Tyler, Texas Fit City Challenge by the Tyler Morning Telegraph and partner organizations.

8 years ago, Maggie Crow ran into a tough patch in her life, and let her health go.  She'd gone from being a one-time aerobics instructor to packing on 30 extra pounds and at the time, she just didn't care.

"I spent 7 to 8 years in a personal funk and I decided it was time to do something better for myself," says Maggie Crow.

53- old Maggie says it started simple.  "I made a commitment to get back in a gym."  So in April of last year, she joined KH Fitness and started the up hill climb to a better life.

"The hardest thing was getting up in the morning." But she committed to working out 3 days a week at 5:30 a.m. with her trainer, Fred Coats, then doing 30- minutes on the treadmill. "Fred puts me on a weight routine. We work different muscle groups each day. I don't have to think about it. He motivates me." But the weight didn't melt off right away.  "After about 3 months, I was feeling great, but my clothes weren't getting any looser, so I asked Fred what's going on? He said are you counting your calories?" Maggie hadn't made that change yet.  "Counting calories?  I don't want to do that," says Maggie.  But she did.  And it made all the difference. "Cutting back and learning proper ratios of carbs to fats. It's just amazing what's happened," says Maggie.

She's not only 30 pounds lighter in 9 months, she's also lost 5% of her body fat and she's wearing a size 8 instead of a 14.  The biggest difference though is how Maggie feels. "Unbelievable. It's just like they say. You feel so much better. When you exercise. I have more energy. I sleep better at night. It's everything you read about.  It works," says Maggie.

Maggie also wants folks to know that she doesn't deprive herself.  She just eats in moderation.  Five small meals a day. Maggie's best advice to others wanting to find Fit City Success-- If you fall off the wagon, get right back on whether it's getting back in the gym or making healthier food choices.