Coppell Trainer Spotlight Rookies of the Month – November 2015 – David & Heather Shaw
The Get You In Shape team hand selects clients each month that we feel have transformed their health and fitness. Heather is the Director of Property Management at Ellis HomeSource. David is the Area Manager for ACT Pipe & Supply and they live in Coppell, TX.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
Heather: I needed to find a way to get back to working out and eating healthy. I saw the 24 day challenge that it was all inclusive and knew this is what I needed to do.
David: I needed help and a jump start to get into an exercise routine and make drastic changes to my eating habits. My wife, Heather, and I committed to join the program together.
Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
Heather: BUSY! I work full time and was exhausted every day after work. We had fallen into a pattern of not cooking and eating out. I did not exercise during the week and would fight myself on Saturday’s to get some kind of exercise done.
David: I exercised infrequently. I ate “out” all the time with little attention to my caloric intake. I was wearing a pant size I never dreamt I would have to wear. Most evenings after dinner, my focus was “what is for dessert?”
Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program?
Heather: I was very impressed with the goal setting and NOT prepared to do this! My first work out session was good and I really liked that the ‘first timers’ were off to the side so we could get acclimated. Cardio Club was exactly what I needed to get my stamina going again. I like that I can go at my own pace even if I am on ‘slow’ that day. Everyone is so nice and friendly…this really surprised me!
David: Everyone was so nice, the trainers, the other participants, everyone I encountered. I did not have that uneasy feeling that I have when going to the gym. I built confidence quickly that I could do this program. Meeting with the staff early on to go over goals and outlook of the program brought on a sense of excitement but it was calming as well.
Throughout the first month, the trainers have been very encouraging, helping me safely workout with exercises that were to my fitness level or at a pace that was safe for me. Sometimes that meant walking while others were running. But at GYIS, that is “ok”.
Meeting one on one with Brad to learn and understand how the recommended nutritional products would help me achieve my weight loss goals was a huge plus.
There is a lot of information presented the first month but the thing I remember the most is the advice that “this is a journey, not a race.”
Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
Heather: I am using My Fitness Pal and that has been great accountability for me. I am also using the suggested nutrition and supplement products…while I was skeptical at first I am a believer now! Also, having my husband on the program has been a HUGE help…it makes workouts more fun and keeps us accountable together.
David: a) Have an eating plan each day. Lack of planning usually leads to bad choices. b) Using myfitnesspal.com helps me understand the nutritional value of everything I put in my mouth every day. I am “addicted” to entering my food daily to see what my caloric intake is each day. The most important tool I have learned is the power of stretching BEFORE and AFTER workouts. The benefits have been amazing.
Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
Heather: GYIS is different because it had the workout and nutrition components. If I have done a program it is either working out or dieting.
David: The only other programs I have tried are Weight Watchers and working out on my own. Both were boring. At GYIS there is a set schedule of workouts to commit to which is good for me. The workouts are different each day so there is not a boring repetitive slump to fall into. The trainers make the workouts fun as well. My daily workout is the “fastest hour” of my day by far. Being assigned an accountability coach that you meet with frequently has been a huge motivator and very helpful.
Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
Heather: In the first 30 days I lost 8 pounds and 8.25 inches, I have also joined the 12 minute mile club! I am sleeping through the night and I have more energy now than I can remember…I have to make myself go to bed at 9pm so I can be ready for the 5am workout wake up alarm!
David: I have lost 13 pounds in my first 36 days of being involved with GYIS. I dropped one pant size; some of the XXL shirts I was wearing now look too big. I improved my one mile run-walk time by one minute, and I feel better and I am more confident!! I am eating a reasonable amount of healthy food daily. Most importantly, I don’t have the “I’m starving” feeling that I had with other attempts to lose weight.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
Heather: Quit looking and Join! It works…I remember Brad telling us to ‘follow the dang instructions’ … it’s not hard just do what they tell you to do and it works! This is a lifestyle change for us and we love it!
David: I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a jump start back into health and fitness. It is fun. It has been great for my wife and I to do this together. There are lots of other couples doing the “journey” together. No matter your level, there is a home for you in the GYIS program.
