Meagan Sbat
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Another Motivating Success Story by Terri

I asked Terri George to talk about her experience and results since training with Get Fit NH, because her motivation and strength inspires me. She is so humble and I am not sure she even realizes how many people she inspires each time she trains. This woman takes on any challenge, she is STRONG and she is consistent. I appreciate how no matter what kind of mood Terri may be in, she brings the same heat to each training and absolutely kills it. Her attitude is spot on and I think we could all benefit if we changed our outlook just a little bit to imagine training into our 70s as Terri mentions. Here is what she has to say...

How long have you trained with Get Fit NH?

I began training at Get Fit NH 4 years ago. A colleague, Muriel Hall, encouraged me to try Get Fit. She raved about how great it is here and I was at a point in my life where I was ready to focus on increasing my health and fitness.

I have always been an athlete and considered myself fairly strong. Even as an adult, I kept active in a coed softball league, weekly volleyball, and ladies basketball but as I approached 50 years old, my physique was changing. I added daily elliptical training yet noticed no significant change. Time to try Get Fit NH. After only a short period of time, I could see and feel the difference. My body fat declined and my lean muscle mass increased. The ultrasound body composition testing and the 3D body scans are so encouraging because you can see the data to back up the changes that you feel as you get stronger and more fit

What has helped you be successful over the past 4 years?

Probably the most helpful aspects of Get Fit NH are the coaches. Meagan and Adam are both fun and motivational. I tend to push hard and challenge myself but there have been times when they knew I could do more and I would have an additional sandbag loaded on or a heavier weight brought to me. I thoroughly appreciate being pushed, but they are also very watchful. So often, I feel a hand on my shoulder and coach telling me to “relax my shoulders,” or some other correction so that my posture is appropriate. I know this is what prevents injuries, and I am so thankful they are so aware and attentive. Every interaction I have had with them has been with a smile, fun-loving attitude and genuine concern.

In addition to the training, I have appreciated the competitions and challenges. One of the most powerful changes, second to training 4 days a week, was the 8-week habit challenges. During the first 8-week challenge that I participated in, I began to learn more about what my body needs to be fit and healthy. The first week of the challenge, one healthy habit was incorporated. The following week, another habit was added and at the end of the 8 weeks, healthy eating habits were part of my life style. No more diets. It is a life style change: Vegetables at every meal, lean protein at every meal, 72 or more ounces of water/day, non-caloric drinks only, neither added sugar nor sugar substitutes, and no starchy carbs. What a difference this has made in my life. I have a family history of diabetes, and my body had become insulin resistant. Starches simply are not good for my physiology. The eight-week challenges have allowed these changes to become a way of life for me. I’m not saying I never have starches, but they are not a regular part of my diet.

What advice would you want to give someone just beginning their journey?

Don’t give up. It is tough in the beginning to push through the days you do not feel like training, but do it. You will be glad you did. We are all here to encourage each other, and you will love the camaraderie we share here at GET FIT! Training is a priority in my life. It is not an optional activity I do when I have time, but an appointment I keep 4 days a week. It is as automatic as getting up for work in the morning. If you want long lasting change toward better health and fitness, it has to be a priority.

Just this past summer I had the pleasure of competing in the strong man/strong woman competition with my oldest son. He won the men’s competition and I took second in the woman’s. What a wonderful experience to enjoy together. My adult children are proud of their mom and I know that I am being a good role model for them too. Training gives me the energy to play tag, and run and play with my granddaughter, and I am looking forward to still training at GET FIT in my 70’s and having the balance and strength to resist falls and injuries and having the stamina to keep being active and playing with my grandchildren and family.

Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us, Terri! Keep making it happen!

Coach Meagan

Pumpkin Training is Coming

Have you been here SO long that you have experienced a Get Fit NH pumpkin training??

...I haven't! But I cannot WAIT to see what is entails. Coach Dean is pretty talented when it comes to writing training programs so I can't even imagine what he'll throw together with a pumpkin!

On Monday, October 31st we're going to do pumpkin training, so guess what you need?

Yep - a pumpkin! Bring one to your regular training hour and regular location and let's see what we can do with these things!

-Coach Meagan

And the Spotlight Goes To….

Robin Frament!

