Success Stories

Six months ago, I waddled into a gym for the first time over 100lbs. overweight and depressed-about the weight, and my life in general. My goal, the first one I can remember ever setting, was lose 100 lbs. some how some way. I had never worked with a personal trainer before, and assumed they were really fit drill sergeants who pushed you to work at their pace no questions asked.

Enter Dana Tabacco; really fit, but most definitely NOT a drill sergeant! Dana took me at my worst, started me off at a slow pace I could handle, and has always encouraged me to dig deeper and try harder. Her style is unassuming, very positive, confident, imaginative, persistent, and very witty. Not many people can make me laugh, especially when I am all rubber-legged and struggling to catch my breath. Dana has an incredible repertoire of exercises that always keeps things fresh and interesting. With the attention span of
a gnat, I really, really appreciate that. I am always amazed at her ability to turn an empty hallway with no equipment into a heart-pounding workout. She conscientiously checks to see if I’m okay, reminds me to breathe properly, and makes sure I know how to do whatever exercise I’m doing the right way. She helps me to relax and be less nervous and self-conscious by inquiring about all aspects of a person’s fitness: diet, mood, interests, job, etc. What’s more, she listens to the responses I give and remembers to check back a few weeks later.

Forty pounds lighter, it is actually what I have gained that means the most to me. Through our thrice-weekly sessions,
I have developed some self-confidence, inner calm, purpose, belief that I can reach my weight loss goal, ability to set other goals, and desire to try harder to be a better person in general. I’m
not depressed, am taking less medication for depression, and look forward to what a new day brings. Improving my fitness has become a sincere desire, and I actually really, really look forward to my sessions with Dana. I leave the gym exhausted but happy about what we did.

To conclude, I would whole heartedly say Dana Tabacco is a very gifted personal trainer, my unknowing therapist of sorts, and a very sweet person in general, who has had a huge impact on my life.
Training with her is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and a huge part of the newly-found grounding of my life.

Thanks Dana, you have been one of the best investments I have ever made in myself.

Kimberly C. Britz
In-Shape Member

Dear To Whom May Concern,

I had been working out at In Shape for a couple of years and was in okay shape, so I thought, but I wanted something more to see more of a change in my body. The workouts I was coming up with just weren’t working so I turned to Custom Built personal training.

Dana was my trainer and I soon found out I was not in good shape at all and had so much to learn abut the gym, my body and my nutrition!!! She was patient in reteaching me all I thought I knew about working out and was persistent about me making some changes with my diet. After just a short time with her I began to see results, have more energy and I started to enjoy coming to the gym to wee what kind of workout she had come up with!!!

Her training is diverse, never boring, challenging but never discouraging!!!

I wish I had her with me every time I came to the gym but I now, thanks to her, have the tools to continue my own journey in a more affective way.

Thanks Dana!!!

Sincerely,
Jennifer
In-Shape Member

I came to Custom Built at In Shape in March 2010, my goal was to loose body fat and gain muscle. They assigned me personal trainer Dana Tabacco. Dana works with me on my nutrition, and introduced me to a whole new world of working out. She has not only helped me loose all of my weight and reach my fitness goals; but has also inspired me to become a Personal Trainer. Dana was very aware of all of my needs as a client and took time to not only push me through exercises, but also helped me understand what each exercise was doing. I would highly recommend Dana to anyone who is ready to meet their fitness goals.

Thank you,
Kasi Lena
In-Shape Member

What can I say – 5 lbs lean weight gain in 10 weeks! And I still fit into my skinny jeans. Edder works us out hard, but always according
to what we can do safely. He is positive and upbeat and encourages me to lift more, within my capabilities. We work each body part twice a week, on a rotating basis and I can see the muscle definition developing. I love muscles and I love our workouts with Edder.

