​Brenda Paradis started her journey with us just a few short months ago in September. The transition I have had the honor of seeing this woman make is out of this world. First off, let me just say that her positive and upbeat attitude is contagious. Her humor makes her a great fit at the 5:30 training hour and her work ethic is outstanding. I have had the pleasure of not only observing her body change, but also her confidence and her performance. I truly cannot say enough about how grateful I am to have Brenda as part of the Get Fit Family. I asked her to share her story, because she just started and her positive changes could change your life or someone you know. Just take that first step- listen to how it changed her for the better!

Brenda getting her "I Survived" tshirt on the far right!

1. What was your biggest challenge before starting Get Fit NH?

I had a gained a significant amount of weight over the last 5 years and I slowly became less active. I wasn't making positive health choices and as a result, began experiencing health issues. Fortunately, all of my cardiac and respiratory tests were negative but I continued to have inflammation and terrible joint pain that became self-limiting. One of my biggest challenges, in many ways, was me! I needed to be able to put myself first and make the commitment to make changes in my life recognizing that the weight gain was perpetuating my inactivity and vice versa ...it had become a vicious cycle.

2. How did that challenge make you feel?

Honestly, I was scared! Scared for my health, unhappy and uncomfortable with the effects of my weight gain and deconditioning. I wanted to do something but it was difficult to take the first step. In late August, as I was preparing to send two kids off to college and was contemplating our somewhat 'empty nest' I saw the Get Fit post on Facebook. I looked into it and didn't really spend too much time contemplating - I just jumped in head first and started with the metabolic reboot on September 6th.

3. What changed after starting?

Initially, I thought, Oh my gosh what have you done ... you'll never keep up! Actually, I have really surprised myself and have found that in just 8-10 weeks that I am stronger, healthier and feel so much better! With every class, I gain a little more strength and confidence (all the baby steps are adding up) which is motivating and helps me continue on my journey to health and wellness! I've really not had a day where I didn't want to go to class. In many ways, it's the best part of my day because it's my time ... for me and it's ALOT of fun!

4. What specific results can you share?

First, the coaches have been so supportive and have helped push me in the direction I need to go. I've been able to set challenging goals and achieve them which has been very rewarding! I feel so much better in only a short period of time. I am excited to see the progress I can make in the coming year! I am looking forward to snowshoeing this winter which I used to really enjoy and may even get my skis out!

5. What would you say to someone on the fence about starting?

Don't Think About It ... Be About It! Taking the first step can be scary and difficult but you'll never be alone! What a wonderful group of people and coaches at Get Fit! I would have never imagined such a wonderful experience the first time I walked into their gym! A huge thank you to my Coach Meagan, and Cari, Kristen, and Adam! You guys rock!

And a huge thank you to you, Brenda, for showing up, working hard and making us proud!

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan

David Liberatore!

David has been with us at Get Fit for a little while now. He has worked really hard and even has asked multiple times for more corrective exercises and more ways to get better. I am extremely happy to write this for him and get his story out there! He always comes with a positive attitude looking to get better. Here is David's experience in his own words...

Why did you choose Get Fit NH?

I chose GetFitNH because a friend of mine joined and raved about it. He knew that I joined 2 other gyms and dropped out after a couple weeks. He said the first two weeks were free so try it. I met with Adam and knew I was in the right place.

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?

After two weeks, I noticed that my knee was feeling better and that I had so much more elasticity in my lower back.

What outside of Get Fit NH has become easier since starting?

I set a personal goal to lose 100 lbs. to stay in the program for one full year.

What have you accomplished so far?

After two months I have lost 23 lbs., my knees feel much better, my back doesn’t constantly hurt and I can walk long distances without gasping for air. My eating habits have improved as I am eating much healthier. I eat more veggies, less meat and less carbs. All that know me never would ever have imagined me drinking more water and NO soda.

What is your favorite part of Get Fit NH?

The things that stick out to me about what makes GetFitNH so different from any other gym I have belonged to is the caring attitude of everyone at the center. From the owner, to the trainers to the members, it is astounding. We train with people who have been there 3 weeks to people that have been there for 3 years and they are all encouraging. I like the fact that training is geared to your ability. A trainer is constantly showing me a more appropriate exercise if I am struggling because of my ability. GetFitNH has it all and I know I have changed my life by changing my life style. I actually look forward to coming to exercise rather than trying to find an excuse to not go. I highly recommend GetFitNH at whatever level you think you are at.

Keep up the hard work, David!
-Coach Adam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam is pictured on the left.

Sam’s mom, Lori (who is also part of the Get Fit Family!), described the award: “The Coaches Award is given to the athlete(s) that show leadership, good work ethic, and being a team player both on and off the field”.

Sam and his brother have been a part of Athlete Academy for a while now, and watching them continue to grow (quite literally in Sam’s case) and progress has been awesome. The award Sam has eared is an important one because it shows how well-rounded the athlete is in all facets of the game, both on and off the field. Great job Sam and keep up the great work!

-Coach Adam

DId you ever meet someone and just know they had this drive, a determination, a hard working attitude that doesn't quit? That is Elizabeth. I'm so proud of her. She's been training with the 5am crew since the beginning of the summer. She is knocking it out of the park to Make It Happen.   

