Linda:  Don’t Do It For Anyone Else—Do It For Yourself!

Today I want to introduce you to an incredible lady that works hard and brings it  every class and it shows.  Linda started attending Boot Camp the end of May and has made steady progress.  She and her friend Victoria hold each other accountable which is probably one of the most important parts of fitness and weight loss success.  This is Linda’s fitness story!

 

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?  

 

Getting fit and losing weight have always been important to me.  The majority of my family has weight problems so weight is something I’ve struggled with my whole life.

Have you made previous attempts?  

 

Tons!  You name the diet and I’ve been on it – at least once.  It wasn’t until having bariatric surgery in 2013 that I truly saw significant weight loss.  Maintaining that weight loss since then has been my focus. 

What was the difference this time?

 

While I had lost the pounds, I wanted to be in better physical shape and have more energy.

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

 

My best friend talked me into it initially- but I really enjoy class and how the workout makes me feel.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?

 

 I’ve lost roughly an inch to an inch and a half in my arms, waist and hips.  Haven’t seen significant weight loss but muscle does weigh more than fat and I can tell I’m in better physical shape than I have been in years!

 

How many jean sizes are you down?  

 

2!  Yeah!

 

How much stronger are you now?

 

I am a lot stronger now and getting stronger each week!

 

How much more would you like to lose?  

 

I would like to lose 40 to 45 pounds.


What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?  

 

When I miss a class, I feel very sluggish – and I don’t like that feeling.  So that encourages me to keep at it.

How has your diet changed?  

 

I try and eat healthier by making better choices.  I don’t always – but I do the majority of the time.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?  

 

I cheat occasionally but get right back on target afterwards.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

 

It’s never too late to get started.  Take it one class, one day at a time.  Don’t do it for anyone else – do it for yourself because you deserve it!

 

I want to thank Linda for sharing her story with us.  I love that she shared that she has had bariatric surgery and that it takes work to keep the weight off.  In addition, she has focused on getting in better physical shape.  The single most important thing any of us can do for ourselves is get strong and stay strong.  The secret to maintaining a high quality of life at any age is being fit.  If you’re reading this I challenge you to get fit and/or stay fit.  The choice is yours!

Shawn: Get up. Get Motivated & Feel Better!

Today I want to introduce you to a guy that’s a model of consistency.  When Shawn made the decision to start training he was all in and has not looked back.  Thus, he’s cut some weight and inches, but more important he’s gotten fit and is changing his health.  This is Shawn’s fitness story
When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

Started working out and trying to get healthier in 2017 to get my diabetes under control.
Have you made previous attempts?

I hadn’t really worried about my health previously.
What was the difference this time?

The way I felt and getting stronger made me want to do more. I haven’t worked out since high school.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?

I’m wearing a size 34 short without being uncomfortable. I was in a 36, tight. I feel better. I rest better.  I’ve quit drinking Diet Coke to try to progress in being healthy.

 
How has your diet changed?

I’ve quit drinking soda. I hardly eat fried food. My wife cooks my lunch quite a bit. Usually fish or chicken. She’s helped me be motivated in being better at eating. I have changed my snacking from chips and junk to nuts and granola or fruit.  We try to only eat healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil. We eat mainly green vegetables and lean meats for dinner. I have been eating scrambled eggs every morning. There’s not much pasta or bread in my diet. Just on occasion.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

If there is something I really want, I eat it. I try to eat in moderation but I don’t deny myself an occasional Pringle or Chinese food.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

Get up. Get motivated and feel better.

 

I want to thank Shawn for sharing his story.  Sometimes the hardest part of getting fit is making the decision to start.  This maybe you right now reading this.  Shawn’s wife Krystal forwarded this quote that’s so true, “If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”  Are you ready to start?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kassie:  Commit To Change Everyday!

Today I want to introduce you to a dynamite lady that has totally changed her body and continues to make even more progress.  Kassie committed to changing her body and her health this summer and stepped up her game.  The results of her hard work are amazing.  This is Kassie’s fitness story!

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

I turned 39 in February and I was overweight and extremely unhappy with my body. I knew that time was closing in on me and it was time to start getting serious about my health and weight. In February I began dieting and started attending ERF in April. 

