And the Answer Is……

When you walk into a gym you usually don’t think, “How is this place going to help me to eat better?” Get Fit NH strives to help you with just that. The first time I talked with Mae Lynn, she wanted to know how Get Fit NH could help her with running. Once she started and now over three years later, Mae Lynn gives us a little insight into more of the things Get Fit NH has helped her to change.

I asked Mae Lynn one question after our Sizzlin Summer Slimdown Challenge ended.

What do you find was the easiest new habit to change and which one was the hardest?

“Easiest? I found changing my cooking and shopping habits to be very, very easy. It simplifies the shopping process so much when you don’t have complicated recipes and long lists of ingredients to deal with. I go in, grab eggs, bacon, one or two big cuts of meat and 5 or six fresh veggies and fruits and that’s it. Maybe a package of salad and grape tomatoes. I always keep cans of olives and roasted peppers and artichokes in the pantry, and frozen peppers and onions in the freezer. It’s easy to stick with shopping this way when you find you are eating leftovers a lot and therefore cooking less! One big roasted chicken or a pot roast and two big pans of roasted veggies? Boom. Several meals.

Hardest? At first, probably the no added sugar beverages. I never drink soda anymore, I gave that up cold turkey years ago before I even did Weight Watchers. But when I gave up soda, I would still enjoy sweetened iced tea or lemonade especially in the summer. Now I have lemon water, unsweetened green tea, etc. I think people don’t realize real change takes time and often needs to be gradual. I quit soda in something like 2009, did the other sweetened stuff for a few years, and eventually got here.

I think that once you have the basic habits ingrained, having some treats once and awhile isn’t the end of the world.

Once and awhile I still have a sweetened iced tea and I almost always have chocolate milk after a long run. But it’s all about balance, and I feel okay with that as long as what I USUALLY do is a good habit. I have to remind myself it wasn’t always this way! I used to have soda or a sweetened beverage with every meal! Those things add up. When people ask me what they can do I always say change that one thing first. Now I always have water with my meals, and drink a lot of water during the day. If I do ever have a sweetened iced tea I’ll water it down, or ask for half sweet half unsweetened on the rare occasion I’m getting one at Dunks. A little sugar goes a long way for me now.

By the way, I love the new accountability idea. One comment I made on Facebook is that I will probably end up asking for more body fat assessments because my scale really hasn’t moved all that dramatically since I started with you guys, but I have gone from a size 12 to a size 4. Every summer, without exception, I have to buy new summer clothes. The lady at Eddie Bauer couldn’t believe it when I told her I lose weight over the winter.”

Keep on surprising all of us Mae Lynn!

How would you answer that question? 

What do you find was the easiest new habit to change and which one was the hardest?

Another noteworthy piece Mae Lynn added was,

“For as long as I can recall, my cholesterol has been high, and every health professional who ever had the opportunity has ‘strongly urged’ me to get on Lipitor. One stress test technician, after I ran the equivalent of Heartbreak Hill on the treadmill and passed with flying colors, was still downright nasty to me when I told her I intended to continue trying to handle it with diet and exercise and that I simply didn’t agree that statin drugs, designed to indiscriminately remove all fat from the blood, are a good thing for anyone. She said I was being irresponsible and that ‘some people are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol.’ Given that many relatives were on Lipitor, I might have had to concede that point.

Who has earned their way into the spotlight?

Annmarie Timmins! Annmarie has been a fantastic addition to the Get Fit NH family. We are so blessed to have her train with us 4 hours a week. Annmarie is an incredibly hard worker and she always has a smile on her face! Her positive attitude and willingness to be patient and get better have served her well as she is conquering a lingering shoulder injury. I am proud of Annmarie for keeping her eyes on the prize. She has earned her way into the spotlight for her all around dedication toward bettering herself both during training and during the 164 hours per week where she is not with us. Here is what she has to say:

When I left my former career last year to return to school fulltime, I gave up my gym membership elsewhere and joined a local chain gym for $10 a month. I figured I could save money and train myself. I was wrong. When I began looking for a new gym in September, I wanted a place that was supportive, serious about training, and fun. Get Fit NH was an easy choice.

I have been training with a persistent shoulder injury for months with modifications from Coach Meagan and Coach Adam. My goal was to maintain my weight during my toned-down training. Then I did the S3 challenge and saw my body change in ways I never expected just by pairing good nutrition and consistent training. I went from about 140 pounds to 135 and lost eight pounds of fat. Even better, my longtime allergy symptoms, migraines, and digestive ailments have completely resolved for the first time in my life.

