At this time of year, resolutions to get fit and lose weight appear like bright yellow Search and Rescue planes dropping life rafts to us as we drift in a sea of indecision. Feeling the adrenalin, we climb into the raft eager to make a commitment to reach our goals. What happens then? It’s said that almost half of people who make a New Year’s resolution misplace their commitments by the summertime. So what does it take to stay on track? And, does it matter if it’s January 1?
At Heather Hartridge Health and Fitness, they meet people every day who have the desire to lose weight and get their health and fitness back on track. To meet this growing need they host group-based 90 Days to Better Health Programs and also offer individual programs. As you’ll read, on-going support is critical to the success of these programs. Of course, this isn’t something that only happens in January, it happens year round. Here’s a story of one person’s experience with their most recent 90 Day group program.
“Hi, my name is Sandy. Before I came to Heather Hartridge Health & Fitness, I felt like my life was controlled by my health issues, both physical and mental. I realized I needed to do something about my weight, which was affecting my own self-esteem and in turn, my control of the ongoing battle against depression.
I joined a spring ‘boot camp’ facilitated by Heather’s Studio. It was quite a diverse group of people, all with basically the same goals of self-improvement and fitness. Everyone was friendly, encouraging and non-judgemental. I discovered just how out of shape I was.
The program itself was easy to follow, but learning to breathe properly and listening to my body was not.
At the end of the boot camp I was feeling good about myself, still wanted to lose more weight and keep it off, so I signed up for a longer wellness program that included lifestyle changes to my diet and exercise routine.
I have lost a few pounds but my body fat loss was even greater.
On top of that, I felt energized, was happy and proud of my accomplishments and even liked myself. Although I work in the health care sector, I was amazed at some of the nutritional information I received.
I was also able to encourage my husband to make the dietary changes needed for a healthier life.
He has lost almost twice what I lost without following an exercise program and he says he enjoys the new recipes I have made. I will continue the exercise classes given by Heather and all the other trainers for the social aspect and encouragement alone. The resulting weight loss has helped greatly in control of my Type 2 Diabetes, I sleep better and my general outlook on life is very positive.
It’s also great to receive all the compliments of how great I look or even better, when someone doesn’t recognize the new smaller me!
Heather and the trainers at H3F are very knowledgeable and professional in the group classes and manage to make me feel like I’ve had one-on-one training. There are many laughs throughout the classes and everyone’s successes are acknowledged and celebrated.
I recommend Heather Hartridge Health & Fitness to anyone who wants to get control of their own health and fitness without the use of fad diets or hours in the gym, but by staying with natural food and moderate daily exercise that has been proven through the years.”
Sandy’s story is an inspiration to many people. She lost more than 11 per cent of her total body fat. This is a critical statistic considering most of this type of body fat is internal and can lead to long term health problems. She is also the winner of the H3F 90 Days to Better Health - Body Fat Loss Contest. She won a spa Package from Spa Rivier and a photo shoot from 689 Photography. A big thanks to those businesses for their contribution. Congratulations Sandy! Sandy wasn’t the only winner in the program. Everyone in the program had their own success stories. Dan Alexander lost 38 pounds. He and his wife Sue have made a positive change towards a healthier lifestyle. Good work Dan and Sue!
Heather’s Studio is located on 2 Mile Flat across from the CO-OP. Visit www.heatherhartridge.com for more information about programs, group fitness and personal fitness training.
Chris Hartridge is a fitness enthusiast and laughter coach.