My experience at Fit For You Health Club has been amazing! My journey started in January 2011, call it a “New Years Resolution.” I decided it was time for me to take care of me and put myself first for a while. Coming in through those doors that first day was not easy. I was nervous and a little scared, but I did it! I chose to work with a trainer because I knew I would need all the help I could get, to keep me motivated and stay on track with nutrition and the workouts. In five months I’ve been able to lose over 40 pounds. The knowledge and encouragement that the staff and trainers have given me has been so appreciated! You have made me feel that I CAN do this! I have more energy and shopping for smaller size clothing has been fun! My journey is not over yet, in fact my new lifestyle is just beginning! Thank you Fit For You!  I have lost a total of 61 pounds so far!

 

Kathy Plamondon

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Success Stories

I knew I needed to get healthy for my family and for myself. My husband Glen suggested I go to Fit For You with him in the morning to workout; at first I was hesitant, I am not a morning person! We started working out together, lifting weights along with cardio and spinning. It was not easy, but with his support and the support of all of the “morning crew” it got easier to get up and go.

I attended Jeff and Vern’s nutrition class and started to learn how to eat healthy and the weight started to come off. By eating right and exercising I am not only losing weight but I feel better, am happier and can handle the daily stress that always bound to happen. Fit For You is really a gym for everybody; nobody cares what shape you are in when you get there what they care about is how they can help you get in the best shape for you.

Thanks to everyone at the gym, the staff, Jeff and Vern and our workout partners Ruth and Jeff coming to the gym at 5:00 am has gotten easier and I even look forward to my workouts. It has been almost a year and I have lost 39lbs and plan on losing 18 more before the end of the year. With the support of my husband Glen and everyone at Fit For You I know I can do it.

Alana Breaux

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Prior to joining Fit For You Health Club in May of 2008, my perception of the gym was that it was for body builders, only. After listening to a presentation given by Jeff and asking a lot of questions I decided to check it out; boy did I have the wrong idea. The membership is truly diverse—I have gotten to know several members and thoroughly enjoy my 5 day a week—4:30 a.m. workouts. At one point in my life weighing in at close to 300 pounds, I knew that I needed to do something. Losing weight through “dieting” did not work, no matter what plan or diet I chose. Exercise without eating the right food didn’t work either. I had gastric by-pass surgery in 2006. Surgery was just one part of my change—without the exercise piece I do not believe that I would be where I am today. With the help of the training staff, between the gym training sessions and beach boot camp, I have accomplished a lot. In the past 5 months I have lost 14 pounds, lost inches, gained more muscle and decreased my body fat. I appreciate the push I receive from the training staff and my gym friends—it helps to keep my motivated and moving toward my goal. Thank you Fit For You for providing me with a comfortable place to be myself while sweating my butt off!

Ilah Honson

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Last winter I was overweight and my self-esteem was very low. I told my husband for a Christmas gift I wanted a gym membership and personal trainer. This is the best gift I have ever received! I joined Fit For You and started training with my trainer in January 2011. I really wanted to lose weight and get “fit and fabulous” by age 40. My whole life I was never an athletic person and I never stuck to my workout plans. I was also terrible at watching what I ate. My husband and I went out to eat a lot, which packed on more pounds. This all changed with my trainers help. He put me on a nutrition and workout plan. The past 6 months have been the most awesome journey I have ever been on! I have lost 25 pounds and 21 inches and counting. I feel strong and healthy. I am happier than I have been in years. I am amazed at what I never knew I was capable of doing. My trainer has done a great job working with me, as well as putting up with me (ha-ha). I have found out that I really love going to the gym and look forward to many more days ahead!

Jenny Marshall

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Someone once said to me in the locker room … “You are making great progress… Are you doing this ALL on your own?” I said No, I am doing this with the help and support of ALL my friends here and my family.” There are so many reasons why FFY has enabled me to be successful this time… Jeff and Vern who really care about the members here and about their goals. The Staff and Trainers who go above and beyond to help in any way they can. The supportive Members who are so positive and offer advice or a hug whenever it is needed. Great cardio machines, Challenging Fitness Classes, and so much more… It is great to workout “where everybody knows your name!” Thank you FFY for allowing me the following experiences: Making some of my most cherished friendships… Completing my first 5k run. Doing the Sleeping Bear Dunes hike from the dune climb to Lake Michigan and back in just over 2 hours. Taking the hardest path just because you can. Smelling the sweet smell of baby’s breath in the breeze when the trip got challenging and imagining that is what success must smell like. The satisfaction of receiving approving nods when you walk out of the gym. This intense pride that come from knowing you have taken your health back. That you are stronger and healthier than you have ever been in your life. I never thought about being an inspiration to others, but I find so much inspiration at FFY that if someone looks at me and feels inspired to make positive changes, that is a compliment I will take with a smile. I am currently a handful of pounds away from having lost 100 pounds. This journey will not end there…I have so much more to do! When I started my journey it was ALL about weight loss. And as that started to happen, it became more about being healthy and getting stronger. Now, it is about becoming the person I am supposed to be, a strong, healthy woman, confident in herself, and living her life.

Lisa Zeits

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I joined Fit For You when I finally decided it was time to lose weight, get in better physical condition and improve my health. About 3 months ago I began working with Fit For You Personal Trainers. Luke helped me develop specific goals for myself and created a plan to achieve them. He worked with me on a meal plan that is easy to follow to change my eating habits. The trainers make the workouts challenging, but I think fun and enjoyable too! They know how and when to target different muscle groups with a variety of workouts. They keep me motivated and I look forward to going to the gym in the mornings. The staff and trainers are very friendly and willing to help answer any questions. I am happy with my results, losing weight, gaining strength and endurance.

