Before some of us even get up, Shirley Wallace has already put in a good 3 hour workout! “Its not easy. Its not easy at all!” she says.

In just 1 year, Shirley has shed 81 pounds. She decided to join the Lee Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness after she lost her mother and grandmother to diabetes.

She believes the key to success is all in the mind. “A lot of days, I don’t want to come and I just think, ‘if I don’t come, its not going to come off. I could sit home and be a couch potato – that’s how I got it on me!’” explains Wallace.

“One step at a time and here she is a year later and 81 pounds lighter,” adds Kathy Garnder, the Wellness Center Supervisor. She adds having a support system can help. “We have a great group of people early in the morning that give her lots of support. They hold her accountable for the time she is here,” says Gardner.

Shirley says her biggest obstacle is her mind. “Don’t say ‘you can’t do it’, take one step at a time, get off the chair, start a walk, even if its 5 of 10 minutes.”

If you are thinking about losing weight, speak with your doctor. They can help you map out a routine to help you achieve your goal.