The best way to end my work day is to coach the 6pm Epsom training crew. They are an amazing blend of people. All of them are a team that works together to get 'better' each day. That 'better' looks a bit different for each of them. Being 'better' has blended together many different personalities, ages, strengths, and abilities. Marquita is one who consistently trains each night with us. As you read, you'll see Marquita's reasons to be 'better'. 

​I’m not big on talking about myself but I was asked to so here it goes.

My son joined the Air Force and watching him go through his basic training, feeling bad for him yet being very proud. I decided that if my son can do this training stuff, so can I. I want to be someone he can be proud of; I want to be proud of myself.

I have been with Get Fit for about 6 months. It took me almost 3 months after I heard about this place to actually call, and looking back I’m glad I did. I had just moved to the area the first of the year and I found myself in a rut, not knowing anyone, but knowing I wanted a change. I needed a change. I did Zumba and loved it but it was only 2 days a week, I wanted to do more. My self-esteem was low, I had gained a lot of weight (I weighed what I did when I gave birth each time). I didn’t like who I had become, I was tired all the time, my body hurt all the time, I needed something, but I hated the gym. All the equipment and all the people, everything was always so over whelming. I had no ambition.

I went for my 2 weeks free trial but I knew after the first night that Get Fit was for me. I would come home after class and tell my husband all about it. I enjoyed how Nancy made me feel comfortable, how if I didn’t know how to do something she would show me, or if I couldn’t do it she would modify it so I could. I love how it’s different every night. I actually look forward to going. I love all the different challenges, and how they make you push yourself and make you hold yourself accountable.

During the 21 Day Detox challenge I learned a lot about FOOD. It made me look at food differently; I pay attention to the labels and what’s in the food and what’s not. Since I’ve joined I have lost about 15 lbs. Even though the 21 day challenge is done I continue to eat healthy and try to make healthier choices. People say you’re on a diet and I say it’s not a diet it’s a way of eating.

I love how my confidence has gone through the roof. I love when someone asks me what have I been doing and I tell them it’s Get Fit. I love the Get Fit Family and I’m so happy I joined.

At Get Fit NH's Annual Christmas Party, Marquita won "The Most Likely To Break Out in Song During Training" Award. All that wonderfulness inside Marquita just bubbles out, you can't help but join her singing.

-Coach Nancy

Proud just doesn't cut it. I don't know of a word that is perfect. It would probably have to be something like- Ican'tbelievejustwhathappenedbutofcourseIknewitwasgoingtoo. (I made that word up. It is very much like the statement: "I can't believe just what happened but of course I knew it was going too.")

Its been very rare that I am part of something that shakes the room I stand in.

On November 11, 2016 I was in a room that shook. It shook with excitement. It shook with sound. It shook with voices. It shook with cheers. It shook as a ski erg was pushed, and pushed hard. And we all were moved by seeing Kathy ski her heart out. After she finished skiing a 1000 meters in 3:52.0, she had spent all her energy. It was thrilling to witness such drive, such power, such accomplishment. 

Kathy's journey to her third place ranking in the Concept 2 Ski Erg Sprints World Cup didn't surprise me. I had seen it coming for months. Kathy had been here before. She knew the challenge. She also paid her dues. She started training for her race in the summer. We came up with a training plan and she stuck with it. Every day, she knew her plan. Every day, she executed it. There are not many I know that would stick out a difficult training regime for months just to prove to herself she could. Kathy is that type of person.

"Ican'tbelievejustwhathappenedbutofcourseIknewitwasgoingtoo!"

Kathy's time amazed me. She is quick, she is powerful, she is determined. I didn't even know Kathy had more than that on her mind. I'll let Kathy tell her story. 

Kathy  Get Fit NH

"This is the hat I received this morning for coming in 3rd place in my age group in the Ski Erg Wold Sprints a couple weeks ago. To the outsider this hat represents the position I finished.

To me, this hat represents much more. First, I was recently challenged to always "be better today than I was yesterday" (I set a new personal record). Thanks Coach Dean for the challenge. Second, this competition reminded me that there is a difference between "winning" and "accomplishing".....a concept I have been focused on lately (for myself and my children). Third, this race came with some personal challenges, and I was able to face, and overcome, some of them. Forth, but most importantly, I was reminded that I have a GREAT bunch of people who are always willing to support me in my goals. A huge shout out to my 9am Get Fit ladies for supporting me before and during the race. I had that support from everyone in my Get Fit NH family! THANK YOU for helping to Make It Happen!!!!"