Katherine Polk
Age 59

Trainer:Yay Edder

Joe Beaton ran 10 marathons between 1998 and 2002 and then suffered an accident on his bicycle during a 100
mile ride in late 2002, resulting in injury to his knee which put an abrupt halt to his running and riding.  He finally found his way back to fitness joining In-Shape back in 2009, where he ran exclusively on the treadmill until his 71 year old dad, who still does 100 mile rides on the weekends, encouraged him to try out the group cycling classes.  Only 6 months ago we began to see Joe in cycling, and he recently completed the Fresno/Clovis TWO-CITIES marathon improving his overall running time from last year (which was the first marathon he had run in 8 years) by 9 minutes!   His final time: 3hrs
59min 23sec.

His first cycling class he brought no water, and had to take a 10 minute break 30 minutes in.  “A humbling experience for an endurance runner” he quotes.  “Since then, I have
attended four to six group cycling classes a week without fail.  Half way through each class I can’t wait for
it to end, and after it does, I can’t wait for the next day to do it again!”

Since that time, Joe says “I
got really daring and moved to the group exercises classes”  finding it helpful that the Pilates, Power
Sculpt, BOSU Strength and Guts & Butts classes are taught by the same 3
cycling instructors he already attends classes with (Liz, Kim & Traci).  Joe says he feels the classes are superior to
his individually planned workouts because “No class is the same as before, and
the instructors get very creative with the variety in each class”, “Great work
by instructors that are clearly attentive to the quality of the classes they
teach” he says.

50lbs heavier in June 2009 than
he is now, Joe has worked hard to obtain his level of fitness and still manages
to work a full time job putting in 50-60 hours a week.  He is neither humble nor shy in sharing the
fact that at the young age of 41 his body fat is now under 15%, and that he attends
the gym at least 4 days a week taking GX classes and then running an additional
3-8 miles a day.  He arrives smiling at
the club with his rolling luggage bag in tow and says “I keep 5 days of workout
clothes in a carry on size rolling luggage bag so I stay equipped for a workout
at any time and in any city!”

Maybe he should start
teaching………

By Liz Toppan GX South Area Team Leader

When I used to think
of working out, I used to dread every minute of it. Considering I have
always been an athlete, I typically was in
decent shape.  As an athlete, I was always working out and doing something
physical, but it was for the actual sport and not purley for health. 
Therefore, when I stopped playing sports, I had no knowledge of how to work out
for myself.  During this time I was at my lowest point of self confidence
and had no motivation to work out.  Since I used to be a "regular"
at the gym, I definitely  know my way around but could not find my way
there.  One day my sister drug me out of the house and we decided to take
an Ab Blast Class.  We typically don't like to take work out classes
because I was self consience of my work out abilities at this point.  Yet,
this particular day we took that class and I have not stopped since.  This
class completely changed my life and my motivation to work out strictly for
me.  I noticed a difference after taking the class three times, and became
a full fledge regular.  One of the things that continued to bring me back
to the class was the trainer (instructor:).  Jessica is full of excitement
and humor which made this class so much fun.  She definitely has the
knowledge behind her and obviously lives a healthy lifestyle 
considering she is in fantastic shape.  She motivated me every time I
thought I could not finish and exercise which allowed me to push me past what I
even thoughts my limits.  During my athletic career we were required to work
out and often did planks as an exercise.  Since taking all the time off, I
was completely out of shape when I began taking the Ab Blast class.  I was
unable to even hold myself for twenty seconds during the plank exercise. After
about a month of conistently attending this class and some instruction from
Jessica, I was successfully able to finish the exercise.  My entire
outlook on working out has changed along with my self confidence which has shot
through the roof.  I thank Jessica for being such a great motivator and
trainer to help me continue to reach my health goals.

