Suzzette Faith is a Business Intelligence Programmer for Bank of America and she lives in Carrollton.
Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
About 2.5 years ago, I was semi active and working on increasing my fitness levels and losing weight. Then I had a major Scuba Diving Accident that required surgeries and long rehab. Afterwards I had gained weight and I had no endurance. I wasn’t feeling good about myself. I was cleared to return to all normal activities but I was having trouble with the motivation to get up off of the couch and get going again.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
My friend Melissa is a member. I heard her talking about how the program offered both Fitness and Nutrition and you could choose from multiple class times. I was still hesitant to attend a class because I was embarrassed that I was so out of shape and overweight. But finally I knew I had to start somewhere, so I attended a free trial class. Trainer Billy was super. I also met another person, Susan, who was also starting her journey that night. She instantly became a positive reinforcement by always encouraging me at works outs and telling me that I could do it!
Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program? 
I was impressed. Everyone- the GYIS trainers and other class attendees were all very friendly and encouraging. I quickly saw that it didn’t really matter if you were a long timer or short timer or what stage you were in on your wellness path- you were welcome. This is evident not only at the first class you attend, but every class. The trainers are always willing to instruct you in modification exercises to accommodate any physical limitations that you might have. You really can go at your own pace and see results no matter if you are a tortoise or a hare.
Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
My Fitness Pal – Provides accountability and allows you to really see what you are eating, GYIS Website and Facebook- Great exercise tips that I am able to use when traveling or for those very late night workouts at home and last but not least “Follow the Darn Instructions” concept!
Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
Hands down it is the people. The combination of assistance for both Nutrition and Fitness. The workouts are always different- it is not the same old same old each time. The ongoing awareness that you are doing what you do for yourself and for your short term and long term goals in life. Everyone connected with GYIS is there to help you on your journey.
Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
Knowing my body and past history, I knew that to reach my fitness and weight goals that I would need a combination of exercise and lifetime nutrition changes, not just a diet. So, first I committed to attending sessions a minimum of twice a week. It was tough at first and I often had to ask the trainers for exercise modifications at a level zero instead of level one! Then by three weeks in I realized that my body now craved exercise again. I didn’t want to miss a session.
About two weeks into my journey, I started one of the 28 Day Challenges. The first thing I did was to cut out my Dr. Pepper addiction of 5-8 cans a day. Water and Spark became my replacements. I started eating more fruits, vegetables, less processed foods and less fast food. I increased my daily Protein. I learned to actually eat three meals a day with balanced snacks during the day.
After 3 months I have seen great improvement in my endurance. I can now walk and walk unlike when I started and I couldn’t walk from point A to B without being out of breath. I am even beginning to start what I call my “walkjog”. My flexibility has increased greatly. I am seeing muscle strength returning. I can once again do push ups and planks. I started out exercising with no weights, and then moved to 1 pound and now I am up to 8-10 pounds depending on the exercise. For the first time in over 2 years I was able to begin attending a Core Class at my Rec Center.
Unlike some people that lose a lot of weight up front when they start the program, I am one of those individuals whose results are a steady consistent weight loss of about 2 pounds a week. Since the first class that I attended, I have lost 25 pounds. I am loosing inches and I am down 3 pant sizes! I have more energy and I am beginning to feel better about myself.
I know that I didn’t get to the point where I am overnight and I’m not going to achievement my goals overnight. But I can definitely achieve my short term goals. I am excited that I am going to be able to Hang Glide and Scuba Dive in Iceland and Zip Line in Norway, because I now meet the weight requirements! I will continue working toward being able to do that level 3 burpee, running a mile and fitting back into that college soccer uniform!
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
No matter what your goals are, you have to start somewhere. So give it a try- you will see that the trainers are fantastic, the work out programs have variety. Try It- You Will Like It!
For more information about the Coppell Fitness program and getting started, go to http://CoppellFitness.com
If you live or work in Coppell, Valley Ranch, Irving, Lewisville, Las Colinas, Carrollton, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Addison, Corinth, Highland Village, Dallas, and Famers Branch, the Coppell Group Personal Training is just minutes away from you. Get You In Shape’s programs include the Get You In Shape Group Personal Training, 24 Day Challenge, sports specific training, weight loss programs, Corporate wellness plans, nutrition plans, core fitness training, strength training, toning and more. Clients include athletes (golf, basketball, tennis, football, track, baseball, baseball, volleyball, and softball) corporate executives, professionals, weekend warriors, cheerleaders, dancers, models, stay at home moms, and anyone looking for results.
Owner Brad Linder, has been featured in numerous newspapers and even as the fitness expert on the news 8 (ABC). Get You In Shape was also featured on The Doctor’s TV show as one of the top Fitness Companies in Texas. He continues to use the gifts that he has been given to help serve the needs others have when it come to being healthy, losing weight, sports, toning up, and overall fitness.
More information about Get You In Shape at www.getyouinshape.com