As a coach, I have challenged a few people. Sandy is one of those people. If I had to describe Sandy with one word, it would be Determined. She sets her mind to something and then figures a way to make that happen. This determination makes me proud. I am proud of Sandy for putting the work into herself. That work is showing in many different areas. 

As we did deadlifts in training, I challenged those around Sandy to pick up heavy weights. The group starting naming things that they thought were heavy to pick up. Dogs, animal feed, groceries, small children popped up in the conversation. ​I'm not sure how it happened but airplanes came up. Quite sincerely Sandy said, "I can't pick one up but I can push one."

Sandy is just over 5 feet tall. But she packs a lot of power in herself.

Sandy's determination to do a task doesn't stop with planes, which by the way, she is a pilot. Sandy showed that determination during Ski Erg World Sprints. I challenged her to join in the challenge. She didn't shy away but took it by the horns and finished the 1000 meters with her crew at 9am cheering her on. 

Sandy is determined to one day do a perfect, magnificent push up. Why does this 5 foot tall lady want to be so strong? Her goal is to be able, if necessary, to fireman carry (putting a person over your shoulder to carry them) her son. Matt is an adult, but in an emergency he wouldn't be able to move fast enough to get out of a building. He is in a wheelchair. Sandy, as his mom, wants to know she has the ability to bring him to safety. Her determination is bound in love. 

Keep Making It Happen, Sandy, because you inspire me each day to have that kind of determination.
-Coach Nancy

I love coaching because when you get healthier you AUTOMAGICALLY get happier, and the world needs more happier! This is Get Fit NH's mission. I am so excited to see that become a reality. My goal is to have little ole Epsom, NH be known for the place where the world started to get healthier. I see it happen before my eyes. Kellie is proof that we are changing lives for health. Not just better health, because as Kellie becomes healthier, she became happier. I'm excited for Kellie. She is making it happen daily. Check out what Kellie has to say.

I have belonged to a gym franchise for many years. I would walk in and aimlessly wander around, not sure where to begin. I was bored there and found it difficult to motivate myself to get there, knowing it was the same routine of equipment. My boyfriend Denis has been attending Get Fit NH for 5 years. I've seen the results first hand for him. He really enjoys the workout and most of all the coaches and members.

Feeling out of shape and wanting a structured program, I decided to join. Two years ago I studied with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and received my certification as a Certified Holistic Health Coach. Health and nutrition has always been a passion of mine. In this program I learned that if our personal aspects of life are not in balance first, then it plays a role in our food choices and habits. Having my own life challenges and health issues, I could see where this played into effect for me. Exercise was a challenge and often put on the back burner for me. I realized this needed to be a priority for me. Most of all I was looking forward to working out with my life companion as a team.

In two weeks, I realized that I can get up at 4:45 am. The hour goes by fast. I'm in worse shape then I realized. But, I have really enjoyed the workouts. I've really enjoyed Coach Nancy and her sense of humor and her encouragement to push myself a little more. I Can Do It! When I leave, I feel great, and this carries me through the day. I have just completed my first month. I already feel stronger. For years, my lower back back has bothered me daily. I would toss and turn all night in pain. I woke up the other day and realized that I've had no back pain for weeks. And I sleep really well now. My overall experience has been so positive! Get Fit NH feels like one big family, everyone looking out for each other. It is so true, speaking from experience, that when you feel in shape you are happier, and when one person is happy, its contagious. Thank you Get Fit NH for creating and spreading the ripple effect of happiness...

Kellie
One Month Survivor

Chris and I were talking about age this morning. While age is just a number and doesn't define us, it is a part of who we are. We both agreed that if we knew what we knew now about health, we would have taken better care of ourselves earlier. Chris does a great job explaining it all for me. 

"My health was the last thing on my mind for most of my 20’s and 30’s. I was too busy with raising children, working and managing a household. I wasn’t raised in a family that made health and wellness a priority-but I’ve always considered myself ‘kind of’ in shape. I managed to walk 2 miles most days, mostly as a stress-reliever, but when I started to experience some medical issues in my 40’s I knew in the back of my mind that my physical health was going to need to be a priority someday soon. I managed to avoid that until I was 51 when I realized that the walking wasn’t cutting the mustard anymore. I was mad at my jeans, mad at my body, mad that I couldn’t eat what I wanted to any longer and mad at myself for being mad.

