A couple of weeks ago I posted a few questions on my Facebook page for some of our students to answer. I wanted to share with the world WHY our students ever walked through our doors, WHY they choose to stay and what results they are most proud of. Today's world is being taken over by obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and it is up to US to help spread the good word and change the world! Here's what people are saying...

​Brenda says: I started because I was caring for aging parents . If I can be strong and fit now, then I will go into my own senior years in a much better place than they are/were. I stay because I NEED someone to tell me to pick up more weight, do just one more squat thrust, keep going, keep going, keep going. I am not good at a gym where I'm given a program and expected to do it on my own. I NEED coaches to COACH me and motivate and encourage me! The thing I am most proud of is that I stick with it....4 days/week for 2 years now. I have never ever been this successful at a fitness routine....it's the coaching and the changing routines and the camaraderie.

Brian is here because of the Best Bar Ever- especially the cookie dough!

Real people. Real results. What are you waiting for?

Make it happen!
-Coach Meagan​

Voting season is here! Thank you for helping us win for our 8th year in the Hippo "Best of" awards. There is no doubt we have the best students in the whole world- thank you!

We are moving on to the Concord Cappies 2017! Last year we finally took first place for "Best Fitness Center or Health Club." In previous years we have been taken down by PF! 

In order to get this win we need YOUR help!

Please head back to VoteGetFitNH.com to vote for Get Fit NH!

This survey is easy breezy- no need to vote for 15 categories to qualify.

Question 31: Best Fitness Center: Get Fit NH Concord and Epsom

And please...Vote for your other favorite local, family owned businesses! 

We appreciate your help so much!

Make it Happen!

THE Get Fit NH Team

You voted and it counted! Thank you so much for taking the time to vote. The results are in and you did not disappoint yet again! We are now 8 years strong in the "Best of" awards all because of YOU! Check it out...

Best of the Best Fitness Instructor: Nancy Carlson Get Fit New Hampshire, 287 S. Main St., Concord, and 167 New Orchard Road, Epsom, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

Thank you, thank you, thank you! None of this is possible without you! Make it happen!

Get Fit NH Team​

​

​

​

Audrey is shining in the spotlight today talking about her success with the latest 21+ nutrition challenge. I knew Audrey must have been successful, because she was one of the most active participants on the Facebook accountability page. She posted updates daily about how she was feeling, what was challenging, and how she was overcoming obstacles. During this challenge she even spent time out of her home and in the hospital with her father as well as in living arrangements that were not her own. She made a plan and made it work. I am proud of Audrey for finding a way to make it happen when it would have been SO easy to find an excuse. Her positive attitude, energy and smile are all very contagious. We are lucky to have her in the Get Fit NH Family. Here is what she has to say.

Audrey is pictured on left

"Absolute biggest challenge? For sure was meal planning. I broke up the week and planned meals from Monday-Wednesday, and then planned again for Thursday-Sunday. Breaking the week up made it not so overwhelming.

What changed after starting the 21+ Day Challenge? I always love a challenge. The no sugar and no dairy was the biggest change. I love to bake so this was difficult, I just decided to not bake at all. I took out every unapproved food in my house so I am not tempted at all.

What results have you seen? Weight loss - finally. I love that I have not starved myself. I am working on changing my thought pattern to use food to fuel my body, not just eat for pleasure. I've also lost inches and I know I'm gaining muscle (thanks to the awesome workouts). I feel healthy from the inside out, not just looking for weight loss.

​What would you say to someone on the fence about starting? I would tell them it's not easy but so worth it. To write down their goals and make a plan. I would tell them I've tried everything in the past and there are no shortcuts. Something worth having is worth all the work. This is a life long journey not a sprint.

​What keeps you coming back? To have success you need support, and Get Fit is the best support I have ever had with a gym. The accountability is awesome and something I absolutely need. Dean and Nancy, as well as every trainer, practice what they preach. I love how they keep it exciting and challenging - always mixing things up. I especially love that the gym talks and educates us on healthy eating - not just working out. 

