Personal Training Success Stories

BEFORE

AFTER

KIM TOMLINSON

Biggest Loser to Biggest Winner!

In late fall before the winter holidays, my friend Val, decided to host a Biggest Loser competition.  She invited several friends, coworkers and family to enter. The contest cost $100.00 to enroll.  There were a total of 17 losers that signed up. The top prize for the Biggest Looser was $1500 and the Second Loser was $200. The only rules were you had to email your weight every week to Val, as she posted the results and circulated it to the rest of the group.  The competition ran from October 4th, 2011 until the finale on Feb 4, 2012.  There were no rules or instructions on how to lose weight, just a financial incentive and moral support from the rest of the group.

On October 2, 2011, I weighed in at a whopping 194.6 lbs.   All I could think about was WOW.  I’ve really turned into a fatty and 16 people are going to be seeing my weight.  This is not something that I have ever shared with another individual before.  A few days prior to starting the competition, some pictures were taken of me at a get together with some friends.   I was horrified with the weight that I had gained and could not stand to look at the pictures of myself. I knew I had to do something.  I needed a plan.

October 3, 2011, my feet hit the floor bright and early at 4:30 a.m. to get on the treadmill aka The “Dreadmill” as I call it.    The very first week I lost almost 5 ½ lbs.   Needless to say I was very excited! This was enough to register a solid 7th place in the group for that week.    The 2nd week, I lost 1 lb, the 3rd week I lost nothing, and the 4th week I gained weight.   The frustration was awful, but the desire to keep moving forward was very strong.

The fourth week was my breaking point.   I had given up pop and was having withdrawals.  I had been exercising my butt off on the “Dreadmill”, taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, I felt exhausted all the time, and I wasn’t eating the food I wanted.    I would bring my Boco burger and side salad for lunch, while everyone else was eating Mexican food, cheeseburgers, candy bars and pop.    I felt like I had NOTHING to show for all the hard work I was putting in.    A big part of me wanted to say screw it.   

Throughout the month of October, when I would voice my frustrations to my friends, Chad and Val, they would tell me that I needed to do something different besides the “dreadmill”.  Chad kept on telling me that I really need to go to FT and try them out.    I knew Chad had been going to FT for a couple of years and really enjoyed going.    I had met Seth and Courtney over the summer.  However I was very skeptical to start a program, mainly due to my own insecurities.   I hate working out in front of people.   I sweat a lot, granted not as much as Chad.   I’m not the most coordinated person and I didn’t want to be judged by the way I looked.  But most importantly, I just didn’t want to give anyone the opportunity to make fun of me.    I had a lot of excuses in my mind as to why I shouldn’t try FT.

After having a few more days with little or no weight loss, I finally broke down into tears. As a result, my friend Chad convinced me to call FT.  October 31st, was my very first appointment.    I had the assessment and needless to say, I was MORTIFIED!   I couldn’t even do a push-up.  I think I did 3 girl style push-ups.    I went home thinking that I am 38 yrs old and I couldn’t even do a freaking push-up.  How pitiful is that?   

The next day, I showed up for my one on one session.   I did exercises that I’ve never done in my life during the 45-minute session.     The trainer would show me how to do a burpee or some other exercise.  I found myself telling the trainer “I can’t do that!  There is no way I can do that”.   The trainer would look at me, grin, and say “Just try it Kim”.     I tried it and I did it.  Yes, they had to modify some of the exercises for me but I completed them.    I left FT that night exhausted, feeling accomplished, and the words ringing in my ears from Seth “Kim, you are going to be sore but just keep moving. Work the soreness out.”

The next morning I woke up and I could barely walk.  The term “sore” was an understatement.   I can honestly say for the first time in my life I wished I could have used the bathroom standing up!    I wanted to call Seth and tell him where he could stick the remaining one on one training sessions!   Seth’s words were ringing in my ears to keep moving.  I made myself get on the “dreadmill” that morning and walk.  Granted the entire time I was on the “dreadmill”, I was thinking some pretty evil thoughts about Seth and how paybacks can be hell.  But, I kept myself moving all day and by that evening I was still sore but it wasn’t as bad as it was that morning.  