Jenna Maiden
In-Shape Member

For some a Healthy Lifestyle is not taught in the home, many want to achieve it but the thought of starting one can be daunting and overwhelming...I speak from experience... In-Shape City: Santa Maria is the first club I joined in my LIFE.... loved sports hated working out and eating right...I'm Mexican... We EAT :0 we eat when we celebrate, when we are happy, when we are sad ... any excuse to Eat! I joined In-Shape City: Santa Maria when I was 29 years old and a size 16/18. I felt humiliated and so terrible about the way I looked and felt I just knew everyone was staring at me at the gym. The
first week I heard over the intercom Cycling Class ... come join.... I marched in there because it was dark and the music was loud... I was instantly addicted. It was the hardest thing I ever did. Needless to say I did not stop. When my 30th birthday came I had lost about 50 pounds and applied to start teaching ... got certified starting personal training... My classes were instantly full because fellow members saw my journey and they were confidant that I knew the battle. I am 33 years old now ( 25 if anyone asks ) and wearing a size 2/4 jeans!!!! My hands shake even as I type that.......The instructor that sought me out... I'll never forget her. All were great but she did just a bit extra that drew me and we connected. I did not realize how much my life was limited being overweight and unhealthy... Now I feel like I could do anything, that is why I quit my full time job to follow a passion and help other people with their battle and to begin their own journey.. I always tell the members .. hardest part is
getting to the gym.... the rest is what we / I am here for... inspire/ motivate you to live your journey. Nothing taste better than being Fit and Healthy NOTHING. At age 33 I finally come to grips that I will always have to exercise and will always have to work out to maintain a healthy lifestyle. AND ultimately I never forget where I came from.. my battle is over but not my journey!! Thank you to In-Shape for letting me apart of this!

Valerie Deleon
Group X Team Leader
In-Shape City: Santa Maria & Lompoc

I joined the In-Shape in Lemoore before they opened their full facility and started attending as soon as the child care was available in early November. In just those 3 months I've lost 15 lbs and now a total of 50.5 since June 13, 2010. I can not say enough about the Lemoore facility. The staff has all been very friendly and encouraging through my weight loss journey, the gym is always clean and my children love coming as much as I do!

My husband has been deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and will be returning home soon. I can not wait for him to see the new and improved ME!

Suzanne Choplin
Lemoore, CA

I just wanted to drop you a note about how pleased I am with
Jacob as my personal trainer. Today was the first day I had with him as my
trainer. I learned so much from him and had the best workout ever! My husband ,
Tom, had gotten discouraged and was content to work out in the circuit training
room. I told him how great my workout with Jacob was Tom is now willing to
continue the workouts with Jacob. I am so happy with the workout on the bicycle
for cardio. If Jacob hadn’t shown me what to do, I never would have figured it
out on my own. His instructions on the weight machines are clear and precise
and how to use my abdominal muscles as well as the muscles I’m working for each
machine. It’s obvious to me that Jacob loves his job.

Let’s here it for Jacob!!! He’s an awesome trainer.

Denise & Tom Gray

In-Shape Sport: Manteca members

January 2010 was the beginning of a new journey for me. For
quite a long time I was unhappy with my weight and the unhealthy lifestyle that
I led, but was at a loss as to what to do. Long story short a close friend
joined the gym and recommended I check it out. When I came in I was scared and
unsure, but knew it was the right time to join. I just had to make a commitment
to myself that I was going to work hard.

Right away I knew that I couldn’t do this journey alone, I
needed some help as to how I should go about losing weight and changing my
unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy one. So I decided to work with a personal
trainer to help teach me what to do. I was paired up with Dana. I was very
nervous about meeting her, feeling very vulnerable. Bust the moment I started
working with her, I felt comfortable. I have never felt any pressure, but only
positive encouragement to keep going throughout the rough days or weeks.

When I began my weight loss journey I was 257 lbs. My goal
was to reach 180lbs. I can’t remember the last time I weighed that! Before I
knew it I was losing inches and the weight. As of today (7 months after the start
of my journey) I am down to 190lbs. Only 10 lbs from my goal! I am moving out
of state and I am disappointed to have to leave Dana behind. I wish I could
continue on my journey with Dana. I will be forever thankful for all that she
has taught me along the way.

Rachel
Goerke
In-Shape Member

After years of a relaxed life following bypass heart surgery in 1998 and two breast cancer surgeries (2004 and 2005), I found myself to be in poor physical health. I found it difficult to walk long distances. Unable to do simple exercises due to lack of strength and adult diabetes, my blood sugar remained too high, affecting my eyes and nerves. I was deteriorating physically as the years progressed.

