Member Spotlight | Healthy Is a Way of Life

by Candice Currie | Jul 9, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories

Janelle G. of Gresham, OR struggled with weight her entire life. She would make excuses of being big boned or having a poor metabolism as her reason for being overweight, but that was not the case. It wasn’t that Janelle was inactive – in fact, she was athletic for most of her life. Although her weight frustrated her, it never really became an issue until later in life. In 2015, Janelle’s blood pressure was borderline for needing to take medications. She found herself struggling to get an airplane seatbelt on. She recalls a time when a flight attendant offered her a seatbelt extension before she had even tried putting her belt on. It was at that point she knew enough was enough, and she wanted to do something about it.

[Kimberly] inspires me by her knowledge, experience, and her support of my success. I always look forward to our sessions – not just because they benefit my body, but my mind and soul too. She continues to build my confidence and gives me the encouragement I need to keep going, even when life throws a few curveballs at you.

Janelle G.

Pro Results® Client

Like many others, Janelle made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. In February 2016, she joined a local LA Fitness and began seeing Pro Results® Master Trainer, Kimberly D. One of the main things Janelle learned was that she had to make working out a part of her routine. She began working out 5 to 6 times a week, always in the morning because it helped start her day on the right foot. Aside from working out, Janelle began thinking about food differently. She began to understand that in order to obtain the results she wanted, fitness and nutrition went hand-in-hand.

Left: April 2015 | Right: November 2017

Two Years Later

After having first walked through the doors of LA Fitness two years ago, Janelle is down 65 lbs. and she’s keeping it off! She’s happy that now when she puts an airplane seatbelt on, she actually has to cinch it up a bit. While she has had great progress, she knows that her journey continues. Working out and staying healthy is part of her life now.

A Bit of Advice

“You have to make working out part of your daily routine. It truly has to be part of your life and your schedule, and you have to make time for it in order to achieve and maintain long term results.” – Janelle G., Pro Results® Client

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Member Spotlight | Healthy Is a Way of Life

If you want something bad enough, you have to put in the time and effort. In our latest Member Spotlight, Janelle G. shares how she finally managed to lose the weight that she struggled with her entire life.

Candice Currie | Jul 9, 2018 | 0

Member Spotlight | When Enough Is Enough

by Candice Currie | Jun 11, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories

August 2016

Barrie, Ontario, Canada – Meet Debbie E., a member who was quite unhealthy for the longest time. You may ask yourself, what makes a 49-year-old woman suddenly change her relationship with health and fitness? Was it someone else’s idea? Was it something that happened? Why the change? Why now? Well, much like the beginning of a grand novel in which our protagonist is unaware of life-changing self-discovery laying ahead, it started off as a day like any other… Our story starts in September 2016, when Debbie went to watch a group of friends participate in the Toronto Tough Mudder. Simply walking the spectator course nearly did her in! Eventually, the course was completed and the group of them were able to sit together and celebrate – and that is when it hit her. As if the world around her suddenly stopped, Debbie looked up and in a moment of craziness or clarity, Debbie announced that she wanted to complete the Tough Mudder the very next year.

Silence.

The teamed looked around in disbelief; shock across their faces, before shouting a resounding “Game on!” And so the story begins.

Game On

Debbie describes herself as having always been a strong-willed person, focused and determined with an all or nothing attitude. However, she never seemed to apply that attitude directly to herself. After a few false fitness starts later, a friend asked Debbie if she would like to join a gym with her. Me, in a gym…Ha!, she thought. But, with the goal of completing the Tough Mudder still gnawing at her, Debbie decided to make the move and join. She realized she really had nothing to lose except weight and bad habits. The physical and emotional efforts of years of unhealthy living were finally getting to her.

A Nervous Heartbeat, A Chance Taken

Walking through the doors of the gym was one of the most intimidating things Debbie admits she’s ever done. Yet she knew it was the beginning of challenging herself, and the start of a whole new way of life. Consistency became her new best friend. She set small goals along the way which helped her tremendously. At one point, Debbie began identifying one thing every day that was a marker of a positive change, whether that was climbing a flight of stairs without stopping, doing one more rep at the gym, walking someplace instead of driving, or choosing veggies over chips.

