The Backstory...

My best friend Trina saw an advertisement for Body by Bennett on television, and convinced me to try it out. Both Trina and I had grown up playing a variety of sports, and we enjoyed physical activity. However, at that time we had fallen into a fitness rut, and were in the worst shape of our lives. We started training at B3 in February, 2009. We were immediately hooked. Our trainer kept things fun and interesting, and we have been working out with Devan twice a week ever since.

Working Hard...

Two things have helped me stay on track with my program. The first is accountability: I’ve made a commitment to Devan and to Trina. It is not an option to just miss a workout, because I would be letting them down. This keeps me motivated on the days when I feel like sleeping in. The second is progress! Seeing changes in my body has been a huge motivation to continue with my fitness and nutrition program. I’ve lost pounds, inches, and body fat, and gained lean muscle. I am stronger now than I have ever been in my whole life, and I am a mazed at how this impacts my daily life. My job is easier, I don’t feel tired and lethargic, and people comment that I look fitter.

Struggles...

The most difficult part was not seeing rapid changes in my body with exercise alone. After working hard five days a week, I saw improvement in my functional strength, but minimal change in my body composition. I was extremely frustrated. In response to my frustration, Devan introduced me to Precision Nutrition – a nutrition education system that focuses on healthy eating behaviours. I learned that to have the body I wanted, I needed to follow the principles of nutrient timing and portion control.

Successes...

To date, with training and nutrition coaching at B3, I’ve lost over 20 pounds, and gone down more than two clothing sizes. I have seen huge changes in my fitness. I can now do full squats, lunges, and push ups. I have more overall muscle tone and definition.

I no longer get migraines.

High cholesterol runs in my family, and I have lowered my cholesterol levels to within normal range.

I don’t feel as though I’m following some fad diet or program that could get derailed at any time. I feel focused. I feel healthy. I feel strong.

Favourite Moves...

I love jump squats, bench press, and chin ups – I want so badly to be able to do an unassisted chin up! I like when Devan incorporates ports drills that are fun and don’t seem like “exercises”. I like Turkish Get-Ups (don’t tell Devan!), throwing medicine balls, and I’ve even learned to love high intensity cardio intervals!

On Body by Bennett...

The best part about B3 is its educational approach to a healthy lifestyle – I am learning about exercise and nutrition instead of just being told what to do. I continue to be amazed by my trainer. Devan is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and I have learned a great deal from him. He patiently answers all of our questions about exercise and nutrition, and he teaches us new concepts and exercises regularly. I look forward to my workouts at B3 each and every week.

The Backstory...

I started at B3 in February, 2009. Though I had been a fairly active and athletic person throughout my life, I had fallen into a rut. I was out of shape and not happy with my body. I was engaged, and, like every bride-to-be, my focus became getting active again. While watching the morning news, I saw a segment on Body by Bennett. Interested, I phoned my best friend Janna, and we decided to set up a consultation. We were sold the moment we walked in.

Working Hard...

Janna and Devan have both helped me stick with my fitness program. Janna is my best friend and work out partner. We have gone through this process together. We keep each other focused and motivated. Devan, our trainer, has truly become an integral person in my life. Our two sessions each week make me more motivated to reach my goals, and help me get through the times I struggle.

Struggles...

My biggest struggle thus far has been finding the time and means to fit in other workouts besides my two sessions per week at B3. I knew that more results would come with more activity… it is working now!

Successes...

My greatest success has proven to be signing up for nutrition coaching with my trainer, Devan. I have completely changed my views and understanding of food and my body. It has been an amazing journey, one that Devan continues to help me through every week. Losing 21 pounds in the process has been great motivation!

On the Workouts...

My favourite thing about my sessions at Body by Bennett is that each workout is different, and each exercise engages so many different muscles. I must say that a Turkish Get-Up is not my favourite exercise, but I have never done anything like it in my life!

On Body by Bennett...

I love the atmosphere at Body by Bennett, and the feeling I get every time I walk through the doors. I have never felt intimidated at B3, and I believe that is because of the the great people there. All of the trainers have taken the time to say hello and get to know me. It feels like they are all rooting for me to reach my goals!

The Backstory...

After years of becoming more sedentary and slowly gaining, my weight had hit an all-time high of 250 pounds. My doctor warned that regular ECGs, medication for high blood pressure, and possibility diabetes were in my future if I didn’t start losing the excess weight. I attended the Weight Wise program through Alberta Health Services and although it provided a good theoretical base, I was left completely on my own to try to change my eating and exercising habits. I thought of getting a personal trainer, but it seemed such an extravagance. But I also knew that if I didn’t get help with some structure and motivation, I would never do it on my own. I procrastinated for months until finally a friend pushed me into calling for a consultation. I knew right away that the personal attention would keep me on track.

