Nancy Carlson
Nancy Carlson
Childbirth is usually the most challenging athletic event most women will ever train for – being a mom is definitely not for wimps!
It’s an exciting time at Get Fit NH Bootcamps as many of our families are getting bigger, and we want all of our moms to have safe and healthy pregnancies.
To that end, Get Fit NH is hosting a prenatal informational class with Certified Pre/Post Natal Coach (and mom of six) Nancy Carlson on Saturday, July 11th at Get Fit NH Epsom from 9:00-10:00am.
During this fun and informative seminar you will learn how exercise is not just for you, but for your baby. You’ll go home confident of the “do’s and don’ts” of exercising while pregnant. Also included are tips on “eating for two”, examples of healthy and tasty foods as well as additional resources that will keep your growing family healthy and feeling great!
To register for this seminar please call (603) 344-2651 or RSVP to nancy@getfitnh.com
Our next challenge is doing just that, and you’ll be joining in on the fun.
The best part is as the winner of this challenge you decide if you are Tropical, Bananas or Just Nuts.
Training is important. We all know that. Get Fit NH wants to reward you for doing something we all know is important consistently. So each time you train in July your name will go in a prize jar. The more you are train, the more chances you have to win. At the end of July there will be a name drawn in Concord and another name in Epsom. The winner will choose their prize.
What are the prizes? Shhhhhh……. It’s a secret. I love secrets. Here’s a hint. One prize has something to do with coconuts, actually the whole prize has to do with coconuts. Another prize has everything to do with bananas and you’ve got it the third prize is all about nuts.
We’ll repeat this prize giving in August. So you have two months of chances to win.
No slowing down – all summer long!
Coach Nancy
Get Fit NH is a special place to train. But training in Epsom at 6pm is an unforgettable experience. Part of the crew that trains at that time is Lori and Wayne. They are responsible for a new shirt the 6PM Crew at Get Fit NH will wear proudly. 
Lori gives a little insight into her determination, motivation, and dedication.
“I decided to come to Get Fit NH because our son was getting married. I tried to go walking but I always came up with excuses not to. I knew Get Fit NH offered 2 weeks for free so I signed myself and my husband up. He wasn’t too excited at first but I wanted to see what it was all about.
I didn’t feel very coordinated or in any shape when we started. I was soar and had trouble even walking. I never knew someone could sweat as much as I did. I had done aerobics, tried running, zumba and yoga but still I never sweated as much as I did and do at Get Fit.
Wayne and I both got hooked and have been here for 3 years now. I have tried most of the challenges regarding eating. Each time I have taken away a new habit. We don’t eat like we did when we started Get Fit. Wayne will tell you we don’t eat pasta or bread on a regular basis. He’ll now tell you how much we eat squash.
Other things that have changed besides food, I feel stronger. I have muscles – people at work joke about not messing with me. I feel more confident about myself.
I really appreciate all of the time and attention you have given to me (and Wayne) over the last 3 years. We have both benefited so much since joining Get Fit NH. We have also found old and new friends.
Lori and Wayne entering the Hall of Fame Red Shirt. (Photo bomb by Coach Dean optional)
I realized how far I have actually come since joining Get Fit. I realized pounds and fat aren’t going to be shredded in large numbers in only a matter of a couple of weeks. It will take time to drop these things. After all it did take a little bit of time to add them on.
The thing I have to start doing is instead of saying “I’m not allowed to eat that” changing it to “I’m choosing not to eat “that”. I was talking to Wayne about going to a conference last week and how I observed people at the buffet. I saw people walking away with a brownie and 2 cookies. I realized that was me not that long ago. I was actually fine not having any of those items this time. I know there may be a time in the future that I’ll be in the buffet line and look to take a brownie or cookie but I know there are always other, healthier choices.
Every competition you have had over the last 3 years has had an impact on our eating habits. I look back to what I use to eat and most items have been removed. On a rare occasion we may have them when we go to a restaurant but a lot of times I look for a better choice.
Thank you again for all of your encouragement.”
Get Fit NH is grateful Lori and Wayne have chosen to train with us. I for one appreciate the humor, attitude, work ethic, and all out fun they add to each evenings training.
