Mary conquered her hectic life to become a fitness warrior dropping 40 pounds...

2017 Busiest Life Nomination - CEO Of Everything - Mother Of Three

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

My life was a pretty busy one, as it is for many men and women who have families. I am married, have three sons and work fulltime at a busy downtown law firm. Before joining the JSLF group, I found that most days I felt sluggish and exhausted by early evening and after making dinner, driving the kids to their activities and getting home late, the last thing I found myself doing was exercising and taking care of myself. My energy levels were low and I found myself less and less motivated to take on physical exercise. Like many of us, I got busy with life and put exercise aside. Work stress gets in the way, home and family responsibilities become your key focus and your health and personal goals take a back seat for a while.I didn’t take the time to take care of myself, ate poorly and didn’t exercise. No excuses, it was what it was. I would do the occasional skiing with my boys and drag myself out for bike rides and hikes with my husband and the kids, but it was a chore. My energy levels were low and always dragged me down. My mind set was just not in that space and it resulted in my attaining an unhealthy weight.

How long have you been a member?

I joined JSLF in April of last year (2016) just after I finished the 21 Days for a $1 Challenge in March.

Why did you join the Lean & Fit program?

Ironically, the day before I heard about the challenge, I was at the mall where JSLF is located in Ancaster, Ontario and remember commenting jokingly to my son Thomas, ‘Mom should go in there and get her butt kicked’. Little did I know that the next morning when I turned on CHCH Morning Live John Savidis would be on the show promoting his 21 Day Challenge. That was it. I signed up immediately. No more excuses. What did I have to lose? A buck for 21 days of exercise, it was a no-brainer. Well it was the best $1 ever spent. Once I got started with the challenge, there was no turning back. John’s nutrition seminar at the beginning of the program was phenomenal. I gained considerable knowledge about food combinations and once I got started participating in the Lean & Fit boot camp classes, I became addicted. Every other day we had to do our own exercise regimen when not in the gym and I took up climbing the Chedoke and James Street stairs. I knew then and there that I was finally in the right mindset. Climbing the stairs before this program would have been the last thing I wanted to do and now I found myself looking forward to climbing stairs on my off-days from JSLF! After three weeks of butt- kicking boot camps, clean eating and keeping a food journal, I lost 14 lbs. and was well on my way to better health.

How has this program changed your life?

It has changed my life immeasurably. I have more energy now and have a motivation to keep active and stay healthy. The 30-minute classes are awesome. They aren’t easy but once you’re done, you feel fantastic. I feel more focused during the day and am sleeping better at night. I have developed healthier eating habits since attending the nutrition seminar and that is invaluable. I have learned what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat which is John’s famous statement. But it’s true. It is key during this whole process. I used to skip meals and then eat when I was famished. Not anymore. Now I eat every 3 to 4 hours, sometimes every 2, depending on my metabolism that day.

This journey has taken me to a weight loss of over 40 lbs and for that I am thankful to the JSLF team. If you would’ve said to me a year ago that I would lose weight, any weight, I wouldn’t have believed you. I started out at 39% body fat and am currently at 26.7% and continue to strive to develop a leaner muscle mass.

Has this program helped you with any health conditions?

Thankfully I do not have any significant health issues, however the program has helped me with my energy levels which is a huge bonus for me. I used to feel sluggish more often than not and with this life style change, I have been able to regulate that. My sleep patterns have significantly improved as well as my cardiovascular health.

Mary's favourite quote...

Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going.

- Jim Rohn

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

My family and friends have been very supportive of my success. I have received a lot of encouragement from those around me and I hope that I have inspired people to venture on a healthy journey. A few of my friends have tried the various programs here at JSLF with great success and a number have become members.

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

I would say ‘Whatya waitin’ for?” Join one of the challenges that JSLF has to offer. You have nothing to lose but some weight and some unhealthy food habits. The atmosphere is inviting and not intimidating. The staff is well-trained and encourages you along the way. This ‘gym’ is a way of life for me. I am most certain that anyone who gives it a try and uses JSLF’s principles will embrace it too and will surely not be disappointed.

Have you met any new friends here?

I have met some wonderful people since joining and have developed some great friendships. Many of them are people I met during the 21 Day Challenge and I continue to work out with them at the classes. We try to encourage each other to continue with our successes. Other people I have met throughout this process and have continued to share a common goal of health and fitness. Everyone I have spoken to has in some way or another a life story similar to mine. They all have busy lives. Be it work, raising children or attending school. The common theme is that each person wants to take care of themselves and put themselves first for a half hour a day. I have met people in various age groups and various fitness levels. There is no intimidation. You can talk to as many people as you like, or you can come in and keep to yourself. That is the great thing about JSLF. You have the option of meeting many great people at the same time as focusing on your workouts individually.

Have any staff members at Lean & Fit impacted you?

The entire Lean & Fit staff has been encouraging since day one. From John and Mia Savidis to the Instructors and front desk staff. I have to say that Mia is an inspiration to me. She embodies everything that JSLF stands for. She is a mother of two, runs a very busy business and is in outstanding physical shape. Both she and John are terrific role models for success. Other individuals that have impacted me are Jennifer and Sondra who work at the front desk. They always make you feel welcome and are very encouraging. Jennifer has made quite an impact on me personally. She has provided me with her support and encouragement and I am glad to have met her. She motivates you and lifts your spirits when you walk in the door, no matter the type of day you’re having. She is also an inspiration to me with her own amazing weight loss journey! Many of the staff members continue to impact me daily. The Instructors/Personal Trainers are knowledgeable and keep you accountable to the process. They motivate you and always push you to do your best at each work out. Thanks to Jeff, Josh, Boban, Sean, Kate, Deb, Christine, Danny, Fiona and both Coreys for always ensuring that I do the best possible workout when I am there. There is no wasting time. You make the most of the half hour and put out 100% effort.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to continue to improve my cardiovascular health, continue to bring down my fat percentage and develop more lean muscle mass.