Heidi, I am so glad that I chose to participate in the 2nd Annual NO GAIN CHALLENGE.

I found the weekly newsletters to be very informative and helpful. I loved the D.A.D. tip- choose only one when you go out- drinks, appetizers, or desserts.

I also enjoyed the “Peanut Butter Blossoms ” remake- vegan almond butter cookies. I cheated and made the dough vegan but I used the Hershey Kisses instead of making vegan chocolate chips.

I am planning to keep the newsletters to refer back to throughout this new year. Thanks for helping me to feel good about myself during this challenge.

Emilie

My journey with Heidi started 5 years ago. My weight at the time I started was 170. I’m excited to say, 5 years later, I’m below my goal weight of 150. My current weight is 144.

It’s been a long challenging road with hard work and dedication. I can honestly say the food challenges have been the hardest for me to conquer. I’m thankful that I found my trainer Heidi.

Heidi has shown me compassion, courage, support and many challenges

– Marchel M

When I started with Heidi, I had limited mobility.  I could not get down on the floor unassisted, nor get up from the floor with out something to pull on.  I also could not bend over and pick up objects on the floor, or to clean around baseboards in my home.

For all the physical therapy that I have had since my Scoliosis was diagnosed, I still suffered from tightening of my hip flexors and poor spinal support and was therefore unable to stand or to walk erect.  While I still do not walk erect, and the doctor has concluded that is a result from my surgery, I can now sit and stand erect.

I also can bend over, and pick up objects from the floor: I can get up and down from the floor using just my arms and legs.  I am no longer fearful of falling and being unable to get up.  My arm strength continues to amaze me. In addition the two painful spots on my body, in my groin and on my hip are barely noticeable any more. I have tackled and completed a couple of projects recently that I would not have attempted before, thanks to my new found confidence and strength.

In fact, I am giving serious thought to doing my own fall planting this year, and not hiring someone else to do it for me.  I am truly grateful and most appreciative to Heidi, for the increased mobility and flexibility their training has provided to my body.

– Vera Jo B

It was such a great experience for me. I feel so much better eating clean and exercising regularly. The plan is so easy, Heidi has done all of the hard work. She tells you what to eat and when to eat and gives you the recipes. My biggest take away from this challenge is that good food doesn’t have to taste bad. Knowing what flavors to put together is key. She had us prepare meals that I was skeptical about. Not one bad meal. I also learned that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. Thank you, Heidi for this incredible experience! So worth it!

Omg! I’m at a loss for words! Thank you so much, Heidi!!! My life has forever been changed for the better!

– Debbie

Heidi is a wonderful trainer. She is encouraging yet firm, always saying you can when you think you can’t. She’s right every time! I can! I am so glad to have her as my motivator to get fit, healthy and strong.

– Naseem

I was new to working out and intimidated by large gyms. Heidi made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. She is a knowledgeable, educated, experienced trainer who is dedicated to her clients. I highly recommend her as a trainer of choice!

– Jennifer A

Heidi is a knowledgeable, caring and very supportive trainer. In my first year with her, I lost 11.5 inches! She is very careful to make sure that each workout fits the needs of each of her clients–accounting for particular strengths, weaknesses and/or injuries. Love Heidi!

– Nan

I began taking the group classes. Heidi was the trainer of the group classes. She has taught me so many things over the past 5 years and continues to teach me things and helps me achieve whatever goal I am working on at the time.

Heidi is very good at persuading someone that they can do anything they set their mind too.

Two examples:

Run a ½ marathon. In 2012 Heidi asked if anyone wanted to train for the marathon. I excitedly said “yes.” We went through several months of training and in March of 2013 I RAN THE WHOLE 13.1 miles. I was so proud of myself!!!!

Spartan race. In 2016 Heidi asked if anyone wanted to do the Spartan race. As a team, we got through every obstacle (some burpees were involved), but when I crossed the finish line and got my medal I had big tears in my eyes and again so proud of myself!

– Liz M

My training sessions began in September of 2011 because I woke up one day and realized the 2 babies I had been using as an excuse for being overweight were turning 7 and 8 years old and I was turning 40 in November.  I said to myself this is where it ends, it is important for me as a mom to be able to play an important role in their lives.

I can’t tell you how much money I have wasted on trainers and big box gyms so I knew that I needed a gym that I could feel comfortable in, an environment that I would want to go even on those days that are really hard to get going, and most importantly a trainer that I respect and am committed to.  Once I found out Heidi’s story I knew that she would understand the struggles and the wins I would be dealing with.

For instance, in the beginning I couldn’t do a full sit up because my stomach was so big and in the way, or feeling like “Jabba the Hut” doing jumping jacks. (Still not my favorite)  I made a promise to myself that this time would be different; I respected Heidi and was just as committed to her as she was to my weight loss journey.  So I said I would never “no show”, cancel, or make some lame excuse up that I gave all those other trainers.  I wanted to finish this evolution in my life with all I could give.  Heidi pushed me to limits I did not know existed.  Every month or so she would ask what my goals were, I would give her some unobtainable goal that in my mind I thought I could accomplish, Heidi would politely smile and have another recommendation, and she was always right on target, darn it!  She continued to push me harder and harder, and I would whine, and whine about how awful it was, but I always did what was ask of me and that has gotten me to where I am today.

My biggest challenge right now is accepting myself and my accomplishments.  Previously, I never thought I was overweight and the fact that I wouldn’t let anyone take a picture of me worked well.  But now I sit and look at myself and realize the people who are important to me are telling me how wonderful I look and I am beginning to see what they are talking about.

When I started this mission I weighed 182lbs and today I weigh 136lbs with my end goal being 125lbs. I feel so much better about myself and have regained that energy I had in my youth.  This has been the best journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

My biggest ah-ha moment was on our recent  vacation, my previous vacations went like this “ok, I need to sit down for a bit” or “I don’t want to stand in that line, I’ll just sit here and wait for you guys.”  Two weeks ago we went on an extended family vacation with my “firefighter-master chief sergeant” sister in law; she has always kicked my butt hands down.  This time was different, I paced her while running on the beach, I hung with her during her boot camp, and I out kayaked her in the ocean!  It was the best feeling; she was shocked but very proud of how far I had come.

– Jenna B

So Heidi,

We are staying at the (hotel) but the bed makes it absolutely horrible, so my back was in bad shape what did I do?  The stuff you taught me and no back pain!  I said to myself this stuff (yoga) works!

– Charles C