People ask me what the price is to go to Get Fit. They say Planet Fitness is only $10 a month. My response is you get what you pay for, and Get Fit NH is worth every penny!"

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us, Audrey. Keep at it- we are so proud of you!
-Coach Meagan

You've already seen Rita in the spotlight last week, and now her daughter Jess is shining, too!

I asked Jess to write something up, because it has been AMAZING to watch her transform on so many levels. Her confidence, her attitude, her commitment, and her form (just to name a few) have come a very long way in a pretty short time. I cannot imagine NOT having her and her mother Rita in our 5:30 training hour. She is consistently on the perfect attendance poster. She lifts heavy every time and she makes those around her smile. It has been an absolute joy to coach Jess. Proud would be an understatement to describe my feelings about her performance. Here is what she has to say...

Jess and her mom Rita winning our "Best Mother-Daughter Accountability" award!

1. What was your absolute biggest challenge prior to starting at Get Fit NH?

I had two really big challenges before before I started with Get Fit. The first one was staying committed with what I was doing; I'd go to the the gym for a few months straight and eat really well and then completely fall right off the wagon. I think one of the reasons because of that was that I was doing it alone. My second biggest challenge was that when I was at the gym I was to intimidated to go weight section of the gym. I knew that it was an important part to working out but seeing all those buff dudes working out made me really self conscious.

2. What changed after starting?

All of that! I feel that having my mom going through this with helps big time. When I'm having a hard time getting motivated, she's always there to get me going and vice versa. Its also nice knowing that everyone one who goes to Get Fit is there for the same reason and probably has felt the same way at the gym.

3. What specific results can you share?

I've been feeling so much better! The best result is that I sleep so amazingly now. Before I would sleep so inconsistently that I'd wake up exhausted.

4. What would you say to somebody on the fence about starting?

I'd say that going to Get Fit has been the best money I've ever invested on myself. The atmosphere is so welcoming and everyone is incredibly friendly. The coaches are always there for you and make sure that you're doing exercises properly. They're so encouraging and want to see you reach your full potential. I absolutely love it here and everything about it.

5. What has kept you coming back all these months?

When I found out about Get Fit from my mom it couldn't have come at a better time. I had just lost someone incredibly close to me to suicide and Get Fit has be an amazing outlet for what I went through. I'm now focused on becoming the best possible version of myself and Get Fit is definitely helping me take steps in that direction.​

Here is another thing I love about Jess. She is in her 20's so she is younger than our typical student, but SHE GETS IT! She is setting herself for up for success so young by investing in herself and finding a way to make it happen. I am so so so thankful that Jess (and Rita) came to Get Fit NH. Keep making it happen, ladies! ​

-Coach Meagan

I am happy to shine the light on Marybeth. She has been training with us for just over four years and has come so far! I love that I get to see such a drastic change in people on a daily basis. Anything from confidence to strength to mobility to knowledge. It is all powerful and encouraging stuff to watch someone soak in. Marybeth has done just that these past 4 years. I have seen her body change. She is significantly stronger. She can knock out push ups and she even helps lead her group from time to time. I can always count on Marybeth to have a smile, a positive attitude and incredible work ethic. Here is what she has to say about her training with Get Fit NH.

I have always tried to live an active lifestyle. When I was a stay at home mom, I played tennis, and loved to go to the gym and attend spinning and strength training classes. But after having to go back to work full-time, I struggled to balance work, kids and staying active. So for about a year and a half I didn't workout at all and felt unhealthy and out of shape. One day in class I was talking to a coworker (Muriel Hall) and she was telling me about her workout that morning...push ups, squats, the ski erg, jump roping, burpees (what's that?). I was definitely interested and thought that was right up my alley.