Josh Davidson

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People ask me how I’ve lost almost 50 pounds in the last 18 months or so. Well it hasn’t been easy, it takes effort. It’s been focusing on my health, making sure that at my age my body is working in an efficient manner. Then it is about exercising.. staying active. That is where I have really leaned on the crew at Fit for you… Yes they have helped with the diet…but I have used them as I like to say my parole officer!! I know that if I don’t work at staying fit..the trainers will challenge me and show that I’ve been slacking.

People also think that I must be a work out nut… but that’s not true. I’m not a nut, I’m dedicated to staying healthy. I want to live as long as I can. The folks at Fit for you have taken an interest in me. I like that. This place has become a fun place to go. Vern and Jeff deserve all the credit for making this a clean, happy, fun place to come and get healthy. I recommend it to everyone when they ask…”where do you work out”!

Jack O’Malley

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I joined Fit For You Health Club in November of 2010. I had a baby and was gaining weight at a rapid rate. I started to feel discouraged about my weight gain and spoke with my husband about it. He suggested I work with a trainer at Fit For You Health Club (thank you Brian for the idea and constant support). I was excited and ready to shed the weight. My trainer and I set an initial goal of losing 20 pounds by St. Patrick’s Day. I was reluctant to set my weight loss goal any higher. In the past it had taken me a long time to lose that much weight. I shouldn’t have worried because my goal was met long before St. Patrick’s Day. I like being a member at Fit For You Health Club and enjoy the challenge of each new workout. My initial weight loss goal will be doubled by this summer!

Jessica Zionskowski

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I have been working out at Fit For You Health Club for 9 weeks. I have lost 23 pounds and two pant sizes. This is the first time in my life (43 years) working with a personal trainer. It has been the best decision I have made. It is like a family here! Everyone working towards the same goal. For me, knowing I have to weigh in and be accountable really has helped me stay on track. 23 Pounds gone and 40 more to go!

Scott Kreta

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Where do I start? … Having “bad” knees (arthroscopic surgeries on each) for more than a decade had given me the “excuse” to avoid strenuous exercise. Along with being a stress eater and having failed on past diets the pounds continued to accumulate. But late in 2009 I re-injured my left knee requiring me to where an “unloader” brace for 3 months and my doctor recommending a “radical” osteotomy surgery which would require no weight-bearing for 8-12 weeks. This was a unacceptable to me for my right knee was already feeling the strain and I was convinced a knee replacement was the better option. Upon the advice of a second orthopedic doctor, who stated a knee replacement was probably in my future, now was not ideal due to my overweight and young(er) age.
So with my options limited, I had to make some changes. Additional motivations in 2010 included; getting released from a medical disabled list to perform my duties as an EMT/Firefighter, being able to continue my job as a Certified Pharmacy Technician which requires long days on your feet, turning 50 and not getting any younger and wanting to look good for my oldest daughter’s wedding in October.
These “landmarks” lead me to where I am today with Fit For You Health Club. Initial progress after having cortisone & synovial fluid (Euflexxa) injections throughout March of 2010 then 6 weeks of physical therapy motivated me to continue with additional fitness/exercise. My younger daughter, Samantha, who works at Fit For You Health Club encouraged me to team with a personal trainer who would not only teach me the correct way to work out without stressing my knees but encourage me with proper diet and lifestyle changes that would ultimately help me reach my goals.
Some changes include: increased energy and endurance, losing 40+ pounds, 11.5 inches from my waist alone and about 46 inches total, lowered my body fat 9.5%, my blood pressure is normal along with decreasing my cholesterol by 85 points so I am no longer on medications. Best of all, I have gone from wearing size 20’s to fitting into 12’s, which means new clothes that I enjoy shopping for again!
It’s a really great feeling when my patients, friends & family are noticing and complimenting on how good I look. I will never forget when a lady patient, who is legally blind and uses a white cane, asked when I approached her if I was losing weight – now if she can notice the difference I must be doing something right. When asked “what have I been doing?” I have to answer “making lifestyle changes the old fashioned way by eating right and getting encouragement & motivation from the best fitness team in town – Fit For You Health Club!”
THANKS for the new me!!

Dori Kern

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I am the kind of guy that thought since I have been relatively healthy all my life and in fairly good shape that I would always be the same. But as I leaped over the 40 hill I found the other side of that mountain was not very forgiving. Over the years since that day my weight has consistently increased. I hopped on the scale at age 40 and saw 200 lbs and said, “Wow, I need to do something.” The next year the scale would read 205. This continued until the scale read over 240 lbs. I would look at myself and say, “Damn Larry, what did you do to yourself?” When I reached 220 at age 43 I started to try and take control of things, buying books, diet pills, joining gyms and trying way too many fad diets. I tried the Atkins diet, South Beach, Cabbage, Fat Belly and many others. It seemed that I would lose 5, 10 or even 15 lbs with some of these diets, but with these diets I was left hungry and craving all the foods they said I could not have. Then, when I would quit these diets all the pounds that I had lost found their way back to me. They would also bring back a few of their fat friends with them to take up residency in my body. When I would walk into a gym I would join I would see these muscle engorged guys. I was not going to be the fat guy that did not know what he was doing. After Christmas this year my weight was over 240 lbs so I once again made the commitment to myself to take the weight off. I bought another year’s membership to another gym. This time it was at Fit For You and after an enlightening consultation with Ginny, I also decided to use a Personal Trainer. I had already proven to myself that I could not do it alone. I dieted hard the week before my first visit and still tipped the scale at 234.5 on my first visit. After 5 months of my adventure I weight 181. That is 63 lbs lost and I feel great. This is the first time I have been below 200 in going on 5 years. What makes the difference at Fit For You? There are many reasons if you ask me. First off, the trainers know what they’re doing. They are tough guys with an easy you can do it attitude. They will not let you fall, even if it is your last push up or your 3rd set. It’s not just them; I have not seen one ill tempered staff member at Fit For You. It’s not only the staff, even some of them muscle engorged guys offer words of encouragement. This goes a long way in making customers feel comfortable in this establishment. The next thing at Fit For You I believe has made a big difference is the Vitabot meal planning website. I can keep a daily count of my food intake and plan out my next days meals. When I cheat on my diet I can plug that into the meal plan and adjust the rest of the day. This meal planner allows you to cheat and them compensate for it stopping the “I’m quitting this diet cravings” that I have had with other diets. The recognition for my accomplishments is another difference at Fit For You. Where even the owners come up to you and shake you hand and tells you that you are doing a good job. Also, the size and amount of equipment at Fit For You makes a difference. I have been coming here for 5 months now and I have never had to wait for a treadmill or an open area to work out. So I would like to take the time to thank all the staff at Fit For You. You have got me started on accomplishing my weight loss goal and with your continued support I truly believe that this time I can actually do it.

