How Sarah battled her career & the mommy life to shed 52 pounds...

Household CEO - Retired Donut Dunker - Baby Weight Assassin

How would you explain your life, health and otherwise, before joining Lean & Fit?

I always struggled with my self-image growing up, not that I needed to when I was younger. I noticed the number on my scale and my clothes getting a bit tighter each year once college came. Then marriage and the comfort of knowing you have someone who will love you no matter what. Then came the kids…the “baby weight” that just would not go away.The sleepless nights and quick and easy (not so good for you) meals because there would be a 5 alarm emergency if I was out of sight for more than 5 seconds of those little eyes. And so, up and up the scale went.

I was at an unhealthy weight, had no self-confidence, felt low about myself, and couldn’t run up the stairs without feeling out of breath, let alone run around with my 3 and 5 year old boys.

My life consisted of working full time in Healthcare, then being a mom and wife at home. Always making excuses as to why I couldn’t improve my health, “I had kids, my body will never be the same anyways”, “I’m too tired and have no time” any excuse I could think of. I wouldn’t think twice about getting a donut with my morning coffee (Double/Double) from Tim Horton’s, eat the chocolate or the cookies a co-worker brought in (sometimes both), then pick up McDonalds for dinner with a large fry, then eat more cookies or ice cream at home. This became the norm for me, eating whatever I wanted..or whatever I saw. The pounds just keep packing on, which would make me upset and angry with myself…but what would I do?..eat more as it became my comfort.

I went from gym to gym, tried boot camps, bought home gym equipment, and tried every fad diet I could find with no success.

I wasn’t as happy and joyful as I could have been or as I once was. Married, with two beautiful children, a great job, but still unhappy. Unhappy with my image, and felt I was a hypocrite at work. Part of my job is to assist with leisure goals including fitness and orientating others in our fitness and exercise room, giving recommendations, tips etc. How can I teach and encourage others to participate in physical activity to better their health, when I clearly didn’t do the work myself.

Then I saw a Facebook post about a 21 day challenge with John Savidis’ Lean & Fit!

How long have you been a member?

I have been there for almost a year. I started with the 21 day Challenge in February 2016.

Why did you join the Lean & Fit program?

I started the 21 day Challenge because I thought “why the heck not”. I was a bit skeptical, and a bit overwhelmed after the first Nutrition Seminar, thinking…there is no way I can do this!! Once I tried the classes and understood the nutrition plan I was hooked. I completed the 21 day Challenge and lost over 10 pounds and started to feel better.

Once the challenge was over I had to sign up because this was the first time something worked for me and the first time I was able to stick with it. The 30 min classes are perfect, quick in and out, it can fit into my schedule and still feel like I worked my butt off at each class.

I knew this would be the one thing that would help me achieve my goals, and prevent possible health concerns.

How has this program changed your life?

I have lost weight and body fat, and gained muscle, which has increased my confidence. I feel better with myself, I feel like me again…actually I feel like an even better version of myself.

A total of 52 pounds lost to date! 52 POUNDS! That’s even more than what my 5 year old weighs, and he is heavy to carry around!

This program has helped improve my mood and mental health and my sleeping patterns, which has made me easier to be around..just ask my husband and family.

It has drastically improved my energy and cardiovascular health. I can now run around after my kids without feeling exhausted. No longer feel ashamed that I can’t catch up to my kids.

This program has changed pretty much every aspect in my life. Day to day routines have become easier, caring for my children…easier, carrying groceries…easier, cleaning my house…easier, walking anywhere..easier.

This gives me new found confidence in my job as a Recreation Therapist at a hospital. I have learned so much about myself, and about fitness and nutrition from the amazing staff I feel more confident when discussing fitness and leisure goals with clients.

I look forward to my future, and feel confident it will be a happy, bright and healthy journey.

Has this program helped you with any health conditions?

It has helped with my mood and mental health. I am able to control symptoms of anxiety since starting. It has lifted my mood significantly which makes me a better wife, mother, daughter, friend and employee.

Also, it helps prevent from possible health issues that could have come had I not found the Lean and Fit program.

Sarah's favourite quote...

Don't wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of each step you take towards reaching that goal.

- Unknown

What do your friends and family think of your Lean & Fit success?

They tell me they are extremely proud of me and my success, but more importantly they are happy that I am happy. I am sure that my husband is thankful that I am happier and less irritable, and not to mention the increase in flexibility…

I’ve had a lot of people ask about the Lean and fit program and some have even signed up for other 21 day challenges to try it themselves.

What would you like to say to people that are hesitant to join the Lean & Fit family?

Don’t wait!! Just go for it! You will not be disappointed with the decision. The classes are amazing and not a big time commitment. The staff/instructors/trainers help you throughout the entire process. They will adapt exercises for any need, push you to do your best and get the most out of your workout.

The entire program works! The facility itself is welcoming and beautiful, the staff are well educated and are always there to help with anything, the nutrition plan is something that you can sustain and always feel satisfied, the food journal keeps you accountable and on track, and the classes are quick and effective. If you are like me, and have tried everything under the sun to achieve your fitness goals, just join the Lean and Fit family, this will be the last and best thing you try.

Have you met any new friends here?

Absolutely, and continue to meet new people. It helps keep you coming and pushes you to do your best.

Have any staff members at Lean & Fit impacted you?

Every staff member has always been extremely helpful and friendly. The staff at the front desk make everyone feel welcomed the moment you step into the building. The instructors are well informed and knowledgeable. Every class they push me to do my best.

Jeff has been my personal trainer throughout the year as well. Jeff has helped me achieve my goals and set new ones. Not only has he helped me lose weight, but gain muscle, and I am starting to see muscle tone and definition. Jeff holds me accountable and checks my food journal each training session. He makes sure that my form is on par, and if the pressure is on my toes in a lunge, he will make me go back and do it again! Helping me make sure I get the most benefits from each session.

What are your future goals?

My goals are to continue my fitness journey with the Lean and Fit Family. I would like to gain more muscle tone and definition, and keep working at tightening some not-so-tight problem areas.

Thank you for reading and please check out Lean & Fit for yourself! Who knows, maybe you will be in the spotlight next!