One of the many special things about being a coach is seeing someone from their starting place and watching them grow and progress within the training program and within the family. Robin works her butt off every time she is in this gym and it is absolutely no surprise to me that she shares she has lost WAY more weight than what she set for herself as a goal. A few words to describe Robin- committed, consistent and coachable. Thrilled would be an understatement about how I feel about having Robin in the Get Fit Family. This woman is unstoppable. Hear what she has to say for herself!

"I LOVE Get Fit NH! Some form of exercise has always been a part of my life, whether it's been an aerobics class, or Jazzercise (they didn't play much 80's music) or brisk walking. While doing Jazzercise for 15+ years, I felt strong but never was able to get any of that "mid-life" weight off. My friend, Maryann Canary, had told me about Get Fit, and how it helped her. I was suffering with plantar fasciitis...going to physical therapy, eating Ibuprofen...it would seem better...I would go for a brisk walk and then I was back to square one.

So, back in May 2016, I decided I would check out Get Fit. The change has been INCREDIBLE! My feet are pain free! I feel so much stronger than I ever have. And, I don't know if you remember this Meagan, but when I sat down with you to discuss how things were going and what my plans were regarding joining...I told you I wanted to lose about 10 pounds. You said it can be done. Oh yeah it can....I participated in the S3 2.0...and since joining in May, I have lost 18 pounds!!!

I keep coming back for many reasons. The main reason is that I enjoy the class, the energy from the coaches & the students, the variety. Working in healthcare, I see many bodies (young and old) ravaged by diseases and ailments , some of which are preventable or at least better managed. I don't want to be that person.

One of my previous Jazzercise instructors had a saying: "If you like your body the way it is, then keep doing what you're doing". I interpreted that as work harder, more reps, heavier weights....and that's what I do..when I come to the gym to workout, I AM there to work hard.

Thanks for all that you do,
Robin"

I hope Robin's story motivates you too. I am so proud of her and I can't wait to see her continue to progress and grow within Get Fit NH.

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan

Meet Coach Cari

cariHello my name is Cari O’Shea and I am the newest member of the coaching team at Get Fit NH. Here at Get Fit NH I hope to help individuals reach their goals and to influence them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. At the young age of 22, I hope to bring a positive and fun spin to everyone’s training session. I am a recent college graduate from UMass Lowell, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Psychology. I am also a Certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. Exercising and pushing my body to its limits, both physically and mentally, has always been something that I was familiar with growing up and was passionate about. I began gymnastics at the young age of four and enjoyed the sport so much that I was a competitive gymnast for about ten years. The sport is what really gave me the drive to learn more about the human body, the way it functions, and the benefits that staying physically active has on your health and your overall outlook on life. I was formerly a gymnastics instructor teaching toddlers through high schoolers the fundamentals of the sport. During this time I came to the realization that I loved teaching, educating, and motivating others and felt like I was now ready to reach out to the greater population and help them reach their goals.

We are thrilled to have Coach Cari on board. We are already pleased with her ability to coach and command a room. We are psyched to watch Cari grow in this team, this family and this industry! Let’s welcome her!

Coach Meagan

A Unique and Special Spotlight

This spotlight is SUCH a cool story! I can’t say I have ever heard a story quite so unique. Katie Lyon-Pingree is shining away and we are BEYOND proud of this cool story. Katie is a harpist. I knew this about Katie from the start, but I never could have guessed what training at Get Fit NH could have done for her special talent. Check out the note we got from Katie a few weeks ago.

“I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you all! As you may (or may not) know, I have been subbing down in Boston with the Ballet Orchestra for the past 2 years. This past June, they held their audition for the position of principal harpist and I WON! katie

My time thus far at Get Fit played an integral role in “making that happen”. What I have learned in a relatively short time from y’all is how to do hard things and not give up. This audition for me I consider the 2nd hardest thing I’ve ever done (2nd only to childbirth). It took all of my mental, emotional, and physical abilities to win. I know for sure that my “practicing” of doing that which is difficult on a PHYSICAL level helped tremendously with that.

This email can’t quite capture the magnanimity of what has shifted in me with your support.
So thank you!”