Keep Making It Happen over and over again,
Coach Nancy
The spotlight shines on Jennifer and Mary, a mother daughter duo from Epsom. Jennifer started training with us back in 2012 and convinced her daughter to give Get Fit NH a shot. Mary loved it and has been training with us since! We asked Jennifer and Mary to share with us what their experiences with Get Fit NH have been like.
Jennifer describes how she felt after her first two weeks with us, saying: “At the age of 67, I couldn’t run, I had no stamina, and I couldn’t do a squat or pull a band. That was an eye opener as I had been doing water aerobics for several years and thought that was at least keeping me somewhat fit. WRONG. Although the water aerobics did help in many ways, I was shocked at how little I could really do and how much I had slid backwards over time. I remember seriously asking Dean after one particularly hard training session (at least then it seemed really hard) ‘Am I too old for this?’ He laughed but said ‘Of course not!’”
After some convincing on her mother’s part, Mary hesitantly decided to give Get Fit NH a try. Mary explains why she was so hesitant, saying: “I have a degree in exercise physiology and spent many years as a personal trainer. I was nationally certified as a fitness instructor. It’s always been very important for me to see and help people get the most out of their exercise and to help them to do their exercises correctly. After years of coaching and watching people at a typical “gym” do exercise incorrectly and with no guidance, I gave up going to the gym. I found myself looking around and cringing with some of the exercises and even stretches that I saw. It was not a relaxing experience for me.”
Jennifer’s convincing worked, though, and Mary came in for a trial. Here’s what she said about her first experiences with Get Fit: “I was FLOORED. Finally. A place which practiced what they preached. A program which was exciting and different every day. Coaches that inspired and pushed others to levels they never even knew they could accomplish. I felt athletic again (and sore). I felt challenged. I have never been more comfortable and supported in such a unique environment. I learned that such a place did exist and everything my mom raved about was true. And more.”
After almost three years training with us, Jennifer is thrilled with her improvement: “I still have a long way to go, mind you, but I wouldn’t even recognize the person who started the program back then. When I think about it, I can see a woman who has lost close to 40 lbs., can move and be more agile than I can remember being since I was in my 30’s; has the stamina to complete so many exercises with the class and not be too lost (still can’t stand bear crawls, though); and is not afraid to reach for things that I still can’t quite do. I am not giving up!”
Mary explains that she is challenged at every class and loves sharing the experiences of training with her family: “It was a strange experience actually exercising with my mom. I don’t know that we had ever actually done that before. She challenges me and it’s great to feel my athletic side coming back and to see her athletic side coming forth. I don’t think she ever believed she was athletic and it has been so fun watching her discover it. She even challenges her grandkids to doing planks and pushups. My dad has joined the Concord facility as well. There are many times that we make it a family experience when we can work it into our schedule. My sister Jen even came to class with us once while she was visiting NH from NC. 4 Ruffing’s in one room? God bless the coaches there that day. :)”
Jennifer shares similar sentiment about training with her family: “My daughter and I try to train at the same times when possible and she is a great encouragement to me. When my husband saw how good we were doing, he decided to join as well. He loves the training and the harder, the better. Every once in a while all three of us are at the same class which certainly makes for a level of competition. It is good to have other family members who can talk with you and understand exactly what you are doing and compare notes. Mary inspires me to work harder and longer and to try to keep up with her.”
As for her overall experience, Jennifer says: “How much better could it get? I have taken extra classes like the ones from Erin specifically geared for those with shoulder issues, and another with hip issues. I have done the two cleanses which helped kick my weight loss really into gear. It seems someone is always watching to make sure you are doing things correctly and not hurting yourself. You also would be hard pressed to think of two duplicate training day programs. There is a plan in place to challenge you in different ways to build certain things or work on certain areas. All in all, I am very pleased with what Get Fit NH has done for me, and by extension, for my family. I stand taller, walk straighter, bend and move with a certain amount of my younger grace. What is not to like?”
Mary agrees, saying: “My overall experience has been more than I could have ever asked for. It’s been great to get connected back to my athletic roots, to see my parents be more fit and active than I have ever seen them, and to experience the top notch coaching and guidance that the whole Get Fit NH family provides. It’s one of the most positive places I have ever experienced.”
As one of the coaches who see Jennifer and Mary together, it makes me wish I was closer to my mom so I could train right along side her. What a great connection they have. They are a true inspiration to those around them.
