All four of our spotlights this month reside here in Coppell. Alison Durkee is a CPA, Allison Jones is a VP at a commercial real estate services company, Kathy Eells is in Finance Services at Southwest Airlines and Terri Welty is in Medical Sales.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Get You In Shape program?
AD: I needed a structured fitness program.
AJ: I needed a jump start and more accountability after my second child was born.
KE: I needed a more structured approach to exercise; i.e., it wasn’t working doing it all on my own.
TW: I had a knee scope for a torn meniscus and never fully recovered. I developed osteoarthritis in that knee. My husband, Dan, had been attending boot camp and he along with Chaney kept after me to go to help my knee. I joined to prove to them it wouldn’t help. I was the one who was wrong. I can’t say that GYIS made my knee itself better, but it did strengthen the muscles around my knee and definitely improved my range of motion.
Q: What was your life like before joining the Get You In Shape Program?
AD: I exercised sporadically, but never found anything I would stick with.
AJ: I was having a hard time getting back in a routine after my second child was born. I wasn’t working out consistently and was having a hard time getting motivated.
KE: I was active, mostly walking, but exercise was not a priority.
TW: Before my knee injury, I was an avid walker with a good friend. After my knee scope, I couldn’t walk with her and had stopped exercising.
Q: What was your first impression from the Get You In Shape program?
AD: I was pleasantly surprised at how encouraging the environment was. It was not intimidating at all.
AJ: We had a week of one on one training to learn the correct techniques on all of the exercises. It was great to learn how to do the exercises correctly. I thought that there was no way that I was going to be able to do the workouts but everyone was so motivating and supportive and I was surprised at what I could do.
KE: It was much more difficult than I anticipated, but I liked it. I enjoyed the trainers and the other participants.
TW: I was able to tell I had developed more strength and stamina, and much improved range of motion for my knee.
Q: What have been some of the tools you have used that have benefited you?
AD: I have used the ABC’s of boot camp and other WOD’s when I have been out of town or on vacation.
AJ: The biggest benefit that I’ve gotten out of the program is the support group that we’ve formed. Kathy, Alison, Terri and I didn’t know each other before meeting at boot camp. We have created a great support group for each other and keep each other accountable.
KE: The biggest “tool” I’ve used is the accountability I have with some great friends I’ve met through participating in boot camp. I look forward to seeing them, and I know I miss them when they can’t be there. I’ve also tried many of the nutrition products. The three I keep going back to are the Meal Replacement Shakes for breakfast, Spark, and Catalyst.
TW: Consistent exercising.
Q: How is the Get You In Shape program different from other programs you have tried before?
AD: The group environment has been the game changer for me. I have made good friends from the program. We now hold each other accountable. I also love not having to think about what I need to do. I love that the trainers have that all worked out. I just have to wake up and go! Every work out is different, so I never get bored.
AJ: The fact that we do different workouts every day and that the trainers motivate you in such a supportive way makes this very unique. They can cater to any fitness level and will take the time to make sure that you are doing everything correctly. The trainers and owners actually care about every member which is very so hard to find.
KE: I’ve never really tried another program, other than taking different classes or working out on my own. I think what makes Get You in Shape unique are the trainers, their approach to helping everyone be more fit, and their willingness to give alternate exercises if someone has knee pain, back pain, etc. The biggest difference is the sense of community with Get You in Shape. People are working out together, encouraging each other, and holding each other accountable.
TW: I have developed a friendship with three other women through GYIS. We hold each other accountable and encourage one another. Even though we all live in Coppell, our paths probably wouldn’t have ever crossed without GYIS. The trainers are great!
Q: What results and benefits have you experienced in the Get You In Shape Program?
AD: Fitness is now a regular part of my life. I am not as tired, even though I get up at 5:00 to go to the 5:30 am class! I just overall feel stronger and healthier.
AJ: More motivation, weight loss, especially with the 24 Day Challenge and a great group of friends.
KE: From a health perspective I think the program has helped me have more energy, better sleep, and just an overall better fitness level. I had cancer during this time, and I am convinced that one of the reasons I came through that so well was the fact that I was more physically fit and had the boot camp community supporting me. It’s that community that I think is one of the biggest benefits I’ve gotten from participating in Get You in Shape. The trainers and participants are not only workout partners, but great friends.
TW: I can’t say that GYIS made my knee itself better, but it did strengthen the muscles around my knee and definitely improved my range of motion.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at this program?
AD: Just do it! Don’t be intimidated. Everybody works at their own level and the trainers are always available to provide modifications if you need them. Also, you might just make some really good friends! I did!
AJ: Definitely try it out. It’s great to be in an environment where the trainers are so supportive and encouraging and you can build some great relationships.
KE: Give it a try! The thought of it may be intimidating, but it’s not.
TW: A great program that has flexibility to meet everyone’s fitness level.