I had thought I was eating pretty well before I did the S3 challenge. I already ate lots of raw veggies and good quality protein and was drinking loads of water. But I was also eating dessert daily, cereal for breakfast, and other foods that had hidden sugars. Once I cut those out, my body changed quickly. I feel better now at 46 than I ever have.

I’ll mark my one-year anniversary at Get Fit NH in September and am looking forward to renewing for another year. I like lots of things about Get Fit NH – the schedule, the training routines, the challenges – but it’s the coaches that make Get Fit NH extra special for me. They give me the perfect mix of motivation, support, and challenge.

Thank you for choosing to train with us, Annmarie! Keep making it happen!

-Coach Meagan

The Spotlight is Shining on…

Brenda Schmieder!

Brenda pictured on right

Brenda earned her way in to the spotlight, because she came to Get Fit NH and went all in! She took our coaching and she put it into action immediately. Brenda is faithful to training and she is serious about her nutrition. She eats like an adult! Because of her dedication and commitment to getting better she lost over 18 pounds during our S3 V.I.P challenge, she has lost over 30 pounds since joining the Get Fit NH family in late February, her pain has decreased significantly in her shoulders and knees and her overall movement patterns have improved tremendously. Brenda is an absolute pleasure to coach. I am proud of you for taking control of your future, Brenda! Here is what Brenda has to say:

My story began, as all of ours do, with my parents! But my decision to join Get Fit NH also began with my parents. Dad is 85 and Mom is 80….I am blessed to have them with me still; but advancing age has not come easily for them. I spent a good part of my fall and winter going to one doctor appointment after another, talking with doctors on the phone and managing medications. My parents live about 45 minutes away, so this made it even more challenging for me to balance their needs with those of my husband, our daughter and my two jobs…..notice I did not mention my own needs!

I used to be in relatively decent shape, but a series of injuries and surgeries put my activity levels on a back burner several years ago. Add to that some serious family health issues that occurred around the same time….suddenly I was not moving and putting on some pounds as I fed my stress with food. Eventually I stopped caring about  any of those good health habits that I once had and pretty much gave up on myself.

It was the end of February when I had my “final straw” moment! That moment led me to pick up the phone and call GFNH. It suddenly cemented in my head that I wanted to age better than my parents have. The years pass so quickly and I want to go into my “golden years” feeling strong and fit. Perhaps, most importantly, I want my daughter to know that her mom took care of herself as best she could. I don’t want her time, or my time, to be spent at doctor’s appointments when I am in my 70‘s and 80’s and 90’s and even 100‘s! I want to be able to climb mountains with my husband again! I decided it was time to put myself back to the top of the list and to invest in me!

I met with Coach Meagan on February 24th and have not looked back! I love the motivation and accountability that I get from all the coaches….emails, phone calls, notes in the mail, encouragement while training…it all adds up. I told Coach Dean one day that GFNH is the only part of my life where I actually like to be told what to do! I need someone looking over my shoulder and helping me to believe in myself. I have never worked so hard at fitness…but I have also never felt stronger or more motivated to keep going.

I quickly learned that we all have to start our journeys somewhere, but that we don’t need to go it alone. From day one I have been coached and motivated by the staff and my classmates. I have learned that there is nothing I cannot do, but that I may need to modify it for my level. I have also learned that it’s “all about the food” and that what we put into our bodies is going to have a direct affect on what we get out of our bodies! Cooking and nutrition are a passion of mine, it’s been great learning about how to make the food I eat work for me!

Since joining GFNH I have lost weight and gained muscle. A scientist by training, I love the measurements and data showing my changing body composition; I find it motivating and actually look forward to getting on the scale each month! Get Fit NH is the perfect gym for me. I have chosen to invest in myself…and investment comes with a price. I have friends that choose the local $10 option and are amazed at what I pay; but I know that good health comes at a cost and I am worth it. If I don’t make the investment now, then I will be paying doctors later! I am determined to Make It Happen!!

Thank you for choosing to invest in yourself and train with Get Fit NH, Brenda! Keep making it happen!

Brenda is such a great example of what you can do with the right support, motivation, and coaching.

Join Brenda Today – Click Here to Start your 2-Week Free trial!

Coach Meagan

No Whining

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

Student Spotlight is shining on…

Our 5 AM rockstar, Kelly Gauthier! Kelly is a pleasure to coach and has been making moves towards getting better for as long as I have known her. Her dedication and commitment has earned her some fantastic results. Kelly has a great attitude and she encourages and challenges the students around her on a daily basis. Kelly is in it for the long run!

“I was flattered when Meagan asked me to share my Get Fit story, but scared all at the same time; talking about myself is not one of my strengths!