Larry Podsaid

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Wish you could have watched this last year unfold through my eyes, it would make you enjoy this letter so much more. I would like to thank you for your gym in its entirety. We had a blast at the show. We are more excited for Kevin’s trophy than you will ever understand. But for me it is more than that. A year ago I was watching Kevin take on a couple of devastating cases at work. I was watching Kevin gain weight in his belly and face that was just not normal for his build; his stress level was painfully obvious. At the time I had been working out with a trainer for a little more than a month. I decided to purchase one month of training with a Personal Trainer, for Kevin. I told Kevin after that he could do whatever he wanted… WA-LAH, he’s a superman! He is like a 3 year old with a new red wagon! I have never seen him so proud and so excited. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now… have I told you lately how great we think our trainer is! I want you to know throughout this process we have had complete confidence in all of our direction from our trainer. Never once have we felt we had to seek help of guidance from anyone else, when he tells us what to do we feel secure with his decisions. Our trainer is a very good leader, we are so grateful to have been teamed up with him. As I have told you before, it is more than just your facility and trainers; it is also your staff. Rather it is your Wellness Coordinator and her administrative supervision and the way she minds every detail at all of your events and front desk staff (who are awesome) and are waiting to help you our or brighten your day. It’s amazing the difference people like that can have on you; I hope they realize how important they are. You have a great thing going there and I really appreciate it and the impact it has had on our lives!

Mary Jane & Kevin Gay

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I could never imagine myself in the place that I find myself today without a lot of help from a few key people in my life – my trainer Jon, who pushed me beyond all perceived limits, my wife Linda for believing it was something I could do, and my gym buddies for all those encouraging words every time I worked out. I have changed my entire life by losing 90 pounds. It got even crazier when I decided to compete in the 2011 Grand Traverse Body Building and Figure Show at the age of 55. It is so enjoyable to tell others about my journey because I know where I started and I know that others can conquer the same challenges I did – you just need to make that initial decision. Take it one day and one workout at a time and you’ll be amazed. Don’t be afraid to seek out others that are on the same road but perhaps a couple of miles ahead of you – they can be a wealth of knowledge and experience!

Mike Shelton

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I have been working out at Fit For You Health Club for several years now. The over all attitude of the staff and
patrons is very pleasant and positive, everything is up beat and casual. I have been seeing awesome improvements in my body. Some of these include weight loss, lower blood-sugar levels, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol. I have a better attitude, higher energy level, I feel better over all and I look better. Chicks dig it!

Pete Dendrinos

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My journey of health and weight loss at Fit For You has been longer than some – 4 years – but the last year has been the most amazing. Having lost 25 pounds the first 3 years and another 25 this past year, my decision to compete in the Grand Traverse Bodybuilding and Figure show at the age of 55 was challenging, but scary! I lost a total of 50 pounds and walked across that stage a new woman. My trainer and the entire Fit For You staff were a vital support system to me. I couldn’t have done it without them! Age is truly only a number!

Linda Shelton

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I have been a member of Fit For You for over 10 years, and as the years have gone by, have gained increasing appreciation for two factors. The first is that as we age our fitness become increasingly important. Without a good, well planned fitness program, our strength and flexibility will decline rapidly. The second factor is the importance of a solid nutrition plan. Again, the aging process makes eating properly increasingly important. Our systems slow down and we need less food and higher quality meals. Jeff and Vern Gauthier, Fit For You Health Club owners, have emphasized the importance of a good nutrition plan to go with a fitness program. As I have become more interested in learning about nutrition, I realize their seminars, programs and continuing thoughts on nutrition are right on the money. I am 69 years old and am at Fit For You three to six times a week!

Rick Pauly

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Last September, I was not happy with the way I looked or how I felt.  So I made the decision to get serious about losing weight and becoming more physically fit.   I started working out two days a week at Fit for You as well as doing other exercises on my own.  The weekly weigh-ins, nutritional assistance and constant encouragement of the staff helped me to achieve a weight loss of 20 lbs.  Everyone at Fit for You is extremely supportive and willing to help in any way possible.  Whether you have a question about nutrition, how to use the equipment or how to take your workout to the next level all you need to do is ask!   I still have a few pounds to go to reach my goal but I know it is attainable if I continue to follow what I have learned here.   If you are considering joining a gym, I can’t think of a better place than Fit for You!

