Shining the Lights On Elizabeth!

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

Attitude is a Choice!

The other day I really got to thinking about how people respond when asked, How are you?.

This is kind of a question we ask out of proper etiquette, but do you really listen to the response you get? I’m good, I’m well, I’m alright, I’m okay and I’m here are all pretty common answers. It’s pretty rare that someone answers totally honest that they are having the worst day or the best day or a great day, right? They just kinda answer and move about their business.

Here is something I observed recently (because I really do listen when I ask you how you are doing!): I get A LOT of I’m okay and alright or I’m here (consistently and from the same people!).

I am no longer taking that as an answer so you may need to think about an adjustment.

You CAN’T just be Eeyore all the time! If you answer that way, then that’s how you’ll act. Do you REALLY just want to be okay all the time?

When someone asks me how I am doing, I always (and will always) say excellent, stupendous, super, amazing, wonderful, ducky….something insanely positive because that’s how I want to feel and act.

I strongly believe attitude is a choice and it starts with how you think you’re doing. Your attitude effects SO many aspects of life. It effects everyone around you. It effects your motivation, your actions, your results….everything.

Words mean something and they effect you so don’t be an Eeyore, be a Baby Roo!!!

-Coach Meagan

We all love Jayne, don’t we?

I just had to put Jayne Millerick in the spotlight. If you train with Get fit NH then you have probably met Jayne, seen Jayne or heard of Jayne. She is insanely humble and more of an inspiration than she will ever understand. I remember when I first started coaching with Get Fit 4 years ago and thinking WOW! This woman is STRONG and she is the sweetest person ever. I feel so lucky to know Jayne, coach her and have her in this Get Fit NH family. When I grow up- I want to be like her and if you have ever trained next to her then you probably feel the same! I asked her to share her background, because even I would never believe her training history. Here is what she has to say..

How long have you trained at Get Fit NH?13962613_10154471913388410_4688648274892979837_n
6 years

Why did you seek out a coaching facility?
Before joining Get Fit, I was an expert at finding excuses not to exercise regularly. Something would inevitably come up every day and it wouldn’t get done. When a friend asked me to join her for the 5am class in Concord, I did it because coming up with a conflict at 5am was hard, even for me. 🙂

Why have you stayed for 6 years?
There are many, many reasons why I have stayed for 6 years. First and foremost, I love the people and the training program. Importantly though, there is peace of mind in knowing that you guys are always on top of what is best in nutrition and training. Following your guidance takes the time and guesswork out of both areas, which is huge for me.

What did you do for training before Get Fit?
Prior to training at Get Fit, I ran short distances a few times a week. As mentioned earlier though, I was very good at coming up with excuses not to train.

What has helped you be successful over the past 6 years?
Still a work in progress, but two things come to mind. First, its the coaches and fellow “Get Fitters”. You all make training a fun and positive experience every day. Second, its the nutrition. Following Get Fit’s nutrition guidance has not only significantly changed my body composition over the years but has eliminated daily mid-afternoon exhaustion.

What advice would you like to give someone who is just starting their journey?
Something that I have learned to do over the years is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Early on, I spent way too much time being afraid to fail. I used to think that showing up for class was important, not necessarily how hard I worked. I would watch people do pull ups and be too intimidated to even get up on the bar. Not unsurprisingly, I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. So, my advice to those starting out would be don’t waste time like I did! Listen for a challenge(s) at the start of each class, then do something that is hard even when you don’t want to and/or don’t feel ready. You may not always be successful and it may not be pretty, but I found the results I wanted followed once I started giving 100% for 60 minutes.

Take her advice. She is a perfect example of someone who MADE their body change. It doesn’t just happen (wouldn’t it be nice if it did?), you have to make it happen!
-Coach Meagan

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Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Is it you?

Okay so not maybe not a CHICKEN dinner, but maybe a salad for dinner!? I promised PRIZES for perfect attendance students when I became a Pampered Chef consultant so I am keeping my word! We put all 42 names into a hat and drew 2 lucky winners so here we go….

HUGE congrats to Kelly Gauthier and Michelle Thomas! These ladies are our October perfect attendance prize winners. They are both getting this excellent book on Fresh and Fast salad recipes!
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Congrats to ALL of our perfect attendance students- we appreciate you penciling us in every day and making it happen!

Thank you!
Coach Meagan and the crew

Pampered Chef and 31 Christmas Shopping Party

Our third annual Pampered Chef and 31 party is approaching! it is cool to get the opportunity to shop for the latest and greatest kitchen tools and meal prep supplies and make sure they travel in style throughout the holidays and even keep your lunch cold with the fun 31 styles. We have had great success with these parties over the last three years. The reason why we participate in these parties is because by hosting we earn FREE stuff which we use as raffle prizes for our annual Christmas party (clever, huh?)
We typically earn about $300 worth of free stuff which we turn around and give away to you guys!

On November 12th at 9:30 AM we’ll gather at our Concord location for some brunch and some holiday shopping! Get some Christmas shopping done all while enjoying a free meal and good company!