(Deep breath…) I have always enjoyed “exercise”, I’ve tried a little of everything over the years. (I shamefully have to admit that one of my faves was Tae Bo, who DOESN’T love Billy Blanks?!) I never jumped on board the fad diet trains, they’re called “fads” for a reason. I’ve had my fair share of weight/body image issues over the years, I needed to find my way out of that “place”.

It was four years years ago when a friend was telling me about this great gym she had joined, she had lost weight, inches, and was feeling strong! I was intrigued, could this be the challenge I’ve been looking for…? I went home and googled Get Fit, “group personal training”, two weeks free…sign me up! From day one, I was hooked. The coaches, the people, the energy; and all at 5:00 a.m.!

Since starting my journey at Get Fit I have lost some weight, but more important to me is that my body fat has dropped 7.6%! I feel stronger, and I feel like an athlete! I’m in better shape now at 46 years old than I’ve ever been. My training at Get Fit has also made me a better, stronger, and more confident runner, I will be running my first marathon in October 2015.

I have learned so much since joining the Get Fit family, most importantly, training doesn’t stop when you walk out that door. Having coaches that really care and WANT me to get better, keeps me going strong.

Thank you coaches, for helping me to Make it Happen! :-)”

And thank you, Kelly for choosing to train with us!

Keep making it happen,

Coach Meagan

Records were set and Greatness was proved at Get Fit Games

What a great morning at Get Fit NH.

We had a great crew show up and participate in the “Get Fit Games”, where we come in, have some fun, and confirm we are getting better.

By my count our athletes set 16 personal bests! Big shout outs to Ronald Weilnau, Vickie Carrier, Glenn Foley, and Tom Haubrich for coming out for their first Get Fit Games experience! Now that is what it is all about! Make sure you look out for the next time we host Get Fit Games. If you wanna get better, you gotta measure!

Here’s the highlights of this mornings games.

Proud of you all!

Adam Rosenthal 

Deadlift, Silver level achieved

Vertical Jump, Personal Best

Scott Lebrun

Deadlift, Personal Best

Vertical Jump, Personal Best

Long Jump, Personal Best

Jenn Stevens

Deadlift, Personal Best

Vertical Jump, Personal Best

Inverted Row, Personal Best and Silver level achieved

Front Plank, Personal Best and Bronze level achieved

Dick Boddie

Deadlift, Personal Best and Get Fit “Fit” level achieved

Push up, Personal Best

Vertical Jump, Personal Best

Chin up, Personal Best

Long Jump, Personal Best

Front Plank, Personal Best

Adam Davidson

Push up, Personal Best

Long Jump, Personal Best and Gold level achieved

Ronald Weilnau

Deadlift, Get Fit “Fit” level achieved

Chin up, Silver level achieved

Front Plank, Get Fit “Fit” level achieved

Glenn Foley

Deadlift, Gold level achieved

Front Plank, Silver level achieved

Tom Haubrich

Deadlift, Get Fit “Fit” level achieved

Vertical Jump, Bronze level achieved

Chin up, Bronze level achieved

Long Jump, Gold level achieved

Front Plank, Gold level achieved

Ski Erg, Get Fit “Fit” level achieved

Vickie Carrier

Deadlift, Gold level achieved

Push up, Silver level achieved

Front Plank, Silver level achieved

Great job to all this morning! We are so proud of you for measuring your greatness, until next time…

Make it happen!

Coach Meagan

The 3 Smith’s Hit the Spotlight

Mike and Sarah Smith have been a part of the 6:15 Get Fit NH family for almost a year. I remember sitting down with them right after their trial and they were asking about what happens with training if they got pregnant. I am so happy for them as they reach their final days of pregnancy and prepare to open up the doors to parenthood! Sarah has inspired and amazed so many of her peers, because she has remained dedicated to her training throughout her pregnancy. Their positive energy and great attitude is contagious. We are so lucky to have them and I look forward to sharing their story with you! Here is what Mike and Sarah have to say! 

“We came to Get Fit  NH because we both agreed it was time to turn the page and start a healthier lifestyle, so the first step was become more active. We had heard great things about Get Fit NH, so we decided to check it out. It didn’t take us long to determine that Get Fit NH was where we wanted to start our journey. We were impressed with the facility and their knowledgeable staff, but what was even more impressive was how they took the time to understand our goals and physical challenges to better help us succeed. Their dedication and motivation to help us achieve our goals has been incredible since day 1. 

