Tell me about your success!

One of the perks of my job here at Oxygen involves connecting with readers who have made healthy lifestyle transformations and bringing you a set of Success Stories each month.

It’s always so inspiring for me to see what these women have accomplished with just a little bit of dedication, confidence and hard work. They kick butt!

It doesn’t ever happen overnight, and it doesn’t come without obstacles. But all the women we feature in Success Stories can attest to the fact that hard work does pay off, and that nothing can get in the way of a determined mindset.

Take Ellen Ichinose, for example.

{Photo courtesy of dougjantzphotography.com}

Her story originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of Oxygen, explaining how she dropped 23 pounds of fat in her 40s. But what I found even more remarkable was the way she overcame her fear of strength training.

Ellen used to be a woman who was intimidated to step into the weight room with the “big guys”, so she stayed hidden in the cardio room. And now? She’s strong enough to perform pull-ups, fit enough to train alongside people half her age, and confident enough to walk into her gym’s weight room and ask the muscular guys to spot her as she lifts. I love that!

Ellen has maintained her fit body (and attitude!) since we ran her story, and the number-one tip she gives to women who are just on the brink of fitness goes something like this: “You must change the way you think of yourself. If you’re not careful, you can make excuses and listen to criticism, so learn to be content with who you are. You are a beautiful work in progress.”

So, here’s what I’d like to know: What fears are holding you back from accomplishing your full fitness potential? And what are you going to do to take action?

And if you have a success story to share, I’d love to hear it!

Simply fill out this form, or send me a line at success@oxygenmag.com.