Client of the Year Nominee 2015 – Nancy Anderson

Nancy Anderson is a freelance technical writer living in Coppell. I joined GYIS at the end of April, 2015. Q: Where were you at in your life before the Get You In Shape? What did your life look like? The combination of a stressful job, knee surgery and a knee injury (on my “good” knee) […]

Client of the Year Nominee 2015 – Nancy Anderson

Nancy Anderson is a freelance technical writer living in Coppell. I joined GYIS at the end of April, 2015.
Q: Where were you at in your life before the Get You In Shape? What did your life look like? The combination of a stressful job, knee surgery and a knee injury (on my “good” knee) resulted in an extra 30 pounds–but that’s just part of the story. I had acid reflux, was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol and felt I was missing out on life. I felt tired and slow all the time. And I felt very old! My athletic husband’s life was such a contrast to mine, but I thought I Nancy Anderson- Before & Afterwould never be able to run again because of my knees.

Q: Why did you decide to join Get You In Shape? I had just gotten the news from the doctor about my high cholesterol and was motivated to get off my bum. After I was laid off from my full-time job, I realized that this was the perfect opportunity to get back into exercising. I decided to try GYIS because it had such a wide variety of times that it met. Also, I liked the idea of exercising in the outdoors.

Q: What was your first experience with or first impression of Get You In Shape? Honestly, I was shocked at how out-of-shape I was. I was breaking into a sweat during the warm-ups! I remember thinking that I had a long uphill climb to just get through the workouts. But immediately I loved how fun and positive the trainers are; I think Kathy Chasteen managed to make me laugh during every workout. And Chaney was so sweet and encouraging. Also, I liked the camaraderie within the group, the wide variety of exercises and being outside.

One thing that really stuck with me from that first week was when clients were being recognized for their anniversaries. When I saw that there were people who had worked out for 7 years, 4 years, etc., I could hardly believe it. I thought, “Now this place must have something special!”

Q: What are some of the tools from the Get You In Shape program you have used that has helped you? I did the  24-Day Jump Start as a jumpstart and that was great for seeing immediate results. Since that time, I have pretty consistently stayed with protein shakes for breakfast. Using My Fitness Pal has perhaps been the best tool to keep me accountable. I fell off the wagon once when it came to using it, but a friend on there encouraged me to get back on track. Since then, I’ve added more friends through the tool for that very purpose: to help keep me on track.

Q: What do you like most about the Get You In Shape Program? What’s not to love? I love the trainers, the other members, the variety, the joy of lying on a mat and looking up at the stars and moon, the contests, t-shirts, the newsletter–I truly can’t narrow it down. It’s the whole package that I love. It’s kind of like church for sweaty people. J

Q: How has the Get You In Shape program helped change your life? This program has awakened me and pulled me off the sidelines, back into the game. I find myself looking for opportunities to move more (like taking stairs instead of escalators). Also, I feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I’ve seen the biggest changes since I started doing Cardio Club; now I’m thinking about finding the next 5K I can run. I want to run a race in each of the 50 states.

Q: What is your proudest moment or result from the Get You in Shape program? My proudest moment was when I somehow managed to knock a minute off my timed mile. Or maybe it was when I squeezed out three legitimate burpees before I got too tired and dizzy to do more. I know I’m taking baby steps, but my goal from the beginning was to KEEP COMING TO CLASS—not to be the queen of burpees (though wouldn’t that be a fun title to hold). I know that my consistency and commitment will give me great results over time.

Q: How has the Get You In Shape Program impacted other areas of your life? My husband, Steve, saw how much I enjoyed the classes and that I was getting good results so, with some encouragement from me, he started attended in July. It’s been so great to have this activity that we share. We already had a good marriage, but I believe this program has made our marriage even better!

Q: What are the results that you have achieved from the Get You In Shape program and how has Get You In Shape played a role in your results? As of a month ago, I had lost 8 pounds and 16 inches. I have lost at least two more pounds since then. I’ve dropped a jean size and a shirt size. I’m hoping my cholesterol is better, but I haven’t retested. I know this is because of the combination of working out (especially since adding cardio club) and tracking what I eat. And even in smaller ways, like motivation through Facebook, the newsletter and the extra fun things we do, all of these things add up to keep me interested.

This isn’t my first time to work out or to lose weight, but I’ve never been this consistent about being part of an exercise program. And I know that’s because, in a sweaty, difficult way, I’m having fun and I’m being encouraged. I want to be one of those people like I saw during my first week who celebrates years of working out and I’m convinced that’s going to happen.

 

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