Trainer Talk

In an effort to continue along the path of success, Debbie started working with a trainer who walked her through workouts step by step, answered any questions she had, and provided tips and strategies that helped hold her accountable.

They say change doesn’t happen overnight. Learning new things and letting go of old habits can be scary, but it can also be exciting and empowering. Being patient can be frustrating, however patience is essential if the journey is to be enjoyed.

Debbie E.

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

Like every heroine in their journey to success, there were times when Debbie felt like giving up. She recalls days of sitting in the parking lot thinking of all the reasons why she could or should leave. There were days she really wanted to give in, but with the steadfast support of those around her, she pushed through. Through those trying times, finding guidance from the right sources was essential. She notes that “There have been many who have come along with me and pushed me. It was and continues to be helpful to find like-minded people who have been there and are continuing to work at it.”

Debbie E. and Pro Results® trainer Ian W.

Debbie’s Typical Workout Routine Cardio – Treadmill or Stairs – 45 -60 minutes /day Weights Workout /Machines – 45 – 60 minutes /day- Push / Pull/HIIT-Core rotation.

My trainer has taught me that the basis of a successful training program relies mainly on resistance training with compound exercises, supplemented with core and accessory work as well as cardiovascular training. Form is priority number one, with intensity being a close second. We continually switch up the program and focus on constant progression, but allow patience when it comes to managing injury or illness and when life gets in the way.

My fundamental workout goal remains to get to the gym every day. I stay the course, enjoy the process, push past challenges and celebrate the successes.

My final words to those who are just beginning their journey are that you should never be afraid to try new things and don’t ever think it’s too late! I have achieved more than I ever would have dreamed possible, and I have a whole new lease on life because I dared to take that first step.

Be brave and make a change.

The Moment of Truth On August 20th, 2017, 8 months after joining LA Fitness, Debbie completed the Tough Mudder Toronto course with the support of an amazing team and trainer. She climbed, ran, pushed, pulled, fell, rolled, swung, carried and swam through 10 miles of mud and obstacles. Debbie describes the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as being unparalleled to anything she had ever felt before. For Debbie, the overall experience has been transforming. She’s noticed that as she sheds the pounds, she feels stronger and more capable physically, mentally and emotionally. She’s also been better able to manage the juggling act of work and home. The changes have brought her a newfound sense of confidence and she knows she has added quality years to her life.

…But The Story’s Not Over

Debbie wants more of what a healthy life brings and to ensure this, her work continues! She continues to train a few times a week with her Pro Results® trainer, Ian W., and maintains the structure and routine that has led to her success. She’s also begun trying new things like Zumba® group fitness classes, and she waterskied for the first time in 30 years this past summer. In September 2017, Debbie made it to the top of a mountain that had previously done her in (she had only made it ¼ of the way before) 3 years ago, and she enjoys clothes shopping more than ever!

Future Goals

To become as strong and healthy as I can, and to minimize the risks of age-related health concerns. Aging is inevitable. But I believe that being as fit as possible will help me to look and feel my best.
To become the best version of myself, inside and out. I want to be an amazing role model for my children, my family, and my friends. I want to be an inspiration to others who are also on the journey of fitness. Now that I know what it is really like to feel healthy and good about my life choices, I know that I could never go back. I want to show people that if I can do it – anyone can!
To continue to work with my trainer to develop new skills (and muscles). There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment you get when you are finally able to do something you never dreamed you would be able to do! I will continue to evolve and challenge myself while maintaining an active fitness program.
To continue to use fitness as a way to combat mental and emotional fatigue. I have found that taking your frustrations out on the treadmill works better than anything else I have tried, and leaves you feeling much better than other less healthy coping methods.

Left: December 2016 | Right:January 2018

Debbie’s Diet She follows a meal plan that emphasizes balanced and healthy eating, focusing on lower carbohydrate intake. This was a huge change for her and over the course of 14 months, her diet has helped her lose over 175 lbs. and 48.5 inches (from a size 26 to an 8). She now eats smaller portions 6-7 times a day and includes vitamin supplements. She’s learned that food is fuel and that she needs to properly fuel her body so that it can perform how she wants it to.

