Monica Barfield can be found working out on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness most weekday mornings. And that's all before her real workday starts.
Gym memberships usually increase at the first of the year, but then many people don't stick with their resolutions and stop going. It takes time to see real change though, and Barfield is a good example of what hard work and perseverance can do.
"I started working out here about eight years ago. I weighed 389 pounds and had congestive heart failure," Barfield said.
Barfield's doctor and family both encouraged her to join a gym to lose weight.
"It was hard at first," she said. "I was out of breath and had to get off the treadmill after about five minutes," she said.
She is now almost 50 and healthier than ever. She works out several times a week at Anytime Fitness on Trinity Boulevard, and after her workout, she starts her paid job working as a staff member at Anytime Fitness.
"I keep things clean and picked up off the floor," she said.
"I was already working here and saw a job opening and went in for an application. I was hired the same day. It's a good job for me. I like people, I like talking and I like seeing people lose weight," she said.
Working out has changed her life for the better.
"I lost 126 pounds and would like to lose another 50. Now, when I go to the doctor, they can't detect the congestive heart failure anymore," she said. "I used to not be able to use my seat belt because I was too big. The first time the seat belt snapped, I was happy."
She also doesn't have to take insulin anymore for her diabetes. She only has to take a pill for it.
"My blood pressure is also back on track," she said.
Clara Conway, 73, is a friend of Barfield's and they often work out together.
"It's hard to get going in the morning sometimes, but once you get that workout started, you feel awesome," Conway said.
Her family encouraged her to have a healthier lifestyle.
"I had retired and was sitting around and gaining weight," she said. "I joined Anytime Fitness, but then I went a whole year without actually going."
She started working out about two years ago and has lost about 50 pounds.
At first, she was intimidated by the treadmill.
"I had to teach her to walk on it," Barfield laughed.
"Now if I don't come work out, I don't feel right," Conway said. "I really like the treadmill."
She said she eats better now and that her blood pressure is lower.
After workouts, the women visit with others who exercise at Anytime Fitness.
"We work out and then sit around this table and visit. We share recipes and things, but we don't bring donuts anymore," she laughed.
Both women encourage others to start working out, no matter their age or physical limitations.
"It's never too late," Barfield said.
The following are questions to ask yourself before finding a gym, according to Self Magazine:
Location. What's convenient to your home or office?
When do you like to work out?
Is group fitness a priority?
What is the class cancellation policy?
What type of equipment do you like to use?
Do you want community or anonymity?
Will you be getting ready at the gym?
What is your budget?
Can you get a trial membership?
What is your ultimate fitness goal?