My name is Lena Hartlage and since January of 2017, I have lost over 80 pounds and more than 30% of my starting body fat percentage!  My weight has been an issue I’ve battled my whole life- from the 3^rd grade when I wasn’t allowed in a club because there was a weight restriction; to a college graduate struggling to find professional clothes for a plus-sized woman.  Dieting and exercising to lose weight have been a part of my life since I was a teenager.  Each time I would have a small amount of success followed by gaining the weight back and then some.

When I made the decision a little over a year ago, to finally commit to improving my health, I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.  It has been a rough year, each day with new challenges and obstacles, but between the support of my loved ones and my own determination, I have achieved success. 

Jeane and Patti have been Milestone members since 2010.  It had been on their bucket list for many years to take a trip to Antarctica.  Finally, the time had come… they had booked their trip.  Jeane and Patti were so excited to kayak, hike, and enjoy all that the outdoors have to offer.  However, five months before the date of the trip, Jeane was hit by a bicycle and broke her collarbone.  This would certainly put a damper on her ability to do the physical activities that they had planned!  To make matters worse, two months before the start of the trip, Patti tripped on a tree root, breaking her ribs!  The two were very concerned about their ability to kayak, which was to be a highlight of the trip!

Welcome to February, National "Heart Health Month"

Once upon a time, women lifting weights was considered taboo; instead they were encouraged to simply  "tone" and avoid getting "too bulky!" Thankfully, more and more females are seeing the significance of incorporating resistance training into their exercise regimen and it only has a little to do with appearance. 

Yoga has become more prevelant in popular culture over the past few years, with many studios and yoga-related brands popping up.  Yoga is now recommended by many physicians as a healthy practice for both men and women.  However, when you look at the yoga community, it is disproportionately female.  This may be because most men think it's only for women.

The New Year is fast approaching and people all over the world will start setting new goals and resolutions to achieve in the New Year. Resolutions usually die out and rarely last long term. Form steady habits now to avoid short term resolutions later. 

Life is way too short to be wasted on things you do not enjoy or on things that don’t light a fire under your rear end. Why not get excited about living every single day. Find a passion that lights up your life; whether that is your family, funding a charity, training for a race, studying a certain subject, cancer research, playing an instrument, arts and crafts, etc. Find something that lets you be greater and that lets you help others.