I joined In-Shape City several months ago on the advice of my daughter, who was already a member. Since my sessions with my personal trainer, Alisa, my overall strength has improved, I can walk longer distances, my blood sugar level has returned to normal, I’m sleeping better at night and my overall health has improved a great deal.

I owe my present physical condition to In-Shape City Los Banos and my personal trainer, Alisa Zavala. I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me become more physically fit.

Thank you,

Gayle Bonds

Los Banos

I joined In-Shape City in the beginning of February because I was extremely overweight and depressed. I was scared, extremely self conscious and I knew absolutely nothing about working out. I had heard good things about a trainer named Callah and decided to hire her as soon as possible. I have come a long way so far in the two months that I have worked with her. I love Callah because she is motivating, her workouts are extremely challenging, and most importantly she makes me feel important. She taught me how to eat healthy and always stay positive. I no longer battle with my depression and I am happier than ever!

I am still training with Callah and taking her group training classes as well. I still plan on losing a lot more, but I now can say I am comfortable in my own skin. I have currently lost more than 14 inches all around, about 5% body fat and 12 pounds. I went from a XXL to an L and from a pant size 14 to a 10. Thank you so much Callah!

Sincerely,

Maria Lopez

April 2008

When I joined In-Shape I didn’t know anything about exercise. Having never worked out in my life, I was overweight and out of shape. I was introduced to a trainer named Callah. Having Callah as a Personal Trainer is the best decision I’ve ever made! Through her motivating and extremely challenging workouts I have not only gotten in-shape, she’s taught me how to eat healthy as well. 

I now not only look good but I am healthier as well. Within weeks the pounds started disappearing and I finally started feeling better about myself! I can now proudly say that I can beat my 12 year old daughter at a mile race! Currently I have lost over 20 lbs., 5% body fat and over 10 inches! I STRONGLY encourage anyone who wants to look and feel the way I do to get Callah as their “personal trainer”!

Jose

March 2008

I owe my life to the In-Shape Health Clubs and my training program there. In 1988, I joined the club, worked out 3 to 4 times a week, building muscle strength, endurance and cardio vascular fitness.

These workouts and the level of fitness I attained made my recovery from bypass surgery in 2008 at age 62 amazing even to my doctors and therapists. Two months after surgery, I was walking 2 1/2 to 3 miles per day and have increased daily mileage to 5 to 6 miles every day.

I also had knee surgeries in 2001-2003 due to a high school injury. With my arm strength, I was again able to lift my body and walk with the crutches and recovery was accelerated.

Now it’s 7 months after cardiac surgery, I am very anxious to return energized with endured training, and actively walking to increase cardio fitness.

Gordon Mowles

March 2009

Stockton (West Lane)

I 
first came to In-Shape because the hospital that I work at offers
discounts, then I went to the doctor and he told me that my blood
pressure and levels of triglycerites in my blood were to high and I
needed to do something. I realized that "I can't do this alone". I went
to the finess manager Frank Briggs and he gave me a free session. I
have been hooked on their personal training from day 1! It has become
what I look forward to every week. Brent Warren is the nicest trainer,
he makes you feel good about yourself and keeps you motivated no matter
what! You meet a lot of people who really care and it's like going over
to a friends place. It has been a little over a month and I see results
each week and the best part is when I went to my follow up doctor's
appt. the first thing that the medical asst. said to me was "you have
lost weight". and the doctor told me when he followed up with my blood
work that "The results have made a complete turn around and that he is
"very impressed"....I could go on and on with great things to say but,
Thank You In-Shape Sport Bakersfield (Coffee Rd.) I am glad to be part
of such a great "family"!

