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K.S.

When I started at Snap I was returning to the gym after about a half year of laziness! It was quite difficult as usual to pull myself back into the routine especially with fall and winter coming in. I started out at 186 pounds and by the year’s end I was 178! Now being 6 foot that’s not a huge deal, but when I play hockey – jog – work out, (anything involving endurance) having the extra lift is HUGE! I am stronger than I have been in years and I sleep better at night. I am less moody and motivation to do other things has skyrocketed! For example, playing hockey twice a week is now easy. Shoveling the driveway is a joke. I don’t even mind cleaning around the house hahaha.

I have also noticed my anxiety levels were getting higher than normal. Now when I feel it coming on I just lift some weights or hit the bike and feel the weight of the world jump off my shoulders!

J.F. - 2009 Success Story Winner!

***This was our 2009 Success Story Challenge Winner! Every member was invited to join the challenge that lasted from Oct.1-Dec. 31, 2009. At the end of the 3 months they were all encouraged to submit their "success story." We took everything in to account (weight loss, increased strength, improved lifestyle, etc.). Our grand prize winner won 2 hours of personal training and a $50 gift certificate for the Pen Centre.

January 12, 2009 - This is the day Snap Fitness changed me. I remember it had just opened and I finally decided to join a gym I have always talked about joining every New Year, but never did.  Just the thought of walking in to a gym without any knowledge regarding training and use of equipment made me uncomfortable.  I set up an appointment for orientation day. I was nervous did not know what to expect, but to my delight Snap Fitness had hired in my opinion a very intellectual, friendly, Enthusiastic, conscientious manager, she knew it (knows it) all. Thanks.  Mrs. Mitchell answered all my questions and basically walked me through the whole gym, explaining the different equipment and muscle groups I could exercise. I went home that night thinking I had a chance to better myself, so the next thing was setting up an assessment.  I used to be somewhat active in my younger days. I used to play soccer a lot and then came a knee injury and everything went down from there. I reach a weight of 246 pounds on my scale at home, but I went with the Snap Fitness assessment weight which was 243 (if I remember correctly). My blood pressure was through the roof and was advised by a Snap Fitness trainer to check with my doctor first before joining the gym. They were concerned about my high blood pressure, so I did go to my doctors and gave me the green light to start a slow routine exercise after a few exams. I had forgotten all about my health for a while between work, taking care of my little one, going to dance classes and swimming lessons with her.  It  became more difficult to schedule time for the gym, but with the 24/7 hours of operation at Snap Fitness it was convenient. I had found a solution to my problem and so my journey began. I was introduced to the tread mill and wow was I ever out of shape.  I could not even jog for  4 minutes at a steady pace. My brain was telling me to run, but my body was telling me relax sit down and have a beer. I fought through the first months and I stared noticing change. I started to lose a few pounds  and continued through the months. So I’m pleased to say 2009 was a very good year after all. I lost 47 pounds and went down from a size 40 pants to a 33. So for all those people outhere that think is impossible, it is not true. Put your mind in to it.  It can be done. Do it for yourself.  Now as for myself, I don’t think I‘m done yet. Now my goal is to keep those pounds from coming back and I know they won’t.   My final thought, eat smart, work hard and find time to relax..

Cheers!

C.B.

For my whole life, up until now, I was not a very active person.  I hated attending gym class because everyone always made fun of my weight (right from public school). Throughout my high school years, I only took one physical education class (because it was required), because I just did not fit in with the rest of the students. I have fought with my weight my entire life.

I finally found the “man of my dreams,” got married and now have two beautiful children. My life revolves around my work and family. Most of my weight problems had a lot to do with eating the wrong food, tons of chips, coke, French fries, burgers, pasta…along with eating only once a day. It would be supper and then snack right through until bedtime.

People don’t really notice the pound here, pound there over the years; however, it eventually catches up with you. I have had back problems and the occasional knee problem over the last few years. But back in July I had a real problem. Looking forward to spending four days with my children and parents - up north we headed. I had been having cramps in the back of my leg over the course of 3-4 weeks and once up north I headed out for a walk with my daughter. Everything was great until we went out for our second walk and part way back instantly I developed such severe pain in my right calf. It took me about 15 minutes to get back (which should have only taken maybe 3 minutes). I was in tears and couldn’t put any weight on my leg at all. A three hour trip back home to head to the doctor’s and several days using a cane caused me to make the biggest decision of my life.