On my next visit to FT, the trainer asked me how my nutrition was going.    I think I stopped and just looked at her.   For the past month, I’ve been asked how is the diet going?   Never considered the word nutrition.   I found myself liking that.   The word “Diet” is such a nasty negative four-letter word.    The word conjures up starving and depriving myself of the things I want and really like.    The word “diet” should be banned from anyone’s vocabulary.   

Before I left FT that night to go home, Seth stopped me to discuss my assessment as well as my nutrition and my goals.    Seth knew I was involved in the BL and that I was in it to win it.   He asked me how many calories I was eating a day and what I was doing on the “dreadmill”.    We talked for almost half an hour on calorie intake, food choices, exercises, and nutrition.     Needless to say, I was blown away on some of the things I was hearing and thought to myself he is full of hot air!     

Seth was telling me I wasn’t eating enough calories and that I need to be eating around 1600 to 1800 calories daily!!  My body was going into starvation mode with the calorie intake I had been consuming and I had to fuel my body.    I’m thinking, I’m trying to lose weight buddy.  How is eating more calories going to help me lose weight??     But what I had been doing was not working.    So I promised Seth I would do it his way.   I would increase my calorie intake, do the exercise plan the trainers come up with, and eat meats, veggies, and fruits.    

Twice a week I would go in for my daily torture session.   I would still hear myself tell the trainer that there is no way I can do that when they wanted me to try something different.   I would always get the same response “Just try it Kim, You can do this”.    Also, I would be asked about my nutrition.  The trainer wanted to know what I ate that day and would give me some tips.         

By the third week of FT, I’ve lost around 4 lbs.   I still wasn’t super excited by the weight loss BUT I was noticing different changes elsewhere.   My clothes were fitting a lot different.    I was actually developing arm muscles.  I had a little definition!   When I would complain about not losing any weight, Seth would tell me to give my body time to adjust and that “We Got This!”  

The closer it got to the Holidays the more stressed I became.  I remember one Friday, it had been a week from hell, and all I wanted to do was to go to 1492 to chow down on their chips, salsa, beef fajita nachos, and drink my patron margarita.   I found myself calling FT at 5:30 pm almost in tears, begging them to get me in.   I knew if I didn’t do something I would blow it that night.  That Friday, Kristen stayed late so she could do a training session with me.     We talked a lot about nutrition and exercising that night.  I left FT that night feeling tired from the training, able to do my girl pushups, and more refreshed than I had felt in a few days.    What was even greater was the next morning, I woke up feeling great.   
From that point forward I found myself signing up for PACK.  Instead of going twice a week, I wanted to go three times a week and sometimes I went four times a week.   I was getting past the point of being self conscious about myself.   I really started to enjoy the people I was meeting.  I enjoyed working out with Chad and making jokes at his expense.     I found that I could do the exercises they wanted me to do.    I had more energy after bumping up my calorie intake.    But most important I was becoming STRONGER!   

All during this time, I was losing maybe ½ to 1 ½ lbs a week.    During the week of Thanksgiving, I lost 3 ½ lbs!!   I was so excited!!!   In the back of my mind I was thinking maybe Seth is right and not full of hot air.      From mid December, I started losing 2 to 3 ½ lbs a week.   I was excited.  I was moving up in the BL competition.   By January, I was in 2nd place!    Even more exciting was the definition I was getting in my arms.     I found myself at work flexing my arm and asking my co-workers to feel that bicep muscle!   

I can honestly state that the month of January was the most humorous month for me.   I had a few people tell me that I was looking great and asked what I did.   I had one person ask me what kind of diet pills I was taking.  When I told him that it was all about nutrition and exercise, he gave me a bug eyed look.   I had another person ask me to see my before pictures because she couldn’t tell a difference in the way I looked.    If I ran into a person I hadn’t seen in months, I would get the surprised up and down look.  Sometimes they would say something and other times nothing.     I found it amazing how people viewed weight loss.     Everyone wants the easiest and quickest way to lose weight.   

