This time the spotlight shines on Amy Doyle. Amy and her husband, Jim, have been part of the Get Fit NH family for a while now. Amy is part of our 5am class in Concord and always comes in with a smile, a willingness to work hard, and a shrug (we are working on the last one). All joking aside, Amy has been a fantastic addition to the family and we love having her in class. Here are some of Amy’s own words about her journey at Get Fit NH...

Why did you choose Get Fit NH?

My husband, Jim, and I joined Get Fit in July. After spending years going to gyms, we were looking for a different approach to working out. I had many colleagues at Bow Memorial School that trained at Get Fit and we decided to give it a try. We were both hooked after a few workouts.

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?

Almost immediately I noticed that I wasn't feeling hurt and dinged up all the time. It was typical for me to experience pain while training, and I had come accustomed to working though chronic shoulder pain during my workouts. The first month showed me that this didn't have to be the case. The workouts at Get Fit were making me stronger, but not at the cost of being hurt. I also noticed that I was able to do more functional skills without pain and effort.

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

What are your goals?

When I first started at Get Fit my goal was to lose 10 pounds. Like many people, I struggle with the number on the scale. Over the past few months, my goals have changed. I want to be healthy, strong, and know how to fuel and care for my body. I won't lie though...I want to be able to do a chin-up!

What have you accomplished so far?

What is your favorite part of Get Fit NH?

My favorite part of Get Fit are the coaches. I am so appreciative of their vigilance during the workouts to keep stubborn people like me safe and accountable. Without their guidance, I would still be struggling with injury and pain.

Keep the hard work up and the shoulders down, Amy!
-Coach Adam

You've already seen Rita in the spotlight last week, and now her daughter Jess is shining, too!

I asked Jess to write something up, because it has been AMAZING to watch her transform on so many levels. Her confidence, her attitude, her commitment, and her form (just to name a few) have come a very long way in a pretty short time. I cannot imagine NOT having her and her mother Rita in our 5:30 training hour. She is consistently on the perfect attendance poster. She lifts heavy every time and she makes those around her smile. It has been an absolute joy to coach Jess. Proud would be an understatement to describe my feelings about her performance. Here is what she has to say...

Jess and her mom Rita winning our "Best Mother-Daughter Accountability" award!

1. What was your absolute biggest challenge prior to starting at Get Fit NH?

I had two really big challenges before before I started with Get Fit. The first one was staying committed with what I was doing; I'd go to the the gym for a few months straight and eat really well and then completely fall right off the wagon. I think one of the reasons because of that was that I was doing it alone. My second biggest challenge was that when I was at the gym I was to intimidated to go weight section of the gym. I knew that it was an important part to working out but seeing all those buff dudes working out made me really self conscious.

2. What changed after starting?

All of that! I feel that having my mom going through this with helps big time. When I'm having a hard time getting motivated, she's always there to get me going and vice versa. Its also nice knowing that everyone one who goes to Get Fit is there for the same reason and probably has felt the same way at the gym.

3. What specific results can you share?

I've been feeling so much better! The best result is that I sleep so amazingly now. Before I would sleep so inconsistently that I'd wake up exhausted.

4. What would you say to somebody on the fence about starting?

I'd say that going to Get Fit has been the best money I've ever invested on myself. The atmosphere is so welcoming and everyone is incredibly friendly. The coaches are always there for you and make sure that you're doing exercises properly. They're so encouraging and want to see you reach your full potential. I absolutely love it here and everything about it.

5. What has kept you coming back all these months?

When I found out about Get Fit from my mom it couldn't have come at a better time. I had just lost someone incredibly close to me to suicide and Get Fit has be an amazing outlet for what I went through. I'm now focused on becoming the best possible version of myself and Get Fit is definitely helping me take steps in that direction.​

Here is another thing I love about Jess. She is in her 20's so she is younger than our typical student, but SHE GETS IT! She is setting herself for up for success so young by investing in herself and finding a way to make it happen. I am so so so thankful that Jess (and Rita) came to Get Fit NH. Keep making it happen, ladies! ​

-Coach Meagan

Student Spotlight time!!! This time it is shining on Rita Grenier for the first part of a mother and daughter spotlight. Rita has been a student at Get Fit NH for several months now and continues to bring a positive attitude and willingness to work hard whenever she comes. She and her daughter Jess have been a great addition to the family, coming in with a great sense of humor and looking to have some fun. Rita's hard work has paid off as she has screened out of multiple bands and is looking to take care of the ones she has remaining. Enough from me, take a look at what Rita had to say about her experience!