I started 4 years ago and absolutely love it at Get Fit NH!! After starting, I was sore in places that I didn't think I could be sore, but it was a good sore. I loved how strong and good I was feeling about myself again. We all have our ups and downs when we are getting back on track or starting something new and I'm no different. So as I started to slack in going to training, my coach was right there ready to email me to find out why I wasn't at training that day. I was surprised at first to hear from her but was also happy to know that Get Fit NH cares about my success. The combination of training and good healthy eating  has changed my body. It's amazing how important they both are to your fitness success. I've been able to keep my weight consistent, and I love how my clothes fit!

Get Fit NH has been the best fit for me...I love the training, the coaches are awesome and push me to always be better, and that's what I tell people who are on the fence about going to training. I look forward to seeing my friends, coworkers and all the trainers at training 4 days a week, and that's what keeps me going back. People ask me where I go to "workout" and I tell them that I "train" at Get Fit NH!!

There you have it. Real people. Real results. Marybeth has worked through some significant injuries and modified where she needed to. She has never given up and because of that she is strong, fit, and always searching to improve. Thank you for choosing to train with us Marybeth. You are a wonderful part of my day.

Coach Meagan​

Alison Timmins-Ordway takes the spotlight today. I asked her to share her story, because I find it refreshing to see a student come in and embrace the atmosphere, soak up the education, bring a positive attitude, pick up heavy stuff and work hard every single training session. Oh, and she does it with a smile on her face. Alison has an unbelievably uplifting and contagious personality. One of the first things I noticed about Alison was that she wasn't afraid to pick up heavy stuff and she puts 100% into every exercise for every second. She has been training with us for less than 6 months and here is what she has to say about her experience so far.

Alison is pictured on the far right earning her "I survived" shirt!

My biggest challenge prior to joining Get Fit NH was getting back to a routine of fitting in the exercise and the expense. But after I took advantage of the two weeks free, I knew instantly I was joining!

The atmosphere, coaches and people make the gym inviting. I have lost about nine pounds in a little over a month (gained some back with the holidays) and look forward to my morning work outs every day!

I would tell anyone on the fence about joining, that this gym is amazing! The heart rate monitors are a great tool, the accountability emails if you don't make a class make you know you were missed. And everyone is included in events in and outside of the gym when they are happening. No one is left out. Also the private scanning machine is amazing technology that keep me in check. The challenges that are done periodically are so helpful. I feel like I'm always learning something related to food or exercise by the Get Fit NH Facebook page and coaches. And the incentives (swag) is always fun to earn! What keeps me coming back is the coaches being educated at what they do, the group of people who attend the classes I go to and the exercises make me feel so good each day. Get Fit NH has been a great find! I wish I started long ago.

There you have it. Real person. Real results. Take advantage of the tools and education, work hard, lift heavy, smile and encourage others....it could change your life. Thank you Alison for taking the time to share your story and thank you for being a positive part of my day!

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan

Steven Meier! I don't know how he has managed to slide under the radar for 6 years, but it stops now! You need to hear what he has to say and I have to share with you how wonderful this man is. Now, Steven is a humble dude, so I am probably going to embarrass him a little, but that's okay. I know he can take it! Steven is an absolute pleasure to coach and be around in general. His attitude is ALWAYS positive. If he is having a bad day, you'd never know it. He smiles anyways. He encourages others and he works hard 100% of the time. I have never seen Steven quit before the end of a set and I have never seen him turn down a challenge. Here is what Steven has to say about the last 6 years with Get Fit NH...

What was your biggest challenge prior to starting Get Fit NH? / Why did you seek out Get Fit NH?

About 6 years ago I had gotten sick during the winter and was not going to the gym. In addition I was having lower back pain. I was constantly using the excuse of feeling under the weather and not wanting to make my back any worse. This pattern went on for about 6 months. At the time I was working with a woman who was attending Get Fit in Epsom who would come in every day touting the benefits of the gym (gee hard to imagine someone from Get Fit with so much enthusiasm). She knew that I had been going to the gym consistently up until that winter and kept bugging me to join. Finally I bit the bullet and contacted Get Fit.

What changed after joining?