I would go through times when it was hard to get my calories that I needed daily.   I felt like I was constantly eating and I was full.   I had to force myself to eat.    Who really says that when you are trying to lose weight??     Then I would have a week where I was starving.   I would have my 1800 calories and still want more.   Those days I would have a couple hundred more calories.    It would just blow my mind that I am eating this many calories and I’m losing weight!   I felt full and satisfied.   It is amazing when you change your nutrition to clean healthy foods, what it will do to your body, your mind, and spirit.     

The finale of the Biggest Loser was on Feb 4, 2012.    My final weight was 157.2.    I lost 19.55% body weight and won the challenge!   It was an AWESOME feeling to win but I came away with so much more than just winning a competition.     I learned a lot about nutrition through talking with the trainers, attending the nutrition class, and reading the blog posts on FT FB page.    I learned that I could do these exercises.  Yes, I had trouble at first doing them but over time they got easier.   I have more self confidence.  I feel better than I have in a long time and I’m stronger than I have been in years!   

I am very thankful for the people at FT.  They put their time and effort into helping me achieve my goals the healthy way.  There is no way I could have achieved this without their guidance and support.   I’m also thankful for my best friends, Chad & Val, who were always there for me throughout this competition, listening patiently while I complained, and always encouraged me.     Val would drive from Bristow to Yukon to do pack with me on Thursday night;and on Friday morning’s, Chad, Val, & I would do a pack.   

I’ve learned that losing weight and becoming fit is not easy or quick.  It takes dedication and hard work to achieve it.   It is a lifestyle change.  However the rewards are far greater than words can describe!!!

Cathy Nestlen

Going to Fitness Together is one of the best decisions I've made in my adult life. At nearly 50 years old, I am as fit as I've been in nearly 20 years and my energy level is great. I love how Seth and the trainers work with you, listen to your goals and help you achieve those goals and sometimes exceed them! During my four-plus years going to FT, I've undergone two major surgeries and I know for a fact that my quick recoveries can be attributed to being in better shape. It's reassuring to know that Seth and everyone at FT is truly concerned about you as a person and your long-term overall health. Cathy Nestlen

FT Yukon Workout

FT Yukon Workout

Before

After

Chanda Davis

I am that person who tells you that I gained over 100 lbs while pregnant with my daughter, which I did, however, I didn’t like telling that my daughter is 11 years old now. I unwillingly decided (someone pointed it out to me) that I had to change the way I take care of myself, not just for myself, but for my daughter as well.  I joined Fitness Together in July of 2009 on a trial basis, not sure what to expect, not wanting to commit because I was very unsure if I would stick to it and there are so many more things that I could think of to spend that kind of money on.   It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  I was embarrassed, I couldn’t do the things they asked me to do. I had no idea what I really looked like.  I would see a picture of myself and just say “oh, that’s a bad picture”, finding any excuse to justify not taking care of myself.  Today, my mind is wired completely different.  I am only 4 months into my training and I have almost lost 50 pounds and 37 inches.  I am loving the new me!  My attitude toward everything I do is different and I will never go back to the life I once lived. 

Thank GOD for the great trainers at Fitness Together, and my personal trainer Brad!!  I can promise you that had I not been there with them I would have never accomplished what I have today.  Fitness together has not only changed my life, but saved it.  I have no problem at all writing that check now because I owe them more than this will have ever cost!!

Gina Goodion

Sharon Rhoades

Before

After

Mark Nestlen

The biggest thing that i have accomplshed with the help of Fitness Together is an awareness of how my exercise program and food consumption must work together in order to reduce and then maintain my weight. Also I have learned how much better I feel and how much more energy I have throughout the day after working out in the mornings.

I have lost more than 40 pounds since I started in December 2007 and have drastically increased my strength and endurance.

Thank you Seth and the training team of Fitness Together Yukon

Update 4/13/2010

Just got back from my 4-month doctor appointment. Overall cholesterol levels down significantly, bad cholesterol down, good cholesterol up, triglycerides down. Doctor thrilled and happy with 10 pound weight loss since last appointment. He credits it all to great exercise at Yukon Fitness Together and healthier eatin...g caused by Seth and Cathy! Thanks to you all for the drive, encouragement and support!!