Rita and her daughter Jess winning the "Best Mother-Daughter Accountability" award!

Why did you choose Get Fit NH?

I had just been diagnosed hypothyroid and having metabolic syndrome. When I looked into Get Fit NH, they were offering the Metabolic Reboot which, being a structured course, I felt fit my needs perfectly.

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?

I had much more energy and less brain fog!! My biggest issue with being hypothyroid was the exhaustion. Since joining I am not sleeping all the time and I am able to do so much more! I still have off days but they are few and far between now.

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

My job. I work nights, therefore I go to class before work. I go in with a much better frame of mind, more positive attitude, and a much better mood. I move around so much easier, and my feet and my back do not hurt so much as they use to. I can climb steps without being out of breath! I also have more energy to keep up with my 4 rescue labs!

What are your goals?

My goal is to develop and stick to good eating habits and losing weight. My other goal? To drop at least 3 more bands!

What have you accomplished so far?

I've dropped 3 bands since day one. I'm pretty proud of that. LOL. I've also come out of my shell so to speak. It's hard to be social when you sleep all the time. Everyone in all the classes are friendly and supportive! Also since joining with my daughter Jess, I am helping her work towards her goals.

What is your favorite part of Get Fit NH?

ALL the coaches are awesome. They are so patient when I am having a hard time with an exercise or if I don't remember how to do something they take the time to show me and they make the classes fun!

Great job Rita, and I have no doubt that when we re-test shortly for those bands, you will shed more of them!

Stay tuned for the second part of this mother daughter spotlight!

Coach Adam

​Its easy to spot Pam in training. She's the one with the smile on her face all the time. Pam has often asked me specific questions that will help her reach a short term goal best. She knows where she is currently and she knows where she wants to get to. She is doing the consistent work every day to get herself there. She recently took a trip. While she was gone she had asked if I could design some training for her. She sent me daily emails letting me know she had just finished her stuff. She is that kind of a person. She Makes It Happen. 

Pam (left) and Kathy at the Christmas party!

"The reason I came to Get Fit NH is easy to answer. I am a pediatric occupational therapist who works in the school system and have been for 32 years now. At 54 I started noticing that I was losing my strength and agility. I was struggling to pick students up that I needed to assist into their adaptive equipment and apparatus that I use. I knew I had to do something but hated the thought of going to a gym to lift weights or workout on machines. I also battle the bulge and have most my life, I started to notice that I could no longer sit comfortably on the floor with my students. I knew I had to loose some weight if I wanted to continue to get up and down from the floor and be able to squat next to my students.

I decided to try Get Fit after seeing a friend of mine that I had not seen for a while at a beach get together. She looked amazing, having lost weight and toned up. When I asked her what she had done, she told me about the Get Fit NH gym in Epsom. I decided right then and there I was going to check it out. So on August 1st I showed up for the 9:00 a.m. Ladies Only class. I figured if I was going to do this I wanted to go to a class with women who might be in the same boat as me and would not be too judgmental. Not going to lie, that first class was a killer for me. I had no idea what I was doing and could barely do any of it, but instead of being judged, I was encouraged by all present to keep coming and they were all so helpful when I couldn't quite do an exercise right. The biggest encouragement of all always came from Coach Nancy, she made me want to come back each day and try again.

Two weeks went by quickly and I was hooked. In that two weeks I could feel a difference already and knew I had found the gym for me. In two weeks I learned that I can do this, you are never too old to start, there were no more excuses, just keep showing up and they will modify the exercises to your ability level and encourage you to try the next step when they think you are ready.

I am completing month six and I feel amazing. I am so much stronger and even though my school schedule and life only allow me to get to the gym 2 times a week, it has made a huge difference. No more struggling to lift kids, my balance has improved and I can squat to their level again and join them on the floor. I have also taken advantage of the many other things this gym offers besides the exercise. I am just starting my second round of the 21 Day plus Challenge. I have attended nutrition classes and their crock pot meal workshop. As a result of better eating and sticking to it, I am down 20 pounds which is a 1/4 of the way to my personal goal.

