Testimonials

Club Fitness clients have achieved inspiring results, not only in losing weight and attaining their fitness goals, but in changing their lives for the future as well. Here are just some of the many success stories we have received.

Melanie B

Pounds Lost: 80lbs

I just felt the need to come here and say how awesome the team of people who work at Granite city Club Fitness are. I have been a member and have had a trainer for over a year now. I've lost almost 80 lbs in that time. It hasn't been easy at all but with the support of people like Brian Wheeler and Joe Phipps not to mention all the others who work there I've made it to where I am now.

Every time I walk in I'm greeted with a friendly face and easy conversation. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am now if it were not for these wonderfully supportive people. If I have a question, need advice or just need a good push in the right direction I know I can go to any one of them and they would be there for me. My kids also go to the gym and have had their own struggles with weight. I feel Joe is a great roll model and support for them as well.

-Melanie

Roger H

Pounds Lost: 35

Just wanted to say since joining Club Fitness at the Delmar Loop location in April 2010, that my workout has never been more intense. Somewhat of an addiction to the gym from working out sometimes 4 hours a day - 5 days a week depending on schedule or just 5 days a week. Nonetheless I couldn't be more happy with my results and no I'm not done yet.

Last year when I joined I was at a 5'10" with a weight of 225lbs, 38"-40" waist line. Today as of September 14, 2011, I'm happy to say that I am now 190lbs and a 32"-33" waist line. How did I do it, dramatic change in diet, rest, what I drank and so on. Consistent work out plan, biking, spin classes, weight/strengthening, better eating habits and the way I prepared meals, rest and less stress. However, if someone ask how I did it so quickly I would say determination and a desire just to want to make a change in who I am and how I felt. For health reasons it was a determining factor in loosing the weight, with a high cholesterol count at 300 and on medication for 3 years I was sick and tired of taking it. As of January 2011 I'm no longer on the medication and my count then was 110, it was like I never had it.

Now I'm doing so much more as a result of losing the weight and enjoying my new look. From getting into modeling, acting, and an up-coming TV Show just some of my other success stories as a result of my determination and working out at a great facility. What a terrific feeling and I just wanted to say thanks to a great staff at the various locations that I have utilized. Special thanks to my initial trainer Darin Hulslander at the Delmar Loop location.

-Roger H

Jerry P

Pounds Lost:

My name is Jerry and I am 31 years old. I first joined your gym -the Collinsville IL location- in April of 2009. At that time I weighted over 500 pounds. I went 3 to 5 days a week and watched what I ate. I never weighted myself because I didn’t want to know how big I had really gotten.

Sleep Apnea was ruining my life. It affected every part of it-driving, working, relationships, friendships- EVERYTHING. I fell asleep at work, and driving (more then once). I couldn’t watch a movie with my girlfriend. I honestly couldn’t do anything without falling asleep.

My foot was retaining water and my doctor would do nothing to help me. Then my mother had a heart attack March 9th of this year. The morning of her open heart surgery, the nurse brought in a digital scale and I asked her if I could weigh myself. I did and I weighed 500 pounds.

My best friend starting to go to the gym with me in Jan of this year. I decided that if I didn’t start taking this seriously, it would end up killing me. From March 9th of this year until today, I have lost 80 pounds and gained god only knows how much muscle. I now weigh 420lbs. My sleep apnea is 100% better, and I can work, drive, and watch movies without it interfering in my life.

My clothes fall off of me now. I can walk a lot more farther than I did before. Back in August of this year I went to Branson , Mo and I walked all day long. There’s no way I could have done that before. I can honestly say that now I can get out and enjoy life.

In June I went to the Wax Museum in St. Louis and that was 5 flights of steps up and down. There’s no way I would have been able to do that before I lost weight. I can drive my mothers car now- at the start of this year I wasn’t able to fit behind the steering wheel!

I don’t look at this as a diet. To me a diet is something you stop. What I’m doing is changing my life and I think I’m off to a great start, but I know I have along way to go. Without my friends, mother and girlfriend, I don’t know if I would have ever seen the light- that this weight is killing me. When you are big for your whole life, you wake up and go to sleep every night and to you it just seems normal- like its no big deal.

But once you lose your first 5 or 10 pounds and you notice that your clothes are a little bit bigger and you have more energy than you used to, it doesn’t seem like it is impossible. So thank you, thank you for having a gym that isn’t expensive so my best friend and I could change our life around!

To this date I have lost over 80 pounds and he has lost over 250 pounds. His mother started going also and she has lost over 100 lbs herself- and all of this has happened just this year! All the soreness and pain is well worth it when your friends and family notice you have lost weight. I honestly can’t wait until Thanksgiving day to walk into my aunt’s house. I haven’t seen her since last year and I can’t wait to see her reactions. Mom’s surgery was a success and when the doctor releases her from his care, she will start going with me as well. Again, thank you. The only regret I have is not starting this 10 years ago! I understand now that sometimes we have to get tired of something before we make a change in our lives.....