Have you made previous attempts?
I can’t remember a time I wasn’t on some kind of diet.
What was the difference this time?
I was committed to changing my life for the long term not just doing a fad diet and then yoyo-ing and putting the weight back on. Plus, the fact I’m getting married in October and I didn’t like the way I saw myself in my wedding dress. It was supposed to be an exciting and happy time and I could hardly look at my own picture!

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
I started ERF and would go 2-3 times a week after work. I decided to challenge myself for the summer and start attending the morning class at 5:20. I’ve leaned up, have strength and changed my body. I like what I see in the mirror and I don’t want to go back to the woman I couldn’t look at in her wedding dress.
How much total weight/inches have you lost?  

 

Last I measured in June, 39 inches overall.
How many jean sizes are you down?

 

3
 How much stronger are you now?

 

So much. I could hardly do a push up or go 30 seconds in a spar match.. I have endurance, stamina and look forward to challenging myself.
How much more would you like to lose?
Another 20 lbs
What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?

The knowledge that it’s up to me. The more effort I put in, the better my results. Going back is not an option. It’s okay to have setbacks and bad days but tomorrow is another day. Just get up and keep at it!
How has your diet changed?
I watch my sugar intake, limit my carbs and make a conscious effort to make good choices for my body.

 

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

I try to find a healthier alternative.. but if I really want something I don’t deny myself. I just keep it to a minimum and make sure I get up for that 5:20 workout!!
Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

 

You have to be ready to change your lifestyle and you have to be committed. If you commit nothing can stand in your way. Be patient and keep at it. Be kind to yourself! Come to Jeff’s class it takes the confusion out of working out. I HATE to exercise but this class has motivated me to wake up at 4:45am and show up for myself! Commit to your health and the life you want.

I want to thank Kassie for sharing her story!  It truly is all about commitment and patience.  Staying the course even when the scale isn’t moving is the kind of commitment that gets you results like Kassie.  It’s all about setting those daily goals and achieving those goals day in and day out.  You can do it, just commit.

 

 

Stephanie: Find What Works For You!

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

I put on about 30lbs over the last 10 years. During this period, I attended boot camps on and off. I was never truly consistent, especially with changing my diet. January of this year I set a goal like everyone does with the New Year. I was determined to change my eating habits. So I gave myself until June to meet my goal.

Have you made previous attempts?
I am an expert Boot Camper! lol I’ve done several different Boot Camps. I have loved the work but I never was committed to changing what I ate. I always felt like if I was working out I could eat what I wanted.
What was the difference this time?

I knew exercise alone wasn’t going to change much. Diet! Jeff always tells us that working out is 20% and its 80% what goes in your mouth. I hated hearing that! However, I knew changing what I was eating had to be changed.

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

I wanted to feel better and look better. I also weighed more than I ever had. I couldn’t believe I had let it get so far out of control.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?

I’ve lost 21lbs. Inches. I am down two jean sizes. I remember when I first started Boot Camp doing a regular push-up was not happening. While I still think they are hard I can do 20 regular ones before I die. lol I have loved how much stronger I have become and now that I have lost weight I can actually see muscle.

How much more would you like to lose?

I’d like to lose 10 more but I try not to be a slave to the scale.

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?

My clothes fit so much better and I feel stronger so I’ll try to just focus on that.

How has your diet changed?

My husband I started the Keto eating style in January. We eat 20 or less carbs a day. It’s amazing how much better I feel and how much energy I have.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

I really don’t crave much off of my diet. We have adapted everything we like to be pretty low carb. If it’s just something I’m dying to eat I eat it with moderation. I didn’t allow myself to cheat until I reach my goal. I cheated here and there over the summer and was able to pretty much maintain what I have lost.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

Find what works for you. I’ve tried many diets, challenges etc. Keto works great for me! Exercise is great and important but at the end of the day it’s what you put in your mouth. Commit to eating better no matter what. The changes are motivation to keep going.

Barbara: This Lady Never Quits!

Today I want to introduce you to a tenacious lady that never quits.  I’ll never forget the first time Barbara walked into ERF, we were still located in the small store front.  She came in and went through the circuit and I didn’t see her again for almost a year.  When she came back the second time I could tell there was something different this time.  I could tell she was fully committed and all in.  Barbara has rarely missed a day since the second time she walked in my door.  I’ll never forget how she would struggle to get out of the floor after crunches and now she hops up like the champion she is.  This is Barbara’s fitness story!