I began thinking about all the things I have accomplished in life, but then on the other hand, I realized all the things I had been missing out on. Being able to bike ride, ice skate, play ball with the kid – these are things most people take for granted, but I couldn’t do any of it. I made a decision to dedicate time to my health and wellness as well as the health and wellness of my entire family.

At first my own father kept asking if I was keeping it up. No positive comments came from him. The comments were based on previous failures of joining gyms, dieting and quitting. That was quite discouraging, but the encouragement I received from co-workers, my husband and my children have kept me going. But most of all, the support I receive from the staff at Snap Fitness has made such a great change in me. All the encouraging words have made me keep it up.

There have been so many changes in my life since I began this journey. I have lost a total of 34.5 pounds. At last count I had lost a total of 19 ¼ inches and have developed a desire to keep going. At the beginning of my journey I couldn’t even attempt the ascent trainer and the treadmill was tough. Now I live for these pieces of equipment. I was afraid of what people at the gym thought of me – the guys there pumping weights and just imagining what they thought. Now, I just don’t care. I have developed a positive attitude and confidence that I didn’t have before. You begin to develop “friendships” with people who you work out with. You look forward to seeing their smiling faces.

Before my journey I was unable to carry my 3 ½ year old son up the stairs if he fell asleep. I had to wait until my husband came down before heading out on night shift to carry him up for me. It was hard enough carrying my 315 lb, 5 foot frame up the stairs without adding another 34 pounds to that. I couldn’t lift him up unless he jumped to help me get the leverage to lift him. Now I can scoop him up with one arm, flip him upside down and tickle him without having an issue. The best was when I was finally able to lift my daughter (she’s almost 9 years old and weighs 64 pounds). I couldn’t lift her up to hug her and twirl her around. Well, the day I came home from the gym and was finally able to lift her was one of the most amazing days of my life. The smile that came across her face and sparkle in her eyes definitely made my day. I knew I was doing something for my own health, but I was also making my children proud.

Some weeks I’ve been at the gym almost every day. Other weeks have not been so good, but I keep going back and pushing on.

Stairs are becoming easier for me. I know it is going to be a long road, but I’m willing to do the work. Silly things like kneeling on the floor and having to find some type of support to get myself up, bending over and tying your own shoes and even decorating a Christmas tree were difficult tasks. This has now changed. While decorating the tree this year I didn’t have to climb up a ladder to get the lights on. I could reach because I didn’t have so much “belly” in the way. I could get in closer. Being able to tie your own boot laces is amazing. If no one was around I would go out without tying them. Not any more – I can do it!

I have dropped 3 pant sizes. It’s awesome! I was able to get in to a size 24 jean, down from a 30. It was amazing! I got them at Wal-Mart for $25.00. I have been having to buy my clothing from Penningtons and their prices start at $49.99 just for a pair of jeans. So not only am I getting healthier and happier, I’m also going to be able to start saving money. Shirt sizes have dropped 2 sizes also. I was able to get in to one of my hubby’s fleece jackets. That was awesome. Just knowing that now I can wear his jackets (you know, the high school love feeling..lol).

I did quit smoking for one month, but then everything came crashing down in that department. Stress from bills, Christmas, etc. sent me on a fall back. And then boxing day I was notified of a temporary lay off from work, so I am currently off work, a little depressed and waiting patiently for April or May to arrive when I’ll be called back. So, I’ve been concentrating on “job searching” and hoping that I will be able to afford to keep my gym membership going.

I desire to keep going, but we’ll have to see what happens. As I’ve said previously, my family has always come first.

I would like to thank everyone for all their kind words of encouragement and support. I hope to be able to continue making changes to my life.

Thank you!

S.T.

On the 31st day of August, I was cut off by a young driver, leaving me no time to respond, causing a collision.  I was told I had 2^nd stage whiplash, and would require multiple weeks of Chiropractic care as well as Massage therapy.  I lost all of the strength in my upper body and found too much walking aggravated my hips.  I desperately tired to walk at the gym but found I could only last 10 minutes and when I tried to do 1 set of 10lbs for my arms I was unable to complete more then 6 reps.  Prior to the accident I was walking 45 minutes- 1 hr on the treadmill at a fairly steady pace, and I was able to lift upwards of 35 lbs for my arms.   So this told me I had a long way to go.

