Personal Fitness Training

Fit 4 Lifer of the Month

Kelli Doss

To date has lost 10 pounds and 3 inches in the waist.

Why did you decide to sign up for the Boot Camp program?:
I have a BIG birthday in November. With that as my focus, I was determined to not only improve my overall health, but, I wanted to find a way to alleviate stress and feel better about myself. Furthermore, my family has a history of high blood pressure and diabetes. I knew I needed to step up my game if I want to live a long healthy happy life.

How has Boot Camp helped you move closer to reaching your health and fitness goals?
Boot camp has been great! It has totally changed my views on exercise. I hated going to the gym! The overcrowded gym, my lack of motivation and my hectic schedule made it too easy for me to avoid working out. Since I joined Boot Camp, I look forward to my workout. I was able to work at my own pace. With the encouragement of the instructors and the group, I try to push myself a little more everyday. On days that I don’t have Boot Camp, I still try to carve out time to do some form of exercise. Also, I am more focused on making better food choices. If I had not made the decision to join, I am not sure how or when I would have made a change for the better

What changes have you seen and felt since joining the Boot Camp?
I still have a long way to go; but I have definitely seen improvements in my strength and flexibility. Also, I have suffered with insomnia for years and my sleep patterns have improved drastically. Furthermore, my stress levels have dropped; I feel more alert and exhibit more patience during the day. Most importantly, I just feel good about myself.

What advice do you have for others who are try to get fit?
Getting started is the hardest part. You just have to figure out what works for you (boot camp, dancing,....) or consider exercising with other people. You just have to make the commitment to do it. Trust me...over the years, I have used every excuse in the book; but, I have found the perfect formula for me and I am determined to stay on track.

Past Fit 4 Lifers of the Month

The staff at the Family Center

Thanks to the leadership of The Family Center Social Worker, Linda Meaney, ten Family Center staff members were able to participate in our Fit 4 Life NYC Workplace Wellness program. Participants received classes that focused on strengthening, toning, increasing flexibility and reducing stress.

It was fulfilling to be able to go their workplace and provide them with the quality fitness services they deserve. In non-profit it can be difficult to find the time to take care of yourself, especially when you spend the entire day taking care of others.

___________________________________________________

Fit 4 Life NYC Tour de Brooklyn Riders, Gerry and Carla

"Last year I rediscovered my love for my bike & i thought this was a great way to start the summer. I also know that I don't challenge myself when it comes to exercise and being fit- 18 miles sounded like a good challenge.

The thought of riding for 18 miles was more challenging than the actual ride- we kept it fun and the tour kept stopping- it almost seemed too easy! I think we were all nervous on some level- I wasn't sure I would finish. After the ride I felt a huge rush of accomplishment- enough to challenge myself for a 55 mile ride in sept. I'm not the fittest person & I'm not worried about finishing 55 miles but I'm getting out there & I'm trying & that's all that matters to me right now. It's all about keeping a positive outlook- if you're already talking yourself out of it before trying you'll never conquer that fear. I also asked friends to ride with me so I could feel supported & committed- if I signed up alone I might not have shown up for the ride!" - Carla

I was scared that I wasn't ready for an 18 mile ride (not to mention that I don’t even own a bike!).

I was definitely nervous and a little intimidated before the ride, but once I was doing it, I felt great. When we finished the ride, I felt proud to have completed it and to have been a part such a great event!

-Gerry

And we are off!

We survived!

_______________________________________________________________

Fit 4 Life NYC Walk-a-thon Team

Top Row: Carla, Amber, Sam, Sarah, Marty, Cheriece, Terry

Bottom Row: Sheba, Emil, Cassius (pup), Emma, Laura, Jackie, Lucy (dog)

On May 4th our amazing Fit 4 Life NYC team participated in a 4 mile walk-a-thon to support Montefiore Hospital's B'N Fit Teen Obesity Prevention program. To date we have been able to raise over $1,000. This equates to sending at least 2 teens to a fun, weight loss summer camp. Thank you to our amazing team who brought with them an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm. If you are interested in making a donation please contact us at 718-210-3374 or emailing to fit4lifenyc@gmail.com.