It was hard for me to make a plan to deal with my health. I had never joined any sort of gym, never been to a work out, and I struggle with issues around putting myself first. I hate asking for help. I was also worried about fitting something else into my busy life. But I kept going back and forth and finally I promised myself that if I could just fit into my old jeans I’d be happier and therefore my family would be happier and I could resume walking and everything would go back to normal.

I had a few friends who were going to this “Bootcamp” in Epsom. Just the word conjured up images of drill sergeants and crawling under barbed wire. One of them kept saying ‘you should try it’ but I was convinced I couldn’t do it. Plus it would be an expense that my budget didn’t welcome. But I saw one of those women one day, and she seemed to have this new attitude and looked amazing!

So I made the call and started my free 2-week trial of Bootcamp. I was scared walking through the door that first day, I saw a white board with a lot of writing on it that I didn’t understand, I saw big iron thingys with handles and some sort of crazy bar with straps hanging down. I felt like everyone was staring at me and I wanted to slowly back out the door and run. I remember doing some baseline tests and not being able to get off the floor one inch when trying to do a pushup. Then the class started and I followed along, with encouragement by others. I had no idea what I was doing, and at one point I was going to throw up so I walked outside to take a breath. I made it through.

I kept going for those 2 weeks and by the last day I knew I had made the right decision. I knew that because the bootcamp lady was genuinely interested in me and my reasons for joining. She talked to me and listened to my goals and encouraged me without ever being one ounce of pushy. In addition to the workouts, I was surprised that there was a whole other side to GetFitNH which is the nutrition aspect. I attended a free workshop and began to eat better. It didn’t happen overnight, but within 8 months I felt stronger, lighter, and more in shape than I had my entire life.

I recently passed the 2 year mark with GetFitNH and I continue to go 4x weekly. I love the variety of exercises and the consistent positivity displayed by my trainer Nancy. I appreciate that there is much thought and planning put into each session by professionals so that my entire body benefits. I’ve lost weight and inches, but what I’ve gained is more important to me. Ya I’m happy about fitting back into those jeans, believe me, but what I’m really grateful for is that I feel strong and fit. I feel in control again. By putting myself first for once, I’ve had a positive impact on my family. I recently signed my teenager up for the Athlete Academy run by GetFitNH and he actually likes it. I think he just doesn’t want his mother to be in better shape than he is! I don’t see an end to my connection with GetFit…infact I’m looking forward to the next few years and working more closely with my trainer on nutritional challenges. I have to say that the investment is worth every penny. As I continue to help my elderly parents with their substantial health problems, I know that every hour I train is one less hour my own children will have to spend taking care of my when I’m old."

Age is a number but as that number increases, there are undeniable results to our health and well being. Chris isn't going to be defined by that number. She is fighting it with all of her might. And she is STRONG so watch out age. Chris is here. 

Does this sound like you? Because I hear it a lot. It’s hard. It’s hard to think about and it’s hard to talk about and I’ve been through this before. I have struggled with my weight for years. I have always been overweight. I began to feel so physically awful that I knew I had to make some changes. The thought of needing to lose weight is many things - it’s daunting, it’s embarrassing and it’s just downright hard. When it comes to hard work, I'm reminded of Kim. 

Kim is amazingly stealthy. I say that in only a good way. She gets her work done in training. She asks questions and moves forward in her nutrition. She sticks to it. She doesn't waver...... much. She is honest and straight forward. I couldn't ask for a more open minded student. I'll let her tell you the results. But as you read them, remember it took hard work to get her where she is today. Consistent daily work. What Kim doesn't do is make a big deal of it all. She just gets it done.

 "I came to Get Fit NH because I had been hearing great things about them and reached out to a FB friend to further inquire (thank you Paulette for saying the right things at the right time). I knew I needed a more personal approach and not just a $10/month gym because I knew I lacked discipline and had simply been out of the loop for far too long.

 What I learned after my first two weeks is that I can actually go to bed early and get up early for a 5 a.m. class if I really put my mind to it! I learned that my kids were capable of getting ready on their own and that I could make this new schedule work. I learned that when that little voice on the monitor tells me to “rest” that it really doesn’t mean rest. It’s more like “get your butt to the next spot you’re supposed to be and get ready”.

