BEFORE

AFTER

On September 1, 2008 I decided I could not continue being overweight. I was 36, and my feet ached the moment I woke up in the morning, and I was tired all the time. I was 310 pounds at the time. I gained a lot of weight with my pregnancy, and added on more weight because I was under tremendous stress from trying to do it all: work, taking care of my family, addressing everyone's stress around me. I first tried a low carb diet, and I lost 80 pounds in 3 months, but I knew this was unhealthy and I wanted to change my lifestyle to a healthy, sustainable way of life. At that point, in late November, I came to Life Time Fitness.

On day one at Life Time, I worked out on the stationary bike, and realized I needed help if I was to make this an enjoyable experience. I went to the trainer desk, and learned about T.E.A.M Weight Loss. That's where I met Michele, my T.E.A.M Leader, and it was the beginning of the rest of my life. When I came to class, I was pleasantly surprised to find a co-worker of mine was also participating.

Michele, you were amazing because you never made me feel like I was in a "boot camp" environment, but rather you encouraged me to keep working harder and you made me believe I would get stronger. Before I knew it, I was not only getting stronger, but I was running!! That empowerment led me to enjoy my gym experience, and it motivated me to explore other activities (swimming, spin classes, strength training). You also presented this experience as doing something for myself, and this was not work. I am now taking great care of myself (I hadn't done anything for myself in a long time). T.E.A.M Weight Loss was exactly what I needed to build up my strength, get me in a routine of coming to the gym, encourage me, and motivate me to explore other ways to get in my workout at the gym.

I am so proud to say that I recently ran the 62-mile FarmLands bike tour in Monmouth County. I am now 195 pounds!! My highest priorities now include taking care of myself. I have purchased a bike trailer for my 2-year-old son, and I am going to share my love of cycling with him.

I am so happy, and I feel great. Michele, you are so great at what you do, and I am so grateful to you for your support and for bringing out my inner athlete.

Thank you Michele,
Linda Grgas