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

Its always the quiet ones. Amy is one of those quiet people. She gets to training, gets her things ready, finds a space in the room, (she doesn't need a special spot), and she gets right into work. Her quiet demeanor inspires the rest of us. Its no wonder that after getting to know her she reveals her profession as the owner of Chichester Massage. She has a calming effect on my usually stressed and hyped up self. I'm so thankful for Amy. 

"Wow! I can’t believe it’s been 8 years training with Get Fit NH. When I started the building in Epsom wasn’t even complete and we trained outside in the yard with the chickens. So much has changed in those 8 years.

I started training after meeting Dean and Nancy in a business referral group that I had joined to promote my business Chichester Massage. As a massage therapist their integral training program made sense to me combining cardio, core, strength/resistance exercises to maximize the potential of your muscles. The best way to refer someone to a business is to try it yourself so I decided to give it a go. I did not struggle with maintaining my weight but I became winded very easily and felt pretty weak so my goals where to improve in those areas. I remember being very sore in the beginning but also excited as I noticed my energy increase, endurance and strength develop so everyday activities were easier.

At age 38 I felt like I was in the best shape of my life thanks to Get Fit NH and then I became pregnant. I was worried that I would lose all I had gained but I soon realized it was the best thing to set myself up for success. Despite my age my doctor didn’t consider me “high risk” because of the shape I was in and the training actually prepared my body and the baby for the birth process. I trained until the day before I had my daughter, with modifications of course but I believe that had a huge impact on the ease of my pregnancy and getting back in shape post baby.

These days I struggle with balancing the responsibilities of being a mom, wife and business owner but my main goal is keeping up with my 4 year old and being a good role model for her with healthy eating and exercise. There is no better role model for me than Nancy. The way she “makes it happen” is such an inspiration to me that I truly have no excuse not to. I love the support of the 9 am ladies. Everyone encourages each other and even when training is challenging there is lots of laughter. Get Fit NH has been a wonderful asset to me both personally and professionally. I have been a massage therapist for 19 years and keeping my body strong and healthy has contributed to the longevity of my career. I am so thankful for their support these past 8 years and look forward to training with them for many years to come."

Amy has taken ownership of her well being. She is working through the struggle of career, wife, mom, social activities all while striving to keep her fitness and health. Its not easy. Amy knows and feels the struggles we face. As owner of Chichester Massage she offers all those in the Get Fit NH Family a 10% off massage services. I've taken advantage of her offer and reap the benefits. I am so glad Amy chose and continues to choose Get Fit NH.

Coach Nancy

Robin Frament!

One of the many special things about being a coach is seeing someone from their starting place and watching them grow and progress within the training program and within the family. Robin works her butt off every time she is in this gym and it is absolutely no surprise to me that she shares she has lost WAY more weight than what she set for herself as a goal. A few words to describe Robin- committed, consistent and coachable. Thrilled would be an understatement about how I feel about having Robin in the Get Fit Family. This woman is unstoppable. Hear what she has to say for herself!

"I LOVE Get Fit NH! Some form of exercise has always been a part of my life, whether it's been an aerobics class, or Jazzercise (they didn't play much 80's music) or brisk walking. While doing Jazzercise for 15+ years, I felt strong but never was able to get any of that "mid-life" weight off. My friend, Maryann Canary, had told me about Get Fit, and how it helped her. I was suffering with plantar fasciitis...going to physical therapy, eating Ibuprofen...it would seem better...I would go for a brisk walk and then I was back to square one.

So, back in May 2016, I decided I would check out Get Fit. The change has been INCREDIBLE! My feet are pain free! I feel so much stronger than I ever have. And, I don't know if you remember this Meagan, but when I sat down with you to discuss how things were going and what my plans were regarding joining...I told you I wanted to lose about 10 pounds. You said it can be done. Oh yeah it can....I participated in the S3 2.0...and since joining in May, I have lost 18 pounds!!!

