No Turning Back A Story of Success

Browsing through my favorite search engine… I googled “obesity statistics in America” to get an idea of how many individuals are in the same situation I once was. I wondered how many of these people will live their life without changing their statistic and how many will get fed up, jump in the driver’s seat and make changes.

First off, let me introduce the old me. Yalanda Baldon, one of 63 percent of Americans overweight in the United States reaching my highest weight of 273 lbs. Uncomfortable in my own skin, insecure and no idea on how to get fit. I remember being so uncomfortable that I would wear a men's leather jacket every day during the summer just to hide my wide frame. I always felt like one of those “unlucky people.” You know the why me-folks. Why do I have to be overweight, unnoticed, in the back; she is chubby but has a cute face kind of girl. Ooh, how I do not miss those days

Fast forward a few years and now let me correctly introduce the New me; a young, happy, blessed and fit Telecommunications Engineer residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am currently studying for my personal training license. This summer I had the honor of competing in my first fitness competition, Musclemania’s Fitness Universe. I placed 3rd in the female bodybuilding division, competing alongside well known veteran competitors. YES ME 3rd in the Universe! The once cute-faced chubby girl in the back of the crowd trying to go unnoticed, now being seen across the world on ESPN exposed in a tiny posing suit for all to judge. It’s almost impossible to put into words the feelings that overcame me while standing in a line amongst beautiful women from across the globe and thinking of what I was about to do. I will never forget my heart pounding as I was standing behind the curtain

hearing the announcer say my name for the first time. Holding my breath, fixing my posture and thinking there is no turning back now. Time to show my friends and family the new me, what I had been working on in the gym every single day. Why I had not seen them for weeks, or why I passed up the numerous invitations to dinners and family gatherings. I was on a mission, and standing dead center of a stage with a spotlight on me, that was my moment. In that instance, I realized there is nothing that should ever get in someone’s way of making a change in their life, whatever the circumstances may be. So now I have made it my mission to reach out and share my story, hoping to inspire others to jump in and make their moment.

Look out for my monthly article on diet and fitness tips that helped me throughout my journey. Also be sure to visit my websiteYalandaBaldon.com to share your stories and receive support during your own journey to a healthier you. I will also be uploading videos while I prepare for the Fitness America at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino on November 18th-19, 2011.

Let’s inspire and create a motivational force amongst a community who can relate.

Yalanda Baldon

www.YalandaBaldon.com

Twitter: @YalandaB