Stephanie Anable

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I am 73 years old and joining the Fit For You Health Club was one of the very best things I have ever done for myself. Not only for my health which has greatly improved but I sleep better, my diet is under control and I am eating much better and mainly the right foods. I have lost weight to where I should have been. My doctor said I look great and my body is in very good shape and to keep up whatever I am doing. Fit For You Health Club is clean, nice, bright and cheerie. All of the staff from the trainers to the counter staff bend over backwards to make you feel welcome and answer any questions or concerns you may have. All of the trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful all of the time no matter what your age. You will soon see your energy increase, your sleep will improve and the strength you use to have will start coming back and your doctor will love you. You will be so happy that you joined Fit For You Health Club, I am glad that I did.

Ron Hensel

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On any given Tuesday or Friday afternoon you will find these “Golden Girls” at Fit For You Health Club doing their workout. It took a heart attack by the youngest (69 years old) and advised by her doctor to join a “gym” for proper exercise. This in turn influenced her older two sisters (76 years old and 86 years old) t o join the gym also. The oldest was blessed with arthritis and osteoporosis in her back. As a result she walks much straighter now. We have been members for over 2 years and our day to day life continues to improve.

Annie, Bonnie, Joyce ∧ Marion

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Fit For You takes pride in being a gym with a family atmosphere. For me, that has taken on a whole new meaning! I would now consider myself a “3rd generation” gym go-er; after seeing my success at Fit For You, my mom and grandmother jumped at the opportunity to reach their own goals! My grandmother has seen weight loss and enjoys coming in to do cardio. My mom started out at 218lbs. She joined a couple programs here in the gym and right before Christmas weighed in at 140lbs!! I am so proud of the success they have seen and to be able to share this hobby and lifestyle with the 2 most important women in my life!!

Virginia Trago, Ginny Clark and Carolyn Taylor

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I have always been athletic but I have always struggled with weight loss and keeping the pounds off once I lose them. I lacked the knowledge of how to put a complete program together in combining exercise AND nutrition. I have lost a little over 60lbs since I started training at Fit For You. I couldn’t be happier with the success I have had here! I still have to work at my nutrition every day and still have days I really don’t want to do cardio or my weights but, when I get in bed at night and know that I did my work out anyway and stayed true to my nutrition, I feel better about myself.
I decided last April to do the GT Bodybuilding show. I told anyone who would listen that I was doing the show. My mom bought 4 tables and I knew there was no backing out then!! Accountability doesn’t get any more solid than having all your co-workers, family, and friends knowing what your goals are. So start from there: Tell everyone what your goal is!! Then get into Fit For You and find a new outlook on nutrition, exercise, motivation, and inspiration!

Ginny Clark

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When I started working out at Fit For You my goal was to become fit enough to go on a hunting trip in Colorado and not get elevation sickness. My starting weight was 227 lbs on December 29, 2010. I really enjoy coming in and working out with everybody. It seems as if this truly is a big family. The trainers give direction (nutrition, focus & goals) and the rest of the staff and members provide great moral support. With the help I have had from all of the trainers I have NO doubt that I will be able to run up and down the mountains of Colorado. Therefore I have set a new goal to run one of the local 5k marathons this fall. Kind of a huge pride building goal since running to the mailbox used to get me winded. Thanks to everyone who has lent me encouragement over the last 2 months. Today, February 23, 2011 I weigh in at 205 lbs and am feeling great!

Bryan Snyder

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The trainers here at Fit For You Health Club are just great. They are helpful and the Front Desk staff are very friendly. I have lost 37 pounds and I am feeling really good. I even got off my blood pressure medication! I am shooting to do the bodybuilding show next April. I have learned so much about eating healthy. Fit For You Health Club is truly a great place to learn to become fit and healthy. The trainers really do a good job with you.

Jim Balesh

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I have been working construction my entire adult life, and never had to worry about getting enough exercise. However, my genetics would prove me wrong as I approached 50, and beyond. My cholesterol was too high, and my blood pressure was climbing. I love to ski, ride my motorcycle, and have always been active with my wife and kids. One day this past spring while climbing up and down a ladder at work, I was winded. It angered and frustrated me to the point that I just knew I had to do something about my weight. I grew up with Jeff, and began working out with him in his garage when we were very young. I have been a member of FFY for many years, but I needed more. Jeff convinced me to sign up with a trainer. I have been training since March, 2010. Working with a trainer educates you, and makes you accountable each week. Your trainer also inspires, encourages, and is your biggest cheerleader. They educates you on your nutrition, and it has become a way of life for me. It is not a “diet”, but rather a lifestyle.

Since March, I have lost 55 pounds. I have more energy, more stamina, and sleep much better. My wife says I don’t snore much anymore either! Overall, I feel great. Thanks Jeff and Vern, and of course, my trainer, who pushes me further than I would have ever pushed myself.

Rich Baesch

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I can’t believe I actually lost 50 pounds!!! At first I wasn’t completely convinced that I could lose the weight, but was able to achieve my goal with unending help from my team of trainers pushing, dragging and cheering me on the whole way through! I would never have achieved this on my own (I’ve been trying for almost 20 years) and I am grateful to everyone for their knowledge, consistency, collaboration, encouragement, good humor and constant availability. FFY has an outstanding, dedicated staff that truly represents a united goal of achieving fitness in the best and healthiest way! Thank you!!!

Wendi Christani

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I loved every step of the process in starting with Fit For You Health Club. That includes the introduction, sign-up, pre-interview for goal setting, picking a Body Transformation specialist, constant feedback from the Body Transformation specialist and even the owners.  It has all been very informative. Everything that they do is with a smile and I love that. I feel great; even with some of the soreness I know goes with the process. I see outward and inward physical changes that others notice as well. I am losing weight where I wanted to, gaining strength and endurance in others, which matches my original goals.