"I had to make a change in my work out routine, so I stepped into the doors at Get Fit New Hampshire. I sat down with Coach Nancy and we talked about my fitness goals. I told her I needed to lose some body fat and be the best I can physically be in the Army. The first few days were extremely challenging waking up extra early and trying to look alive in front of my new work out buddies! By the time the second week rolled around I couldn’t wait to go to my next class even though I couldn’t walk! Seven months into this program I can run three miles without even thinking about walking, my glutes and quads are a lot more toned then when I began which has always been a struggle for me.

Coach is always there for me on a personal level or a physical level. Nancy is always putting heavier weights in front of me telling me to lift it! Sometimes I don’t think I have that ability then I try it, what’s there to loose besides a little weight? Once I give it a shot and am able to lift it, I get this since of pride that I can accomplish anything the world throws at me.

I love Get Fit I'm always after my friends and family to at least try it with me. They'll customize your work out. There are always extra challenges you can do too. I tried the 21 day detox and now when I eat I’m constantly asking myself where did this come from? Do I have enough protein? Eat more veggies! Anyone who wants a great family to hang out with or a challenge, Get Fit is right for you!"

Elizabeth surprised herself and me by shaving a minute off her run time and increasing all her other scores in her latest PT test. I'm proud of Elizabeth for serving us and our country.

Coach Nancy

This time it's shining on G!

Geraldo (or G, as he asked to be called) has been with us for a little while now. I felt it was time and was important to shine the spotlight on him as well. I still remember when he first started - the things he had trouble with, the pain he was in on a daily basis. However, he stuck with it, has made tremendous progress, and has a positive influence on us as coaches as well as others in the gym. Below are some words from G about his experience.

“After a couple experiences at different gyms, I decided to find one that the schedule was flexible and I could make it without missing many classes and still get the results I was looking for. After this first triage, I got the two weeks’ free class trial to get to know Get Fit NH. With my weakness to complete many of the activities delivered during the class, I found a complete opportunity to improve those weaknesses without any intimidation. I definitely liked the place. My main sport activities were soccer and biking, and the first change noticed was that I was not only putting resistance on my lower body muscles but also on my upper body muscles.

Besides this I was introduced to a program to reeducate my habits regarding food. And all those tips delivered by coaches are part of my day now. I am eating smart and healthy like I believe I never did in all my life. It is about choosing the right and wrong things. And I guess I am on the right trail now.

My first goals were accomplished in less than 6 months. I have injuries, muscular injuries, that are not returning because I am doing the right things now. I am able to play sports again and it makes me really accomplished of my goals. I also dropped 25 lbs and I have been keeping it off since I first lost it. The 3D Fit Scan has showed that I lost measurement all over my body and it is really great because it shows how I am improving and losing the bad FAT.

In summary, it is the place that you can "Make it Happen!" and I am into it. I wish I could have found Get Fit NH sooner! Coaches are great and friendly and they show support for each individual during all activities performed during the class.

Best,
Geraldo Cabral"

Great work G and keep it up!

-Coach Adam

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

This time it's on Debbie Watrous!

I asked Debbie to allow me to write a spotlight on her because I am extremely proud of how far she has come. I remember when I first took over Erin’s position, and I was working with Debbie and remember all the exercises we tried that caused her so much pain. Looking back on that, and seeing her do weighted split squats and the like now, she has come so far and she deserves to be recognized for how far she has come. I’ll let her tell you a little about her journey in her own words...

“Adam, when you asked me to write about my journey at Get Fit NH, I hesitated because I don’t have a dramatic story and my progress has been slow and not always steady. I came to the gym as someone who had never exercised regularly, out of shape and full of aches and pains. I wanted to lose weight, but most of all I wanted to feel stronger and have more energy. I knew I needed to be in a class, lacking the self-discipline to stick with an exercise program on my own. I knew I needed a gym with a program and coaches that could assess my fitness issues and structure a workout that would be both safe and challenging. I have gotten all that at Get Fit NH and much more.

I really appreciate the coaching style here – you, Dean, and Meagan are all caring, funny, and inspirational. I appreciate that you make sure that my back is safe. I appreciate working out with a very nice bunch of people in the atmosphere that you promote – encouraging, supportive, sometimes competitive but never shaming. And no mirrors – thank you! As someone who gets bored easily with exercise, I value the variety of the classes and the progression over the course of a week and over the eight-week session. And knowing next to nothing about muscles and fitness, etc., I appreciate learning the science behind our workouts.

The biggest surprise since joining Get Fit NH is how much effort you put into “the other 165”, from sending an email if we don’t show up for class to community fundraising events to the various healthy eating programs you’ve offered. Last summer’s S3 challenge was the best yet because we did it in pairs and you reinforced the development of new habits with the daily “Habit Catalyst” posts. Jane and I met through that challenge and are talking about working together again to help each of us be more accountable in our food choices.

Sometimes I get discouraged that I’m not getting stronger faster, but when I look back to where I started, I see significant improvement. A couple of weeks ago I helped my daughter move into her new 3rd floor apartment. I noticed that I could carry heavier loads with less huffing and puffing than when we helped her move two years ago (why does she always pick upper floor apartments with no elevators?). And I have more energy during the day, my clothes fit better, and I’ve lost weight more quickly than I thought possible at this time of life.

I have a milestone birthday this year that has doubled my determination to enter the next decade strong, energetic, and healthy. Thank you, Adam, Meagan, Dean, Nancy and the 7:25 a.m. crew for helping me to achieve those goals."

As I said at the top, I am extremely proud of Debbie and the progress she has made. Keep up the great work, Debbie!

-Coach Adam