 I took the leap mid-April and then not long thereafter I started S3 with a fantastic partner that I had never met before. I have hypothyroidism and I had been struggling with fatigue. Once I changed the way I ate, I almost immediately felt such a huge difference in my energy levels which has really been great for both me and my family. I have had days that I’m sore from working out, but it doesn’t bother me as I can tell that I’m slowly making progress and getting stronger. I don’t know if I will ever fully look forward to waking up for a 5 a.m. class time, but I truly look forward to class and it’s been such a great way for me to begin my days. With the kids out of school for the Summer, I find that I have time to relax after my morning class w/ a cup of tea and just enjoy a little peace and quiet before my work day begins.

 My overall experience with Get Fit NH has been phenomenal. I remember the first time I got a post card in the mail from Coach Nancy and I cried like a baby. I was just so touched that she took the time reach out to me. Then I remember the other day I was at work and I got a call on my cell and well . . . nobody ever calls me . . . lol. It was Coach Nancy so I figured that I should actually answer it. I thought I was in trouble for something?! She called to tell me what a great job I was doing and how proud she was that I came to class during my vacation week. It’s mind-blowing to have someone actually call you and say that. I think that this is just one of the things that probably sets them apart from other gyms. I was also so inspired when I listened to Coach Dean share a little bit of personal journey in the intro to S3 - I’m thinking there’s a book deal in here somewhere for him. I like his approach of good, better, best and I appreciate his candidness when he answers your questions. Honestly, I don’t think that there’s anyone there that wouldn’t try to help you or answer your questions and that includes my classmates. They’re all so gracious in letting me follow along like a lost puppy at times and each one of them is willing to encourage you. They don’t even know this, but each of them inspires me differently and makes me want to continue to come to class and work hard. For that I am so thankful.

Well Nancy, there’s so much I can say but it’s hard and I certainly don’t want to become over-confident or cocky. I’m pleased with what I have done so far but there’s much more work to do. Maybe I’ll eventually get strong enough that I can actually hang on the bar?!? or something crazy like that?!"

I can't wait to hear from Kim again because although there isn't any yelling, her life is heard. 

Denis is one of those people that once you meet him, you build an instant friendship. Denis has trained in so many of the different training times in Epsom that many Get Fit'ers know him. In fact, he jumps into our holiday trainings and loves to battle it out in Concord for those big events. But Denis has a work ethic that is top notch. No wonder he is a 5 Year Super Star. (He didn't bribe me to say any of this either. You'll have to read his whole story as to why I say that.) 

"I’ve always tried to remain fit. When I was in the military, there was time allowed to exercise so it was easy to partner up with someone and go for a run or hit the gym. After retirement, I continued to exercise for a while but it slowly trickled away. Then what trickled back my way was slow weight gain and feeling sluggish or simply, I felt my age. I was getting close to the big “five 0” and that number woke me up. It was time to start thinking about getting back in shape as I knew it would only get harder to do so if I procrastinated. I began looking for options, looking online for what was available. I heard of a person that worked for my company that lost a considerable amount of weight by attending Boot Camp. I never really heard of boot camp so I investigated the facility that he attended which was “Getfit". I was impressed with what was offered, so I decided to jump in as I had nothing to lose but weight.

The first two weeks were overwhelming. I was somewhat able keep up with the exercises. What I found difficult was trying to figure out the board, meaning the acronyms and the exercises themselves. The timing was different everyday so for me, it was more a mental than physical exercise. I also learned I was in worse shape than I thought.

 I am approaching the 5 years at the Epsom facility. I feel better than ever. I attend 4 days a week. There are many days when I wake up at 3:50am and just do not feel like training. I drag myself in, not because I don’t want to train but, because I know that if I skip a day, then I’ll skip another and another to the point when I won’t show up any longer.

My experience at Get Fit has been positive. I feel great. I've had the opportunity to meet and work out with fun and energetic people. For me, it's my second family. I make it happen at either 5 or 615 am as I like to start my day on a positive note. Yes, its early but there are no excuses at that time. The coaches are all wonderful. Nancy is the best though, just sayin'."

Great job making it happen, Denis! Keep it up!
-Coach Nancy