There are 4 simple steps to choosing Fit For You Health Club:

1. Come in and visit/tour the gym and meet the staff;

2. Do a trial workout with a current member;

3. Discuss your goals with the staff;  and

4. Try them out!  No pressure sales.  You won’t be sorry!

Kevin Gay

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I began working out with my trainer in November of 2009.  A month later, I was blown away by inches and pounds lost.  I kept telling everyone that my weight goal for the year was ONE pound because I couldn’t get the scale to go down at all.  I surpassed that in my first week!

My trainer really taught me a lot.  He taught me proper nutrition.  What to eat and when.  I have a lot more learning to do, but I am doing really well.  I have no desire to sneak in a snack, so I am not even tempted.  My husband thinks I am doing really well and he is glad that I am starting to cook good, nutritional dinners again.  He is proud of my accomplishments.

I look forward to my three workouts per week with my trainer.  He is very helpful, patient and understands how to deal with my asthma and other limitations.  I have noticed that I have a lot more energy these days.  My strength is definitely improving and my back is also much better.

I am very grateful to my trainer for his personality, caring and expertise.  He is very good at telling me I have to do just ONE more or TEN more, whatever the exercise is.  I feel welcome at Fit For You Health Club.  Everyone is so friendly, supportive and fun.  I came there with my depression going downward and it didn’t take long for me to start looking up and forward.  My trainer has been very good, lifting my mood and telling me that I CAN do it.  That makes me want to prove that I CAN do something positive. My experience with Fit For You has been very positive and I am looking forward to continuing for a long time.
Becky Wells

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Eight months ago, my dad died from cancer at only 56 years old.  He had several heart attacks and strokes, so after he died, I decided to finally do something about my weight and overall health.  A person I worked with gave my phone number to the Wellness Coordinator at Fit For You.  She called me to set up a consultation and, from that point on, I’ve been training with the best training team in the world (not to mention the best gym!).  Everyone at Fit For You keeps me motivated and on track.  I really don’t think I could have lost this weight at any other place!  So far, I’ve lost 125 lbs in 7 months and will continue to keep going because this is a new way of life.  I love working out and can’t miss a day.  In October 2010, I ran a 5K in 42 minutes and, since then, I run 2 miles twice per week.  There is no way I would have been able to do this without Fit For You!

Kent Flesher

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My name is Jim Watson and I thank God for Vern, Jeff and the whole gang at Fit For You. They have such a positive attitude; there is never a bad day at the gym. I came to Fit For You by helping my 19 year old son and his buddy find a gym. They convinced me to join with them. I was sure at 49; I would be the oldest guy there (wrong). So let’s get down to the reality of things. I am about 5ft 9in – 5ft 10in, 228 lbs. Two blood pressure medicines, health was on a downhill slide. I could hardly run 2 blocks let alone 2 miles. After 5 months at Fit For You, I was down 26 lbs and was not taking any more blood pressure medicine. But was still considered over weight. The next 7 months of routine workouts and cardio 3 times a week, I just did not seem to lose any more weight. Frustrated I hit the cardio room 6 to 7 days a week for the next 3 months. I was burning 500 to 1000 calories every time and still pumping weights besides. Bottom line over 10 months of hard work, I gained ¼ lb. It was about then that Jeff and Vern had a seminar on nutrition. Started me on a new way of eating and balance amount of exercise. They said by eating five small meals a day, high in protein you could lose 2 lbs a week. Eating all the time and still lose weight? It did not make sense, but my way was not working. So I just did it their way. I started losing 1 to 4 lbs per week. 8 weeks later, I was down 16 lbs. I get sick of eating all the time and carrying food in my car, but it is a diet I can stick to. The reality of things today: I am 50 years old, weigh 185 lbs, blood pressure 120/72, medicine free, I run 2 miles in 16 to 17 minutes on the treadmill. Thanks so much for all the health!

Jim Watson

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I have been a member at Fit For You Health Club, off and on, for many years.  Due to three disc fusion surgeries in my neck in the past ten years, most recently in August 2009, I have had to take more time off from working out than I would have liked to.  The time off resulted in, not only weak muscles, but also weight gain.  After not being able to “bounce back” on my won from the surgery in August ‘09.  I decided that I needed to invest in myself and, this time, work with a trainer.  In January 2010, I came back to Fit For You Health Club.  It has been one of the best decisions I ever made and well worth every penny paid.  The trainer I initially started training with helped ease me back into lifting very gradually.  I then moved to a different trainer and am thrilled with the results I am getting!  So far, I have lost 30 pounds and 18+ inches!  I am now stronger and in better shape than I have been in years!  My trainer is very encouraging, motivating and optimistic.  I am always held accountable.  The nutrition information is sensible and priceless.

The entire staff is very friendly and has a smile to greet me every morning.  I love the transformation that I am seeing in myself, both physically and mentally.  The pride and passion that Jeff and Vern have for their business is apparent when you talk to them and by observing how they treat all of their clients.  I tell everyone to come in and check out Fit For You Health Club.  It is sooo worth it!

Jeanette Sherman

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I have been training with a Body Transformation specialist at Fit For You Health Club since April of 2010. The staff is extremely friendly. I love my trainer! He is very knowledgeable, always pushes me when he knows I can do more. I have enjoyed working with him immensely. I am down 50 pounds, so I am very happy with my progress. I can’t wait to see the results after 4 more months! I also LOVE the Beach Boot Camp! It is a great workout; the instructors do a great job.  I tell my friends who are interested in working out to try out Fit For You Health Club and get a Body Transformation specialist to get awesome results!

