As we ring in the New Year, millions will be focusing on making changes in their lives. For many, losing weight is a popular resolution, but often proves difficult.

Despite the challenges of sticking to a diet or exercise regiment, 36-year-old Teri Kratz of Comfrey knows first hand that if you keep focused on the end goal, losing weight can turn into a reality.

Kratz, who is now a manager at the Anytime Fitness in Springfield and co-owner of Muscles in Motion-Anytime Personal Training, weighed 190 pounds and was a size 18 when she realized she needed to do something about her weight. A few years ago, her then 4-year-old daughter wanted to swing with her on their backyard swing set.

“I couldn’t because I was too big to fit in the pre-molded seat,” said Kratz. “It broke my heart that I could not swing with her.”

Kratz, a mother of four who also owned a sheep farm, said she had tried to diet in the past, but it never lasted long.

“I, like most people, spent a lot of money on home exercise products,” Kratz said. “I didn’t stick with it because when you exercise at home you are always on call. If the phone rings, or someone needs something you stop that exercise and tend to what ever the situation is.”

So Kratz decided to try something new and joined Anytime Fitness. She also hired a personal trainer.

“Because I have four kids, plus home responsibilities (and) farm responsibilities, the only time I could fit in any exercise was at night when they all went to bed,” she said. “Some nights I would not get to the club until 9 or 10 p.m. When I work out at Anytime Fitness, I’m there for me. It’s my time.”

Kratz worked out for 127 consecutive nights at the club and also made some changes in her diet. She went from a size 16 to a size six, and lost about 70 pounds.

Like other working moms, it wasn’t an easy task. Kratz said there many nights that she still had to do work on the farm after working out and didn’t get to bed until 1 a.m. or later, and then had to turn around five hours later to get her kids off to school. As if that wasn’t hard enough, she took up running as well.

“I never thought I would ever like to run, but my trainer encouraged me to try a mile,” she said. “I didn’t want to, but I did and I was hooked.”

Colleen Braun, the owner and operator of the Anytime Fitness clubs in Springfield and Madelia, took notice of Kratz’s rapid weight loss.

“Exercising transformed Teri’s life. I was so impressed I asked her if she would like to get certified and work for me as a trainer,” said Braun. “She not only transformed her life, she transforms others on a weekly basis.”

Braun said Kratz has since received a national award for her weight loss success story, has been featured on KARE 11 TV’s “Fit and Fabulous,” and was in Anytime Fitness’s national campaign last year.

Kratz’s love for working out led to a new career as a personal trainer.

“It is a huge part of my life, and I wanted to help others who were in my same position,” she said. “There was a need for it here and I felt it was my calling. No parent should have to say no to their child who asks them to do an activity with them because they are overweight.”

To keep the weight off, Kratz runs about three to four miles, four times a week, lifts weights and watches her diet.

Last year she ran a few 5K races, including one to benefit lymphoma. Her dad recently died of the disease, but prior to his death, she was able to raise $900 for research.

“I believe that since I was able to become healthy, I needed to do something to benefit others, so that’s why I chose to run that race,” said Kratz. “I like to reach my goals that I set, then once I reach them establish new ones.”

Kratz already has her New Year’s goals set in motion. She is competing in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant in March

“I would love to win that,” said Kratz. “If I do, then it’s off to Mrs. International in July.”