Have you ever seen 3 emus and a penguin all stacked on top of each other? That is the distance of inches lost if you combine each participant’s loss in their waist measurement at Get Fit NH’s Sizzlin’ Summer Slimdown Challenge.

Have you measured a Beluga whale? If you could (or when you did) you’d find it was the same distance if we added up each S3 peep’s hip measurement that was lost when combined.

How cool is that?

I haven’t even mentioned that as a group we lost one thousand three hundred and sixty two pounds. That’s 5,448 sticks of butter!

Take a sneak peek into the Top 10 Winning Team’s minds. It will inspire you to achieve more than you believe you can.

What one thing did you do well over the six weeks of Sizzlin' Summer Slimdown?

AnnMarie from Team Vacation Money wrote: “Meal planning was key. Sticking to the meal plan, and avoiding the candy and ice cream at work.”

Andria from Team Chafing the Dream filled us in on her daily wins: “ I drank a lots of water. I was able to stay on track when I unexpectedly had to stay with my Mom as she recovered from surgery. Stuck to eating real foods. When I eat healthy I find I am satisfied and have no cravings!”

Lauren from Team Rose and Ginger said one day: “I said no to cake! Lol- it wasn't easy! But...it was worth it and rewarding. And I was also surprised with how it wasn't even on my radar after I had an apple.”

Millie said that she: “Found great ways to serve veggies, including fiddlehead ferns and daikon radishes.”

When we asked the top 20 people what we could do to help them one week, here are some of the things that were mentioned.

"I feel things are going well so far and can't think of anything right now. I just need to stay focus and on track.” -Wayne

"Honestly, a cheat meal. I haven't had one since April 6th. Probably Mexican food, lol”
-Katie

"Just by being here for us. I love that coach Adam pushes me to challenge and push myself! Give me more!!” -Evelyn

"Having lots of protein and veggies cooked at all times. Bulk is key to sanity!! Trays of meatloaf and sausage from previous Get Fit recipes are my savior as well as frozen bags of cauliflower in bulk to mash in” -Kim

"I realize that I don't need to eat as much as I was eating before. I went 6 weeks without it.” -Lori

"Eating! Keeping things super simple” -Melissa

Your favorite go-to meal during S3?

"Ground turkey sausage/baked egg/green beans w/mushrooms/riced cauliflower and of course hot sauce!!" -Scott

Where would they hide a giraffe?

"In the 54 acres behind my house! Lol! And I would visit her all day long! Her name will be Princess!"

"Why hide it, I’d show it off!"

And when they play Rock/Paper/Scissors, none of them will pick paper!

Seriously, all S3 peeps worked hard to change themselves. It was through consistently eating just real food over and over that led them to great change. The Grateful Plate can be accessed 24/7/365 to help you achieve your own success without having to wait for next year’s Sizzlin' Summer Slimdown Challenge.

Peter Hallock is shining bright in the spotlight today! Peter joined our 6:45 training hour in April. Since then I have had the opportunity to witness an incredible change in him. His form, mobility, strength and weight have all improved in a short time. Peter is a prime example of when the work is put in, the results follow! I am really proud of Peter for working so hard these past couple of months. His results have been earned and I cannot even imagine the Peter we will know this time next year!

"I came to Get Fit NH, because I had been going to different gyms for a long time and never found a routine I could stick with because I really didn't know what to do. I decided to stay because after two weeks I was already feeling better. I also really enjoyed the classes and how varied the classes were. I was excited to go to every class which was not something I had experienced before. It didn't feel like a chore going to class. It was something I wanted to do instead of something I felt I needed to do.

In the couple of months that I have been training with Get Fit NH, I have lost 20lbs which was a complete surprise to me. I have been working hard on both my nutrition and exercise and was really excited for these results. It is really motivating. I am feeling good and the classes are interesting and the people are great. The coaches and the other people in class are really motivating and friendly. For someone on the fence about getting started I would say to them to give it a shot. I was apprehensive at first, but the people and coaches make you feel welcome from day one and the workouts are always different and fun. Thanks Meagan for letting me do this. I am really enjoy the classes and I appreciate the hard work that you Cari and Adam put into the classes.​"

And thank you, Peter, for your hard work and your consistency! Keep making it happen!

