Jan - Fitness21 Success Story

I was a 40-something-year old single mother who worked full time and went to school. My job requires that I sit at a computer most of the day, so I would sit at work for nine or ten hours a day, eat dinner, and sit at home for a few more hours doing homework. When I was stressed, I would reach for food, even when I wasn't hungry. When I had no energy, I would either oversleep or drink a pot of coffee. I would be too tired after work or on the weekend to do anything with my son. I became very embarrassed about my weight and the shape of my body, to the point of wearing baggy, unflattering clothes to cover up my arms, legs and stomach. In turn, I avoided certain social situations. I started to feel really old. I didn't join the gym because I wanted to lose weight or build muscle; I joined the gym because I knew I had to stop the lifestyle I was living and get a grip on stress, before my lifestyle and the stress took its toll on me.

I met Star at the PEAK Impact class, and it was a day that really changed my life. Star taught me how to read package labels (which can be very misleading), how to eat, and most importantly, when to eat. He taught me that good nutrition is not about dieting; it's about using food as fuel to support my health so I could take care of my family, my job, my education, and myself. To this day, whenever I see him at the gym, he asks me what I've been eating. He's not nagging me; he's reminding me that good nutrition is just as important as using the right form when lifting weights.

Before I met Star, I had never stepped foot inside a gym, and I hadn't done squats or sit-ups in over 20 years! Star taught me how to do each move properly, one step at a time. He didn't get impatient when I didn't get it right the first (second or third) time or when I had a question. He said I could call him if I couldn't remember how to do something. Even when we're not training, if we're at the gym at the same time, and he sees me doing something incorrectly, he will correct me.

I admire Star because of his character and his values. They shine through in all of his words and actions. He walks the talk! He stresses consistency, and he is consistent in what he teaches and what he does. He is a family man, and he works and faces many of the same pressures that we all have. Star has taught me how to deal with stress and live a healthier lifestyle. Once in a while, if I'm slipping, he reminds me of how far I've come. His words of encouragement motivate me and keep me going.

I am amazed at my transformation in just five months! I've gone from a size 14 to a size 8. I have much more energy that I have ever had. Eating is no longer a guilt trip, and I can walk up and down stairs without feeling winded. I feel happy and confident about my appearance, my health, and my future. I can give so much more now to my family, my job, and my education. Could I have done this without Star? I don't think I would have been as successful. I needed someone to show me how to eat well and how to use the equipment in the gym properly. I needed a mentor to be truly successful, and I'm so thankful that Star is both my mentor and my friend.