I joined this board a while ago in hopes of finding the best workout and information for me. I was very impressed with the knowledge of other members and their willingness to help me figure out what I needed. The information I have read here stresses safety and common sense in fitness.

I have since purchased a weight bench and free weights and my husband and I are really getting our money's worth! We're eating 5 small, healthy, balanced meals per day, and working on our overall strength and cardiovascular health.

Without the help I got here on this board, I have no idea how many pieces of equipment we may have gone through! But thanks to the advice I got here we purchased exactly what we needed right away.

I've lost 20 pounds (with much more to lose) and I'm getting much stronger and feeling fantastic! After years of yo-yo and fad dieting and hating exercise, I'm finally at a place where I look forward to caring for my body by giving it the proper nutrients and daily exercise it needs to serve me.

When I woke up this morning, I had the idea to write a 'thank you' to the people here who helped me, whether they knew it or not. I was pleased to find a section to do just that. So special thanks to Laurie2 who went above and beyond, and to all of you who are willing to help those who are just starting out with good, reliable, healthy information.