Ashley Samaniego of Virginia Beach did it!

NINE MONTHS AGO, Ashley Samaniego felt fat, and being out of shape made her unhappy. When her friends inadvertently gave her a wake-up call, she decided to wage an all-out war against unwanted weight. Her weapon: a boot camp program at a local gym, a fast-paced, high-energy style of workout that combines push-ups, jumping jacks and other exercises to push the body to its absolute limits.

What was your breaking point?

A few of my friends had taken me out for my 23rd birthday in May 2007 and had e-mailed me a few pictures from our night out. I couldn't believe how awful I looked and how I had let myself go.

What was your physical condition at the time?

I'm 5-feet, 7-inches tall, and I weighed 186 pounds. My body fat was 36.7 percent.

I was always feeling tired, never had energy and was all-around miserable, with low self-esteem.

How did you achieve your goal?

I immediately enrolled in Lacey Lee's Boot Camp program at The Gym Downtown. I adjusted my diet by cutting out alcohol, fried or greasy foods and I started eating smaller, healthier portions. I also tried to be as active as possible by running at the Oceanfront, joining a women's basketball league.

I'm now the assistant coach for Norfolk Academy's girls junior varsity basketball team, which requires a lot of physical participation during practice.

What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself along the way?

I've learned that working out is essential for me to maintain a healthy state of mind and managing stress positively. I am amazed at how being fit has changed my life and ultimately has made me into a better person all around.

How do you continue to keep yourself motivated?

I have become friends with such positive and wonderful people from the gym as well as in the women's basketball league. They continue to motivate me and compliment me on my hard work.

Also, I feel that the harder I work on my physical condition, the happier I am in other aspects of my life.

What is your best advice for others beginning their quest for fitness?

Surround yourself with positive and healthy friends and environment, and you'll find that being physically healthy will positively affect all aspects of your life. I highly recommend the boot camp for drastic changes.

I'm down to 156 pounds, and my body fat is down to 27.8 percent. My waist, thighs, hips and even my neck and calves are smaller.