I did not get back into the gym regularly till about 8 weeks ago, due to still recovering.   In that time I have managed to get my arm strength back to about 25 lbs.  I feel I am completely back 100 % with walking.  I used to be able to walk 5 km in about 57 minutes and now I am running parts of it and able to finish in 46 minutes.   I have even gone as far as to walk 15 km one morning at the gym.  All this is wonderful but the added bonus is that I have lost 21 lbs doing it as well I managed to lose weight over Christmas.  I mean who does that! 

One of my biggest struggles is exhaustion, I have a very busy life at home and when I get tired I don’t want to go to the gym so I came up with an idea one day that I though might help me……only to find it helped so many more! I started a group on facebook for friends I knew wanted to lose weight or just generally get healthy.  So we could encourage, motivate and challenge each other.  There was a small cost involved (which has been given to a charity) to weed out those who were not 100% serious.  The group grew like crazy.  We currently have 24 men and women world wide who contribute weekly or daily to the wall with their successes or struggles.  It has proven to motivate and inspire many.  People in this group are losing weight, seeing a difference, and challenging themselves.  Three of them even joined Snap in Beamsville!   So although I have been very successful in regaining my strength and moving forward, I feel I have been extremely successful in motivating others to do so to.

R.W.

Weight loss is more a mental issue than anything else.  One day you wake up and you look in the mirror and tell yourself enough is enough.  You make a decision to change and you have just taken your first step to losing weight.  Once you make that decision to accept a new attitude and life style change, it begins when you start to say NO to yourself because it is easier to say YES then NO?
 
Food addiction is one of the hardest addictions because you have to eat to survive.  It is a constant struggle to control cravings and intake. 
 
In August 2006 I weighed 437 pounds.  I knew I had to make drastic changes.  I began with a visit to my doctor, Dr. Ireland.  He ran some base blood tests and determined that my TSH 3 & 4 (Thyroid) was not working which sends hormones to your thyroid to get it working correctly.  My mind was working 100 miles an hour and nothing was coming out.  It took about 3 years and 4 to 5 adjustments, many blood tests and artificial hormones to correct this to a normal energy level on a daily basis.  In January 2008 I had gone from 437 pounds to 290 pounds by dieting and doing a treadmill at home, walking and weights. My family and I celebrated with a Caribbean Cruise in which I not only maintained my weight but actually lost 2 pounds and I ate like a King. 
 
After a year of giving into my cravings and not exercising diligently I gained back 60 pounds.  Since the middle of September 2009 I have lost the 60 pounds and set a new goal to lose another 50 pounds to get me to about 240 pounds which is great for my body frame.  I estimate this should put me around a 36 - 37 inch waist.
 
My wife and daughter gave me a membership to Snap Fitness for Christmas 2008.  I started working out in January 2009 and I have enjoyed the physical challenge in the work outs, the staff all giving me the strength to push harder for weight loss, toning, strength, commitment and self esteem.
 
On a personal note this has been especially difficult as I am a long distance hauler and I live in a truck 4 days a week and am only home 3 days a week.  On average I make it to the gym 2 times a week and occasionally make it to the Snap Fitness in Duluth, Georgia on the occasional Thursday night. 
 
I have managed to continue to lose weight by saying NO to myself every day which is difficult when eating was one of the joys in my life.  But diet alone has not been the only change.  My lifestyle had to change as well and I had to get moving and get back to my workouts.  Taking a family vacation in November in a warm climate was a driving force to help me get back in focus as well.
 
I have learned that setting reachable goals by splitting you weight loss into controllable targets of 45 to 50 pounds every 4 months helps as well.  This works out to 3 pounds a week, 12 pounds per month. I started on the elevation machine at level 5 and elevation 25 for 25 minutes and now a year later I work out for 51 minutes at level 21 and elevation 85 doing around 7 miles burning 875 to 900 calories, my goal is to be maximum level and elevation by end of April. I push myself every week by constantly increasing weight on all the machines every month no matter if it is two pounds or ten pounds trying not to get complacent. I work out for 2 to 3 hrs a visit no matter what my schedule is?

 Maintaining you weight loss after you reach your goal will be difficult but can be done through intake and exercise.  Turning the fat to muscle through exercise to remove the last 10 to 15 pounds is an incredible feat but it doesn't happen overnight it takes years.  It is a lot easier to look at myself in the mirror these days and each week it gets easier to face the scale.
 
This is my success story at this time in my life.  I’m looking forward to rest of my fit life!