Jackie Macfarlane - Owner

Jackie Macfarlane - Owner

Jackie is joint owner of Snap Fitness with her husband Graham.

You'll spot Jackie when you hear the Irish accent.   Jackie is a certified Personal Trainer NCPT and loves to work out while volunteering for causes such as Breast cancer.  She competed in her first Triathlon in 2008.

Jackie likes the Paleo approach to diet and nutrition both for weight loss and for peak performance.  She recommends the attached book from Rob Wolf as a great way to get started on this lifestyle.  Take the 30 day challenge and ask Jackie for any help you need to stay on track.

Robb Wolf 30 day Transformation.

Brandon Zapien - Manager

Brandon Zapien - Manager

Education/Certifications

A.O.S. Personal Fitness Training - Hertiage College

Mission

I want everyone to know that anyone can be fit. No matter your body type or age there is a fitness program just for YOU. I am here to help you figure out what works best, and what will help YOU see the results YOU want! I'm open minded to any kind of training, whether your looking for an intesnse workout to whip your body into shape or a balanced workout to help you handle the stresses of life and release some frustration. With my help all your fitness goals can be acheived. 

Experience

I have obtained my Associates degree of Occupational Studies in Personal Fitness Training and I am working toward my ACE (American Council on Exercise) certification. I have participated in many physical activities such as boxing, aggressive inline skating, Qi Gong, basketball, yoga, CrossFit, football, ext. I understand the importance of being in good physical shape to keep proper technique and to avoid injury.

 Interests

I've always been an active person growing up. I love competing with myself. Also, I know how great it feels to reach and surpass personal goals of physical fitness. I enjoy the rush of pushing the limits of my body mentaly and physically. I aslo enjoy Eastern practices that balance the mind and body such as yoga, Qi Gong, Tai' Chi, and meditation. I believe maintaining and exerciseing the mind and body is the path to conquer anything life throws my way.

Kyle and Christy Eggers

Basics:

Christy and Kyle joined Snap in September 2011 and have been going strong from the get-go! They chose Snap for the close, convenient access.

 

Motivation:

Kyle and Christy have fun working out together when they can. As parents of 2 children they try to make time to support each other and make their health a priority.

 

Goals:

Kyle has about 20lbs left to get to his goal weight and Christy wants to lose the “post-kid jelly belly”. They also have a vacation to Mexico planned and want to be beach ready for it!

 

Way to be Egger family!Good luck on your healthy lifestyle ahead!

Tammi Williams

Basics:

Tammi joined Snap in September of 2011 after her husband encouraged her to join and has been going strong since.  She likes Snap for the close, convenient access and friendly atmosphere.

 

Motivation:

Tammi’s has lost 50 lbs so far!  And now wants to continue towards better health and be comfortable enough in her summer close to book a cruise.

 

Goals:

Tammi would like to get down to a normal BMI and run a 5k.

 

Great Job Tammi!  Good luck on your healthy journey ahead!

Kaycee and Melanie Nuce

Basics:

Kaycee and Melanie are sisters that joined Snap back in August of 2009 and have been going strong since.  They like Snap for the convenient access and value for the price.

 

Motivation:

Kaycee and Melanie want to “GET RIPPED!” As well as stay strong and healthy to keep up with Kaycee’s sons.

 

Goals:

Melanie want to do and unassisted Pull Up and both would like to lose a little weight so they look and feel great when they vacation in theCaribbeannext year!

 

Stay Strong Ladies!  Stay focused and your goals will be closer than you think!

Katrina Kloberdanz

Basics:

Katrina joined Snap back in December of 2007 and has been going strong since.  She likes Snap for the convenient access and friendly atmosphere.

 

Motivation:

Right now Katrina’s top motivation is having a healthy pregnancy (she’s 26 weeks and feeling great!).  She also challenges herself with doing road races (when not pregnant) as well as meeting with her trainer Brandon each week.

 

Goals:

Katrina would like to finish the BolderBoulder without walking and is planning on doing the Tough Mudder next year.

 

Junita Ruckers

Junita is being recognized at snap for her dedication to improving her health. When she first started coming to snap fitness, she had a little trouble with the machines and need quite a bit of assistance. With hard work she has become more agile and able to work the machines on her own. Junita is 82 years old and retired from JL Sears reality. She was also the regional director at red cross. We congratulate you Junita, keep up the great work!

