Carlie Ellett

I am a 24 Hour die-hard. I love everything about 24 Hour Fitness. I look forward to working out every morning. On Dec. 31, as soon as I get to the gym, I check in with Brittney. We talk about school and how we can't wait to finally graduate. I then hop on the treadmill right next to Shirley, who will no doubt give me a pep talk and share something with me she found interesting in the Ensign. When I move to the elliptical, Brian and I will talk about the San Francisco 49ers and anything else that tickles our sports fancy. As I leave, an elderly gentleman named Larry, whom I call 'Grandpa,' will fist bump me and tell me to 'keep it up' in his deep, raspy voice. I feel good and refreshed. I got to exercise and interact with my 'gym friends,' the same people I have seen there for years.

Todd Buchholz, former White House director of economic policy and CNBC regular, presented the BYU forum Tuesday morning in the Marriot Center. He spoke on the challenges and opportunites people are facing today in the struggling economy.