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

Getting fit and trying to lose weight began when I saw the scale telling me that I had to do something or I might not be able to do anything later.  My doctor had told me my A1C was up and that if I didn’t get my eating under control that diabetes would be the result.  He also recommended that I begin an exercise program to help lower my A1C.  I wasn’t really excited to hear the word exercise, but I knew I had to do something.  

Have you made previous attempts?

I have had a weight problem most of my life and have tried many diets to try to lose but I did not stick with it.  I also tried exercising and went to a program that had a rotation with machine workouts, but it closed about 6 months after I started.

What was the difference this time?

I tried ERF for a week when it first opened and barely made it through that week.  Then about a year ago I tried it again.  When I first started it was difficult but I knew I had to stick it out.  I had difficulty with some of the exercises especially the ones where I had to get down on the floor.  I always needed help getting up.

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

The confidence I gained when I was able to get up by myself and the support and encouragement I received from Jeff and others at ERF assured me that I can do this.  Now I am able to go all of the rotations with ease.  There are some rotations I have to modify, but overall I can say I have improved tremendously.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?

I have not lost much weight since joining the program, but I have lost several inches and have become much stronger and healthier.  I am still working on getting my diet under control, but I know I that I would be worse off if I hadn’t gone back to ERF.

How much more would you like to lose?

I would like to lose about 40 pounds, but I know that will be a struggle because I have some health issues that make it more difficult for me to lose the weight.

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?

All the people who come to ERF, along with Jeff and my family, are the motivation factors that keep me going.  The compliments from friends and family about how much better I look have also helped. My confidence and strength have sky rocketed too.

How has your diet changed?

I am currently seeing a dietician for help with my diet.  I am trying to eat less carbs and sugar and more protein, veggies, and fruit.  I am also trying to drink more water.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

When I want something off my diet I say to myself, “do I really need this or can I eat something else that is healthy and still satisfy my cravings?”  Then I weigh the pros and a cons of eating something not healthy verses something that is healthy.  Most of the time I can convince myself that the healthy choice item is better for me but I have made the wrong choices at times.  Then I know I have to reset my mind and focus on what is better for me.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

My advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight is just start doing it.  Get your mind set on it and make sure you are doing this for you and not for someone else.  Start with a healthy meal plan that provides the protein and nutrients you need.  Don’t forget the getting fit part too.  I have always been told that exercise and healthy eating  go hand-in-hand when trying to get fit and lose weight, so don’t wait any longer because your life may depend on it!!

I want to thank Barbara for sharing her story.  I know someone reading this or someone you know can identify with Barbara’s story.  No one generally thinks about doing something for their health until it’s too late.  I’m very proud of Barbara for all the improvements she’s made and can’t wait to see how much more she improves.  One thing I know Barbara never quits.

Dianna: Are You Sure She Can Squat That Weight?

Today I want to introduce you to one of the strongest ladies I know pound for pound.  I love it when new people attend and see Dianna squatting 115 lbs and say to me, “will she be ok with that weight”.  I simply say, yeah your right she probably should be squatting a little more.  What can I say she’s small, but super strong.   When Dianna visited the first time I wasn’t sure she would be back, but she returned and has been one of the most consistent fixtures at Boot Camp over the past 3 years.  This is Dianna’s fitness story!

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

When I turned 50 and was placed on a medication that could make me gain huge amounts of weight.

Have you made previous attempts?

Yes, by exercising to an hour long DVD.  Incredibly boring!

What was the difference this time?

was not alone and had friends encouraging me!

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

When I saw others reaching their by goals!  I guess I thought if they could do it, so could I!

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?

I do not track my weight or measurements.  I go by how my clothes fit.  If they feel like they are a little snug, I will step up on my exercising and take my diet more seriously.

 How much more would you like to lose? 

 I don’t know, but I do know that my strength, flexibility, and balance have increased tremendously and I am extremely happy with this!

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?

I am motivated by the encouragement of my friends and seeing the success of others!  Just knowing that I am capable to do something goes a long way with me!

How has your diet changed?

I am eating fewer carbohydrates and more protein.  This is not easy because I love bread, sweets, and pasta!  Who doesn’t, right?

