success stories

Personal Training Success Stories

Carol D.

My main goal has been weight loss. I began on Feb. 25 and have lost consistently right along. By April 20 I had lost 10.3#, 17" and improved lean Wt. versus Fat Wt. by 93%, not to mention SO MANY other improvements! By June 9, I was down a total of 19.2#, 26"! and total 158% improvement lean/fat, again with additional improvements in my health and well being. The next report will give me a show of more inches lost, I am certain, but the scales says I am now (August 28) down 30 pounds and 30" AND my body fat, at age 64, is 22.6 = "well above average!!! How can a person argue with any of this?!!! Thin, fit, trim, and low body fat to boot -- ALL in one package! WOW!
I can't say enough good about this program and ALL the trainers at this particular facility, "Fitness Together of Barrington". I have worked with personal trainers before with results, but minimal weight loss, which is my main goal. They did fine (just fine, not GREAT like here!) with building muscle and strength, toning & fitness but did not teach me the concept of eating RIGHT! Lisa in particular EXCELS at this. I "GET IT" NOW! She has been so patient with me and yet does not make me feel remiss or guilty. She holds me accountable through checking my "Accountability Food Log Journal", ie: "need less sodium, more protein, more fruits & veg." and the likes, one step at a time and by weighing in weekly AND by making sure I do my "homework" cardio working out. I have also worked with both Jeff and Patrick and they sure do know their stuff and how to keep a person challenged and continuing to achieve results, yet keeping it fun and safe. They are all good at helping one to understand how and why to make a certain move and the CORRECT way to do it to get the best possible results and not be injured. WAY TO GO! I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED this facility for sure! I needn't go elsewhere anymore, ever again. : >) I LOVE this place and my work outs! Thanks to all three of you! Oh yes, and by the way, I went from size 14-16 to a size 6!!! : >) Carol D.

Tracey K.

When I started at Fitness Together I was not in a healthy place. I was overweight, sluggish and my self esteem was very low. As a typical woman, everyone else in the family came before me (including work.) I never made time for myself. I had a major change in attitude and realised that I was worth the time and effort, my family supported me and so the journey began in January.

I have had tremendous success, lost 45lbs and 34.5 inches! 7.5 from my waist, 6.75 from my hips and 7.0 from chest! Down 4 dress sizes! I could not have done this without the support of Lisa and the team!

The immediate thing Lisa and I did was to set small, achievable goals. Usually in 4 to 6 week increments lose 5 lbs, with bigger goals like lose 20lbs by Spring vacation. I am sure that this was key to my continuous improvement. The plan seems simple, but oh so hard to make that lifestyle change, exercise and change my food intake.

I really was unsure of the weight training at the beginning, how can lifting help me slim down? I was so wrong as the weight came off so did the inches, in the right places. All the trainers at Fitness Together, Lisa, Jeff, Patrick and Lauren are excellent. They take my personal goals and challenges and tailor the training accordingly.

Cardio was something I had enjoyed in the past when I was young and athletic, but it was so hard to get going again. I saw improvements each week in every day life. Walking up stairs, playing with the kids at the park and finally building up to running again. The key for me is mixing it up using treadmill, elliptical, spin, rowing and running.

The biggest challenge was eating, making the right choices. Notice how I did not say go on a diet. This is not about a change for a few weeks or months. This is a change for life. Choosing fresh vegetables and fruit, having enough fibre and protein every day. Looking at my calorie intake. I use the Vitabot on line tool EVERY day. This has been key to me understanding what I am eating, it's nutritional value and ensuring I keep in my limits. Lisa also has an immense knowledge on nutrition, when I plateaued or lacked energy she would look at what I was eating and make adjustments to get me back on track. I injured my back in the summer 2 weeks flat on my back, 2 weeks no exercise, 2 weeks very light exercise. In this time I still lost 5lbs as I kept control of my eating. I truly believe the journal and Lisa's knowledge pulled me through this tough time.
I also traveled for work and pleasure about 7 weeks over the year. I still used Vitabot every day. It really helped to me to keep on track although of course I am no angel, so treats are part of my plan whether at home or on the road!

The most astounding confirmation of better health was from the doctors office. I went for my yearly check up and found that overall I had improved my cholesterol dramatically and other health indicators, with his opinion that I had taken 10 years off of my theoretical age from the previous year's results!

The environment at FT is very positive, a very friendly, supportive atmosphere. From the instructors to the other clients, I am sure I have made some friends for life!

The journey continues...but as a lady with energy, better self esteem and educated to make exercise and good food choices part of my daily life.