearing 230 lbs and miserable. I found I was shy and uncomfortable with myself. I did not really talk to others or go out because nothing fit me right, which gave me lots of time to deal with my unhappiness by eating. I couldn't seem to find a way to stop. Even exercise didn't balance it out, especially because despite being somewhat active, I kept coming up with excuses not to continue with exercise - I have asthma (barely), my knees hurt (due both to my weight and simply the way I'm shaped), I'm exhausted, I don't have time, etc. I finally reached my breaking point and made the decision to come to HMR when my "fat" pants no longer fit. Coming out of denial and facing the reality of what I had let myself do was difficult and embarrassing, but I thought HMR would be a great place to deal with it. I was right.

The support and lifestyle I have found at HMR has not only come to be like a second family for me, but also is a stress relief for my entire week. I know that no matter what is happening in my life, I can always come to a class and refocus on what is important. That one hour a week helps get me through most all of my weekly stresses.

Having lost 75 lbs using HMR, I can't image ever going back (or even a different lifestyle) anymore. Now, I'm very outgoing and enjoy talking to people. I'm confident in myself, which simply shines through. Although I still don't like exercise all too much, I take it as a challenge to myself - one I can actually achieve. Having lost the weight, I have now been able to participate in RAGBRAI (bike ride across Iowa in 7 days) and have even started running. For me, training for the next extreme endurance sport (I want to do a marathon) is a reality rather than a highly unlikely dream.

Instead of miserably hiding inside myself (and my house), I'm now anxious to go out and let people get to know me.

Thank you, HMR!