The best way to end my work day is to coach the 6pm Epsom training crew. They are an amazing blend of people. All of them are a team that works together to get 'better' each day. That 'better' looks a bit different for each of them. Being 'better' has blended together many different personalities, ages, strengths, and abilities. Marquita is one who consistently trains each night with us. As you read, you'll see Marquita's reasons to be 'better'. 

​I’m not big on talking about myself but I was asked to so here it goes.

My son joined the Air Force and watching him go through his basic training, feeling bad for him yet being very proud. I decided that if my son can do this training stuff, so can I. I want to be someone he can be proud of; I want to be proud of myself.

I have been with Get Fit for about 6 months. It took me almost 3 months after I heard about this place to actually call, and looking back I’m glad I did. I had just moved to the area the first of the year and I found myself in a rut, not knowing anyone, but knowing I wanted a change. I needed a change. I did Zumba and loved it but it was only 2 days a week, I wanted to do more. My self-esteem was low, I had gained a lot of weight (I weighed what I did when I gave birth each time). I didn’t like who I had become, I was tired all the time, my body hurt all the time, I needed something, but I hated the gym. All the equipment and all the people, everything was always so over whelming. I had no ambition.

I went for my 2 weeks free trial but I knew after the first night that Get Fit was for me. I would come home after class and tell my husband all about it. I enjoyed how Nancy made me feel comfortable, how if I didn’t know how to do something she would show me, or if I couldn’t do it she would modify it so I could. I love how it’s different every night. I actually look forward to going. I love all the different challenges, and how they make you push yourself and make you hold yourself accountable.

During the 21 Day Detox challenge I learned a lot about FOOD. It made me look at food differently; I pay attention to the labels and what’s in the food and what’s not. Since I’ve joined I have lost about 15 lbs. Even though the 21 day challenge is done I continue to eat healthy and try to make healthier choices. People say you’re on a diet and I say it’s not a diet it’s a way of eating.

I love how my confidence has gone through the roof. I love when someone asks me what have I been doing and I tell them it’s Get Fit. I love the Get Fit Family and I’m so happy I joined.

At Get Fit NH's Annual Christmas Party, Marquita won "The Most Likely To Break Out in Song During Training" Award. All that wonderfulness inside Marquita just bubbles out, you can't help but join her singing.

-Coach Nancy

Steven Meier! I don't know how he has managed to slide under the radar for 6 years, but it stops now! You need to hear what he has to say and I have to share with you how wonderful this man is. Now, Steven is a humble dude, so I am probably going to embarrass him a little, but that's okay. I know he can take it! Steven is an absolute pleasure to coach and be around in general. His attitude is ALWAYS positive. If he is having a bad day, you'd never know it. He smiles anyways. He encourages others and he works hard 100% of the time. I have never seen Steven quit before the end of a set and I have never seen him turn down a challenge. Here is what Steven has to say about the last 6 years with Get Fit NH...

What was your biggest challenge prior to starting Get Fit NH? / Why did you seek out Get Fit NH?

About 6 years ago I had gotten sick during the winter and was not going to the gym. In addition I was having lower back pain. I was constantly using the excuse of feeling under the weather and not wanting to make my back any worse. This pattern went on for about 6 months. At the time I was working with a woman who was attending Get Fit in Epsom who would come in every day touting the benefits of the gym (gee hard to imagine someone from Get Fit with so much enthusiasm). She knew that I had been going to the gym consistently up until that winter and kept bugging me to join. Finally I bit the bullet and contacted Get Fit.

What changed after joining?

After the first week or so when I thought I wouldn’t make it thru the first 2 weeks of free training, I began to see a change in my body. I had put on a number of pounds over the winter and actually went up a waist size. Just when I started at Get Fit, the S3 Challenge was getting under way. I really am not a proficient cook but made a concerted effort to watch what and how much I ate (with the help from my friend at work). Within the first month or two I had lost 12 pounds and dropped 2 waist sizes. I also noticed my muscle tone was vastly improved from when I was attending my former gym.

How long have you been with Get Fit NH?

This spring will make it 6 years that I have been coming to Get Fit NH.

What specific results can you share?

Besides the things mentioned above I also noticed that my stamina was much better than I ever remember. You’ve got to love the metabolic exercises. I also have been keeping at a consistent weight within a pound or two for quite some time.

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

Many people I have spoken to about Get Fit NH will use the excuse that they are in too poor a shape and too overweight to attend a gym like Get Fit NH. My answer to them is the session that I attend has both men and women, older and younger, some overweight and some not. The program is not set up for competition with others (ell except Fun Fridays sometimes). It is set up to compete with yourself to get in better shape and lose the weight that you wish to lose. I think that the concept of timed periods of exercise with no expectations is perfect. You do the number of reps or lift the amount weight you can do at any one time. The only stipulation is that you work to increase your reps and weight.​

I think that Dean has put together an amazing program and has a group of coaches that makes me want to have perfect attendance every month. Besides the coaches, the members are part of what makes Get Fit NH so great. Friends just don’t understand on a day off why I would get up for the 5AM class when I could sleep in and go later. You 5AMers do though right?

​So there you have it! If Steven didn't show up to train I would be concerned until I heard from him. I can always count on him being there at 4:40 AM to get his people their foam rollers and give me a hard time. I can always count on you!

Keeping making it happen,
Coach Meagan

Anna LeBrun has been a part of our Athlete Academy for a little over a month now, but has been a member of Get Fit for much longer. Below are some of her short but sweet explanations of why she chose Get Fit and what she has accomplished.