This note will forever touch my heart on so many levels. Katie has it right. Training is about so much more than changing your body. It is about training your mind too and teaching yourself that you CAN do hard things and not give up. Katie has simply wow’d us recently. She used to come to the 8:30 ladies training and then out of no where she came to 5 AM one day. Now she is faithful to 5 AM. She gets in, gets it done and gets on with her day. The change we have seen in Katie is so special and she deserves a HUGE high five!

Keep making it happen, Katie!
Coach Meagan

Save

We’re Giving Away $1000 – Want Some?


How's THAT for some cool news on a Monday?

Yes,  you read that correctly! Our fall through end of year challenge has been established and we are excited to get it rolled out. It doesn't cost you a thing except for time and commitment. If you can handle those two things then you could have some extra spending cash this holiday season. Keep reading...


Let's start with the purpose of this challenge and then we'll get into the rules. Let's refer to this challenge as, "Show up, Step up, Stick it up" 

This challenge is all about keeping you motivated through the seasonal stress, encourage you to build the FIT3D to your regular schedule and help you follow through with your goals​. It is important for you to stay on track through the holiday season. We know you don't want you to put on the national average of 10 lbs from October to December. So we're going to help you stay on track by staying accountable! Let's dive into the rules. Every awesome challenge with awesome prizes has to have rules and regulations! 

  • ​Show up: There are 56 opportunities to train between September 12, 2016 (start date) and December 16, 2016 (end date). In order qualify to win you must attend 50 sessions AND check in to Facebook each session. This piece will need to be initialed by a coach each training with proof of check in. 
  • Step up: You must complete a FIT3D scan once per calendar month (1 each in Sep. Oct. Nov. and Dec.) in order to qualify for the win. Just let us know you did it so we can verify and initial your card. The scans can be done anytime of the month between the start and end date.
  • Stick it up: This will be a monthly requirement in order to be qualified for the win. Each month we ask ya'll to put a goal up on the "Goal Board." The weeks of Sept 12th, October 3rd, November 1st and December 5th you must show your coach your goal and stick it up to the board. This will be a separate initial on your card that you coach will take care of.

    ​ENOUGH WITH THE RULES WHAT DO I WIN?

    ​On December 16th the challenge will end and we will collect all of the cards. The cards are by 7:45 PM December 19th no exceptions. We will check to make sure all the required info is there, and all of the qualified cards will be entered into a drawing for some CASH MONEY PRIZES!

    The first card drawn gets $500 CASH

    The second card drawn will get $300 CASH

    The third card drawn will get $200 CASH

    THAT'S $1000 that we are giving away just for showing up, stepping up and sticking it up. Who else does that? ​Not to mention during the holiday season we could all use a little extra green!

    Here are the big take-aways from this blog


    • Monday September 12, 2016 - Friday December 16, 2016 starts our "Show up, Step up, Stick it up" challenge
    • Qualified winners attend at least 50 training sessions with a Facebook check in, FIT3D scan monthly, and set a goal using the goals board monthly
    • You will need a scorecard WITH YOUR NAME ON IT for a coach to initial daily. Keep it somewhere safe where you won't lose or forget it
    • Turn in your card NO LATER THAN 7:45 PM Monday December 19, 2016.
    • Three chosen ones walk away with $500, $300, and $200 in cash to enjoy their holiday season! 

    Who is super, extra-special, whipped cream with a cherry on top ex-CI-ted? (Coach Dean wants to know!)

    Let’s Celebrate Carol

    Did you hear about our Sizzlin’ Summer Slimdown 2.0 winner? She deserves to be shouted out from the rooftop so that is EXACTLY what I am going to do. I am also very excited to share with you the interview we had about her training experience thus far. Carol Hann was this year’s S3 2.0 winner and let me tell you this was WELL DESERVED! I remember her sharing a story with me during the challenge about how her husband wanted some ice cream so they went to this ice cream stand and he got a banana split and how amazing it looked, but it was near the end of the challenge and she had set herself a goal to lose 6 pounds and she wasn’t going to let any ice cream cone stand in her way. Instead she sat there and watched her husband eat the banana split and guess what? She lost the 6 pounds that she was striving for (not to mention the 14 pounds from the first go around on S3)