A Special Message to LA Fitness Staff from Debbie E. Of special note, all the staff at my LA Fitness deserve a huge thank you and recognition for what they do and how they do it. Whether they know it or not, reflecting on my experience thus far, they have played a large part in why and how I kept going and keep coming back. They have been the smiling faces when I enter the gym (when I’m not so sure I was in the mood to smile back), they have offered words of encouragement and listened, they are knowledgeable, approachable and professional. I owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude.

LAF, LA Fitness, Pro Results training, muscle logo Sign up for a complimentary Pro Results® fitness assessment today! Only you can take the first step to completely transforming your life into what you’ve always dreamed it could be.

Do you have a fitness goal you’d like to share with us? What are you working towards? How do you plan to live out your life story? Commit to being fit today!

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

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Member Spotlight | The Journey to Gain Weight

by Candice Currie | May 28, 2018 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, Member Stories | 1 comment

In the fitness world, a common issue seems to be the struggle to lose weight, but that’s not that case for everyone. Adrianna E., of Orange City, Florida, has fought her entire life to gain weight. Growing up, she struggled to weigh even 100 lbs. She had always been naturally thin, but this was different. Her diet didn’t help her situation. Adrianna would eat about twice a day, which led to her feeling completely drained 24/7, and contributed to the fact that she was unhealthily underweight. It was an uphill battle, which she seemed to be losing. Still, she pushed on and wanted more for herself.

It was after high school graduation, when Adrianna had her mind set on becoming a law enforcement officer, that she realized she had to make a change. After going through the Junior Law Enforcement Academy, she realized she needed to get into much better shape before she could see her dreams come to fruition. This is when Adrianna decided to join LA Fitness, with the added assistance of a personal trainer.

The Change Begins

Adrianna E. began working with Pro Results® personal trainer*, David A. With his help, Adrianna learned that she was not doomed to be underweight forever, and that she could exercise control over her own body. With that, her mindset began to change, and she began working to make healthy changes in her life. Unfortunately, every great story, and every great hero, has some roadblocks along the way.

A year and a half into her fitness journey, Adrianna found out that she was extremely sick and was confined to bed rest for three long months. She was devastated to think that all of her hard work with her trainer, David, would be gone, and all of the progress she made would vanish. It’s these moments, when the odds seem stacked against us, that we are tested mentally to keep pushing on.

Adrianna knew she would get back to the gym.

After being cleared to go back to the gym, Adrianna credits her trainer David for helping her get motivated again, and feel better than she did before. When she started the training program, she weighed 100 lbs., and now she is proud to say she weighs a healthy 127 lbs., and feels the best she ever has!

Where She Is Now

Adrianna continues to train 3 to 4 times a week. While she admits it can be difficult finding the time for the gym between full-time school and full-time work, she has learned that when you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make time.

Her cardio sessions are limited to 1-2 times a week, “just to keep [her] heart happy,” but she focuses mainly on weightlifting, in order to help build her muscles. She admits that the biggest change has been her diet. She went from eating two meals a day to eating every three to four hours. Adrianna no longer eats fast food; and while she still loves her pizza and tacos, she makes sure to eat those things in moderation, and instead, fuel her body with what she knows will make it feel good.

Adrianna plans to spend 2018 focusing on gaining strength, and in her words, if “tons of gains come along with that, I’m not complaining!”

Overall, I have learned that absolutely anything is possible for yourself if you try hard enough to make it happen. I’m forever grateful for LA Fitness and my trainer, David A. I will never live without the gym again! This is not just a “journey” for me anymore – it has become a lifestyle.

Adrianna E.

LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

Advice From Adrianna

“Do not compare yourself to others in the midst of your own fitness journey. You are in a competition with nobody but yourself. Always strive to be better than who you were yesterday, never who somebody else is today.” – Adrianna E., LA Fitness Pro Results® Client

*Pro Results® services are subject to a separate agreement and an additional fee.

Member Spotlight | Healthy Is a Way of Life

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