"I wanted to start athlete academy this year because I wanted to improve my athleticism and I also really enjoyed it when I've been part of it in the past.

I play softball and field hockey. In softball I'm a catcher and middle infielder, and in field hockey I'm a defender and a midfielder.

Since starting at Athlete Academy, I have noticed that I am more mindful about how to keep myself healthy and try to prevent injuries. I've also noticed that I've gotten stronger in the time I've been there.

My favorite part of Athlete Academy is setting small goals and the feeling when I reach those goals. I like watching my progress and seeing my improvement. I love how the coach and the others are motivating and supportive."

I remember when I first started working here how awesome it was having Anna in class, someone who always works extremely hard, loves a challenge, is extremely positive and is always accepting of new ways she can get better. She has brought that same positive attitude, friendliness, and competitive drive to Athlete Academy and I am extremely impressed with how much she has accomplished and how hard she works every single time she comes in. Great Job, Anna, and keep it up!

-Coach Adam

Proud just doesn't cut it. I don't know of a word that is perfect. It would probably have to be something like- Ican'tbelievejustwhathappenedbutofcourseIknewitwasgoingtoo. (I made that word up. It is very much like the statement: "I can't believe just what happened but of course I knew it was going too.")

Its been very rare that I am part of something that shakes the room I stand in.

On November 11, 2016 I was in a room that shook. It shook with excitement. It shook with sound. It shook with voices. It shook with cheers. It shook as a ski erg was pushed, and pushed hard. And we all were moved by seeing Kathy ski her heart out. After she finished skiing a 1000 meters in 3:52.0, she had spent all her energy. It was thrilling to witness such drive, such power, such accomplishment. 

Kathy's journey to her third place ranking in the Concept 2 Ski Erg Sprints World Cup didn't surprise me. I had seen it coming for months. Kathy had been here before. She knew the challenge. She also paid her dues. She started training for her race in the summer. We came up with a training plan and she stuck with it. Every day, she knew her plan. Every day, she executed it. There are not many I know that would stick out a difficult training regime for months just to prove to herself she could. Kathy is that type of person.

"Ican'tbelievejustwhathappenedbutofcourseIknewitwasgoingtoo!"

Kathy's time amazed me. She is quick, she is powerful, she is determined. I didn't even know Kathy had more than that on her mind. I'll let Kathy tell her story. 

Kathy  Get Fit NH

"This is the hat I received this morning for coming in 3rd place in my age group in the Ski Erg Wold Sprints a couple weeks ago. To the outsider this hat represents the position I finished.

To me, this hat represents much more. First, I was recently challenged to always "be better today than I was yesterday" (I set a new personal record). Thanks Coach Dean for the challenge. Second, this competition reminded me that there is a difference between "winning" and "accomplishing".....a concept I have been focused on lately (for myself and my children). Third, this race came with some personal challenges, and I was able to face, and overcome, some of them. Forth, but most importantly, I was reminded that I have a GREAT bunch of people who are always willing to support me in my goals. A huge shout out to my 9am Get Fit ladies for supporting me before and during the race. I had that support from everyone in my Get Fit NH family! THANK YOU for helping to Make It Happen!!!!"

​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

Cristina Kearns is hanging out in the spotlight this week and let me tell you it is WELL DESERVED. The dedication and determination this woman has is out of this world. Her positive attitude is contagious and her outbursts make the entire room smile. I am so thankful to have Cristina train with us. She busts her butt and accepts challenges with open arms. I asked Cristina to share her story, because she has recovered from not one but two back surgeries and I swear you wouldn't even know it. She gets here and frequently sees her name on the perfect attendance poster. She trains like she means it each and every day. Here is what she has to say...

Get Fit has made me STRONGER over the past four years! When I first started at Getfit I was obsessed with the number on the scale; it was not about being healthy it was about being skinny. Today, strong is the new skinny. Getfit has helped me change the way I think and I am so grateful. The amazing coaches at Getfit have also helped me through chronic back pain and recent back injuries.

I have had chronic back problems over fifteen years. I had my first back surgery 12 years ago. During that time in my life I was not exercising, I was making poor food choices and solely concentrating on what my two daughters and husband needed. I was putting my own health on the back burner and I only had myself to blame for that. By not taking care of me, my back problems continued- I was not maintaining a healthy weight, my core was weak and my flexibility was declining.

Fast forward to 2014. I was training for my first full marathon and also training at Getfit. My coaches were continuing to help me work on my core and I was learning the importance of breathing. Coach Meagan was encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and I was lifting more I ever thought I could! In September, I started having sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain and I knew I was headed to very familiar territory. My training runs were getting longer and my pain was increasing. I was back and forth to the doctor and was being prescribed steroids. I was also reaching out to Coach Dean and Coach Meagan, desperate for their advice. Despite these setbacks, I made it to the finish line of the Chicago marathon in October!

However; the pain continued and after physical therapy, chiropractor visits and cortisone shots, in February, my surgeon decided that we needed to take the next step and decompress the nerve that was aggravating my back. The surgery was successful and the recovery was a long road, but Coach Meagan would check in frequently, letting me know she was thinking of me and rooting for me along the way. I took the summer off and returned to Getfit in August 2015. I had my FMS screening and returned with a wrist full of colorful bands; I modified everything! I knew I was in a place where I would get stronger and better; I was watched carefully and I was grateful for their watchful eyes. Thank you Getfit for your continued support, professionalism and encouragement. I look forward to getting up every day to attend my 5 am class; I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

Thank you for brightening my day every morning! You are a true rockstar!
-Coach Meagan

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