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

I will limit what I eat now and eat it later.  Then I exercise more and that makes me feel better about it.

Do you have advice for anyone considering’s getting fit/losing weight

 I would tell them to try boot camp!  It is a fitness center where not only are you working out, but also receiving information constantly on how to eat better.  I would also tell them that boot camp is fun!  Boot camp has been so good for me physically, but also helps my mood!  It is because of that, I go to boot camp sometimes twice a day!  I have truly gotten more than my expected results!

I want to thank Dianna for sharing her story.  I am honoring Dianna’s request of no pictures, but for those of you who know Dianna, you know how beautiful she is on the inside and out.  No pictures needed.

Jennifer: Just Keeping It Real!

Today I want to introduce you to a lady that’s all business when she walks into ERF at 5:20 in the morning.  That business like manner has lead to success, dropping 3 jean sizes and about 20 lbs.  Jennifer works hard and never backs away from any of Damon’s challenges.  The other thing you will love about Jennifer’s story is she’s real.  The things that most people think she’s not afraid to say and I love that about her.  This is Jennifer’s fitness story. 

When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?   

The year I turned 45.   I got tired of feeling weak and overweight.  My thighs were looking like cottage cheese and my shorts were getting longer and longer to cover my legs.

Have you made previous attempts?  

Yes. They were feeble attempts and I knew nothing about what I was doing.   So, the gym consisted of trying every machine and not knowing what I should do.   I felt like an idiot with all the buff, in-shape people all around me.  I battled a lot of injuries and pain doing the wrong things, the wrong way and even wearing the wrong shoes.
What was the difference this time?

It’s not left up to me to figure out what to do. I come in and do each station. I’m told to start and when to stop and when to move on. The only thing left up to me is how heavy/hard I want to go. I don’t get bored and discouraged trying something over and over and not being successful. Trying to be a runner was a disaster for me in those respects.
What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

Finding the time to go was the hardest. I finally decided to try to go in the mornings with my husband Damon because I was getting stuck in traffic every afternoon and finding myself dreading going.  It’s so good to be DONE at 5:50 AM before going to work.
How much total weight/inches have you lost?

 In pounds, I’ve lost about 15-20 lbs. Inches, I’m not sure.

 How many jean sizes are you down?  

I was a size 10 and about 165lbs when I started. Yesterday I bought a size 4 and weigh about 145lbs now, but you know that voice in your head that says “The size is wrong AND it is a stretchy material.”  In scrubs, I’ve gone down 2 sizes.

 How much stronger are you now?

In some respects TONS.  In others, just a little bit.  My shoulders are my weakest muscle I think. I still can only lift about 10-12 pounds on lateral shoulder lifts.  My legs have always been my strongest so squats and leg exercises are easiest for me.  I’ve gone up to 125lb (I think) on those. When I first started “girl push-ups” were so hard, now I do elevated pushups (just because Damon challenged me – otherwise I wouldn’t have even tried.  I didn’t think I was strong enough) although still working on form…still don’t have that down.  I sometimes wonder if anything will be easy but have to remind myself that continuing to increase weight, difficulty and reps is progress and if it ever becomes easy, I’m not progressing.

How much more would you like to lose? 

 I’d love to see 130s on the scale but I’m okay if I never do. The pounds aren’t as important as they used to be to me. I’d really, really like to see a low body fat percentage.

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?   

I just keep trying. Because I didn’t really exercise until my forties, my joints and muscles aren’t worn out like many people my age so I haven’t had a whole lot of failed progress. Damon and I challenge each other.  He has a lot of pain and problems (because he’s old 😂 and he’s been active and played soccer ALL of his life – y’all know he deserved that).
How has your diet changed?  

It hasn’t changed a terrible lot except that I try to make better choices. I’m a school nurse so the summers are the worst being home and “off” for months. During the school year, what I take to work is what I eat and try to make good choices. I love carbs and Revital U coffee has done wonders on cutting down on those cravings.
What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet? 

I eat it; I just don’t do it often.
Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?  

ERF is the best choice you can make. Especially if you are like me with low experience with working out and low confidence in yourself. Combining a better diet with ERF will do wonders and sometimes you don’t even know it. It’s strange to me that others see such a big change. I don’t but that’s a self-image thing.