Heather Moorehead

November 2009

Bakersfield (Coffee Road)

I am an RN that has worked at St.
Joseph’s Medical Center for about 35
years. That will tell you how old I am! I was intrigued last December by
invitations from Customer Built Representatives for a trial of personal
training at the In-Shape facilities. And, I found out if you had a “workout
buddy”, the cost would be half as much, but truth be told, double the fun!

This has worked quite well, there is not
only a bonding, but a commitment that you end up making to yourself and your
buddy—you will find you do not want to disappoint your buddy or yourself. Also
our trainer, Jay, has been our true inspiration. He is our champion, our guru,
the driver of our exercise! And, boy does he know what he is doing. With core
strengthening and muscle building, we each have dropped some pounds, but mainly
inches. And best of all, I feel more agile, balanced, and capable, all which
have contributed to living a better quality of life. What more can I say, take
the challenge, and you will love yourself for it!

Shirley
Zolezzi

In December my fellow nurse friend and I were approached
at SJMC to check out a "Personal Trainer program" as a trial ..we
both looked at each other and thought "Why Not"  ..so
together we signed up with the Workout Buddy program.

Boy were we ever lucky
when we were assigned Jay as our trainer. Trust me, I am over 65 and I
never thought working out could be fun ...that was until we met Jay. Trust me
he works us out hard..we sweat...but as much as we sweat we laugh and have Fun.
Working out with a buddy makes all the difference in the world ..you are committed
to each other to not miss and we are devoted to JAY!!!

Thanks for having such a
good program..the core strengthening and the muscle building has made me
more agile and  balanced. I also have lost inches and pounds in 3 short
months. Our Trainer Jay has been our inspiration and cheerleader and I don't
think we could have been as successful without him. YEA JAY!!!

Susan Thomas

May 12, 2010

I have a serious complaint about my membership. While your membership rates are reasonable, I was not warned about the extra hidden costs of working out at your clubs. I started working out in January of this year and have incurred numerous costs along the way that are directly related to working out with you.

What costs? Well, I have had to buy an entire new wardrobe, for one. I weighed 325 pounds in January and have now dropped 60 pounds down to 265, directly because of working out with you, and NONE of my old clothes fit. I went from a 50" waist to now a 40" waist and went from a XXXL shirt size to an XL size and, although I think I still have a couple of old items that fit, they were from my school days and I don't think wearing parachute pants would go over to well in the year 2010. So, I have had to buy an entire new wardrobe.

To make things worse, I am still dropping the weight and will likely have to expend more for another wardrobe soon. Yes, it is true that I can now run a 5K
in well under 30 minutes and my doctor said that I have likely saved myself from diabetes by working out, but I think that you need to make it abundantly clear to your members that if they work out with you, they will likely need to buy new wardrobes.

Sincerely,

Travis M. Colby
In-Shape City: Merced member

p.s. - Pictures and more info on my path to being fit can be found on my blog: http://finallyairborne.blogspot.com/

UPDATE [6/29/2010] - I posted the latest photo on the blog. I am getting comments from people who saw things on the In Shape web site and this is very exciting. Thanks for putting it up, it helps me keep going. I am now training for a half marathon in November and have lost 72 pounds and 12 inches off my waist. The latest comparison photo shows the proof. I still have a ways to go, but having people who saw my story on your website is really motivating me to keep at it. Thanks!

ANOTHER
UPDATE [8/23/2010]- I'm still going strong, down 85 pounds right now and able to run a
half marathon in just about 2 hours (2:08:49).  I am now training for the
California International Marathon in December and have actually become a
sponsored athlete!  Just this January sitting on the couch as a 325 pound
guy I never would have thought I would be a professionally sponsored athlete or
that I could run as far as I do now on a regular basis.  I am in better
shape now than I have ever been, thanks In Shape!

ANOTHER
UPDATE [12/2/2010]- Thank you again to everyone who has been with me and supporting me along
the way.  What started out as an attempt to get in shape to get my
pilots license has really taken off into something spectacular that I
never could have imagined.  The Sacramento Bee newspaper has even picked
up on my story.  In today's paper, they ran an article about my journey and the upcoming marathon. 

-Travis