She lost half of her size, Paige Schmelzer dropped from a size 22 to a size 0 when she first joined the gym.

Schmelzer stands 5'4 and weighed 239 pounds was inspired to lose the weight before turning 30.

I saw my reflection and I didn't want to be that way anymore. There was a deal at my gym and that's how I started. Now I do cardio three days and weight training for two. It's still hard to remember calorie counting; every day I struggle. But I'm proud of what I've done and don't want to fall back.

Over the next 14 months, Schmelzer exercised daily and counted calories. Today, there are 125 pounds less of her.

Though the 31-year-old Camano Island woman weighs just 114 pounds, she continues to eat carefully and still works out at Team Fitness Stanwood, where she is something of a celebrity.

Schmelzer's weight loss story from size 22 to size 0 was so dramatic she was included in People magazine's annual feature called Half Their Size. The story was published in the national publication's Jan. 12 issue.

I couldn't believe I was that big, Schmelzer said. I tried all the fad diets and nothing worked.

Paige was tired, but steadfast. Her strong will kept her going. said Andersen Instructor Heidi, She was shy, but during the course of the year, she moved up to the front of the class and this wonderful person emerged who had been hiding behind that weight.

I would like to inspire people. Obesity is a national problem, and I want to encourage others, Schmelzer said. If I can do this, anybody can do it.

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