Let's Go!

4 Mile sign created by several of the children.

The starting line.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mark McLean

* Lost 8 pounds
* Lost 4 inches off the waist
* Has a healthy BMI
* 60% increase in upper body strength.
* 70% increase in lower body strength.
* 70% increase in core strength.
* 50% improvement in flexibility.

Program: 30 Minute Workout Express + Online Personal Training Combo

Health and Fitness goals:
* Lose 10 - 15 pounds
* Tone the body (specifically the abdominal area)
* To participate in sporting actives without being totally exhausted afterwards.

Why did you decide to seek out a Personal Trainer?
I had a discussion with Emil over dinner in December of 2007. I remember it clearly. I ordered a salad and he had a hamburger. I loved his attitude towards healthy living and I decided that it was some thing I could do without having to give up the foods that I enjoy. I've read several health books and they all involved sacrifice and foods that I would never enjoy. After a few more conversations with Emil it was obvious that he would be the perfect trainer for me.

What physical/mental changes have you seen since you've starting training?
So far I have lost 8 pounds and 2 inches off my waist. I really noticed this when I look in the mirror. I also feel that my posture is starting to improve. This is something I've battled all my life. In addition feel more energetic and present during the day.

What's your favorite part of your training program?
My favorite part of my workout with Emil is setting the weekly goals and working consistently to achieve them. The resistance bands and kickboxing are also fun.

What advice do you have for others who are looking to make a healthy change in their lives?
I would approach these programs as a lifestyle change. It will improve all aspects of your life. I think it's important to always remember the big picture. This will keep you motivated.

_______________________________________________________________

Sheba Kapur

Lost 25 pounds!

Went from a size 12 to a 4.

"I feel confident enough to wear a bikini, something I thought I would never be able to do."

F4L NYC Program: Weight Loss & Conditioning Program and Online Personal Training

Borough: Brooklyn

Occupation: Teacher

BEFORE

Health and Fitness Goals:
* Lose 5-10 pounds.
* Tone abdominal area now that my fibroid surgery is over.
* Regain my pre-surgery strength.

Sheba's story:
When I was much younger, I was very thin, to the point of being unhealthy. I never worked out; physical activity was not part of my life. In my mid-twenties my metabolism seemed to slow down considerably and I gained 55 lbs in one year! I eventually joined a gym, but didn't really know what to do with all the machines and I didn't pay any attention to what I was eating. With Emil's help and my own motivation, I've lost 25 lbs of the 55 I gained and have kept it off for about 3 years.

What did you do to lose the 25 pounds?
I simply started moving, drank more water, and became more conscious of what I ate. While I was still living in Toronto, I decided to take advantage of Emil's Online Personal Training program. He would send me easy to follow workouts that I would print out and use at my gym. I also shared them with my friends. It was great because they included simple exercises with sets, reps and weight. Emil's workouts were my own personal how- to guide that allowed me to easily navigate the gym. This was helpful because I was a "gym virgin" and too nervous to ask anyone in the gym for help. Plus I was surrounded by intimidating muscles heads.

When I moved to New York I continued working out with Emil, but this time utilized his Personal Training services. I also joined his Weight Loss & Conditioning Boot Camp. I still didn't love exercise but his Boot Camp was fun, intense and the class was over before I knew it. I still continue to take his Boot Camp class to this date.

What physical and/or mental differences have you seen?
I have more self-confidence, sleep better at night and have more energy. I feel confident enough to wear a bikini, something I thought I would never be able to do. And I like the way my clothes look on me now.

What advice do you have for others wanting to lose weight and get fit?
Don't try to overhaul your fitness and nutrition all at once. It can be overwhelming and easy to give up. Take one step at a time.

______________________________________________________________________

Shoana Hew