"I started my journey at Redline gym early last summer. Just prior, I had reached my ideal weight and needed a plan to maintain it. I knew the best way to do that would be with regular exercise. I was sold on joining after meeting gym owner, Stephanie Care. Her energetic personality and love for fitness was infectious. It’s not as much about staying at my ideal weight as it is about taking care of the body and mind God gave me. At 46, I know heart health and keeping muscle mass are more important than ever. It doesn’t matter how important I know exercise is, we can be our own worst enemy and not make it a priority. I have the tendency to start out strong with exercise intentions but then fizzle out with excuses. The most common for me being, “I’m too busy to go.” I have stayed this exercise course now for about nine months. Everyone needs a champion; someone to help hold them accountable. My champion is my husband, who pushes and supports me in being the best version of myself. “Don’t forget tomorrow is your gym day”, “You deserve your hour; take it”, “you look great; keep up the good work”. His encouragement & my finally believing, “this is my time and it is ok that I take it!” is empowering. We busy, working moms tend to struggle with this concept. I’m sure many can relate with me when I say, I’m full of regrets but putting priority on my work out time will never be one of them. Doubtful, you've ever made yourself exercise and then after feel worse and wish you hadn’t. You always feel better; MAKE the time. I love plugging in my earphones, zoning out, and doing a quick workout 2-3 times a week. I remind myself weekly: I deserve this time, I NEED this time, I can see and feel the results. I’m thankful to God to be able to do this. Now that I’m meeting my fitness goals, it’s time to focus more on my spiritual ones. “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future.” 1 Timothy 4:8. Thank you for reading."

-Mary