I want to thank Jennifer for sharing her story and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes.  She’s one of the most consistent women in the gym, hardly ever missing a workout and when you look at her you can see the work she’s put in.

Jennifer: The Discipline and Courage to Start!

Jennifer brings enthusiasm and energy every day to boot camp.  If you come on Saturday you notice that she completes both classes and all that hard work is paying off.  In addition, to boot camp she has went all in on diet and introduced me to the meal prep business in Little Rock called Clean Eatery.  This is Jennifer’s Results Story!
When did getting fit/losing weight become important to you?

Getting fit and losing weight have always been important to me, but this year I turned 40 and decided I need to get really serious about my health. I take care of a lot of elderly people in my nursing career, and I can see the effects that poor health can have on the mind, body, and soul. I want to have the energy to keep up with my kids, and eventually my grandkids down the road, and live a longer healthier life less dependent on others. I would also love to look better in my clothes.

Have you made previous attempts?

I have made many attempts at losing weight. Actually, in 2016/2017 I had lost about 65 pounds, and was doing great with my weight loss efforts going to weight watchers, but an illness/surgery set me back and then my hormones and thyroid were off and I was under a lot of stress so I gained most of it back over the 2017/2018 school year. I have made attempts to lose weight 1-3 x year since the birth of my first child in 1999.

What was the difference this time?

This time is different because in the past I haven’t had a physical and emotional support system that Expect Results Fitness provides. Weight Watchers was great for the emotional support, and accountability, but it didn’t provide physical activity that ERF provides. Jeff is very motivating and encouraging every day when I work out, and makes me feel welcome to come and do my best, and put in the hard work to improve my health. I also feel like I am getting older, and this is something I need to do now, and not later.

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?

I am tired of my clothes not fitting or being too tight. I want to fit into my skinny jeans, and build my self-confidence. I have had low self-confidence for a long time.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?

In the past month, I have lost 20 lbs and 4 inches around my waist and 4 inches around my hips. I haven’t really noticed a decrease in my jeans size, but I have noticed they are much looser on me where before they either didn’t fit, or were really tight. I feel a lot stronger, and like I have a lot more energy. I used to have trouble carrying a case of water across the room. Now, I can carry it from a parking lot a little distance away from work into my office on one arm without getting winded. That is a major accomplishment for me. I also have more energy to make it through my workday, and I don’t feel as exhausted as I used to.

 

How much more would you like to lose?

I would like to lose a total of 80 more pounds.
What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?

I think getting compliments from friends and family, knowing that I completed a day of healthy clean eating, and knowing I put in my 6 workouts a week help keep me motivated even if I don’t see the scale moving. Seeing my clothes get looser helps a lot too!

How has your diet changed?

I am on the ketogenic plan through Clean Eatery so I stick strictly to that diet with one cheat meal per week. I have also been doing the intermittent fasting for a week now, on a 16:8 schedule, eating all of my meals between 12-6 pm.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?

Find something else to do to distract me.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?

Go to ERF as often as possible, start slow and easy, and then work your way up. Eat clean, and follow a structured diet. Find active activities you enjoy to help burn calories. Keep busy so you don’t think about eating all the time. Lean on your support system, and let people around you know what you are doing, and how important it is so they can help support you in your efforts as well.

I want to thank Jennifer for sharing with us.  She hesitated when I first asked because she said she is not where she wants to be.  However, she agreed to share and show everyone what you can do if you just have the discipline and courage to start.

Consuelo: Work Your Diet As Hard As Your Workouts!

This lady has truly stayed the course and kicked some serious butt in the process.  Over the past several months her progress has been unbelievable.  In addition, she is always building others up and helping them stay motivated toward their goals.  She is one of many that has built an Awesome 5:30 in the morning community that helps lots of folks start their day feeling better and ready to kick tail no matter what comes their way.  This is Consuelo’s updated story!!!

When did getting fit/losing weight become an issue?
It became an issue when I got on the scale and the scale read 303 pounds. That was my heaviest weight and I was not happy with letting myself go like that. I knew I had to make a change and make it sooner rather than later.

Have you made previous attempts?
Most definitely!!! I’ve tried diet pills, diet powders and diet plans/food programs. With all of those, I lost the weight, but when I’d stopped taking the pill, powders and plans, the weight that I’d lost came back and it brought back a few friends.

