After a long day of classes, the thought of relaxing on the couch and flipping through the TV channels until finding something that requires zero brain activity is pretty appealing. Finding the motivation to get up and get to the gym to work out, however, is usually the last thing on anyone’s mind.

But Lane Wagner, a student at Grand Valley State University, found motivation in her goal to be healthier and lose weight.

Wagner, a junior film and video production major, plays for the women’s club rugby team. She realizes that being fit is important for her performance, but losing weight is also important to living a healthy lifestyle.

“I wanted to lose weight to feel better about myself,” Wagner said. “My confidence level had gone down and I’m looking to get it back again.”

In an age where fad diets are all the rage, Wagner chose to lose weight the old-fashioned way: through exercise and a healthy diet. While this may not be the quick and easy route, it is the lifestyle change that is sure to stick. But like any lifestyle change, it has come with its own challenges.

“It’s definitely been a struggle,” Wagner said. “Going from not working out much to working out is a difficult thing to start doing. Getting off my butt to work out has been a challenge. Also, not being able to eat whatever I want has been a struggle.”

Wagner has been able to overcome these challenges by being prepared. Every day, she sets out the clothes she exercises in so that she can’t avoid the thought. When she wants to start making excuses for herself, she remembers that it’s going to be worth it, and being “too tired” isn’t going to help her reach her goal. Most importantly, she started working with a trainer at the Fieldhouse Rec Center.

“I have to be there or else I’ll get charged a fee, and to be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that,” Wagner said.

She also decided that she’s going start Crossfit training, a fitness regimen made up of high-intensity workouts, this summer to continue her weight loss.

“I feel a lot better about myself compared to when I started,” Wagner said. “Throughout this process, I have just proven to myself countless times that I am able to push myself to a workout and when it comes to weight loss.”

Wagner encourages others that are unhappy with their weight to get off the couch and get moving.

“My advice to others looking to make similar changes is to not wait,” Wagner said. “It’s better to get in shape and get healthy when you’re younger. There’s no excuse for not at least trying to get into better shape and to become healthier.”

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