We hope to see you there. If you can’t make it – don’t worry! You can still shop using the links below. Let us know if you need a catalog!

Coach Meagan

Here is the Pampered Chef shopping link https://pamperedchef.com/go/GetFitNH
Here is the 31 shopping link https://www.mythirtyone.com/163581/shop/Party/EventDetail/9517019

Why Are Short Term Goals Important?

The other day I was having a conversation with a student who was feeling uninspired. It always breaks my heart a little to have these conversations as it makes me realize we don’t talk about why goals are so important enough, which means I have not been doing my job.

As a coach and fitness enthusiast, I am one of those weird people who loves to train hard, sweat a bunch, and get better every day just because I want to be lean (forever and ever and ever). That is enough drive for me to get it done and stay excited about it. But not everyone is weird like me!

A huge reason to train forever and ever and ever is because we want to age more gracefully and stay out of a walker for as long as possible. We want to maintain our independence and get up and down off the floor and stay on our own two feet. While that is an important life goal- it isn’t enough for everyone to stay motivated. So how do we get excited about training every day?

Well, for starters we try to create an atmosphere that gets you PSYCHED to get here and make this the best hour of your day, but more than that you need a goal. A goal has an end date otherwise it’s just a hope and dream. It needs to be something important to you. Something that will drive you. Something that will make you REALLY happy when you achieve it!

When we set our goals, we go 4 weeks at a time so when setting goals don’t go too crazy! Sometimes you have to set smaller goals that are working up to a BIG goal! Here is an example of a goal that is too big for 4 weeks, but can break down into smaller goals.

Goal: To screen out of my red band.

October: I want to lose 6 pounds so I am going to focus on eating 3 meals/day.

  • Being able to screen out of the red band could just mean you do not currently have the strength to push the excess weight from the floor. So, let’s work on getting some of the excess weight off. Also, that means you have to keep up with your training, because you won’t get any stronger by not training.

November: I want to lose another 6 pounds so I am going to get my last meal in before 7:30 PM.

  • Assuming you nailed your other small goal, then let’s add on another step while keeping the other goal in place.

December: I want to screen out of my red band so I am going to spend 10 minutes on my personalized exercises every day.

  • There are more personalized exercises that your coach can teach you to help you achieve this goal.

This is just an example. Your coaches are here for you to help you identify a goal and break it down 4 weeks at a time. It is about building habits, being consistent and working toward something that matters to you!

We can help you make it happen,
Coach Meagan

The Spotlights Keep Coming In!

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

Why Do We Train?

If you are here, you probably have a pretty solid reason to walk through the door every day. Here are some common reasons:

  • Lose fat
  • Gain muscle
  • Feel better
  • Look better
  • Maintain
  • Mindset

Could be one, could be all, could be a combination of some of those things. We all have our own reasons to walk through the door each day. I want to remind you of something...

Results don’t happen just by training. Training is what keeps your independence. Training is what keeps you on your own two feet. Training keeps you getting up off the floor without assistance. Training is what keeps the walker out of your future.

If you are breathing the same air as me and you are driven by any of those reasons stated above, then it’s this magical word that will ensure fat loss, muscle gain, feeling better, looking better, maintenance and mindset (and more!).

NUTRITION.

Yeah, I said it. We don’t want to believe this is true, but I’m sorry, it just is! Just because someone you know can eat 3 cheeseburgers, a large order of fries and a giant soda and not gain a pound DOES NOT make them healthy or fit…keep that in mind. We can’t change the cards we’ve been dealt, but we can change how we look and feel.

Take control. Don’t make excuses. If you want to change something about yourself, then let’s focus on one thing you’re going to change today to make it happen.

-Coach Meagan

Shining in the Spotlight – Amanda

"I joined Get Fit because my muscles don’t like to work right. And arthritis was catching up to me. What?! I thought, seriously, I’m 40. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to move when I got older. So I joined. I was inspired by a wonderful friend and the changes she made. I thought let’s just see what I CAN do and we’ll go from there.

I’ve learned a lot about myself since. First, I was afraid to move. I spent those first few classes terrified I was going to hurt myself. Did it hurt? You bet! Did I hurt myself? Absolutely not. In fact, I feel better than ever! It’s the little things I notice. Like running up the stairs. Helping lift heavy stuff and I think "that’s not that heavy". Being on the go all day and then not being sore that night. Getting my chicken feed and saying "nope, I can carry it, thank you anyway!" I even got a compliment on my pushups recently!!

Today I got my 2 years strong shirt from Get Fit NH. I've accomplished so much and am looking forward to more. The last two years have been all about the letter P. Perseverance, persistence, patience, protein and produce. I have hurdles to jump this next year and I will meet them with the letter S. Strength, support, steadiness. Thanks Coach Nancy for helping me see I can do it. Cara Wiley you're my hero and role model!!!"

Keep that smile, Amanda - it's contagious!

Another Motivating Success Story by Terri

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