What was really amazing as it has never happened before, I went through the Holiday season and only gained 1/2 a pound, usually I am good to gain 7 or more! This gym is truly like no other, there is never any pressure to attend and participate in all the many other things they offer. They make coming to training fun. Where else can you wear a tutu on a Tuesday in October, wear all my many Christmas hats, hear a good joke and share a common goal with people........to get more fit. Due to my school schedule I now go to the 4:00 p.m. class and feel just as welcome as I did in the ladies only class. I wasn't sure about working out with men at my age, but they are just as encouraging and non-judgmental.

This is another special thing about this gym, you can jump into any class that fits your schedule for the day and everyone in it is so welcoming and supportive. The Get Fit Coaches are so caring, where else would you get an email to check in if you missed a class? Where else would your fellow trainees notice that you weren't in class and tell you you were missed when you didn't come to class for a week? Where else do your coaches and fellow trainees ask if there is anything they can do to help when you are struggling in class or your personal life? The personal attention given compares to nothing I have ever experienced. Their motto of "Make It Happen" is something I now believe I can do, I already made my number one reason for joining Happen, to get stronger and my number two reason is a work in progress that with their continued support I know I will achieve too. Thank you to everyone I have met and that have encouraged me to keep going these past six months. I can't wait to see changes will occur in the next 6 months and beyond."

Keep Making It Happen, Pam, and always keep smiling. It's contagious!

-Coach Nancy

​

I am happy to shine the light on Marybeth. She has been training with us for just over four years and has come so far! I love that I get to see such a drastic change in people on a daily basis. Anything from confidence to strength to mobility to knowledge. It is all powerful and encouraging stuff to watch someone soak in. Marybeth has done just that these past 4 years. I have seen her body change. She is significantly stronger. She can knock out push ups and she even helps lead her group from time to time. I can always count on Marybeth to have a smile, a positive attitude and incredible work ethic. Here is what she has to say about her training with Get Fit NH.

I have always tried to live an active lifestyle. When I was a stay at home mom, I played tennis, and loved to go to the gym and attend spinning and strength training classes. But after having to go back to work full-time, I struggled to balance work, kids and staying active. So for about a year and a half I didn't workout at all and felt unhealthy and out of shape. One day in class I was talking to a coworker (Muriel Hall) and she was telling me about her workout that morning...push ups, squats, the ski erg, jump roping, burpees (what's that?). I was definitely interested and thought that was right up my alley.

I started 4 years ago and absolutely love it at Get Fit NH!! After starting, I was sore in places that I didn't think I could be sore, but it was a good sore. I loved how strong and good I was feeling about myself again. We all have our ups and downs when we are getting back on track or starting something new and I'm no different. So as I started to slack in going to training, my coach was right there ready to email me to find out why I wasn't at training that day. I was surprised at first to hear from her but was also happy to know that Get Fit NH cares about my success. The combination of training and good healthy eating  has changed my body. It's amazing how important they both are to your fitness success. I've been able to keep my weight consistent, and I love how my clothes fit!

Get Fit NH has been the best fit for me...I love the training, the coaches are awesome and push me to always be better, and that's what I tell people who are on the fence about going to training. I look forward to seeing my friends, coworkers and all the trainers at training 4 days a week, and that's what keeps me going back. People ask me where I go to "workout" and I tell them that I "train" at Get Fit NH!!

There you have it. Real people. Real results. Marybeth has worked through some significant injuries and modified where she needed to. She has never given up and because of that she is strong, fit, and always searching to improve. Thank you for choosing to train with us Marybeth. You are a wonderful part of my day.

Coach Meagan​

And this time it's Leslie Thompson that's thrown right into the middle of the it! Leslie has been a student of ours since before I even became a coach. I can tell you, however, that just in the time I have been coaching at Get Fit, I have even seen a change in her. Screening out of bands left and right, working hard and having a positive attitude every time. Always enjoying coming in. Here are some words from Leslie herself about her journey...