I keep coming back for many reasons. The main reason is that I enjoy the class, the energy from the coaches & the students, the variety. Working in healthcare, I see many bodies (young and old) ravaged by diseases and ailments , some of which are preventable or at least better managed. I don't want to be that person.

One of my previous Jazzercise instructors had a saying: "If you like your body the way it is, then keep doing what you're doing". I interpreted that as work harder, more reps, heavier weights....and that's what I do..when I come to the gym to workout, I AM there to work hard.

Thanks for all that you do,
Robin"

I hope Robin's story motivates you too. I am so proud of her and I can't wait to see her continue to progress and grow within Get Fit NH.

Keep making it happen,
Coach Meagan

Will Russo!

Will has been a member of GFNH’s Athlete Academy dating back to last year. I have had the distinct pleasure of being able to watch him grow stronger and faster. I was stoked last week during a set of front squats - I had the athletes increase their weight because they were doing less repetitions. Will increased the weight, did more repetitions than was required, then turned to me and said “wait we were only supposed to do 6 reps and I did 8? I could only do six reps of this weight before!”. It was awesome to see and hear that even he has started to see all the hard work pay off. Here's what Will has to say:

Will is on the right in the blue Falcons jersey

"Coach Adam,
I believe that without Athlete Academy, I wouldn't be able to be an adequate member of my soccer team. I attribute my faster speed in sprinting and long distance, of which I have greatly improved, to this program! Thanks!"
-Will R

I am extremely proud of Will and how hard he has worked! Keep up the awesome work and you will continue to succeed (no pun intended).

-Coach Adam

This time on Marcia Trexler! Marcia is fairly new to the family, but has taken to the program and is always excited to be here, get better, and be coached. Listen to her story from Maria herself:

Why did you choose Get Fit NH?
I have known about Get Fit NH for several years now as I teach in Bow with several colleagues who have attended the program. Some of them have committed to their workouts with Get Fit NH for up to four years. I have seen their bodies transform. They are lean and strong. That latter description regarding their strength, I did not know about until I joined Get Fit and began this journey of transformation. I see what is on the outside - who knew they were so STRONG!

What changes did you notice in the first few weeks?
Strength- that is what I have observed about my own body changes since I joined Get Fit NH in mid-July. I am stronger. As I shared at my strength assessment meeting prior to starting, one of my rationales for joining was to stay strong and become stronger. I am a pretty active person. My teaching job as a FACS teacher (Family and Consumer Science - formerly Home Ec.) has me on my feet all day walking around my classroom. I have worn a Fitbit for about 2 ½ years now and I average 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day. I lift a lot of heavy things in my classroom. My husband jokes that I am strong because of the years of carrying and lifting grocery bags - double duty as I do it for school groceries and for home.

What outside of Get Fit NH has become easier since starting?
With all the bending and lifting I do in my job, I have found that the little aches and pains that would sometimes bother me are much reduced. I am more flexible. My movement is more fluid - I am still careful but have an increased level of surety as to how I move - like doing a “squat” (I think I am finally getting this one move down). I shared with Adam and Megan that as I approach age 60 and want to keep teaching for at least 5 more years, I need to take better care of my body - or it is not going to let me keep doing a job I love for many more years.

What are your goals?
What every woman wants - not just to age gracefully, but to look somewhat graceful and able-bodied. I have always thought that if I could be on dancing with the stars, I would need to be strong. I would need stamina. Being lean and strong can take you a long way with any physical challenge you choose to take on. Get Fit NH is a way for me to have future opportunities doing things I might not otherwise feel I could do and to continue to enjoy the activities I currently do for many years to come - like skiing, bike riding and kayaking.

What is your favorite part about Get Fit NH?
I love going! I find talking with the coaches is easy and they are always friendly. I enjoy meeting new people and like that my classmates are supportive and helpful. Many times they have “deciphered” the day’s exercises up on the board for me. Many of them have heard me say it is like “foreign language”. So, to sum up my experience thus far - I love going!!!

Keep up the hard work Marcia!
-Coach Adam