Shelly Glaesmer

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My weight kept creeping up on me from age 25 to 31. I yo-yoed in between, but slowly my weight kept going up and up. When I reached 210 pounds I decided it was time to join the gym. I don’t like using the word excuses. Instead, I truly did have many obstacles in my life to overcome and my weight was one of them. My weight gain was the result of eating for comfort and I didn’t even realize I was overeating. While watching my husband train for the bodybuilding competition and seeing all the pictures around the gym. I realized our bodies really are a piece of art work and I wanted to become the best version of myself too. I was really tired of seeing so many overweight pictures of myself because I knew that wasn’t how I wanted to be for my husband, kids and my health. The best thing about my weight loss at Fit For You Health Club is that it took under a year. With help from my husband and the Fit For You staff I was able to lose 83 pounds. I went from 210 to 127 and you can too! For me to be successful I needed to go to the gym at least 3 times a week for a half hour and use this combination (in this order)… eat right, life weights and do some cardio. I realized not to be embarrassed working out at a gym over 200 pounds. The staff was there to help me and the people I got to know. Fit For You is like family to me and once I joined I’ve never been the same since. Thanks Fit For You Health Club and my husband Steve for getting me started.

Kathy Morse

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I have worked out at Fit For You Health Club on and off for many years. I would do okay for a while and then give up. In November I wrote an essay to enter the weight loss challenge, and was not chosen. I was then called by a staff member at Fit For You Health Club offering me a consultation and of course I took it. I have known Jeff and Vern for a long time and told them many times, “Ok, I’m ready to make a change,” and again I gave up. This time I signed up for one of their programs and got a trainer. I will let you tell me if you think their program works or not. I have been training since the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and don’t forget that there were Christmas parties, Christmas and New Years during this time. In this short time I have lost 55 pounds and 35 inches. Something, up until this time, I have only dreamed of. I can see what my future has in store for me and it is living a health and fit life. Thank you Jeff, Vern and the entire staff at Fit For You Health Club for helping me change my life.

Karin Boyd

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I have struggled with my weight my whole life.  We’ve all heard that story before… Every day on my way to work I passed Fit For You and everyday I just drove right by.  Then one day there was a sign in the yard…Weight Loss Challenge…it said.  And I knew in that instant I HAD to be part of it.  Walking into the gym was one of the hardest and the best things I have done for myself EVER. Jeff and Vern are nutrition experts and they have hand chosen an awesome training staff with many different training styles and techniques.  A style for everyone!  The rest of the staff is friendly, cheerful and they greet you by name.  Then when you throw in a group of clients, from whom you draw inspiration and support each and every day you get the winning combination I found when I walked through the doors at Fit For You. With the help and encouragement of all the people at Fit For You and my family I have lost a little over 50 pounds and I finally KNOW I WILL get where I am going. My whole family is eating better and being more active and seeing positive results.  I found out… I am strong! I am happy and healthier than I have been in years. I am doing things I never thought were even possible.  One day last week, I even ran 2 miles!  If you are ready to change your life, check out Fit For You!  I did and I am never looking back!

Lisa Zeits

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Jeff and Vern… I gotta tell you guys this. I want you to realize some of the great effects you make on people and their lives. Have you ever heard it takes the whole community to raise our children?  Here’s a perfect example of what they mean. My daughter Holly joined Fit for You approximately 5 months ago. Before she found this gym she was hanging with the wrong crowd… drinking, eating, partying, not taking care of herself and just going down a whirl wind of disaster. Since she has joined Fit for You she now has a new healthy group of friends, she’s eating healthy, and lost a ton of weight and she feels like a million bucks.
You can see her glow with her new self image. I personally want to thank Fit for you and it staff along with Holly’s trainers Jon, Luke and Justin for inspiring her like you have. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO JON for telling Holly he was gonna “be on her like flies on shit” by watching and calling her at any giving time to make sure she’s eating healthy and not  out parting with her friends..!! And he did too.. You guys have all made a healthy, huge, life changing effect that will stay with her the rest of her life. As a parent I cannot thank you enough. You have steered her in the right direction at the most critical time in her life. My heart just glows with the love you have all shown her. Having no family up here in Northern Mi, the gym has become our family… You guys are the best.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU….!

Laurie Baclich

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After reading a sign posted at the gym nearly a year ago, I decided to sign up for “Lifestyle Coaching”. I know how to loose weight. I’ve done it lots of time. It’s the “keeping it off” part and truly making a change in my lifestyle that I seem to have so much trouble with.  I have to admit at first I was frustrated because the weight seemed to come off so slowly. I remember thinking that I could get the weight off faster the way I used to do it. But then I had to remind myself that “my way” is defiantly not successful because here I was getting weight back off, yet again.  Jeff has taught me how to make positive changes in my daily nutrition and exercise regimen. I am not on a “diet” but eat what ever I choose. I now just choose to make healthier choices, based on good nutrition, on a daily basis. I honestly look forward to my workout because I feel so much better afterwards. There was a time I was not able to workout regularly while my fractured ankle healed.  I was quite honestly surprised at the level of trust that I was able to develop with Jeff in a very short period of time. I’ve been very impressed with the degree of caring that he showed to me each time we met. He truly believes in what he is doing and helped me to believe in myself. My daughter was married in early November and, thanks to Jeff, I felt really great about myself as I walked her down the aisle!