What was the difference this time?
The difference this time was, I finally let what you said sink in, not only my head, but also in my heart and soul…”Work the way that you eat as hard as you do your work outs!”

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
With working out, I was tired of being fat!!!
With changing the way I was eating, I had too do something else because, just working out wasn’t cutting it.
Once again your words ringing in my head…80/20. 80% nutrition/what you eat and 20% exercise.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?
Since my heaviest weight I’ve lost roughly 53 pounds, but since August 2017, I’ve lost roughly 40 pounds.

I’ve gone down about 4-6 sizes in jeans. I’ve gone from a 3x shirt to a 2x (which is getting a little big on me). I could probably wear a 1x shirt, but I haven’t tried any on.

I’ve gotten so much stronger. It is unbelievable!! I’ve gone from deadlifting 65-85 pounds to deadlifting 185 pounds. I’ve gone from squatting with no weight to squatting 115 pounds (when my knee acts right).

How much more would you like to lose?
My goal is to lose another 40-50 pounds!!

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?
Looking at my before and after pictures and how far I’ve come! It makes me feel good about my progress when someone else notices my weight loss when I don’t.

How has your diet changed?
I’m not fully keto, but I do watch/limit my carb intake. I do more meal prepping. I’ve cut out sodas. I drink mainly water. I don’t avoid my cravings. If I have a craving, I satisfy that craving and move on, which causes that craving to not stick around. I’m still working on adding more vegetables to my day.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?
When I really want something, I eat it, but I don’t go overboard with it. I don’t deny my cravings because if I do and whenever I decide to satisfy my cravings, I go overboard. Once I satisfy that craving, I am good until that craving decides to rear its ugly head again.

How has your new lifestyle effected your relationships?
It hasn’t changed any of my friendships/relationships. My family and friends have been very encouraging and proud of me for the progress that I’ve made. I have even given pointers to my friends on what I’ve eaten or my meal prep meals.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?
The best advice that I have is, “Just do it!!” If you don’t want to do it by yourself, find you a positive friend, family member or co-worker that you can do it with. Get you an accountability partner. When I started, I started by myself and now I have a bunch of Fitness Family that I receive encouraging, motivating and inspiring words of wisdom from.

Sue: Just Get Started!

This lady never misses boot camp!  Every morning at 5:30 she going to show up and work hard.  I was actually surprised when I read this and found out how much weight she lost almost 15 years ago.  Since July Sue has gotten stronger and really improved her overall fitness level.  In addition, I think she enjoys boxing me every Thursday!

When did getting fit/losing weight become an issue?
I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life.

Have you made previous attempts?
I was very successful with Weight Watchers about 15 years ago.  I weighed in at 194 at my heaviest and was able to drop to 145.  I worked out at a women only gym with a trainer and loved it, but they went out of business and my weight slowly increased.

What was the difference this time?
I was nervous about finding another gym but friends kept telling about the great atmosphere at Expect Results.

What was the thing that made you decide I’m going to do this?
My friend Ronnie talked me into joining in July 2017, he told me about the friendly atmosphere at Expect Results.   I admit I did drive by a couple of times before getting up the nerve to join.  I love the music, laughter and camaraderie during workouts.

How much total weight/inches have you lost?  How many jean sizes are you down?  How much stronger are you now?
Over the last 8 months I’m down two jean sizes.  The workout routines have helped me regain strength and I’m at my lowest weight at 143. This week I was able to shoulder press 20lb dumb bells.

How much more would you like to lose?
I’m focused now on building muscle and reducing body fat.  It’s exciting to be able to do regular pushups and feel strong at the end of a workout.

What keeps you motivated when progress isn’t moving as fast as you would like?
The friendships and atmosphere at Expect Results, if I’ve had a hard day at work it helps to work out and relieve stress.

How has your diet changed?
Jeff’s nutrition tips have made a big difference and going to a higher protein diet has stopped my cravings so I’m not snacking all the time.

What do you do when you really want something that’s off your diet?
I don’t eliminate anything, just have a smaller portion.

Do you have advice for anyone considering getting fit/losing weight?
Just get started, Expect Results is a great place to work out, with the numerous classes it’s easy to fit in a workout.

Continue working hard and getting fit Sue!