Sandi Douglas w/ Personal Trainer Melissa Whitchurch

Let me introduce you to “The Workout Animal” also known as the “Cardio Queen”, but who’s real name is Sandi Douglas.  Last December, I met Sandi for the first time.  She came into the club looking for any leads toward a healthier lifestyle.  Sandi is 47 years old and for the first time she started looking around at older people and wondering what old age could have in store for her.  With a 10 year old son, Joshua, who has special needs, Sandi wanted to make sure that she could keep up physically with and take care of her son for a long time to come. On December 17^th Sandi began her journey; she wasn’t going to wait anymore for something to approach her – even though the New Year was just around the corner.  She informed me early on that once she sets her mind to something, she’s going to do it.  From the start, her top three fitness goals were to: 1.) lose 20 lbs, 2.) tone up and 3.)  gain strength.  Not only has she reached these goals, but surpassed them by losing 25 lbs and dropping from a size 12 to a size 5.  And she did it all in two and a half months. You might say, “Wow, how’d she do that?”  Well, Sandi and I, her personal trainer, took each day as it came, we started slow and worked our way up.  We worked-out three days a week together and Sandi came in the other two days by herself- totaling 5 days a week.  Her program included: cardio, resistance training, balance, flexibility and nutrition.  “Some days you really don’t feel like dragging yourself to the gym, but once you do and your trainer pushes you past what you think you can do, you’re glad you did it.  You have to take it step by step and focus on the week at hand” says Sandi.

 

Linda De Priest

We’ve chosen Linda De Priest to be our “Special Snap Shot Member” for July 08.  For those of you, who don’t know Linda, allow me introduce her.  Linda is 63 years old and she loves working out at Snap Fitness.  “I really like coming to Snap Fitness because they’re open 24 hours and that works out great with my schedule” says Linda.  She works 12-14 hour shifts at the Platte Valley Medical Center and is on her feet all day.  Linda said “a long time ago I came across a saying “in order to gain energy, you need to expend energy”—this didn’t make sense to me at the time, but now that I’m working out on a regular basis, I’ve found this saying to be absolutely true.” When she first starting working out, three years ago and 45 lbs heavier, she was on a diet that included a lot of protein shakes.  Linda states “That diet technique didn’t work for me; I didn’t like drinking all those shakes so I switched to eating 6 smaller meals a day and trying to load each of those with high nutritive foods to make sure I was getting the most out of everything I put in my mouth.  And this has worked great for me.”  When asked, what is the hardest part about staying fit and on a good routine? Linda replied “definitely the eating and diet part however, I allow myself one day a week to splurge on anything I’ve been craving AND it helps me keep my sanity.” Now let’s talk about Linda’s routine.  She comes into Snap Fitness 5 days a week and puts down a ton of miles on the treadmill and Arc trainer—she spends about ½ hour on each.  Her favorite is the Arc trainer because “it burns the most calories out of all the cardio machines and when I don’t have a lot of time, I choose the Arc so I can get the most out of my time spent at the club” states Linda.  Next, she hits the weights “even though I don’t really like lifting weights I know it’s been good for me. I try to alternate between upper body and lower body when lifting weights after my cardio workout and that’s proved beneficial for me.” When asked, how do you feel now since you’ve been working out for a while?  She says “I feel fantastic and really energized.  I workout before I go to work, at the hospital, so it’s a great way to relive stress and clear my mind.”  Her advice to anyone trying to get fit and stay fit is “over the years I’ve learned to start out slowly (baby steps) and in the long run you’re more likely to keep coming.  If you push it to the point where the next day you’re so sore and almost incapacitated, it’s going to leave you feeling discouraged.”  Linda plans to keep working out and maintaining her current fitness level if not improve it.  “I get much more energy when I work out, it’s great!” Written by: Melissa Whitchurch

Kevin and Debbie Campbell

This month’s Snap Shot goes to a couple, Kevin and Debbie Campbell, who recently completed our Ironman Challenge.  This three week challenge was not an easy one; it required them to complete 26.2 miles of run/walk, 10 miles on the Arc trainer and 112 miles on the bike.   They started out not knowing what to expect, but they were determined.  Kevin commented “It was fun – and WORK! This has been great to jump start my exercise regimen” 

As the challenge was nearing it’s end, Kevin took a trip with his son where he noticed the hours of grueling cardio he had put in for the challenge were now paying off —“This past weekend I was with one of my boys on a Boy Scout camping trip in Golden Gate State Park, and a lot of the kids were huffing and puffing walking uphill, but for me it was no big deal.  That really, really surprised me.  This was at 9100 ft.”  said Kevin.  Moreover, they both agree that having a goal or a challenge, like the Ironman Challenge, to work toward is motivating and stimulating. 