Diane Marion

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Jeff, Vern and Michele have put something very special together to help obese people.  The first Saturday we had to come to the gym, I put my hand on the door and asked myself, “What are you doing here”?  I told myself I was very happy with who I was and what I looked like.  But something in my soul told me it was time to change my life, because I was very unhappy with who I was and where my health was going.  Then the time came to put my life into someone else’s hands for the very first time in my life, working out in a gym.  My trainer worked me to a level where I thought I was going to die.  My body hurt and again I asked myself, “Why am I doing this”?  This body of mine was really out of shape, but days have gone by and pounds have gone by.  I know this was the right move to get involved with this challenge.  No, I don’t like to get up at 4 am to come and workout, but when  90 minutes are done I really feel good about it.  Yes, this is work and yes, you will hurt, but like they say no pain, no gain.  I would also like to thank all the members from Fit For You Health Club for their support.  They make you feel like you belong here.  This has been a great life lesson and I’m so thankful that I have been blessed with this challenge.

Jerry Klinetop

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My journey through the weight loss challenge has been difficult but rewarding.  After the first time I worked out, I went home and told my husband I didn’t think I could do it.  Work-outs were way too hard and not in my comfort zone.  He reminded me of all the people that had voted for me and wanted to see me succeed this time.  I decided that this was the time to go for it, put forth the effort, do it and not let people who voted for me down.  First thing I decided to do was to faithfully adhere to the diet given to me by my trainer and never cheat on it.  Next was to go back and work out with my group, trainer and individually and see what happens.  After one week of work outs and diet it was time to weigh in, another thing that was not in my comfort zone.  An 8 pound loss WOW!  I was excited.  Each day I went to the gym I found I could do the work outs and my trainer knew when to push and when I could do no more.  This showed me I was capable of doing more than I thought I could and to not sell myself short on what I can do at a workout.  To date I now have lost over 30 pounds and many inches and my journey has just begun.

I have grown so much these past few weeks while working out.  I have met many wonderful people and the fellow challengers are such an inspiration to me.  The people and the trainers are such a help and encourage so much when it is needed.  Even the other gym members and staff not involved in the weight loss challenge are friendly and helpful.  It is truly a much different atmosphere then I expected.  I hope to make it to the end of the contest, but if I get voted off I will continue to work out and get in shape.  I will continue to workout with a trainer and get that extra push I need from time to time and at the end of this journey in one way I hope to be half the person I was before I joined Fit For You Health Club.

Ruth Callison

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My favorite saying has become, “A strong outside strengthens the inside.” The Fit For You Makeover Challenge and now my trainer helps me strengthen my outside daily. That is really obvious to me and to others. On the inside it’s not always so obvious, but the last five months have produced significant changes. At my annual physical, my doctor noted my cholesterol dropped over 50 points without medication. He asked, “What are you doing?” At my recent dentist appointment, the hygienist said, “You have hardly any plaque buildup. What do you eat?” My self talk is changing to “what I can do” versus years of “what I can’t do”. All of this is attributed to the lifestyle changes that Fit For You has helped me implement. Thanks!

Sandy Councell

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Joining Fit For You Health Club and working out with my trainer has allowed me to reach a level of weight loss and health fitness that I have not seen in many years. I started at the gym weighing 276 lbs and in less than a year I am at 193 lbs. One thing I particularly like about working out with Rob is the way he changes around my workouts which pushes me to a new physical level that I did not know I could reach.

David Voice

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I was driving down Garfield Road on an early October morning when I read the sign in big red letters, Join The Fit For You Weight Loss Challenge. I thought to myself, boy would I love to do something like that.  I continued my drive home in Kingsley wishing to try something different in my life.  When I got home I discussed the fact that I wanted to enter the challenge with my wife, she was ecstatic.  At first, I was really nervous, this is a big commitment.  I’ve tried countless diets and workouts, but nothing ever worked.  So far, this 6 person contest has worked wonders for me and here is why.  For starters, it was a line in the sand.  A decision on my part to make a commitment to eat right and work out hard – a 100% dedication to do something different and stick with it.  Next, I knew that the staff at Fit For You Health Club  were fitness experts and that following their expert advice would only bring healthy results.  What I didn’t expect was the unbelievable support from all of the staff and the great personal training.  I walk through the gym and get head nods of approval and high fives.  The whole experience has been great.  So far, I’ve lost 70 lbs and have dropped 10 inches off my pants in only 7 weeks.  I’m excited to finish the competition and adapt to this new way of life. Again, a huge thank you to the entire staff for giving me a new lease on life.

Rich Patt

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I have been a member of Fit For You for about fifteen months.  When I came to Fit For You I never knew it would change my life the way that it did.  To look at me I look like a healthy thirty one year old woman who’s never had a weight problem or health issue ever.  I’m here to tell you don’t ever judge a book by its cover, because things aren’t always what they appear to be.  This is a little about me and how Fit For You has helped me.  I am a type one diabetic, I have been for twenty years, I take shots several times a day, I watch everything I eat down to the calorie.  I also was diagnosed with Edema, four years ago which I manage with a low sodium diet and a Lasik medication.  On top of that just twenty two months ago I had my only child which after that awful pregnancy.  I am now anemic taking Procrit every two weeks and am dealing with kidney failure they function twenty percent of the time.  I take a slew of medications to help my kidney     function, and yet I am only thirty one.

I was tired all the time, ambition wasn’t in my vocabulary.  My blood sugar count was up and down all the time.  I was weak, I couldn’t even walk up a flight of stairs.  So when my husband signed up for a membership at Fit For You, he suggested maybe I go there.  I was a bit on the hesitant side.  I couldn’t even begin to think where I was going to find the energy to work out.  Better yet where do I begin after being so ill and what can or can’t I do?  Well, let me tell you the team at Fit For You has changed my life so the answer to that question is simple, the sky is the limit even for someone as chronically ill as myself.  I feel so healthy and strong, my eating habits are more disciplined.  It’s going so well I’m going to do my very first figure competition in April.  I have tons of energy, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, and my health status is stable and my sugars are fantastic.  I fell like a young, healthy woman again.