Coach Meagan

This is a somewhat different spotlight I am sending your way this time. After the Rock’n Race this year, Adam Rosenthal came up to me and told me about how he had used his Myzone to make sure he was exercising safely in the Rock’n Race. I asked for permission and was given the okay to share the follow up email he sent about it. 

This is more a spotlight on Adam for having the wherewithal to not only use the information provided to him, but also apply it for his own health. Also it's a great reference for anyone else who needs some other ideas how they can also apply the information! Read below!

“I just wanted to thank all of the coaches at GFNH for the wisdom you have en parted on me via the MyZone training sessions. At Mile 2 last night on the slight incline coming out of the State of NH complex I looked down at my heart rate and saw it had reached 155 BPM which is my Max. 97 degree temperatures and fast walking my usual 5K race pace had pushed me to my max and it was time to back my pace down to 135 BPM and finish the last 1.1 miles which I did. My time was 2.5 minutes slower than my usual 5K times but under the weather circumstances of record high temperatures I accept that and am looking forward to my next 5K race. As Bob Moses stated after the race it was a PW (Personal Worst). I have lived to race another day! I wanted to thank everyone at GFNH for giving me the knowledge and wisdom to make such a crucial decision to back off my race pace because of the heat. Without the MyZone training program this might not have happened resulting in more serious complications. Thank You!”

Thank you for reaching out to us, Adam. Great job using the tools available to you and making the quick decision to keep from setting yourself back. You can continue to make it happen!

-Coach Adam

I love how Sam has included in her spotlight how she took responsibility for her actions. She knew she had to make time, she knew she had to change what she was doing and what she was eating. Get Fit NH is part of who Sam is. She makes us part of her scheduled day. By making herself a priority, she is changing herself and helping those around her change too. Get Fit NH wants to make the world a happier place. It automagically happens when we get healthier. Take it from Sam- it’s working.

What specific results can you share?

"Results" can be measured in different ways! I can say I've lost 17 lbs since February (which I have) but the more meaningful results are changing the bad habits that were ultimately holding me back from doing the things I wanted to do. I see no issue in drinking water all day or not eating bread (ok, the bread thing is pretty difficult). What I love the most is how easy it is to get friends and family on board with healthy habits! Some people will help you get moving and some will commit to clean eating. I've utilized my entire network in some way.

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

Results lie in your hands. Get Fit can help you achieve your fitness goals, whatever they may be, but it starts with you. If you need help with healthy eating, they can do that. If you need modifications due to prior injuries, they will work with you. If you want to find a network of goal minded individuals, they've got that. You will feel sore! But you may even like it! (It means it's working!)

Anything else to add?

Have I said "thank you" yet?! 🙂

Keep the great work and attitude going, Sam!
Coach Nancy

The one and only Kristine Girard! The day we gained Kristine was a bright day at Get Fit NH. This woman brings me so many smiles and so much joy. She works her butt off, she loves a good challenge and to top it all off she is s-a-s-s-y and I love it! Since Kristine has joined the family she has seen some serious results. She did fantastic in the 2016 Sizzlin' Summer Slimdown contest and dropped about 20 pounds and has kept it off! 

Recently she has had to take a time out to have surgery and she sent me such a special note. I had to ask her if I could share it, because her note struck a topic that we don't hear about. Everyone talks about the fat loss, the inches lost, the strength gained...no body really talks about how training has a dramatic impact on your insides, your blood flow, your recovery, etc. So here is what she sent me less than a week after her surgery!

"Hello Meagan,

I wanted to let you know my surgeon attributed the success to my high risk surgery to the good shape I'm in. I have Get Fit NH to thank for that.

In specific, there was a very low level of bleeding during the recovery. This enabled my surgeon to see the operating area better. Robotics was used. It was crucial she had a clear view! She attributed that to my good vascular condition from working out.

Who knew?! 🙂

As we get older the possibility of having to have surgery increases, this we all know. The best message Get Fit can send is working out will up the success rate of any upcoming surgeries! But.. you coaches already knew that!! 🙂

Just wanted to say THANKS! Joining Get Fit was the best choice I made a couple (coming up on 2 yrs) of years ago!!"

Thank you for the note, Kristine! I am so glad you chose to join the family (almost) 2 years ago. We are lucky to have you. Happy recovery! Can't wait to have you back!