Debbie and Kevin both plan on continuing to exercise at least three days a week.

Denise Smith - I Dream the Marines

I Dream the Marines

Allow me to introduce you to Denise Smith.  I first started working with Denise in October of 2008.  Her primary goal was to get in shape for the Marines and in just 5 months Denise lost 31 lbs, 6.6% body fat and 26 inches.  You might ask; how’d she do that?  Well, I’ll tell you, her routine consisted of strength training and conditioning with me, her personal trainer, twice a week and cardio (varying types) six days a week.

Denise found motivation in gaining security in the military and living a healthier, fitter, better life.  She also wanted to be physically prepared to go into the Marines.  When asked, what was the hardest part about reaching your goal?  Denise replied “The hardest part was pushing my body further than I thought I could—it made me realize my mind can play a big part in my physical workouts.”  Even though she had to overcome several other obstacles during her training, Denise stayed focused and determined until the end.

Next I asked her “What advice would you give to others who want to reach for the same goal?”  Denise responded, “Keep focused on the goal and take each day as it comes.  Even if you don’t feel like getting up and coming to the gym for your workout, just make yourself do it.  Your personal trainer will push and motivate you.  And once you’ve made it to the gym, the working out isn’t hard—it’s just caring enough about yourself to get it done each day.  Also, it’s good to know your limitations, but remember 9 times out of 10 you can push yourself further.”

Now Denise feels great in her newly shaped and toned body.  “I feel ready; I have more energy and motivation.” she remarked.  And the best news is that she was accepted into the Marines where she plans to maintain her new lifestyle and physique.  Great Job, Denise, we wish you the best of luck!

Mark Kauffman - The Bataam Memorial Death March

Mark Kauffman recently completed “The Bataan Memorial Death March” This march took place in the White Sands Missile Range, NM on 29 or March 2009.  The course includes 26.2 miles of desert and scorching heat.  Mark trained for this walk in advance; taking several long walks most days of the week.  He completed the march in 9 hours and 14 minutes.  Way to go Mark!

The Bataan Memorial Death March honors a special group of World War II heroes. These brave soldiers were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. 

The conditions they encountered and the aftermath of the battle were unique. They fought in a malaria-infested region, surviving on half or quarter rations with little or no medical help. They fought with outdated equipment and virtually no air power.     

On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. The Americans were Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines. Among those seized were members of the 200^th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard.

They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.

Jil Backstrom - Can I run a half marathon? Most Definitely

Jil’s goal was to train for and complete her first half marathon.  Even though Jil was anything but a stranger to running, she’d never covered the distance of a half marathon (13.1 miles) before.  Her running program consisted of shorter runs and cross training during the weekdays and longer runs on the weekends.  However, just running wasn’t going to be enough because Jil had mentioned that running in the past sometimes hurt her knees.  So, in addition to her running workouts, we added strength and agility training twice a week for a 16 week period.  As we got closer to the race day Jil couldn’t believe that her knees weren’t hurting, especially on the long runs. 

When asked what was the hardest part about reaching her goal?  She responded “finding the right race.” For Jil it was the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon – not too hilly and a nice climate.  Next, I asked her what she enjoyed most about training for the race and she replied “the actual race was the best part.  Crossing the finish line, I felt like I could’ve kept running.” 

If she could give one piece of advice to anyone who wants to run a half marathon it would be – “pick a race, sign up for it and then just do it.  Having paid for the race beforehand motivated me to see it through.”  Jil finished the race in 2 hours and 11 minutes which is a 10:01minute/mile pace.  Way to go, Jil!

By Melissa Whitchurch – Personal Trainer