TESTIMONIAL - Marcia J

Three years ago I turned 38 and it was a sobering year. Throughout my teenage years and early to mid-twenties, I had been involved in athletics: running, aerobics and racquetball. I prided myself on being fit and trim, but marriage and three children intervened. I failed to maintain my current fitness level. Between diaper changes, feedings and running a busy household, there just wasn't enough time in the day. I promised myself that someday I would get back to being fit and trim. As more time passed, I felt the body's gravitational pull that is inevitable (or so I thought) with age. My dress size began to creep up, my cellulite began to show its true colors, and I envied my friends that appeared to be slim and trim. I bought magazines and videos promising that I would lose weight and develop some muscle - only those programs required self motivation. This lack of self motivation was the underlying decision for choosing to hire a personal trainer. Through the recommendation of a friend I found Dale Benedict and The Training Studio. So my quest for fitness began. I can remember trying to jog (very slowly) on the treadmill for 5 measly minutes. I came off of that thing huffing and puffing- and cursing. I figured "there is no way in hell, I can't even keep up", but Dale kept up the encouragement. Believe it or not, last year I finished my first mini marathon and am currently in training for number two.

I was never a weight lifter, but Dale gently eased me into it realizing that I had a small frame and that I needed to build up muscle to keep my bones healthy. He showed me the proper way to lift weights to minimize injury. I began with twice weekly sessions and I was determined not to miss any sessions if at all possible. Soon, I was hooked. Slowly but surely my friends and acquaintances gave me compliments and wanted to know what "diet" I was on. They told me I looked great. That was the continued encouragement I needed, not to mention the fact that I also felt great. My kids dubbed me "Macho Mommy" and I was able to chase them without getting winded. Additionally, My pants began to sag - what other reason did I need to buy new pants and skirts that fit?

The workouts continue to be challenging and varied. Sometimes I'll arrive and he'll say "Hope you brought something warm, we are outside today". I like the fact that it's not always the same workout. It's never boring! Dale also uses our workout sessions as opportunities to educate me about any new information coming out on diet and fitness. Nowadays, I am doing sessions three times a week and I miss only if I have a sick child (of course!). I even plan my vacations to make sure I miss minimal number of workouts. Dale encourages me to workout even when on vacation- and I find that I actually do it and really enjoy it!!! I can't believe it!!! I like the other programs the Training Studio has to offer as well, like stretching and massage, things I would never have normally done but have benefited enormously from. Dale also talks to me about my diet - he evaluated my eating habits and concluded that I was not getting enough protein. If you have always wanted to achieve your weight loss and strength goals, now is the time to do it, not on a "fad" diet, but with real exercise to get into shape. The Training Studio has all the tools you'll need to help you achieve your goals.