I’m about to go for a run. A year ago, I never thought I’d hear myself say those words. Growing up, fitness was never my thing, but of course as we get older, it’s inevitable that the pounds will pile on if we’re not careful. When I noticed that I was moving up in clothes sizes and people went up to my husband and congratulated him about my non existent pregnancy. I knew I had to do something! Thanks to a great friend and personal trainer, she taught me how to run

Running is the most effective way to lose weight and increase your fitness level, but in the beginning, I resisted. We started with a slow jog-walk sequence which, over time increased to running only. The weight fell off, my cardiovascular efficiency improved (I use a heart rate monitor), my endurance is at a level I never thought possible, and my general sense of well being improved so drastically that I wanted to share my newfound healthy lifestyle. I thought that if I could do it, anyone can! I enjoyed having a running partner so I began to encourage all my friends to join me and so the group size increased. We felt safer, more empowered and more motivated. This is how the Provo Running Club started. Now we have men and women running every day with group sizes ranging from 2 - 10. Exercise improves your self esteem; and all of us in the Provo running club make exercise a priority in our lives, and that, is what makes us feel BEAUTIFUL! This is my story but yours can different, maybe running can’t work for you, or maybe you prefer running alone, but what’s more important is to find something that works for you and make exercise a priority in your life today!

I’m Tanisa Samuel, for CNN i-report