Since training at Get Fit NH we both are feeling more confident, stronger, and just overall healthier since we started at Get Fit NH. Mike’s lingering sport injuries from high school and college are improving, and he’s feeling better and better each week. Sarah experienced a HUGE change since well…she’s PREGNANT!!! We are expecting our first child in early May and we couldn’t be more excited. The Get Fit Team has been incredible throughout her pregnancy. They educated us on the proper nutrition, guided her with the appropriate exercise, and customized her work-outs each day which has really helped her manage the physical difficulties of being pregnant. In fact, Sarah continues to attend classes and plans to continue up until the final days! 

We’ve learned a lot since we started at Get Fit NH. One of the most important things we’ve learned is the importance of nutrition. The Get Fit Team does a great job of educating you on proper nutrition and the importance of eating the right foods to achieve the best results, which was something we lacked prior to starting at Get Fit NH. We still have a long way to go, especially when dealing with the challenges of food dislikes and cravings while being pregnant, but we’re on the right path with the help of the Get Fit NH Team. 

I’m not sure why anyone would choose not to train at Get Fit (seriously, this is not a sell).  We tried so many different ways to get a workout routine going but nothing stuck.  How boring to hop on an elliptical in front of a TV or pop in a workout DVD when you can have certified personal trainers putting together workout plans for you, showing you how to do the movements so you don’t get injured, modifying the movements to build up your strength to progress to the next benchmark, and someone to motivate you to succeed even if you are having a challenging week.  In two months we will have been training at Get Fit for a year together and have no plans to stop.  I feel like Get Fit is a family that trains together, motivates and supports each-other, celebrates accomplishments and promotes a much healthier state of life than we were living before we joined.  Previous workout routine attempts were short lived

**special question** How has training pregnant affected you and your pregnancy?

The plan was to get in great shape before I got pregnant, since I was overweight, so my pregnancy would be easier on my body.  However, since I had just started my journey at Get Fit 2 months prior to getting pregnant, I didn’t fully get enough time to accomplish that goal.  I will say it’s been challenging, to say the least, training through 18 weeks of all day sickness, weird pregnancy ailments / necessary training modifications and sleepless nights but I have done my best to make it in.  After a while I started to see a pattern; the days I didn’t make it in, I felt worse.  Everything hurt more, I was more tired and just all around lacking in energy.  So I made a decision to come to training no matter what.  I am 38 weeks in my third trimester, large with baby belly, and attending more classes than I did in my first and second trimesters and it’s been great!  Granted I cannot do as much and must carefully pay attention to my heart rate monitor so I don’t train too hard for baby or I, all things considered, training throughout my pregnancy has been the best decision I have made.  I am really excited to come back to training after I have the baby and continue my mission to get into great shape.  I can’t wait to train with baby number 2, hopefully in much better shape than the first time around and see how much easier of a time I might have with my body starting off in a much healthier state.”

As you can see there are no excuses here! Their mind is in the right place and they’re already focused on getting back into their training routine after Baby Smith comes. We can’t wait to learn if Baby Smith is a boy or a girl! Just over a week before baby is scheduled to make an appearance! Oh and Mike made the brilliant choice of choosing Team Meagan for our S3 V.I.P challenge so there is no doubt they will continue to do great things!

Keep making it happen,

Coach Meagan

Powerful Words from Cara to You

The other day we got a great note from one of our Epsom superstars. Cara is a Get Fit NH celebrity. Her story is featured on our newest brochures, because she is an inspiration and a direct reflection of what happens when you put the tools we offer to work. I can’t possibly say enough good things about this woman. I can only hope that her note that I am sharing with you lights a fire under you so that you too can be as successful as she has been.

“Pre Get Fit NH I was a “modifier.”   I would be “on a diet” every Monday through Wednesday and then it was just a little of this and a little of that. By Friday all bad habits were back in full force…to start again on Monday. I tried counting points, plans online, my own plan, and no plan.  The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result….and never getting them of course.

Cara Before

My fitness was the last thing on the list. I was the last thing on the list. If I joined a gym…I did the minimum possible …then just left after a short workout.  I didn’t really try the hard things. They hurt.

When I walked into Get Fit NH July of 2013…it was my last hope.  I was not far from 300 pounds. Really.

The first few days were so so hard. I could barely walk I was so sore, but I made it through the 2 week trial.

I started at 2 days a week. Then moved to 4. The weight started coming off about 6 to 7 pounds per month to reach a 100 pound weight loss. I’ve reached so many other goals because of that first step.

I have learned it’s okay to struggle with the moves, to shake and that getting fit is not going to be pain free. You have to really want it and go past your comfort zone to create real change.

I was thinking this week about the word “modify”. If we have a fitness and a nutrition program, and we are constantly modifying (other than for medical reasons of course) the moves, or we take the easy level of the training, are we improving? If we modify our nutrition…where does that line begin and end? Eventually we modify so far it is even a program? I may not be the most popular girl in the room for that one but, it’s true.

