Mary J.D. - N. Ankeny, Iowa: Last June, I took a chance and walked through the doors at the Ankeny North Farrell's location. It was the most I had been nervous in a long time. As I walked in, I thought "why am I doing this?" In the past year, I had spent over $1,000 with personal trainers and diets and nothing seemed to work. What would make this any different?

Once I met Terrill, I felt there was going to be a difference. Terrill's energy and seeing Lisa's class that was in session, I could see I was in for something I had never done before. After signing up I left thinking "what in the world have I done". At home, my family didn't think I was going to be able to do it based on my past experiences and my hectic work schedule. To be honest, I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it.

When I was young, I struggled with my weight. I was always the heavy set girl that was always picked last. I slimmed down in my 20s and early 30s but for the past 10 years, again, have struggled with my weight. Four months after my daughter was born, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In a span of a very short time, I gained 30 extra pounds and weighed more than I did during my entire pregnancy. Everything I tried, failed. I exercised each and every day - hours at a time - but the weight never came off. With Farrell's FXB, this all changed. During my first 10 weeks, I became a new person. I lost 20 pounds and shed a lot of inches. I dropped a full dress size and felt so much better. Everyone thought I was going to win the 10 week challenge. I had hoped for it, but the person who won totally deserved it. But, I personally felt that I was a winner. I accomplished more in those 10 weeks than I had in 10 years!

When I started the program I was afraid to look at a picture of myself. I even struggled to look in the mirrors (and boy does the studio have mirrors). I was worried about my work schedule and the amount of travel I had to do. I actually knew I had three trips scheduled in the first three weeks of class when I signed up. Ironically, each of those trips ended up being cancelled and I was able to dedicate time to my workouts. I really don't leave that as fate as more that God had a hand in it. He knew I needed the time to become committed to the program.

I know I could never have made it though my 10 weeks without the support from Terrill, the instructors and my coach Eric Herman and a special friend Cheri Herman. Cheri is the person who inspired me to join. Cheri encouraged me to sign up and give it a try. Ironically, Eric, her husband ended up being my coach. Everyone was wonderful from the extra time they spent helping me (oh, I forgot to mention I was totally uncoordinated) to the time they spent listening to me with my struggles and accomplishments. Truly, I received more than just a 10 week program, I received a wonderful gift of friends, mentors and instructors.

During the past eight months (or as I say it - my latest 10 week period), I have become a new person. Recently, one of the instructors told me it was like she saw me walk out of my fat suit :) since I started. Each 10 weeks I find something new I have accomplished - a goal I have made and new goals I create. I am within 5 pounds of my goal weight and know I will get there. I have dropped another size and for the first time have felt good about myself! I feel and look years younger.

Over 20 years ago I had set a goal to "some day" be a fitness instructor. During the prior session, I became a coach for the 4:20am class and in the past eight weeks, I have started to instruct bands. I can't tell you how much I love it. It's wonderful to accomplish a goal - even if it took a long time.

Last August, I completed all the paperwork to compete in the 1 year challenge. However, I got cold feet and never sent in. At times I wish I would have sent it in and do encourage my new fxb'rs to do so. However, I am still doing the challenge, but on my own. This is a life change and one I am so thrilled to have taken.

Being a part of your program, having the priviledge to coach and instruct has been life changing. I want to thank you for the vision you saw as you put this program together. It has been the best fitness/wellness program I have ever been a part of.