"I chose Get Fit NH because my neighbor, Sheila, recommended it. I was looking for something for me. Something that I could do for myself. Plus, I was sick of feeling achy all the time and really out of shape. So I thought I'd give it a try. My first few weeks I was really, really sore. But I liked that feeling, I still do. It makes me aware that my body has muscles. And that they are meant to be used. I began to feel strong and flexible. Everything in my life started to become easier. I could run laps around my old self at my job. I had so much more energy. And my body began to feel looser but stronger at the same time

My goal at Get Fit NH is to continue. To continue to go. To continue to commit to myself and my health. I love it. Sure, when I get there at 6:45 pm, I am usually crawling in. But, I am always glad that I went, glad that I trained. Glad that I spend that hour on myself. Get Fit NH has helped me in so many ways. Physically, of course. But mentally and emotional as well. I am stronger and more assertive, in a good way. I am my own advocate now. This is my life and it is what I make of it. My favorite part of Get Fit NH is the fact that I LOVE to go. It is a strange concept, I know. But I am hooked. And I am thrilled about it!"

Like I said above, just in the time that I have been at Get Fit I have seen a change in Leslie. I wanted to make sure people were made aware of how hard she works and what she has accomplished. I am extremely proud to be her coach! Keep up the hard work, Leslie!

Coach Adam

Alison Timmins-Ordway takes the spotlight today. I asked her to share her story, because I find it refreshing to see a student come in and embrace the atmosphere, soak up the education, bring a positive attitude, pick up heavy stuff and work hard every single training session. Oh, and she does it with a smile on her face. Alison has an unbelievably uplifting and contagious personality. One of the first things I noticed about Alison was that she wasn't afraid to pick up heavy stuff and she puts 100% into every exercise for every second. She has been training with us for less than 6 months and here is what she has to say about her experience so far.

Alison is pictured on the far right earning her "I survived" shirt!

My biggest challenge prior to joining Get Fit NH was getting back to a routine of fitting in the exercise and the expense. But after I took advantage of the two weeks free, I knew instantly I was joining!

The atmosphere, coaches and people make the gym inviting. I have lost about nine pounds in a little over a month (gained some back with the holidays) and look forward to my morning work outs every day!

I would tell anyone on the fence about joining, that this gym is amazing! The heart rate monitors are a great tool, the accountability emails if you don't make a class make you know you were missed. And everyone is included in events in and outside of the gym when they are happening. No one is left out. Also the private scanning machine is amazing technology that keep me in check. The challenges that are done periodically are so helpful. I feel like I'm always learning something related to food or exercise by the Get Fit NH Facebook page and coaches. And the incentives (swag) is always fun to earn! What keeps me coming back is the coaches being educated at what they do, the group of people who attend the classes I go to and the exercises make me feel so good each day. Get Fit NH has been a great find! I wish I started long ago.

There you have it. Real person. Real results. Take advantage of the tools and education, work hard, lift heavy, smile and encourage others....it could change your life. Thank you Alison for taking the time to share your story and thank you for being a positive part of my day!

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan

This time its shining on Kevin Jones!

Kevin Jones has been tearing it up as a part of my Athlete Academy for a couple months now. Kevin has come a long way. I remember when he first started, seeing him have trouble pulling 85 lbs off the floor deadlifting to now watching him lift 135 lbs off the floor, which is well and away more than his bodyweight, which is awesome! Here is some additional information from Kevin himself...

Why did you choose Athlete Academy?

It was a recommendation from family members.

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?

Kevin is front and center in his goalie gear.

A little soreness from using different muscles.

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

My leg strength in goal has been better.

What are your goals?

Prep school, D1 college hockey, and the NHL.

What have you accomplished so far?

Too soon to tell, but having a good season on a great team.

What is your favorite part of Athlete Academy?

The coaches and the other athletes I train with. Overall there is a good system and attention to detail.

How has Athlete Academy affected your performance?

Better in goal, and a little quicker from side to side staying on the puck.

As with many of my athletes, Kevin is a person of few words. However, I can tell you from my standpoint that I am incredibly impressed with how far he has come and how hard he works on a class-by-class basis. Great job, Kevin, and keep up the good work!

-Coach Adam