Coach Nancy
Cynthia Proulx is a new family member at Get Fit NH but already her presence has made us all turn our heads. Cynthia let us know right away what she felt the first few days at Get Fit NH. “As a new member I’m sure I am not going to answer this as well as other family members. With that said, I like the idea of the family atmosphere, everyone is very friendly, and the nutrition class has really helped me. I have been exercising all my life, dancing, gymnastics, ballet, Gloria Stevens, skiing, running, basketball, gym memberships for the last 30 years. The difference that I feel now: the workouts are much more fun than all the other gyms I’ve been to. The coaching has been huge, I can finally do squats that don’t hurt my knees. I love competition and the workouts help me to be competitive within myself. They are hard for me, but I feel a lot of satisfaction when I complete something well”.
After going to the Whole 9 workshop Cynthia made drastic changes to her nutrition plan. She went – “Whole 9”. She experienced drastic results. This is thrilling to her coach and all the coaches at Get Fit NH. As you read what Cynthia wrote, think about yourself. If you can achieve similar results to Cynthia would it be worth your while to make some changes? Cynthia is discovering that the quality of food is changing how she feels. Her training is changing her physical being and as shaping her mental well – being.
“I would like you and Nancy to know that in a weeks time on the Whole 9 nutrition plan, I feel better than I have in months. I have been to nutritionists over the years and have been on MANY diet plans, We never talked about eliminating certain foods. Taking dairy, gluten, wheat, breads, etc. out of my diet has made a difference. Since last October I have felt sick most everyday, I knew I had an allergy to dairy, but continued to eat and drink some dairy products. I then began to question wheat and gluten. I started the plan a week ago today, tomorrow will be one week of feeling good everyday and it’s not hard for me to follow. Food preparation takes time, but I have made many of the recipes in the book. The only vice is a little truvia, I’m working to get rid of that as well. I have much more energy than I did and can’t wait for that to increase even more. I appreciate all Erin is doing as my coach to help me get the most out of my training without pain. She has been fantastic! Thank you for being part of my life, Cynthia
Cynthia has encouraged me, I know she will encourage you as well. I am looking forward to all that Cynthia is going to discover.
This week’s student spotlight shines on Julia Barton, who trains at Get Fit NH Epsom. We are so excited to share Julia’s story with you! She returned to training with us last spring and has been doing better than fantastic. She works so hard and is very dedicated. Her motivation shows in all the progress she has made. We are so proud of her and hope that her story will encourage you to make it happen!
(We asked Julia a couple of questions about her experience at Get Fit NH and here is what she had to say.)
Why did you come to Get Fit NH?
“When I first came to Get Fit NH in 2012, it was because I needed to find a “gym” that I would feel comfortable at and actually want to go to. I wanted to be able to do those things that I used to do 10 years ago and I wanted to be as healthy as I could be to start trying for a baby. I started going to training 4 days a week from January to May of 2012. I felt great and could keep up with my husband when hiking or walking without being out of breath. Then, during my pregnancy, I was sick for the first 5 months and was on anti-nausea meds so that I could get to work and function. The only thing that seemed to go down and make my stomach better was Eggo Waffles – yup, waffles. I usually stay away from breads, so all the carbs made me gain weight – 60 pounds – during my pregnancy. I welcomed Caleb on May 18, 2013 and lost 40 pounds within 2 weeks of birth as a lot of it was water weight gain. Almost a year later, I had gained 20 pounds back and was not happy or comfortable with my weight. So, I signed back up in March of 2014 and made the time to come in 2 times a week. It was a bit rough to get back into it and it was difficult for me to do a lot of the exercises. I chugged on and had done well with the commitment of going twice a week, but I needed to do more about losing the weight. In August, I joined another weight loss group at work and started to eat better and lose weight. I didn’t follow their plan, but the peer support and weekly weigh-ins helped me stay on track. I started sending everything I ate to Coach Nancy as a recommendation from her since it was hard for me to log everything. I have lost at least 26 pounds since late August!!”
What did you learn after you first 2 weeks with Get Fit NH?
“I learned that Get Fit NH was the place for me. I loved how it was like having your own trainer even though you’re in a group with others. And, I loved that you didn’t have to think about what exercises you were going to do. It was very easy for me – not the workout part, but the part about going to training.”
How do you feel after training with Get Fit NH for this long?
