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Sticking to any workout routine takes commitment. For Desiree Hobson, it took something else: Courage.

To qualify for bariatric surgery, Hobson underwent behavioral and dietary counseling. After gaining weight on two previous attempts, Hobson knew it was time to try something different. She decided to get in the weight room.

"I kind of had to kick my own butt and say come on, this is time," Hobson said.

Through a new 12 week exercise program in conjunction with Rochester’s Highland Hospital, Hobson isn't alone.

A fitness coach at the YMCA is helping Hobson develop an exercise program that works for her. With complaints of knee pain, a physical therapist is making sure Hobson doesn't damage her joints in the process, mixing in some water workouts.

"She’ll be able to do longer sessions and burn more calories because she's not in pain," aquatic therapist Lindsay Jackson said.

The program is open to those who are overweight, with a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or more. They must be referred by an accredited bariatric surgery center.

"To get them on an exercise program pre-operatively so they continue that post-operatively," said Andrea Zimmerli.

Zimmerli is the coordinator of Highland's bariatric department. She says adding an exercise component just made sense.

"We're trying to make sure we operate on a patient who's going to be successful after surgery," Zimmerli said.

In addition to losing weight, Hobson has another, important goal. She hopes getting healthy will help her become more active in her eight-year-old son's life. She says it's already working.