We have our coaches and ourselves to push us along to the next levels.  I also have accountability partners both at Get Fit and at home that keep me in check.

So…What if….we just try that next level up in class even if it’s hard? What if we add 5 pounds more, or go to the next spot on the chart? What if we hold that position just another 5 seconds? Yes it does matter.

What if….we look at the food program again for the first, second or 20th time? What if we really do the shopping, planning, and packing of the food each day? What if we just ….DID it?

Cara Today

Our behaviors can take time to change but they can be changed.  We have patterns but new ones can take their place.

What if ….you couldn’t fail? – Cara”

Pretty powerful, huh? I really don’t need to say anything else about this. If you want to lose fat, build muscle, look and feel great, but you aren’t doing it then you will not get results you desire. We all struggle with something, but sometimes it’s all about getting out of your own way and putting what is important to you above the struggle.  What if you just tried and watched what happened?

Make it happen,

Coach Meagan

Student Spotlight earned after 6 weeks!

This student spotlight is extraordinary. Whether you have been training with us for a week or training with us for 6 years, this story will open your eyes to possibilities!

Gina has been training with us for about 6 weeks. She brings her best attitude to training each day and she has implemented Whole30  to get her the results she wants. Gina is the perfect example of a student who is not only taking advantage of the tools we offer, but also putting them into action. Gina did not waste anytime. She started Whole30 right away and has had some incredible progress in just 6 weeks. Here is what she has to say:

“I was very surprised when Coach Meagan asked me to share my experience so far at Get Fit NH. You see, I am the person the coach has to modify most exercises for. I’m the one you see trying to figure out what exercise I should be doing next. I’m the one whose team is waving at her from the other side of the gym as I do the wrong exercise. I always feel as if I am one step behind everyone else. But the great thing is I really don’t mind, and I really feel as if everyone there has my back.

I joined Get Fit NH at the end of February. I had been the caretaker for my Mom for the past four years and after she passed away in January I knew I needed to do something to fill the gap in my life and get me out of the house. I also wanted to do something healthy as well. I knew I had not taken the best care of myself over the years.  Though my mom was a petite person, I watched her struggle for the last four years with chronic heart failure, COPD, and diabetes. There’s nothing like spending weeks with your mom in the cardiac unit at Concord Hospital to scare the heck out of you.

I have tried many fitness/weight loss plans… I have tried vegetarianism, veganism, weight watchers and the most drastic one where I was medically supervised as I drank only liquid meals for six months. I lost a lot of weight with the later, but ended up having to have my gall bladder removed as a side effect of the diet.

I actually stumbled upon Get Fit NH. I was googling gyms in Concord and it popped up. I saw it had the two week trial period and I figured I had nothing to lose. The first two weeks were very challenging. I would come home after working out and ice my knees and take ibuprofen. Every muscle in my body was sore. Every morning I would tell my husband “I don’t think I can do this”. But I did and I drove through some pretty bad weather to get there. And anyone who knows me will agree that I am the biggest chicken when it comes to driving in bad weather. I knew Coach Meagan, Coach Erin and Coach Adam would be there and if they were showing up for me, I was going to show up for them.

Once I finished the two week trial period I sat down with Coach Meagan. She asked me what my goals were for the next year.  I stated I want to be healthier and I would be happy even if I lost only five pounds by years end. I agreed to commit to a year of training and to implement the Whole30.  I started the Whole30…no more sugar, dairy, breads, pasta, and worst of all no more diet Coke. The toughest part of the Whole30 was the first shopping trip to restock my pantry. After the initial shopping trip it got much easier. I had a few side effects as my body went through withdrawals from the sugars and caffeine. I had headaches and some stomach issues, but they resolved within two days.

In the six weeks that I have been training and implementing Whole30 I have lost about 14 pounds. My cholesterol level has dropped 30 points and I am feeling stronger. I notice little things, like I thought my dog was losing weight because he felt lighter when I would pick him up. He wasn’t losing weight, I was getting stronger. I sleep better, feel less bloated, and make better food choices.

I am so grateful I stumbled upon Get Fit NH. I look forward to coming to class not only to work out but because of the great people and support system that it provides.  If you are thinking of giving Get Fit NH a try, PLEASE do. If I can do this, anyone can!”

I never doubted that Gina could be successful. We set a goal together and she totally got after it and achieved it. There is no doubt in my mind that Gina will continue to earn great results. She is a go-getter and guess what? You can be too!

Make it Happen,

Coach Meagan

We’ve Caught Two in the Spotlight!

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