My name is Lori Shott. I am 47 years old, and I am one of those people who has ALWAYS struggled with her weight. I can still remember a neighborhood boy who called me "Orca" one summer. Think that left an emotional scar on me??? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! I have been a member of Curves J-town for years.....but never really committed myself to changing my lifestyle. In August of 2009 I made a decision that by the time I turn 50 I want to have a healthier looking body. I amped my Curves workout over the summer, dedicated myself to 3 or 4 times a week and added days of walking & or Kayaking. I have become extremely conscious of the importance of exercise and movement. I was able to drop 5 pounds myself, but felt that I needed something else. That's when I set my plan to stay firm with a diet program, and have lost another 34 pounds........37 total.......and a lot of inches! By starting off with one healthy and positive direction this has snowballed into an overall transformation of my life, physically and emotionally. The ladies at Curves have been so, so supportive of my journey. Don't get me wrong...I have good weeks, GREAT weeks, and there are the weeks that I struggle. I never let the little setbacks diminish the accomplishments that I have made in the last 7 months. Making good choices, exercising (the real key), and keeping a positive attitude has helped me along the way. The thing that keeps it real for me is to weigh and measure each month. You CANNOT be afraid of that. They have to be seen as just a bunch of numbers, but know that they are essential and part of our "tools" in our journey to healthier living. We can’t achieve nor stay focused on a goal without any point of measure.

Cecile Biais is a young woman who lives in Berkshire, a county in southern England. Cecilia approached her thirties, an age considered by many women as the "ideal age", but she bought her clothes in shops reserved for large sizes. She wanted to lose weight at any price, but did not know how to get started. "The more I swelled, the more I was depressed ... I totally lost my confidence, both at work with my friends. " In just one year, Cecile literally melted. With a size 50-52, she now has a recognizable figure with a waist of 38. She lost over 30 kilos and 167 cm distributed throughout the body! She says she spent a challenging year, but "without Curves, I could not have done!" In addition to her phenomenal weight loss and greatly improved fitness, Cecile also sees life in a much more positive way. Today she has more confidence in herself and feels more "balanced". Her health has also greatly improved, her attitude is positive and style of living has improved, elements that have brought her closer to her family. According to Cecile, this Curves adventure has changed her life. "It's the best decision I ever made."

When Diane Jordan made the decision to join Curves in 2006, her morale was "at the bottom." His size 60 did not only affect her pride; she seriously endangered her life. She had all the risks of developing hypertensive disorders, diabetes or suffering a stroke, among other serious health problems. At Curves, Diane learned that some small changes could make all the difference. Encouraged by the staff of Curves and the 30 minute workout three times a week, she began to drink water every day and eat smaller healthier food portions. She also began eating more fruits and vegetables. In just two years, Diane's efforts have paid off. She has now lost nearly 32 kilograms and wears size 14 dresses! She is proud of her efforts and said, thinking of her debut at Curves, "Since that time, I built a new life and I now have more confidence in myself and my body." Thinking about her new figure and the changes it has brought to her every day life, Diane recalls: "The last time I was this thin, I was a teenager!". In addition to this, Diane told us that before joining Curves and begin this adventure, she had never owned a pair of jeans or a single dress. After losing nearly 32 kg, jeans and dresses have now become two essential elements of her new wardrobe.