Kimberly Komar

On the outside 33-year-old Lyon, Mich., resident, Kimberly Komar, seemed like everyone else. She had a wonderful husband and a successful career, but on the inside she was faced with chronic anxiety. Succumbing to daily nervous habits and uneasy feelings, it was extremely difficult for Komar to make normal living decisions. After years of being unable to sleep, eat or relax, and embarrassed by the condition, Komar decided to fight back.

“I was always the one who looked like they had it all put together on the outside, but really on the inside I was nervous and jittery all the time,” said Komar.

Komar researched her condition and discovered that exercise was her way out. She began strength and cardio training, and immediately felt the relief she had long sought.

“I was able to go about my day without the ‘butterfly’ feeling in my stomach,” said Komar. “For the first time, I started enjoying life and found joy in the everyday activities.”

However, after she had her first child, Komar was unable to fit exercise into her busy schedule, and the anxieties of being a new mother left her unable to sleep or eat. With limited time to get to the gym, her husband was watching his wife slowly fall back into her old habits. Unwilling to let her suffer again, he surprised her by purchasing a Life Fitness elliptical cross-trainer for their home, and encouraged his wife to workout while he watched the baby.

“I was determined to get my life back again,” said Komar. “Being able to workout again allowed me to start sleeping and eating more.”

As a result of Komar’s dedication and determination, she was recognized by the company whose elliptical cross-trainer she used, Life Fitness, and was awarded as the winner in the company’s annual “I Live It!” campaign. This program celebrates individuals who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong health and well-being.

"Kimberly’s story is an inspirational reminder of the power of fitness in helping people live happier and healthier lives,” said John Stransky, president of Life Fitness. “Her story is one that many people can relate to, and she has shown how taking part in exercise can create a life balance that leads to better overall health and well-being.”

Kimberly, who is expecting her second child in April, received $6,000 towards building her new home gym.