-Jerry P

Nancy P

Pounds Lost:

For the past few years, I have attended Club Fitness in St. Peters , MO. When I first joined the gym I knew very little regarding free weights and weight lifting techniques/work-outs. With regular attendance at the St. Peters Club Fitness, I have improved my fitness level tremendously. I am now stronger, I have more endurance, plus I have toned and firmed my body, and I have lost a little weight. Much of this progress should be credited to the wonderful fitness staff and trainers. The trainers are always eager to help, give advice and tips, and point out ways to refine particular exercises. I am very grateful for the welcoming staff and helpful trainers. I would highly recommend the St. Peters Club Fitness to anyone.

-Nancy P

Janelle

Pounds Lost:

I just wanted to send Club Fitness ANOTHER thank you for continuing to help me! I honestly cannot thank you and your staff and the trainers enough! I started my weight loss journey on my own in August of 2008 at 250+ pounds. In late Jan 2009 I was fortunate enough to be given the gift of becoming a “Lose-A-Ton” contestant.

To this day, that has been the best part of my journey. My DFM Trainer, Jeremy Green has become such an integral part of my program. My time from the show, as well as my paid time with him last year continue to benefit me today – as I remain in that slim percentage of people that have lost weight and KEEP it off. Jeremy keeps a close eye on me – which I sincerely appreciate! My life has completely changed! Everyone at Club Fitness is important to me! From the front desk people, to the childcare personnel and EVERY trainer! I was struck again last night as I took the weekly Dynamic’s class … Tyler, Jeremy’s boss, was helping lead class, He was encouraging and helpful as always. Please do no underestimate the power you and your company have to help people make real, lasting changes in their lifestyle. I just want to tell you – I love Club Fitness, always will and I take every opportunity to share the secret of my success with my social circle!

-Janelle

Brian R.

Pounds Lost: 180

Since High School, I've always been a heavier guy. I always knew I needed to lose weight, but it was never a priority. After a couple years of personal set backs, my weight gain spun out of control. I had used eating and poor habits to cope with my issues resulting in reaching a weight of 408 pounds. Actually, I probably gained more than that, but my scale didn't register any higher. Although I wasn't fully aware of it at the time, completing everyday tasks was a chore. I would get tired and winded just walking out to my car. My whole attitude and outlook on life was terrible and going no where.

In August of last year, I decided it was time for a change. I had considered surgical options, but that didn't seem like the solution either. I decided to start slow, first getting on a simple eating plan and tracking my intake. Then over the last 12 months, I slowly added exercise-increasing the intensity over time. When I first started exercising, 5 minutes on a bike seemed like an eternity. In just a few short months, I was able to to increase my workouts and really started seeing results.

I've lost 180 lbs since August of 2009, and I don't have the words to describe the physical and mental changes I've experienced. I've gone down 16 pants sized and 4 shift sizes. My outlook and attitude toward life is so much better than it ever has been. I don't even feel like the same person, and people I've known all my life often don't recognize me at first. When people ask me how I did it, all I can tell them is to start slow, use common sense, and only worry about what you have to do today. Tomorrow's results will take care of themselves. My future goal is to lose the last 20 pounds –resulting in a total loss of 200 pounds. But having a healthy lifestyle is not a short term goal.

-Brian R.

Joseph Y.

Pounds Lost: 95

I've stayed active most of my life, throughout highschool, doing races, playing volleyball, softball, soccer, etc. 2006 is when I started to gain weight, and it only became harder to enjoy those activities. I was eating a horrible fast food diet because "I was busy".

In May 2009 I weighed in at 292 lbs. Very scary. After a couple of previous attempts to lose the weight, via exercise and diets, but never sticking with it, this was my time. I dedicated myself to eating better, and exercising as much as possible. I mostly did cardio, and I did have a couple of sessions with a DFM personal trainer, and I took advantage of all the classes CF has to offer.. (For Free!) This time I stayed commited and it paid off! I've lost 95 pounds since since May of 2009! I love Club Fitness, and HIGHLEY recommend it!! It changed my life!!!!

-Joseph Y.

Kim F.

Pounds Lost: 77

Hi, my name is Kim Flick, I am a member at the Wood River location. I wasn't sure if I could share due to me not working with an individual trainer, but here is my story. My journey started on December 2, 2009. I had always been an athlete in high school and throughout my childhood, and after graduation I had packed on over 100 +pounds from pure neglect of my body, and my first pregnancy.