Working Hard...

I thought the studio would be so intimidating, but it turned out to be a very nice place to go. The attitude at B3 was so positive: “of course this will work and we are here to help you”. And as promised, results seemed to come quickly. The biggest factor in sticking with my fitness program has to be the regular contact my trainer and the scheduled appointments. I’m eager to get to my workouts and I always leave feeling great.

Struggles...

My goal was to lose 75 pounds, and if I started to look too far ahead it seemed too daunting and very discouraging. My trainer helped me focus on the day to day, and was able to provide constructive feedback and an objective perspective that progress was being made. Now, the struggle is with losing ground over holidays or other breaks from training. I’ve reached my initial weight loss goals, and now I want to focus on how to integrate what I’ve learned into my life. (Or is that integrate my life into what I’ve learned?)

At the "Peak" of Success...

I used to love hiking and trekking, but since I had become so out of shape, I hadn’t thought of climbing anything for a long time. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro became both my personal goal and my big reward for all the hard work that I was putting in. It was an amazing experience to reach the summit on December 31st, after 5 long days of hiking through rainforest, moorland, and alpine highlands. The last 10 hours were a grueling ascent; switch-backing across volcanic ash and scree. We left in the middle of the night to be able to see the sun rise over top of the clouds below - the peak is so high, that you can see the curve of the earth.

Keeping things Interesting...

Spin Fusion is really fast, really hard and really fun. There’s a great balance between being challenged by new exercise combos every time, and feeling good about making it through and improving week to week. That said, the one-on-one personal training sessions are really the key to what keeps me on track and motivated.

On Body by Bennett...

I like the personalization and flexibility. If I need to change my schedule or want to add or skip a personal training session it can usually be accommodated. I love the variety; every PT session is challenging in a different way. The additional group training sessions are fun and a great workout. Everyone is there with their own goals but the competition is very motivating.

Health as a Priority...

I stopped thinking about fitness as something I should do. I schedule my time and treat it like any other business commitment. It has been great to have friends and family that understand this and have been very supportive. And I know that even if I don’t feel like working out, I always leave the gym feeling better than when I came in.

The Backstory...

I was going through a stressful time in my life; struggling with a mild case of depression, and not sleeping well. Over a four month period, I gained 30 pounds! I was shocked at how much weight I had gained in such a short time. After a trip to the doctor, I learned that there was no medical cause for my weight gain, and that it was likely due to my stress and sleep problems. It was then that I decided to get ahold of my health, start losing weight, and manage my stress. I decided not to diet, but rather to change my lifestyle and eating habits. From trying diets before, I knew what changes my body would respond to. I cut out pasta, reduced my bread take, and started eating more vegetables. I have always had a gym membership, but didn't use it very often - that needed to change, too. I started doing cardio five days a week at my gym, but I still needed more. I wanted to use weights, but didn't know how to get started. My sister had been working with a trainer at Body by Bennett, and she invited me to join her for a couple of sessions. I loved it so much, I signed up right away and started working with Derek three times a week.

Working Hard...

Three things helped me stick with it. First, I was determined to become healthy, and mentally ready for the challenge. Second, I was motivated to get my body back to normal. I knew that this had to be a priority - my health was at stake! Thirdly, it helped to have a personal trainer to encourage me, and make me accountable for my choices. He said that my training sessions were only part of the equation, and my diet and activity level outside the sessions were equally important. That kind of advice and encouragment were exactly what I needed.

Struggles...

Almost a year later, I had a bit of a set back: I was in a snowmobile accident and sustained whiplash injuries. I couldn’t exercise for some time, and felt discouraged. When I did start feeling better, Derek tailored my workouts to work around my injuries. At the time, I felt like I had taken a step back in the whole process. Derek showed me that when faced with obstacles, you adapt and keep moving forward.

Successes...

My greatest success is not just losing 40 pounds in eighteen months, but is also how I feel. I feel strong physically and mentally, and seeing myself improve over time is exciting. My favourite type of workout is strength training. I love to see how strong I can get. It makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.

On Body by Bennett...

Everyone that works at B3 is friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. Having a personal trainer is the best investment I have made. I like having the constant encouragement from my trainer, the variety of exercises, and the personalized program. I have been training at Body by Bennett for almost two years, and I don't see that changing any time soon.