Laura O'Reilly's Success Story

Everyone has a story - here's mine.

After the birth of my first child, in 1988 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It was explained to me as inflammation of the large intestine accompanied by ulcers. Symptoms are severe abdominal pain, and frequent, painful and bloody stools. (Not a good thing). At the time of my diagnosis I was advised that the longer a person has this illness (which they say never disappears, but rather goes in and out of remission) the higher the risk of colon cancer becomes as they age.

Four years later, after the birth of my second child I had a flare up which caused debilitating pain, bloody stools, a dramatic loss of weight and anemia. I was hospitalized for two weeks. I was on I.V. and allowed no food by mouth for a week. I cried every day and night for my children, whom I missed terribly.

A drawing given to me by my small daughter at the time brings tears to my eyes even today. Her fear and terror of mommy's illness were evident in her depiction of a sad faced family covered in rain clouds and tears and holding flowers (for me).

My health was not only a concern for me, but for my family. Those children needed me and this was my wake up call to find a solution to my poor health.
Whenever I addressed diet with my various doctors, they would suggest that it may help, but treated me aggressively with anti inflammatory and steroidal medications.

I made dramatic changes to my diet, eliminating meat products altogether (they are difficult for my body to digest). Although I eat some fish, I am primarily a vegetarian. I exercise on a regular basis and drink plenty of water. Although I do indulge in "treats" from time to time, it is the exception and not the rule.

Although weight gain is not an issue for me, I do maintain a healthy weight as a result of my lifestyle. It was my health that motivated me to take better care of myself- for me, and for my family who depends on me.

I am pleased to say that it has been many years since I have had a flare up. I know that ulcerative colitis is an illness for which there is no cure, and no concrete explanation. It is my opinion though, that stress and a poor diet will not keep my colon healthy.

five star hotel in GyorAs I continue to take care of myself with diet and exercise, it is my mission as a fitness professional to encourage others to do the same.

Laura O'Reilly
Fit To Go Health and Fitness Services

Pat Albertini's Success Story

Exercise only works if you do it. It does not have to be a do or die effort, but rather an enjoyable activity that makes us feel good. Getting motivated is probably the hardest part. Realizing that we can be succesful in achieving fitness goals in by exercising 3-5 times a week is the first step to getting out there and doing it.

There is no quick fix- is it any wonder that people who are on "fad diets" are always on one, and regular exercisers seem to be able to eat whatever they want and keep the weight off? Little tweaks in the diet and regular exercise WILL work- I know this to be true in my personal life as well as my professional life.

I first met Pat Albertini on the set of my show. She told me her story for the very first time, on camera. She is an inspiration and an example to all of us. Read her story and know, that you too can be successful.
-- Laura O'Reilly

Name: Pat Albertini
Hometown: Mendham, New Jersey
Husband: Jim, Children: Joe (23), Julie (21), Jan Marie (19)
Age: 50
Career: Director of Global Operations /Telcordia Techologies
Retired: November 2002
Joined Curves: January 2003
Joined Curves Staff: June 2003
Highest Weight: 203 lbs BF: 39.5%
Current Weight: 148 lbs BF: 25.4%
Inches Lost: 43

My life changed forever the day I walked into Curves in Chester in January 2003. I was overweight, (my size 18 designer business suits fit me perfectly), had no energy, and the lack of confidence to do anything about it. I walked into Curves and the staff embraced me. They gave me nutritional advice, performed a detailed figure analysis, and most importantly, gave me the confidence and support that I could achieve my fitness and health goals! Since I had really never exercised before, I was not sure if my robust body could perform the exercises. But the hydraulic machines for strength training and the recovery stations for cardio were very easy to master. After just one month of 30 minutes/ 3 times per week, I could feel my body transforming! After 3 months, I was able to go out and walk around my neighborhood! After 6 months, friends and acquaintances would stop me and tell me how beautiful I looked (no one had ever said that to me before). In June, the owner Cathie Otillio, saw me working out on the circuit and asked if I would like to become a part of the Curves Staff. I jumped at the chance to help other women achieve their goals. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life. They tell me that I inspire them - - but they inspire me! I am now helping other women transform their lives one woman at a time! There is nothing more rewarding than that. During this time, I have also followed the Curves nutritional plan - permanent weight loss without permanent dieting. I achieved my goal weight of 148 pounds/Size 8 in October and still maintaining to date! Curves changed my life and I will be forever grateful.
-- Pat Albertini

Here's what some Fit To Go clients
have to say:

At age 83, after more than 50 sedentary years of avoiding exercise, I found that Laura's regimen put a virtual end to my chronic back pain and gave me new energy to pursue the work from which I have never retired-music production and writing. She's a nice person to be around too!

George Avakian,
New York City

I just wanted to drop you a quick note and thank you for your guidance in my strength training and to letyou know that I love your class at the New York Sports Club. It can be very intimidating joining a gym and starting a new class and I was veryencouraged by your attention to the different levels and physical conditionsof the members taking your class... after a few weeks of taking your classI noticed a significant difference in the way my clothing fit. After 4-5 classes, I went down a size and noticed a changein the shape of my body. Others have noticed too!

Ashleigh White
New York Sports Clubs Member, Parsippany, NJ

Laura O'Reilly provides a beneficial service for our residents. Her exercise routine enhances the quality of life and well being of our residents. Here are some examples of what our residents say about Ms. O'Reilly's program:

'Makes me feel good!'
'Keeps our joints oiled!'
'Keeps our system going!'
'Makes me want to do more!'
'Makes me active!'

Thank you!

Gary Torres, Recreation Director,
Merry Heart Health Care Center,
Roxbury, NJ