Julie McCan is the Lead Trainer for GYIS. She lives in Coppell, TX.
Q: What was the biggest challenge/problem you were facing before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
I was looking for a new challenge. I had retired from my corporate job of 25 years in 2007. I really needed to focus on my health and overall wellness having spent a lot of time traveling and watching my weight yo-yo over the years, I wanted to get a handle on it and stay healthy. I spent the first year working out at a gym and doing weight watchers. I lost weight and got in better shape, but I quickly became bored. I “discovered” GYIS in September of 2008 and have never been bored!!
Q: Why did you end up deciding to join the Get You In Shape program?
It provided me the challenge I was looking for… lots of variation in the program with an emphasis on doing it right so I could get the best results!
Q: Walk us through your journey. What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
Joining GYIS was a big step for me because I was never one to be a joiner in a “workout class.” It just wasn’t my
thing. But this was so different. I have worked out with a personal trainer before and although I liked it and got results, I got bored. GYIS offered me something in between. Lots of hands on instruction, but doing it with a group and outside made it a great fit for me. It’s been over 8 years and I am never bored with my workout.
Q: Why did you decide to give your time and become part of the Get You In Shape Team?
One of my goals in my “retirement years” was to give back and be more active in the community. The first year of retirement, I joined groups and participated on several committees that did lots of great things but when I came across a posting of Brad’s looking for a new trainer, a light bulb just went off for me. It never occurred to me to become a fitness trainer, but I truly believe God directed me to it. Becoming a trainer for GYIS is one of the best things I ever did. Helping others with their health and wellness journey, witnessing their progress and seeing their results is so rewarding!
Q: What strengths/special gifts do you feel help you as a trainer with Get You In Shape?
This is where having my corporate experience came in handy. I had lots of great leadership experience and plenty of stage time in front of hundreds and sometimes thousands of people. Getting in front of a group of 20 and having a presence was no problem. At the same time, I believe I am pretty approachable. Establishing relationships and creating friendships within our community has been a real asset to me and I hope to our clients. Talking candidly about their health and fitness concerns is key to my being able to address individual issues and then hopefully, they see positive results.
Q: What are some of the benefits that you have received by being a trainer on the Get You In Shape Team?
A sense of family. We support each other both personally and professionally. They have my back and I believe they feel the same about me. We’ve become friends. There isn’t one person on the team that I don’t genuinely trust 100%!! That isn’t something I could say about everyone I have ever worked with before. It all starts with Brad and Cynthia and the goals they set out for this program. They walk the talk in everything they do from their faith, to their family to the entire program. They are a joy to work for and having this job has truly been a blessing for me and has enriched my life more than I could ever measure.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking to join this program?
Just do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you want a unique program that delivers results and a community of people that are on a journey too and want to help support yours, this is the program for you.
