It has changed my life.  There really is no other way to describe it.

Christmas 2000 was a bad time for me.  I had a lot of stress that I wasn't handling well, sagging energy reserves, and a real feeling of malaise.  At 40, years of a sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits were finally catching up with me.  I had literally tried everything to lose weight and get into shape - potions, powders, pills, surgery, you name it.  500 calories a day liquid diet?  Did it.  Bananas and brown rice only?  Did it.  Only eating tuna and grapefruit when the moon was full?  I would have done it, if it worked. 

Exercise was never really a consideration.  I'd start something, stick with it for a day or a week, and that was it.  I also learned that a treadmill makes a great place to hang shirts. 

I started at the Mt. Pleasant studio in late January of 2001, after a lot of consideration and apprehension.  That decision stands out as one of the best ones I've ever made.  I winced when Andy took my measurements.  I could only do half of the three-minute aerobic capacity test.  But none of that mattered.  The nature of the program is such that it is adaptable to any fitness level, even one near zero like mine was.  Scott took over and has been working with me ever since, 3 days a week, working within my capacity and my growing fitness level.  That's the secret, having someone right there who can adapt and keep me focused on my goals, and finished in thirty minutes.  I'm in there with one or two other people and their trainers, and the atmosphere is safe, supportive, very productive and a lot of fun.  Since I started, I've lost about 8 inches off my waist, and over 30 lbs. of fat, and gained muscle.  But the important part is all inside.  My energy level has exploded.  My ability to deal with stress is incredibly improved.  I feel better than I've felt in years.  The trainers work with me on nutritional issues and setting reasonable monthly goals.  I get an assessment each month so that I can see my progress on all fronts.

My schedule is as difficult as anyone's is in these hectic times.   We all have the same amount of time in a day.  Having someone there waiting for you to show up for an appointment is very motivating, as is the fact that it only takes 30 minutes, 3 days a week to show real results.  The cost of the program is small when compared to the benefits you can reach in just a few weeks. 

My outlook on exercise and fitness has really changed these last few months.  I have a lot of work to do to reach my targets, but the secret is consistent effort and changes at a reasonable rate.  My only competition is with myself.

I can't recommend this program highly enough.  Thanks for listening.

Ed Barker