    Carol winning is really special for a lot of reasons. She worked hard. She stayed on track and she got results, but you want to know the best part about Carol being the winner? She is 73 years old. That’s right- please pick your jaw up off the floor now not only because she looks as amazing as she does at 73, but also because she proved that age ain’t nothin’ but a number. Carol lost 20 pounds in a matter of 12 weeks, because she changed her eating habits and she stayed on track. Proud is a complete understatement of how I feel about Carol winning. I am proud. I am ecstatic. Amazing work, Carol. Thank you for setting a fantastic example. Enjoy your $250 shopping spree- you earned it!carol

    Here is what Carol has to say…

    How long have you been training with Get Fit?
    I started my training at Get Fit the first of January of this year. Previously, I had been working off and on with a personal trainer over the period of several years and my training sessions were becoming somewhat boring even though the trainer would change my routines on a regular basis. Aside from the strength training, I was encouraged to extend my session by using one of the cardio machines. That was even more boring and, when I wasn’t at the training studio, I felt guilty that I had no desire to voluntarily go in and work out or go through a home routine that had been given to me. I clearly needed to do something different.

    What made you decide to come check us out?
    A friend had been telling me about Get Fit for several years suggesting, when I was ready, try the two week free trial. My trial was done during the two weeks prior to the year end recovery week and those were two really challenging weeks. I had no idea of what I was doing so all I could do was watch what the people around me were doing and try to follow them. Thank you Linda and Nadine; I couldn’t have done it without you. I’ll never forget “the 12 days of Christmas” but hope to be ready for it this year.

    Why did you choose to stay after your trial?
    I decided to stay with Get Fit’s program because I could see that everyone seemed to be having a good time. I noted the training sessions to be well planned and challenging. All I needed to do was show up and follow directions. It doesn’t get much easier than that. I was having a good time, getting a rewarding workout, meeting new people and making new friends.

    Why did you choose to participate in this year’s S3 contest ?
    I decided to participate in the S3 1.0 challenge in order to focus on changing my eating habits and losing a few pounds. Working with a partner made the effort more interesting than going it alone. At the end of the six weeks, I had lost 14 pounds. I was ecstatic and decided to continue on with the S3 2.0 challenge to help me work on the habits that were more difficult during S3 1.0. The second challenge resulted in another 6 pound loss. In both instances, the winners were determined by waist to hip ratio loss and not total pounds lost which made for a more level playing field. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out I had won S3 2.0. The winnings are going toward a new wardrobe.

    What results did you earn after S3?
    I feel like a new person and my eating habits have changed for the better. I’ve lost fat, increased lean muscle, and have more energy. There are so many things in life over which we have no control we owe it to ourselves to do everything possible to be physically and mentally healthy.
    What is your plan to continue moving forward?
    Moving forward, I need to keep the momentum going and plan to purchase a heart rate monitor and participate in My Zone to optimize training sessions.

    Meal Prep Tips and Tricks Workshop with Coach Meagan

    What?! Why is Coach Meagan doing a meal prep tips and tricks workshop, isn’t Coach Nancy the nutrition guru? The answer to your question is YES! Coach Nancy is the expert by far. I am putting on this seminar, because I DO NOT enjoy being in the kitchen and this workshop is designed to show you my tricks, tips, and tools that keep me eating clean AND get me out of the kitchen faster!

    At this hands on workshop we will be utilizing Pampered Chef tools which will be available to order if you’re interested (but there will be no pressure!). We WILL have food which we will prepare together. Some of the tools I want to show you are the veggie spiralizer, the manual food processor and the veggie wedger (among a few others tools!) but those three things in particular help me keep my nutrition in check and keep it quick and delicious too!

    We are starting to stock up early on our “free” give away pile for things like the Christmas party and challenges. We love giving you guys free stuff – specifically free stuff that will help make your life easier and keep you tracking with your goals, so that is why we are going to kick “the free stuff” up a knotch. Starting in OCTOBER if YOU get perfect attendance then your name will be put into a drawing to win some Pampered Chef tools.

    Here is the recipe we will be preparing together! 14017745_1146137535429662_1935788820_n

    This is a FREE event for you and whoever else you think may benefit. If your spouse helps you out in the kitchen then bring them along and together you may learn something new. Not everyone likes to cook and spend time in the kitchen and that’s okay! But food dictates your results so let’s figure out a way to get in and get out and still look n’ feel great!

