Fitness instructor sets example from MWSU Campus Watch on Vimeo.

With each snack and unhealthy choice comes a high price, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese.

Luckily, Angie Reay, group fitness instructor at the Wellness Center for seven years, can help with that.

“My goal as a trainer is to help people reach their fitness and nutrition goals” said Reay, associate director of housing and dining services.

Needing something to keep her active after playing college basketball at MSU, Reay turned to marathons and triathlons before becoming a fitness instructor.

“Fitness has always been a part of my life so it just came natural to help other people,” she said.

Just like many other athletes, Reay said her family played a big part in her healthy lifestyle.

“My family’s a big part of it; I want to be around for them as long as I possibly can,” Reay said.

Reay said most of her family is overweight, including her sister and parents. As the youngest child, Reay decided not to follow in their footsteps. Instead, she’s helping them make healthier choices to lose weight. Even her dad is losing weight; unfortunately, most of it’s due to cancer.

This did not deter her from staying active. In fact, she’s so dedicated to staying healthy that she even exercised while pregnant—both times.

“I worked out through my whole pregnancy,” Reay said. “I want to be a good example for my kids.”

An example not only for her kids, but for other people as well.

“I’m able to lead by example and show people that they can do it,” she said.

Although exercising is an important part of staying fit, Reay said what you eat is actually more important.

“I think the biggest thing that people struggle with is nutrition and educating themselves on what they need to be putting in their bodies,” Reay said.

Just because something sounds healthy or is labeled as reduced fat or fat-free, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. It could be loaded with a lot of sugar, Reay said.

“You can overeat on healthy things too, so you really have to watch your portions on everything you’re eating,” Reay said.

She said anybody can lose weight as long as they stay active and eat right.

“Whether you’re overweight or you’re fit and you’re just wanting to get in better shape overall, anybody can do it,” Reay said.

Reay said anybody who is willing to exercise is welcomed in her classes.

“They want to be here and they want to make a change, so I do the best I can to motivate them,” she said.

She just hopes people make a change before it’s too late.

“My biggest fear is people die too young because they are overweight and not staying active,” Reay said.

She said people don’t have to be active by going to an insanity class. Just getting out and walking or playing with their kids is good enough as log as they stay active.

For those looking to stay active, the Wellness Center is open from Monday to Friday from 5:25 a.m. to midnight. The Wellness Center is also open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. with many classes that are free to students, faculty and staff.