I have always been over weight since the 4th grade. I wore size 14 husky jeans and baggy t-shirts to hide my fat belly. I was a very outgoing kid and had lots
of friends, yet I always had very low self-esteem. Growing up fat as a child was very emotional and heart breaking for me.
I had to deal with kids teasing me and calling me names. The one name I will never forget is, “Merit The Parrot The Big Fat Carrot.” Through out grade school and into high school I learned to deal with the teasing and name calling through eating. I would eat to make myself feel better at the time then get mad because I was fat. I always smiled and was nice to everyone. I never let on that I was hurting inside emotionally and would cry a lot by myself. I let my great personality, kind spirit, my faith in God and my love from my parents to carry me through the years.

Since the fifth grade I have been on all kinds of diet and exercise programs. All of them may work for a while but I ended up gaining the weight back plus more. After 15yrs of marriage and 3 kids later I had plateaued to 255lbs.

February 2009 was a turning point in my life. I scheduled a Doctors appointment because I was not sleeping; I was very overwhelmed with work and home life. My husband, Ron, was gone a lot as an Engineer for the UP Railroad. I was a single parent most of the time raising 3 kids: Derick 13 yrs, Devin 7 yrs and Erin 2 yrs. I found out I had High Blood Pressure (190/110), anxiety and mild depression. The Dr. said if he did not treat my HBP I would have a 300% chance of having a heart attack. I was in shock! He put me on three medications. All my life I have taken care of others. Being a wife, mom and having a career had taken a toll on my mind, body and spirit.

In May of 2009 my loving husband, Ron, asked me if I heard of Farrell’s. I said “What is Farrell’s? Ron said don’t take this the wrong way but you really need to do something about your weight. He reassured me that he loved me no matter what I weighed but now it is affecting my health, the kids, my job and our marriage. I was driving home from work one day and drove right to Farrell’s. I walked in and wanted to join right away.
I said, “Where do I sign up?” I didn’t even ask the price. Unfortunately the next 10 week session was not going to start until June 6th, 2009. I had to wait another month. I could not wait to get started.

Saturday, June 6th was a new beginning of the rest of my new life. I did not have the time to workout in the evening. I signed up for the 6am class so it would not interfere with my busy schedule with the kids, work, and my husband. I wanted my life back and started putting myself first and taking care of ME finally for the first time of my life.

My first 10 weeks of Farrell’s was the most challenging because of all of the obstacles I had to overcome. I had to get up at 5:00 am and sweat? I was so out of breath and my muscles were so sore I could hardly walk. The third week I went to Indiana on vacation for one whole week. I asked the manager, Matt, at Farrell’s if I could check out some bands and bring my book along on vacation to workout. I was dedicated to working out 6 days a week. Then at the five week mark we had to do the mile run again. I was determined to improve my time (15min 27sec to 11min 32sec). Unfortunately I injured my knee. I went to the Orthopedic Doctor and he advised me to quit Farrell’s because my knees would get worse. I told him that was not an option. I took a couple of days off to heal and then I was right back at it. I was not going to quit.

Ten weeks went by fast. I was feeling great. I could not wait until the final party. Unfortunately my husband, Ron, had to work and I had to go to the party by myself. I wanted to dress up and feel comfortable wearing a sleeveless shirt. I was finally taking pride in myself and felt comfortable socializing with my new Farrell friends. To my surprise and shock, when they announced that Merit Scarff won, I just busted out into tears. I never win anything. I was so happy on many different levels. This was the start of my new life. I wish I could have shared this moment with my husband, Ron. I was healthy, happy and overwhelmed with joy. Thanks to Farrell’s I have made new friends and actually have a social life. The camaraderie at Farrell’s is so motivational. I always do my personal best and meet my level 10 with every workout.

Now I was determined more than ever to go all the way. I wanted to be healthy and happy for the rest of my life. I then signed up for the fitness and the chance to win $10,000. I set some goals and I was on a spiritual mission. I wanted to prove to myself I was worth all of this hard work and sweat.

I have lost 95lbs, reduced my body fat from 47.1% to 22.6% and went from a size 26 to size 10 jeans. I am off my high blood pressure medication and get plenty of sleep. I can now run a mile in less than 9 minutes (8min 53sec). I workout 6 days a week and feel guilty if I miss a day. I can now say through Farrell’s balanced program of cardio, strength training and proper nutrition I went from morbidly obese to athletic. The changes that I have made are life changing and has made an extreme impact on family – kids! I am now a role model for my kids. We all eat healthy as a family and Devin and I love to go for walks and bike rides.

FXB has saved my life in so many different ways, physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually. Through my faith in God I feel closer to my husband, kids, family and friends.

Physically I never thought my body could go through so many changes. I can feel and see my muscles. My face is thinner and I look younger. It is amazing how I can go to my favorite restaurants and they say, “Wow! You have lost a lot of weight, how are you doing it?” I proudly say, Farrell’s saved my life. Farrell’s is the best thing that ever happened to me. I get up every morning with ease to exercise; it’s like brushing my teeth. Don’t feel right through out the day if I have not worked out at Farrell’s.

Emotionally I am happier and not so overwhelmed. I can deal with my stress and changes in my life. I am very happy go-lucky now. I appreciate the simple things in life. I spend more quality time with my family and friends.

Because I am not so tired all the time, my job as a Sales Agent is going really well. I am not so tired throughout the day and I am more efficient at my job. I work smarter not harder.

Spiritually I have never felt closer to God and my family. My family and I are back to church. Before I just wanted to sleep in on Sunday morning and I was too lazy to get out of bed. Now I get up every Sunday and feel great as we all get ready for church as a family! This will instill family values in my kids and my grandkids.

I have a message to share: You have to take care of your Mind, Body and Soul. Your body is your temple and you have to treat your body with love, kindness and respect. You live with your body everyday. You must love yourself first in order to truly love others. I am in Heaven on Earth. I am so bless with my health, true happiness, my family and my love for God! Thank You Farrell’s for giving me my life back.

Merit's Transformation

Push-ups:
Start: 21
10 weeks: 60
12 months: 78

Sit-ups:
Start: 15
10 weeks: 34
12 months: 53

Sit & Reach:
Start: 16.75
10 weeks: 22.5
12 months: 27

Body Fat:
Start: 47.1
10 weeks: 43.7
12 months: 22.6

1 mile run:
Start: 15:27
10 weeks: 12:14
12 months: 8:53

Weight:
Start: 255
10 weeks: 234
12 months: 160