As January rolls in, many people set health-related resolutions. However, the excitement often fades as the month progresses. This year, a few dedicated individuals are building on the progress they made last year and aiming for new fitness goals.
Fitness has always played a big role in my life, but balancing adult responsibilities can make it tough to find time to exercise. Additionally, osteoarthritis has added extra challenges to staying active.
Last September, I made a commitment to improve my health. I started working with a personal trainer, Shane Phillips, in the mornings and joined dance fitness classes at Fit Lab Studios in the evenings, five days a week. With this support, along with healthier eating choices, I dropped two clothing sizes and lost nearly 15 pounds. My goal is to keep going and lose at least 50 more pounds to really embrace a ‘hotter girl summer’!
Ryan Riley
Brand Manager Ryan Riley faced a turning point after losing family members to chronic illnesses. He realized that he needed to take charge of his own health. “My mobility and strength had been declining,” he told Lifestyle.
After years of karate and dancing, Ryan returned to weightlifting. He now goes to the gym four to five times a week, focusing on a mix of strength training and cardio. “I lost 12 pounds in two months by sticking to a protein-rich diet and cutting calories,” he shared. He’s particularly happy with his newfound energy and strength, making daily activities like climbing stairs much easier. Ryan aims to make these lifestyle changes permanent to boost his mobility and reduce health risks.
Denille Bahadosingh
Content creator Denille Bahadosingh made her health a priority after losing her parents to cancer. By committing to 10,000 steps a day and cutting sugary drinks out of her diet, she saw significant improvements. In just eight weeks, she went down a size from extra-large to large.
For 2025, Denille plans to step it up. She aims for 13,000 steps daily and is focusing on a stricter diet, eliminating rice and preparing more fish dishes. She also intends to add hill training on weekends to keep her legs toned.
Ruel Haughton
With two young kids, Ruel Haughton decided it was time to change his lifestyle. “I want to be active and involved in my children’s lives,” he said, emphasizing the importance of leading by example.
Ruel has adjusted his routine to include walks and runs at least twice a week and plays football for a couple of hours weekly. He has significantly changed his diet, avoiding sugar and focusing on smaller portions. He aims to eat more fruits, vegetables, and fresh produce. Ruel also hopes to involve his children in healthy habits, spending time together while promoting wellness.
