The 21 Day Challenge has given me some of the most memorable experiences that I will never forget. When I started this journey last summer I didn’t know that it would be what it is today. Though I knew the concept was very important my main goal was to change how women looked at their body and to love their body. The one person that I have impacted the most is my mom.

My mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Polymyositis several years ago. An autoimmune disease in simple terms is where the body’s immune system attacks itself. With Polymyositis involves inflammation of the muscles and the muscle fibers. The main symptom is weakness. The treatment is the use of corticosteroids. Steroids help decrease the inflammation. Now if you know any thing about steroids they cause a woman’s #1 fear… WEIGHT GAIN.

Weight gain was the issue my mom had. Despite taking the medication at first to get her strength back once she saw the horrible side effects she decided not to take the medication. Now that was several years ago. She would have period of weakness where she couldn’t do any type of activity for an extended period of time. Shortness of breath, paralysis of muscles,  and soreness.  You may know my story about my grandfather and why I feel that taking care of your body has to be a priority. Well in my mom’s case this was something that couldn’t be prevented. The cause of this disease is still unknown. I major concern was to make sure she did what she needed to do to stay alive.

After years of having good and bad days still not taking the steroids she finally decided during my wedding that enough was enough. On Sept 14, 2009 she started the 21 Day Health and Fitness Challenge. Starting weight was 175 pounds and a size 12. Then on January 5, 2010 she joined the I Love MY Body Fitness class. On April 3, 2010 after successfully completing 12 week of the fitness class and 3 months of the 21 Day Challenge she is 149 pounds and a size 6 I am so proud so say that she met and passed her weight loss goals. Not only that she has gained muscle strength and toned and reshaped her arms and legs.

She has not complained of a stiff or sore muscle (outside of the workout soreness). She can now run a mile, do 30 minutes on the stair master and more. If you would have asked me a year ago could she do this I would have said no way.  But today she has developed this determination and will power to complete every assignmen and task I give, and she does!

As a medical professional I still have to take in consideration her age and past medical history but to be totally honest she probably the healthiest she ever been. I shared her story to say that no matter how old you are and what the doctor has diagnosed you with you have to take control of your life and make a decision on to get healthy for you.

Before 21 Day Challenge 9/09