    When: Wednesday August 31,2016
    Where: Get Fit NH Concord
    Time: 5:30 PM
    Cost: FREE

    Coach Meagan

    Shining the Light on Betsy

    I am excited to shine the spotlight on Betsy McNamara today. Betsy is so inspiring to watch. She is consistently on the perfect attendance shout out, she works her tail off when she is in the gym, and she absolutely killed it on this year’s Sizzlin’ Summer Slimdown Challenge. As a coach, it is so cool to see students come in here and grow so drastically often in such a short period of time. Betsy is getting results because she is consistent and engaged. I am so grateful that she joined our family. Here is what she had to say…

    I looked into Get Fit NH because I always assumed I would be fit and active when I’m older. But I turned 50 this year, so “older” is getting awfully close (my kids say I’m there), and I realized I can’t assume I will be fit. I have to make it happen. So I started looking around at options. I found that I know some people who are members and they rave about the gym.

    Then, my friend Karen joined and was hooked and encouraged me to try it out. At first, the hardest part for me was getting into the routine. I had to figure out how to build that time into my mornings, what I had to do be sure I got to the gym on time, and then got to work on time. That took about a week. It’s also always intimidating to join a new gym. But here I felt welcomed and supported. Coaches learned my name really quickly. Other members were really nice. And the coaches were constantly providing support and corrections. I loved it. I could tell that it was working because I was sore after the workouts. That’s a good thing!

    After the 2 week trial I learned that Get Fit NH is committed to getting their member fit without getting injured. Coaches are so good about offering suggestions on how to do specific exercises so that a) you don’t get hurt, and b) it’s having the best result. They adapt exercises for all kinds of fitness levels. I came to understand that if I just show up and give it my all during class, I’ll see positive results. The coaches do the rest of the work. I feel stronger. I have more energy. My sleep is better. My clothes fit better. And I’ve reversed the trend of slow weight gain I was experiencing in my 40’s.

    Less obvious is the sense of accomplishment I feel from setting out to do something and doing it. I feel challenged at the gym and there are always new challenges to work on. How hard I work in class is within my control. I feel like I’ve joined a health community. Coaches talk about nutrition and sleep and rest and exercise — a great reinforcement for healthy habits. The Myzone technology is really fun to use both in and outside the gym. Also, it’s been a hoot to have joined at about the same time as my friend Karen. Even though we are not in the same class, we have a great time comparing notes and encouraging each other. I’m really proud of her and she’s proud of me."



    -Betsy M.

    Betsy and Karen have both done AMAZING since starting their journey. I am proud of both of them. What friends can you encourage today to get the ball rolling?

    -Coach Meagan

    Thank-You For Your Generosity!

    My heart is so full after our incredibly successful Operation Hat Trick Extravaganza! Here is one of the many things about the Get Fit NH family that I love so much- you NEVER disappoint. Never. We had easily 70+ people come through on Saturday and 27 Strongman/Strongwoman competitors!

    Do you remember what my goal was for competitors? 25! THANK YOU for helping us reach that goal. The band was awesome. The competition was friendly. The weather was PERFECT and the food was delicious.

    band
    To everyone who came out- thank you!

    To everyone who donated- thank you!

    To everyone who competed- thank you!

    To everyone who brought food- thank you!

    To all of our sponsors- thank you!

    This event would have been a dive without each and every one of you.

    Thank you so much.

    If you were here to listen to the founder of Operation Hat Trick then you heard the passion behind the organization. ALL of the money we raised stays right here in NH to help OUR local heroes. The exciting news? We raised just over $1500 on Saturday!!! I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I counted that. My goal? $1000. Once again you guys made it happen and I just can’t express how grateful I am.
    I feel so lucky to know such unbelievable, generous people.

    A shout out to all of our sponsors:
    S&W Sports
    Live Juice
    Runner’s Alley
    Things are Cooking
    Chichester Massage
    Under Armour
    31 – Sonia Cormier
    Rodan & Fields – Marybeth Vozzella
    Debra Todd
    Deb Richey, Maria Gilbert, Anne LaForce, Helen Dutton
    Granite State All Naturals

    And a congratulations to our 3 winners:
    Jayne Millerick- Strongwoman winnerjayne
    AJ George- Strongman winner
    Tracey Sweet- Side dish winner

    Check out our Facebook Page for more pictures!

    Thank you so much!

    Until next year….
    Coach Meagan

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