I can thank Justin, he was the first person to get me started on my positive life change.  He helped me with a work out I could do and understand.  I also want to thank Vern Gauthier for all his advice and support he always helped me whenever I needed it.  And for Jon, Mark, Luke and Beth they are always willing to help me and are all very informative with training information, thank you all.  Lastly, I have a big thanks to Sara, she has been a huge help in training me, she meets with me and a few others twice a week.  Sara’s technique and training has helped me become a stronger person on the outside as well as inside, my endurance is amazing and my attitude is so much more positive and upbeat, and best of all my body is tighter than it’s ever been.  All in all there isn’t a better experience than the team from Fit For You, they truly care about all their clients.  Let me rephrase that, they truly care about their friends.  I know where I will be working out, with the team from Fit For You, thanks to all of you.

Sara Faught

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I walked through the doors of Fit For You on April 13th, 2009, with 6 months until my 40th birthday and a goal. That goal was to get into the best shape of my life by the time I reached 40. With the expert nutritional and fitness guidance of my personal trainers, Vern and Luke, and the constant encouragement of my new friends, Ruth, Buzz, and Laverne, I’ve reached my goal!!! I’ve lost 15 lbs and 18 inches, (and am continuing to drop), and have gained a new found love of fitness, exercise and healthy living. It is a lot of hard work but worth every moment. I tell everyone that will listen about Fit For You and how they’ve helped me to change my life. My next goal…to compete in the 2010 Grand Traverse Figure Competition in April.

Sue Bruening

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I have been working out at Fit For You for the past four years. I finally competed in my first show in April 2008 (The Grand Traverse Body Building Championships) I was hooked! I continued to train and in September of 2008 competed in the Gauthier Classic, and also became pregnant. Knowing my body along with my life would change, I had to make a decision, either I could use the excuse of being pregnant and let go of everything I worked for in the gym, or I could use it as a challenge. Of course, I looked at it as a challenge. I kept my same workout regimen. (Dr. approving). I worked out the entire pregnancy even the week I was overdue.

I gained twenty-two pounds and weighed four pounds more than my beginning weight, 5 days after I had the baby. I truly believe by being so active, and choosing healthy food options, made for an easy pregnancy and delivery.

Thank you Fit For You for having such knowledgeable and encouraging trainers! Thank you Jeff for knowing the answers to my questions the “what to do on training when pregnant”, and constantly reminding me on leg day that I was pregnant! I give a special thanks and credit to my trainer, Jon Nickels. Jon always held me accountable, pushed me for an extra set…or two, reminded me of my goal and showed no mercy just because I was pregnant. Once again, thank you Fit For You!

Talia Whiting

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I was asked to submit this evaluation of Sara and Ryan, my trainers.

Sara

• Very personable! (Great Asset for F.F.Y. Staff)
• Very knowledgeable in the right way to use equipment
• Instructs on proper posture & technique
• Very positive person, works hard with me so my goals are achieved
• Always asks about my nutrition

SARA: Overall grade B+. I never give a grade of an A to anyone! I feel there is always room for improvement.

Ryan

• Fine young man! (Another keeper & asset for F.F.Y.)
• Guides me through my workout very professionally
• Makes my training fun, not tedious
• Helps to inspire me to work hard to lose the weight
• Shows concern for my health issues so I don’t hurt myself
• Varies my workout from machine to machine which I like, keeps my workout interesting
• Checks my weight progress every Friday

RYAN: Overall grade B. Only because Sara is better looking!

Wayne “Curly” Anderson

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When joining Fit For You, I had rotator cuff injuries and tendonitis in an elbow. I sought out a personal trainer to help me “work around” these injuries, and to teach me how to create greater results with the time commitment I had been making to my fitness. My initial trainer, who has left the industry, was extremely helpful. He showed me how to pace my workouts, how to pre-fatigue my muscles so I could create greater results while lifting lighter weight (this was a key factor in eliminating my shoulder and elbow pain) and proper form (again, a key to results and avoiding injury). Now I have worked with Jon Nickels for approximately two years. Jon helped deliver even greater results for me. I have added 20 pounds (of muscle) and am fitting into the same clothes. Most recently, I had a torn hamstring, and was experiencing constant, shooting pain while sitting. After a brief physical therapy, Jon developed and delivered a lifting regimen that eliminated my pain and strengthened my hamstrings and legs. Finally, my two teenagers have worked out with Jon as well, technique and lifting principles. They are avid athletes, and are enjoying their commitment to fitness and good health. Learning to lift correctly has yielded tremendous benefits for me, and my family. Fit For You has delivered on every occasion.

Dave Moore

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What I like about Fit For You…

• Pride in ownership
• Passion for what you do
• Caring about members’ successes
• Receiving personal treatment and no sales pressure- complete opposite of larger gyms (a very good thing!)
• Fun, friendly, motivating atmosphere
• Easy to get to know the staff
• Clean and bright, lots of mirrors – no excuses!
• Great staff shirts – professional – new clients know who’s on staff
• Targeting all age groups, even though FFY is the best bodybuilder’s gym
• Setup of gym – lots of room to do what you want to and great front desk/bar area
• Variety of cardio classes (I know, I need to pick on ASAP…)
• Tip boards, motivating sayings
• Changing message board outside – great marketing tool – gives a very ‘positive vibe’ when driving by…just have to come in and check this out!
• Biggest Loser program – Awesome!
• Last but not least- smile from Beth when she makes my protein shake

Barbara Reese

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