Clarice Yarborough has been an amazing inspiration to everyone at Core, and we wanted to share with readers, her struggles, goals, motivation and how she got to where she is.

1. How long have you been at Core Health & Fitness and what programs have you participated in to help you reach your goals?

I have been a member of Core Fitness for about a year and a half. I did TBT for about 7 months and I am currently doing Boot Camp, which I have been doing since September ’09.

2.  What have been some of your goals during your journey? Which ones have you reached, and which ones are you still working towards?

I have lost and gained weight all of my life. I wanted to put an end to that once and for all. I knew I would have to change my way of thinking as well as my way of eating….forever. I have done that and, thankfully, the weight is coming off and I am in better shape than I have ever been in my life. I still have a few pounds to go as well as some more toning. But through this journey, I have learned things about myself and my relationship with food that I will always have with me.

3. What has been the greatest challenge?

Fitting working out into my schedule has been the hardest. But it just has to be done. The good thing is that once I am in the gym, I am SO glad I am there. I have a hard time believing people don’t have enough time to work out. It takes some planning at times but, hey, aren’t you worth it???

4. What has been the greatest reward?

The other day my 17-year old son wanted me to show his friend my biceps!! How funny is that? That was not the greatest reward, but I was tickled. My greatest reward is me knowing that “I” did this. Yes, others gave me tools to help me get where I am today, but it was choices I made that ultimately got me here. It is not that I never had pride, but my lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to just give up when I was met with any kind of obstacle.

5.  What advice would you give someone who thinks they can’t lose weight or get in shape?

Oh my goodness!! You know, bottom line, YOU have to want it. And if you do want it, give yourself 2 weeks to a month and make small changes in your life. Cut back a little on the sugar, stop frying your foods, drink more water, limit your eating out, and start being more active. You don’t have to do everything at once if it seems daunting. Make 1-2 changes a week. During this time keep a journal. Not just to write down your food intake, but also how you are feeling each day. Do this and I promise you will see and feel a difference.

6. What do you hope to accomplish in 2010?

I am running the Austin ½ marathon in February and I want to finish without walking!! I hope to complete my certification for a Personal Trainer by the end of January. Once those two things are done…..WATCH OUT!!!!!  Just kidding…..

7. What kind of results have you seen since you started working out?

Well, I cannot even begin to describe the way my body has changed. I have dropped two pant sizes. My upper arms have always been a sore spot for me and they have toned a lot. I can remember when I first got on the elliptical machine when I first started TBT. After 30 seconds, I was EXHAUSTED. Now I can run MILES!!! WooHoo!!!

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I believe Sadie and Core and I met for a reason. I guess I was just ready. I would not take back one second of my time at the gym. Some of the days were hard but after each workout I knew I was one step closer to where I wanted to be. I have accomplished things in that gym that I would never have believed myself capable of doing. I would recommend TBT and Boot Camp to anyone that needs a little more structure, guidance, and accountability. They are two totally different programs but both beneficial. It just depends on what you are looking for. Stephanie is a kick-butt trainer that makes getting up at 4:30 in the morning worth it!!! Just take it one day at a time. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!!