I have always loved sports and being active, but the weight and inactivity crept up on me in college as it does many. I started my fitness journey 4 ½ years ago after gaining back the 15lbs I lost for my wedding. After joining a local gym, I managed to lose 10lbs and then gain 10lbs, and then lose 10lbs and gain 15lbs. This yoyo effect continued until I decided to call Lori 8 months ago. Lori has helped me to lose 20lbs in 8 months and has motivated me to compete in a fitness competition in November! Lori has taught me the tools to be successful in nutrition and training. Her passion, knowledge, motivation, and genuine belief in me have had the biggest impact. She has taught me what it feels like to LOVE health and wellness. This passion has transferred over to every aspect of my life and I am the happiest I have ever been. I am so thankful that I met Lori and even luckier to consider her my friend.

I met Lori Harder back in May 2008. On average I do personal training sessions twice a month and also take advantage of her monthly work out plan. I also recently met with Lori for a nutritional consultation. It is amazing how eating the right foods, getting the right amount of calories, and eating at the right times can make you feel inside and out!

I have gone through many ups and downs over the past two years. This past March I decided that I needed to make this change for myself and no one else. Lori has committed herself to be by my side every step of the way. Not only has she given me the tools in regards to fitness and nutrition she has also introduced me to a fabulous group of women (her other clients) that have been supporting and encouraging me through this journey.

I look forward to checking in six months to show you all the changes I have made!

I grew up as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. I was always in shape. Over the last 4+ years, I completely let myself go. I had gained 40+ pounds and hit rock bottom. I knew I needed to make a change but nothing I tried had worked and I was losing hope. I thought I could never happy with my body again. I heard about Lori and contemplated contacting her for a few weeks. I finally got up the courage to meet with her and admit to myself, as well as someone else, that I needed to take control of my health, my body, and my life again. I needed someone to guide me in the right direction and hold me accountable for my actions. Lori put together a fitness and nutrition program for me that has changed my life! In 7 weeks, I have lost 15 pounds, many inches, and gained a lot of strength. She taught me to set small goals along the way and to realize this is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. There is no way I could have made this transition in my life with out Lori. She gives me the encouragement, guidance, and support I need to achieve my goals. I still have a long way to go in my weight loss, but I am confident I will succeed working with Lori. Second to saying yes when my fiancé asked me to marry him, working with Lori is best decision I could have ever made in my life!

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know this weekend I am headed  to Camp Savage in Boston!  I look forward to meeting new girls looking to change their lives for the better, and also some old familiar faces that I love.  www.cathysavagefitness.com.

This weekend will be packed full of workouts, nutrition talks, confidence building exercise and learning all about how to become the best YOU possible!

My next stop is The Arnold Sports Festival March 4-6th.  I will be working at the OhYeah! Nutrition booth and I will also be appearing at The OXYGEN booth on Friday and Sunday for a few hours!  Look for me at either place because I would love to meet you!  If you are a fitness enthusiast you can’t miss this weekend!   http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/

Also, look for www.busygirlhealthylife.com coverage in the next issue of www.oxygenmag.com!  I am honored and ecstatic about this!  Busy Girl is adding a new “Busy Bodies” corner that is going to be everything you need to stay healthy and fit while you are on-the-go!

Please email any time!  I love hearing your feedback.  Let’s make this your best year yet!

Much Love,

Lori Harder

TOP 10 REASONS I PUT MY HEALTH FIRST

1.) I work harder and I am more productive when I exercise and workout, which gives

me more free time in the long run.

2.) I am more motivated and energized, which allows me to use that energy to help

others get what they need out of life, in turn making me feel fulfilled!

3.) I am a VERY happy, stable and reasonable person when I eat right and sweat

everyday!  This helps me fight any anxiety and stress that is waiting right around the

corner because of my hectic, full schedule.

4.) I am able to handle more because exercise and eating well keeps stress levels

down.

5.) I am more fun to be around because l am not stressing over all the things I did not

get done, or how bad I feel, or all of the drama because everything is in perspective

and is getting accomplished!  No more sweating the small stuff!

6.) My relationships are better because I love myself.  When you are happy with who

you are, you are able to truly focus on others and see all the good things they have

to offer.

7.) I get to say GOODBYE to jealousy of ANY sort because I like who I am and what I

have to offer.  Eating healthy and working out makes you learn to love yourself, your

body and it helps give you the energy and motivation to find what you are meant to

be doing with your life!  Most importantly, it teaches discipline and appreciation.

8.) It helps with any seasonal depression I’m dealing with!  Even when there is no sun,

negative temps and I am trapped indoors, I know that if I go get a great workout in no

matter how miserable, sad and mopey I am, I will feel like a million dollars afterward!

9.) The feeling of overcoming a negative attitude, a bad day, choosing the healthy food,

not drinking, getting good rest, choosing the high road, ignoring “Debbie Downer,”

getting a workout in a crunch is better than I can even put into words.  The rewards

start rolling in after you have made a habit of a healthy lifestyle.  It is never easy, but

being a miserable person is a hell you create by yourself, and I am not gonna live

there!  I know being disciplined is the key to a lasting, happy life.

10.)  I never have to listen to myself say “Poor ME!”  Working out and eating right makes

me very aware of how blessed I am to be alive.  I have a clear mind and I am very

rarely crabby or tired.  This helps me realize that I am the creator of my life,

destiny and happiness.  No one can give this to me besides me, not even my

friends or loved ones!  I have to love me before I can love anyone else.  Being

happy draws good things to you, whether it be job opportunities, friends or

reaching your dreams!

I have been so busy working on my latest project “Busy Girl. Healthy Life.”  I hope you all enjoy this sneak peek video!  Stay tuned because you are gonna love all the recipes, tips and info on here!  Can’t wait to hear what you think.

Here is the link:

Thanks for all of your support,

Lori Harder