I'm so excited to share with everyone the exciting journey I've been on for the past nine months (or longer)  Here goes!

The end of 2005 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I was so sick; I could hardly lift a pot, stir anything or sometimes get out of bed.  I began a series of different medications to help reduce the inflammation in my body caused by the disease.  I was put on a steroid, which along with causing me to gain tons of weight, also caused my adrenal glands to crash.  After getting off the steroids, I was still taking an infusion therapy once a month as well as taking weekly medication.  This continued for about three years.  My body was so compromised by the meds I was taking that I could not fight off bacterial infections or fungal infections.  This created a need to stop my monthly infusions.  At that time, I found a book which described the way food can create or reduce inflammation in our bodies.  Since I couldn't take my meds anymore because of the side affects, I thought I'd try the diet.  After a week on the diet, I felt so much better, I began to exercise.  My doctors had discouraged exercise as they were worried it would hurt my joints.  Anyway, I began feeling better and better, exercising more and more until I realized I was not really getting anywhere with my body shape.  I still had muscles that were not strong or defined.  I was still carrying the spare tire around my waist.  Then I found Jari's Get RIPPED! Series and began working out with her three times a week.  Within the first two weeks I saw definition in my upper body, especially my arms and shoulders.  After about a month, I lost my first muffin top (I had two!).  After working out with Jari (who I tell people is my trainer) and to this date, I've lost a total of 27 lbs, 25 inches overall and have gone down four sizes and am still losing inches/weight!  The icing on the cake has probably been following the Eat Clean diet which has begun to chisel my middle and reveal the abs I had before giving birth to five kids.

I am 48 years old.  I am healthier than I have ever been in my life.  I am constantly having people comment on how good I look (after losing my weight).  I love telling them about my diet and exercise routine.  All my Facebook fans hear Jari's encouragements because I'm always posting things like, "Redefine you!", "Be tenacious, don't give up, and you can achieve your goal!"  "If you don't feel the burn, add more weight!" which I of course give credit to you, Jari! 
I love you Jari and you are such an encouragement to me.  The videos that have older men and women really are great.  It proves that we can begin again at any age.  We can be healthier today than we were yesterday.  We can redefine who we are!  I am so glad you are here to help all of us reach our goals and be better, healthier and happier people.