“I feel so fortunate that I am able to do this for myself. It’s a bit more expensive than a regular “gym”, but it is totally worth it. You can’t put a dollar value on your health. I had hit a point where I was ready to make a big change; I gave it my all and didn’t give up just because it was hard. I see such a change in myself. I am able to keep up with my 20 month old, I can do more things in training that I couldn’t do when I started, and mostly, I feel good about myself! I still want to lose another 20 pounds but I feel good about where I am now because I did it the right way, I had to work really hard, and it feels really good to see the results. I have found that most good things don’t come easy; you have to work really hard for them. But in the end, after all the hard work, it makes it so much better. It gives you more respect for whatever it is that you just worked for. I have found that life is too short to be unhappy, whether it be with your weight, your job, or something else. I am the only one that can make those changes for myself, and I did.”
What has your overall experience at Get Fit NH been like?
“I have had the greatest experience at Get Fit NH. Coach Nancy is the greatest!! She pushes me when I need it and helps me when I need a little more attention, like if my back is out, which felt like most of my training in 2012. Most people would give up and think they couldn’t do it, but Nancy always gave me stretches and variations to work on so I could still come and get the most out of training. I love how there is a mix of all sorts of people who go, it’s makes it a more comfortable environment to be in. No one judges you and everyone has their own goals, which is great. I recommend Get Fit NH to everyone!!
I love coming and hope to make it a lifelong goal. I just can’t thank you enough for all of your support. I really don’t know how you are able to do that for everyone you work with and still make it feel genuine and meaningful. Thank you.”
Julia has made great strides in her health over the past year, and she’s committed to doing even more. This last week Julia and I did a Get Fit NH Kitchen Makeover. Now Julia’s kitchen supports her goal. It also goes along with her hard work in training. We are super proud of Julia’s success and we can’t wait to see it continue!
Thank you for training with us, Julia!
Coach Nancy
Big changes come in small packages.
SFH, Stronger Faster Higher, is changing the packaging of their fish oil. The 6 ounce bottle Get Fit NH currently has for sale in the coolers will be soon be 8 ounces. In addition, SFH will be improving the flavor profile of each current flavor. The 8oz bottle will have 48 servings for $42.00. It will be available with and without 1,000IU of added Vitamin D3.
It’s that time of year where our days are getting shorter and there is less direct sunlight exposure. The value of Vitamin D relative to the immune system and prevention of seasonal diseases cannot be stressed enough.
I’m a huge proponent of fish oil. The benefits of fish oil alone are staggering and now I can get some Vitamin D at the same time. Win Win!
Save the Date!
The 2014 SkiErg World Sprints event is coming up!
We’ve been challenging everyone at Get Fit NH, including the coaches, to ski 50,000 meters before the end of October. Many of our Get Fit NH family members are taking up the challenge.
Why not use all that practice and compete in the World Sprints?
This 1000 meter race allows you to compare your time to the time of others around the world in a one-weekend showdown of speed. See how you stack up before you strap on your skis for the season!
Mark your calendars: the 6th Annual SkiErg World Sprints will be held November 7-9, 2014.
You don’t want to miss your opportunity to shine as a world champion! Laurie and Lynne have been shining as they’ve already completed their 50,000 meters.
Last week in our Student Spotlight, we began our two week feature of inspirational women who have continued to train at Get Fit NH throughout their pregnancies. This week’s Student Spotlight is shining on Jill E. and Kim L. Both women have continued working hard and being healthy through their pregnancies and have written about their experiences.
Jill tells us about her top five reasons for continuing to train with her Get Fit Family throughout her pregnancy:
1. If it’s good for me, it must be good for the baby – This one is a no brainer. Obviously anything that is helping mommy stay fit and happy and strong will be good for the baby.
2. I will not let 4 ½ years of training go down the toilet – This is my second pregnancy and I have trained through both so far. Part of my reason for joining the Get Fit Family was to lose weight and get in shape to have kids. I will not let all of that hard work go to waste! Nor do I want to lose my Get Fit Family!