Coach Meagan

Yes, that says "sportlight", and yes, it was on purpose 🙂

After speaking with Kyle Hill’s dad, Tom, as well as speaking with Kyle, I decided this was a great subject for my next spotlight. Kyle was a part of my Athlete Academy program for several months before starting to play on several baseball teams this spring. Over those several months I saw major improvements in Kyle in just about every facet. He got stronger, he got more flexible, and in turn his play got better. Below is some information from Kyle himself about his experience in Athlete Academy.

“I originally started Athlete Academy to get stronger and to become a better player in general. Before starting I did not have much prior knowledge on how to correctly work out and gain strength.

I pitch, play center field, and also play shortstop for Concord High Baseball. I've played baseball since before first grade and played on numerous levels from Babe Ruth up to Concord Cannons. Since doing Athlete Academy, I have noticed a major difference in my performance on the field. My bat speed has improved greatly, making it easier to hit faster pitching, I have become a faster runner on the base paths, and there is also a difference in velocity while pitching.

These improvements are all thanks to Athlete Academy and I would have never gotten better in this way without it. The best part of Athlete Academy is having a coach like Coach Adam there to push you and make you get better and also having the other athletes there to support you as well.”

I am extremely proud of Kyle for taking the steps to get him to the enormous potential he possesses. Great job, Kyle! Can’t wait to get out and see some games this spring!

-Coach Adam

Get the tissues out with this one. After reading this you will not be able to stay discouraged or no motivated. Debbie is the meaning of the word, ‘Determined’. I’m pretty sure that if you looked it up in the dictionary her picture would be there. With her determination she has increased the level of intensity in the whole room. I believe Debbie’s crew pushes harder because Debbie pushes so hard. Remember to grab a box of Kleenex.

Debbie on the left getting her I Survived shirt

“As a (3x) Cancer survivor and loss of my right leg from just above the knee down, my absolute biggest challenge would be to keep my motivation up and lose weight and be more mobile. After my last episode with Cancer which was in September of 2015, the cancer medicine that was prescribed to me to take on a daily basis would make me feel fatigued and increased my weight as a side effect. Goals would be set to focus on diet and exercise but I would always fail after the first day or two. All the healthy fruits and vegetables I would buy and intend to eat that week would end up going bad. As I was growing up I was never much of a vegetable eater. It was something I have always avoided.

After my last doctor’s appointment in January of this year I felt discouraged after seeing my weight on the scale at the doctor’s office. I felt the demons inside me were beating me up and at that time I decided to do something about it. This is the first time in my entire life I felt a change needed to be made to better myself.

After my workouts and eating the healthier foods, my weight has gone down. My energy level has gone up with a sense of highness. I feel more flexible and toned. The ability to just bend over without holding my breath has gone away. I have noticed and have received compliments that I have lost weight in my face. I can feel the change in my body every day.

If you need strength, encouragement, positive results and a better outlook on yourself, then Get Fit NH is the key. It’s not just a gym. It’s the positive atmosphere and encouragement from the coaches; I’ve also made new friends.

During my episodes of cancer I have always stayed positive and upbeat. I have never asked “why me”. With the love and support of family and friends it was all I needed to make it through. Since the time when I lost my leg people were always impressed with what I could do. I have been through many obstacles in my life and have not let any stop me from what I want to do. My motto is “Where there is a will, there is a way”. It is what I always say to myself.”

Debbie truly shines in the spotlight with a smile! Thank you Debbie for shining at Get Fit NH.

-Coach Nancy

If you asked me to list reasons why I absolutely adore Evelyn I could truly go on and on. This woman is the life of the party. You cannot possibly have a bad day when Evelyn is in the room. She brightens the room with her smile and her humor fills the room with laughs and joy. I am thrilled to have her at the 6:45 class. We are definitely the lucky ones. Her willingness to be coached, have fun and lend a helping hand is admirable. Here is what she has to say...

