Thank you everyone who participated in winning the chance at a free 6-month membership at the gym, NYC's hottest work out spot.

All the stories were inspiring, but unfortunately only one person could win and centralparkfiend has won!

Her story is one that is inspiring to us all. To read her story, read more

I've always loved food, and I'm most certain I always will. In 2005, I went on a quest to lose my excess baggage. I had gained a ridiculous amount of weight and was tipping the scale at around 200 lbs ( i am only 5' 4" barely). Everyone says that it doesn't matter how you look on the outside, and I have always felt comfortable with that. However, I went to the doctor and he said that my "triglycerides" were in excess which are basically fat cells. I was so upset and shocked because I hadn't realized how overweight and unhealthy I actually was. I took up running as a daily activity and still run to this day. I lost about 40 lbs (I am 160 lbs) now However, I have felt a lack of motivation recently because I have stopped losing weight and running by myself has becoming slightly dry and boring. I have actually had depression for 2 years which doesn't help my cause considering I tend to look opposite of the bright side and think to myself "working out isn't worth it" or "fried chicken will eat away my blues." I think that by joining a gym (I would've if I could afford to), I could get better advice from trainers as well as share advice with fellow "trainees" in my trek to obtain a healthy body. Coming from a healthy family background, it's almost expected that I be healthy. However, I haven't taken care of my body in the past in terms of not exercising regularly (although I did do many leisurely sports) and eating whatever I wanted. I've realized little sacrifices must be taken in order for me to have a healthy lifestyle. If I get the opportunity to be part of a gym, I most definitely look forward to working hard with people who have similar fitness goals and fitting into size 8 pants and the cute silky green shirt my sister got me for Christmas that unfortunately shows every lump and roll on my body (which I intend on getting rid of!!)

Congratulations centralparkfiend and good luck with your endeavors -- I know you will do that silky green shirt justice!