After the first week or so when I thought I wouldn’t make it thru the first 2 weeks of free training, I began to see a change in my body. I had put on a number of pounds over the winter and actually went up a waist size. Just when I started at Get Fit, the S3 Challenge was getting under way. I really am not a proficient cook but made a concerted effort to watch what and how much I ate (with the help from my friend at work). Within the first month or two I had lost 12 pounds and dropped 2 waist sizes. I also noticed my muscle tone was vastly improved from when I was attending my former gym.

How long have you been with Get Fit NH?

This spring will make it 6 years that I have been coming to Get Fit NH.

What specific results can you share?

Besides the things mentioned above I also noticed that my stamina was much better than I ever remember. You’ve got to love the metabolic exercises. I also have been keeping at a consistent weight within a pound or two for quite some time.

What would you say to somebody on the fence about joining?

Many people I have spoken to about Get Fit NH will use the excuse that they are in too poor a shape and too overweight to attend a gym like Get Fit NH. My answer to them is the session that I attend has both men and women, older and younger, some overweight and some not. The program is not set up for competition with others (ell except Fun Fridays sometimes). It is set up to compete with yourself to get in better shape and lose the weight that you wish to lose. I think that the concept of timed periods of exercise with no expectations is perfect. You do the number of reps or lift the amount weight you can do at any one time. The only stipulation is that you work to increase your reps and weight.​

I think that Dean has put together an amazing program and has a group of coaches that makes me want to have perfect attendance every month. Besides the coaches, the members are part of what makes Get Fit NH so great. Friends just don’t understand on a day off why I would get up for the 5AM class when I could sleep in and go later. You 5AMers do though right?

​So there you have it! If Steven didn't show up to train I would be concerned until I heard from him. I can always count on him being there at 4:40 AM to get his people their foam rollers and give me a hard time. I can always count on you!

Keeping making it happen,
Coach Meagan

Can you believe 2016 is coming to a close? What an incredible year it has been both personally and professionally. It is truly special to watch YOU all grow and Get Fit NH family grow. I believe I have the best job in the world thanks to all of you and the team I get to work with. I appreciate you all inspiring me to be better every single day.

We are looking forward to getting 2017 off to an excellent start on Monday January 2, 2017 at NOON!  Monday is the Federal New Years holiday since it falls on a Sunday, so we will honor that and ring in the new year together at noon. On Tuesday January 3, 2017 we will resume regular schedule and get 2017 started with GOALS! This will ease us back into reality after a well deserved recovery week December 26th - December 30th!

Thank you for choosing to train with us, and here's to the rest of 2016 and a GREAT start to 2017!

Make it Happen,  Coach Meagan

You know what spirit week is, right? My teacher friends are probably super familiar with this and parents too! 

The kids always get all the fun of spirit week so let's share some of that fun as BIG kids. The week before recovery week, everyone's favorite week, we are getting in the CHRISTMAS spirit! You won't want to be the one who comes in with no spirit. Coach Dean is getting in on the fun and incorporating the spirit into training! It's going to be a week to remember, so don't miss out...

Merry Monday (December 19): Find your antlers, santa hats, elf ear, etc and put it on! We are looking to get our HEAD in the game on Monday! If it's festive and it goes on your head (or even if it isn't supposed to go on your head) WEAR IT!

Tacky Tuesday (December 20): Tacky T-Shirts! Find the crazy Christmas shirts and vests or make your own and make it tacky!

Triumphant Thursday (December 22): Christmas Pajamas! Train in you PJs. Morning crews can just roll out of bed and get in the car! Bring your bed head too- just make sure you brush your teeth before leaving the house! 

Fun, Festive, Friday (December 23): Fun socks AND jingle, jingle! Bells are a must! The more you jingle the EASIER the training will be! Jingle laces, jingle necklaces, jingle earrings...jingle, jingle!

Let's make the last training week of 2016 the BEST WEEK EVER!

Who's making it happen?

Coach Meagan