First let me say how humbled I am that I was picked to be the spotlight. I started my journey with Get Fit in December of 2016. When I joined I was looking to help improve my strength and help tone my body. I have lost over a hundred pounds since 2012 yet I had only really focused on cardio and portion control of my meals. Once joining Get Fit I immediately felt the changes in my muscles. Not just because I felt sore after every workout, it was a good sore, it was a sore that you knew change was happening. I could see the definition and shape taking place in muscles I didn't know existed!! Not only was I seeing the changes but I was feeling them too. I feel stronger, and I have better balance. The group training has been great it keeps it fun! When your having fun, time flies by! Having people at all different fitness levels makes me feel so comfortable and not afraid to make the modifications that I need for any injuries that I have. The color band system is great, I love knowing that I'm pushed on exercises that I can be pushed and challenged on, and then watched and modified on those exercises that I shouldn't be pushing myself due to injury or other restrictions. I feel like all the coaches really take an interest in each and every student to know what's going on with them and make sure that everybody exercises safely. I also love the family like atmosphere. I may not know everyone's name ( I'm trying to! ) but it doesn't change the fact that we're all supportive and help one another through every class!I really am happy that I stumbled across this gym on Facebook. Ironically enough once I got there I found lots of people I know and are even related to that go there as well!! Personally I would recommend this gym to anyone and everyone because it doesn't matter if you're young, old, fit or unfit they will make the class fit you!! Thank you to all my 6:45pm class peeps, and Coaches Adam, Cari and Meagan for all your support and awesomeness! On 3.... 1,2,3. MAKE IT HAPPEN! ! WOO HOO! !​

You can feel her enthusiasm in her post above, can't you? I am grateful to have Evelyn train with us at 6:45. She brightens my day and those around her!

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan​

This student spotlight is shining bright on Audrey Fischbein. Besides brining a great sense of humor and hard working attitude to class, Audrey has seen results and has enjoyed her time at Get Fit. Below is a short segment from Audrey’s own experience since joining the family.

Audrey is on the left getting her I Survived shirt!

Why did you choose Get Fit NH?
I met Dean about 6 years ago - his story was very inspiring! The results of others were also incredible so I figured it's time to do something for myself!

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?
My love for exercising returned. My energy increased and I started to feel strong!

What outside of Get Fit NH has become easier since starting?
I focused on my eating as well so I don't have that tired time in the afternoon! And I can easily get all my groceries in one trip up 2 flights of stairs lol

What are your goals?
Lose inches and get my BMI down! Look as healthy on the outside as I am on the inside.

What have you accomplished so far?
20lbs down. Much better diet, thanks to Nancy and all the nutrition help! Also I have learned to love feeling sore ALL THE TIME!

What is your favorite part of Get Fit NH?
The coaches! How it's always different and fun. The accountability! The challenges! I love how it offers not just the exercise piece but also the nutrition piece!

Great job, Audrey, taking the opportunity and making the absolute most out of it!

-Coach Adam

Jessica is one of those people who started with Get Fit NH in December, the time when most people feel it is the craziest time of the year. I sent Jessica a few questions, I was curious about what drives her. Jessica faithfully figures out a training schedule each week and lets me know what it is. She is Making It Happen. I knew that if I asked Jessica what made the difference for her, she would in turn inspire more and more people. Check out what makes Jessica go.

What was your absolute biggest challenge before joining Get Fit NH?

What changed after becoming a member of the Get Fit family?

Jessica is on the right getting her "I Survived" t-shirt!

I no longer make the excuses to not go to class. On Sundays, I plan out which classes I am going to attend each day and I stick to it. My kiddos don’t always like it but they are adjusting and are actually taking on more responsibilities at home. I have had a couple of people tell me to look at going to class like an appointment that I cannot cancel. So I stick to my schedule and make sure to email Nancy the times I will be there - she is the accountability I need. The flexibility to attend other training times has been my saving grace as I never know what the next week will bring.

I continue to work on the nutrition piece of the program. This has been harder for me but I have made changes (eating lot of leafy greens) and I am starting to recognize what foods make me feel “yucky”. I try hard to avoid these foods but it is a work in progress. I will keep plugging along and am looking forward to the S3 to help with the accountability in this area too.

What specific results can you share?

Jessica with her 6:15 crew

I am proud of myself that I have stuck with my new routine and this keeps me motivated. The physical training combined with my new eating habits have helped me to lose pounds and inches, as well as helped my mood and energy level. I have seen differences and others are starting to notice too, which is something that keeps me even more motivated to move along on this journey.

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

Once you are ready to give up the excuses, take a chance and join me at training. I was so nervous during the first class I attended. However, the last 5 months have gone by so quickly. I thank everyone in Epsom (especially the 6:15 crew). They welcomed me right away and gave me a source of support that I didn’t know I would have.

Keep it up!
Coach Nancy