If there’s one thing I’ve learned about weight loss, it’s that the journey is never linear. Life throws curveballs, setbacks happen, and progress often feels like two steps forward and one step back. But I’ve also learned that persistence pays off. Today, I want to share my story—not just for myself, but in hopes that it might inspire someone else who’s navigating their own fitness goals.

At my highest weight, I tipped the scale at 275 pounds. It was a tough reality to face, but I knew I needed to make a change. Luckily, our HOA offers an incredible gym—completely free to residents—and I decided to take full advantage of it. What started as small steps turned into a consistent routine that has changed my life.

I’ve spent countless hours on the elliptical, which quickly became my favorite machine. It’s low-impact but still gives me a great cardio workout. From there, I started mixing in sessions on the stairmaster, treadmill, and rowing machine. Each one challenges me in different ways and keeps my workouts interesting.

The gym also has a full indoor basketball court, and I’ve rediscovered my love for shooting hoops. It’s more than just a workout—it’s fun and a great way to blow off steam. Even though I’m usually playing solo, there’s something about sinking a perfect shot that feels so satisfying.

On top of that, I’ve stayed true to one of my long-time passions: cycling. Whether it’s a long ride through the neighborhood or a short spin to clear my head, cycling has been a constant throughout my weight loss journey.

Initially, my dedication paid off in a big way. I lost an incredible 75 pounds, bringing me down to 200 pounds. I felt strong, confident, and proud of my progress. But like so many people, the pandemic hit me hard. Gyms closed, routines were disrupted, and my focus wavered. My weight climbed back up to 235, and I felt like I was back at square one.

Still, I refused to give up. When things started to open up again, I returned to the HOA gym with renewed determination. It wasn’t easy getting back into the rhythm, especially while juggling work, nonprofit commitments, and everything else life throws my way. Some days, finding the time and energy to hit the gym feels like a challenge in itself. But I reminded myself that every small effort adds up. Slowly but surely, I started shedding the weight again.

Today, I’m proud to say I’m down to 224 pounds—and still going strong.

What keeps me motivated is knowing how far I’ve come and the way I feel when I prioritize my health. My workouts aren’t just about burning calories; they’ve become a part of my routine that I genuinely enjoy. The gym isn’t a chore—it’s my time to focus on myself, challenge my body, and feel stronger with every session.

I’ve also learned to be kinder to myself. Weight loss isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Setbacks happen, but they don’t erase the progress you’ve made.

I’m not done yet, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. The road to a healthier version of myself has been filled with ups and downs, but I’m grateful for every step of the journey. If you’re working on your own fitness goals, just remember: you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going.

Here’s to more miles on the elliptical, shots on the basketball court, and bike rides to come!