3. Support, support, support – Super Mom/Trainer Nancy understands when you break out in tears for no reason, and doesn’t hold it against you (Sorry Nancy!). She listens to everything and helps me remember that I am changing and can’t do everything I could do before! Coming to this realization was a lot harder with my first pregnancy. What do you mean I can’t hold a plank for 20 seconds anymore without wanting to pass out? I used to be able to hold one for well over a minute. Well, your body is increasing blood cells and blood flow and doing even more amazing things without you even knowing it, so deal. What do you mean I want to throw up in a pushup hold, or mountain climbers, or renegade rows? Hello heartburn! Let’s do those off the bench so your head is elevated. What do you mean my hips are moving (to prep for birth) and my SI joints are completely out of whack and everything hurts? Well, it’s time to avoid all those exercises that create discomfort for the SI joint, focus on stretching and strengthening your core. That last one has been especially frustrating with my current pregnancy, but Nancy has been wonderful at making sure I am not in any discomfort or pain during training and modifying exercises (and making sure I am not going to burst into tears again).
4. Cool technology – This pregnancy I am hooked up to a heart monitor during training. This may be the most interesting part because I am really able to control my intensity and workouts all while keeping my heart rate in check. Who knew band hammer curls could get your heart racing so fast! I like that I am able to control when I need to increase my intensity (quit being a baby, or ‘suck it up’ as Dean says) and when I need to take a breather.
5. Astonishing people – Some people are shocked when I tell them I train 3-4 nights a week while pregnant – my parents’ and grandparents’ generation especially. But I love being able to explain that training isn’t just for me. The lowering and raising of the heart rate when training resembles labor. I am not the only one who has to go through it, this baby has to prepare too! I had a C-section with the first pregnancy (my daughter was breech), so there was no labor involved, but there was a heck of a recovery afterward! Without having the core and the arm strength I’d built up previously, I am guessing that recovery would have sucked a whole lot more! It’s too early to tell with Baby Boy Edelmann what type of delivery I will have, but they are telling me he is going to be big and tall. Have you met my husband…eek! So the way I see it, the more prepared I am while he is still in the womb, the better!
Jill and Karl, along with the rest of us, are waiting to meet their newest family member!
***
Our next mom Kim explains how training with Get Fit NH has helped her through her pregnancy and in preparing for giving birth:
It gets increasingly hard to find the motivation to get to class but the payoff gets so much greater! I could be having the worst day – tired, grumpy, and not feeling well – but after class all of those feelings and emotions would be gone. Physically, I have had an incredibly easy pregnancy and I do not attribute that to luck. I attribute it to the fact that I have never really stopped moving. I refused to give up and chose instead to be tough. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but so far it has worked! (Although I can’t lie, I’ve had days where I wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, but we can blame that on hormones).
I am really curious to see how my recovery from childbirth will be and even more curious to see how I handle childbirth itself with our mottos from class running through my head – “Get comfortable being uncomfortable!”, “You can do anything for 15, 20, 30, 40 seconds!”, and “Last set is the best set!”.
Little Maggie was born in August. Congratulations, Kim!
Training when it is just yourself is difficult – we should all get a high five each day for making it happen. But when you are training while experiencing morning sickness or feeling uncomfortable at nine months pregnant, you deserve a second high five! Katie introduced us to Little Jonathon this past January and later this year Amanda is expecting her second child. Congratulations to Carolyn, Jill, Kim, Katie, and Amanda and everyone else in the Get Fit Family for working so hard!
I just 
know you missed your coaches and their awesome jokes – rest assured we missed you too! In fact we missed you so much that we got together and came up with a great challenge for September and October. We know how much everyone adores the Ski Ergs, so we thought it would be a great challenge to Ski Erg 50,000 meters from now until the end of October!
Look, we are all looking to get better, right? And I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t get their rear-end kicked during Ski Erg sprints! So let’s get better together! You have from now to the end of October to Ski Erg 50,000 meters. You can break it up however you’d like. 100 meters here, 500 meters there, 1000 meters before training, 1000 meters after training…whatever works for you! But don’t wait until October 31st to start.
You track your meters on the white boards at Get Fit NH. Kathy N is already started this challenge. She is training for the Concept 2 Ski Erg World Cup. Join Kathy and make it happen.
If you hate the Ski Erg then this is your opportunity to defeat IT rather than it defeat YOU! If you love the ski erg then this your time to give it some extra love and attention all while getting better together!
You have until October 31st to SkiErg 50,000m and conquer the SkiErg Challenge and prep for the upcoming SkiErg World Sprints – Make It Happen!
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