John Branscum

If someone would have told me that i could make this kind of transforation at the age of  56 i would have never believed them. But with the expert guidance, support, and knowledge from the Fitness Together staff this is the result I have gotten thus far!!!

Before

After

Paula Yanik

     One year ago I looked at this picture of myself and was embarrassed and ashamed that I had let myself get so overweight. I have always struggled with my weight, but was able to keep it under control. I knew I had to do something to get the weight off and become healthier. My journey began the day I called Seth at Fitness Together (FT) and went in for my free session with a trainer.

     I was convinced FT could help me get the weight off and get back to a healthy, active lifestyle. I have worked hard this past year, and I’m still not at my goal weight. However, the inches I have lost while training with Brad have shown me that weight is not always the only factor to consider.

   There were times I got frustrated because I wasn’t losing weight fast enough, but my clothes always told me a different story. Even though the weight wasn’t coming off as quickly as I wanted, my clothes were fitting more loosely and that encouraged me to not give up. The weight training has changed my body shape and made a difference without losing all my weight. I have more confidence now and I like the way I look and feel. I had to make the decision to lose the weight and get active, but the guys at FT have shown me how to work out so that I do it safely and get optimal results.

 If you’ve tried everything to lose weight and not been successful, give FT a try. I think you will like the results. Thanks Brad, Seth, and Ricky for helping me be successful.

UPDATE AS OF November 17,2010 Paula is down 50lbs

Earnie Cornelius

   I have worked out at Fitness Together for 2 years. I joined Fitness Together at the urging of my daughter, Denise Johnson, while experiencing severe back problems. I was on a cane and could barely get up out of a chair. By building up muscles in my back and other parts of my body, the back pain I was experiencing then is gone.and i have lost 40 lbs. I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis and have severe pain in my knees, back, and shoulders. With a combination of Fitness Together's nutrition program, proper exercise and stretching, I can function.

  The professional fitness and nutrition design for my condition is working great. The accountability of the program makes me attend regular sessions. Fitness Together does not fit everyone but I suggest visiting with Seth and comparing it to other exercise and fitness facilities you may be considering.

Sincerely,

Earnie Cornelius

FT STAFF NOTE-

Earnie is one of our older clients at 75, Earnie is living proof that fitness can be earned and accomplished at ANY AGE!!

Diane Weaver

Seth,

This is the first summer in 15 years where I was really excited about swimsuit weather. I hope you realize how many more years you have added to my life. just when I think I've done it all you put another challenge before me. I know I always fuss alot but you always give me the courage to overcome the unfamiliarity of it all and try to push through!

You know how important health and wellbeing is to all of us. You make it alot more fun to strive to be the best we can possibly be...

You and you staff set wonderful examples for all of us to follow I hope you see your success in each on of us as we become more healthy! All I can say is how wonderful it felt this morning to get on the scale and see my goal weight of 135lbs. and as I was doing my 2 mile run/walk I thanked you for being my coach and my trainer and my friend!!!

Im so very gratefull for this life.

Jill Halverson

Fitness Together has made me feel "Hot" again! I have been working out with FT personal trainer for 12 months now. I have lost 25 pounds and a total of 26 inches. I look and feel great.

After giving birth to my two boys 13 months apart i never thought i would be able to wear a bikini again, Seth convinced me that i could accomplish my goal with a little determination and training from an FT Trainer. It only takes 45 in and a couple times a week. It was a struggle getting there in the beginning. It was hard work and i stuck with it, now i look forward to my sessions and feel sluggish if i dont workout.

I'm currently training with Ricky I enjoy his upbeat personality and knowledge of fitness. I spoke with Ricky about a few problem areas that i wanted to focus on... he knew just what to do. I will continue to workout with FT. When i get  dressed up to go out my son says momma you look HOT HOT HOT!!! My husband smiles and agrees. Thanks for working with me to get my pre-baby body back. Now its fun to get dressed up, I look and feel fabulous. And yes, I proudly where a bikini! You have gained a life long client.

Thank you Seth and the wonderful trainers of FTYukon.