My highest weight was 225 lbs, in a size 20 pant size. My daughter was born in Jan of 09, and it took me almost a full year to realize that I not only needed to loose the weight for myself, but for my daughter who needed me to be alive and watch her grow up! I only gained 40 lbs with my daughter so pregnancy wasn't the biggest issue. Finally in December of 09 I decided it was time to change my life. The first month I worked out at home on the treadmill and lost about 15 lbs. I simply needed more in the way of something different, and other people around me to motivate and inspire me. I decided to join the gym in February of 09. I loved going to Club Fitness because the staff was so nice and welcoming. The club was such a comforatable environment and never felt embarrassed for being there. The staff was always willing to answer any questions I had, and always went above and beyond anything I asked. I had my first free training session with Jenny, and she really showed me some exercises I could be doing to keep my body losing the weight so I never fell into a plateau. I continued working out at club fitness about 5-6 days a week, including about an hour of cardio and weights, and today I am 148 lbs. My journey is not over, and will never be. My goal weight is 130 lbs, and as soon as I hit that I will continue to go to club fitness to maintain a healthy body for years to come!

-Kim F.

Grant J.

Pounds Lost: 32

On Dec 26, 2009, I fell on the snow and ice and bruised my back and ribs. I have a job as a mailman and the trauma I experienced stopped me from working for a total of 6 weeks. I laid around and ate. What a shock! By the time I was able to go back to work, I had gained so much that I was the heaviest I had ever been.

Back at the post office they were starting a "biggest loser" pool. I decided to join. We had three months to see who could lose the greatest percentage of body weight. I am 61 and I never do anything half way, So the journey began. I took pictures when I started and about once a month.

When I weighed in I discovered that I went from 202 to 167.4. That was a 17.1 percent loss. Turns out I really am a loser. I want to say thanks to club fitness and to the encouraging staff in Alton Illinois.

-Grant J.

Bradley W.

Pounds Lost: 142

Up until May 2006, my life had been focused on a healthy lifestyle, working out 3-5 days a week. My cardio workouts had been focused on running, usually nothing more. At that time, the furthest run for me was around 6 miles. That was not even an easy run for me. My average weight at the time was 240-250. Weight training occurred 2-3 days per week. Can’t even remember where I was targeting at the time.

In May 2006, my life had been turned upside down. I had 6 months off of work, and lost interest in continuing to workout or just do anything that involved fitness. Depression is not something I wanted to admit experiencing but, in August 2007,I had a wake up call. I got on the scale and weighed 365lbs.

That month I began the road back to a healthier lifestyle. I will tell you , I got even healthier than I was before my life changing experience. I did use a DFM Trainer to get started. I used his tools to get started. During the course of the first year, I changed my diet, doing my home work and executing it. My workouts included cardio and eventually incorporated weight training – once I felt my heart and lungs had been conditioned enough to tolerate. Throughout the process to return my body back to the way I felt it needed to be, I had to realize a few things. First thing, be patient with your body. Everyone’s body will respond to change in different ways and time. Secondly, I made goals from month to month. I did have a long range goal of course, but I needed to make small accomplishments at the same time. Even at the weight I am at now, I am still making new goals and pushing myself to meet those goals. Third and foremost, I made diet a daily habit and sometimes had to take onc meal at a time.

Besides a number on a scale-I had always wanted to break that 6 mile wall and eventually run more than that. I had it in the back of my mind to be able to accomplish a marathon someday. Over the couple years to get where I am today, many small steps had been taken to get here. Early 2009, I incorporated my first half marathon into my weekly workout along with other various distances. In November 2009, I ran my first half marathon to validate my accomplishments thus far. My time for that was 2 hrs 14min. This month ran another half marathon, improving that time to 2 hours 7 minutes.

Back in January 2010, while weather in the Midwest was cold with snow and sub zero temps. I utilized time in the Keys for 7 days to continue my running and push myself toward training for a full marathon. I finished the full marathon in 4 hrs 34min. That gave me the push and validated everything I had spent 2+ years working towards. Mind you up to that point, I had kept my running schedule into the winter while here in the Midwest. Even on my return from Florida, my running remained ritual. Weather conditions made it not fun but I managed to pull it out each week. My average cumulative miles for a week right now is around 25 – 30 miles. Each week includes a mock half marathon. My running is joined with other cardio – bike, stairs, and treadmill( running speed drills). I also do weight training. Weight training has varied for me throughout this journey back, but remains important. The journey back to this weight has been educational for me in the science of fitness and nutrition. Although it has been patience on my part and a learning experience, it has paid off and is still paying off. I am still applying what I have learned and always learning about it still. I have made myself a personal project and it has worked.

A little more to paint the picture better for people reading this- I am Flight Paramedic by trade and with the weight loss – it was my personal reward for the accomplishment of my efforts. Even once hired here, I was still making goals towards where I wanted to be. I really never had a goal weight to be, more or less, it was that I wanted to keep working at becoming stronger and increasing my endurance. Thus, in response to that, the weight decreased. Secondly, I have a hobby job. I don’t consider it work- it has been a way of life for me- I am scuba instructor for a local shop and contract out to some shops / charters in the Keys throughout the year. It was not that difficult to do the job with that weight on, but until I lost it, it seems now how unhealthy it was. Future plans, include becoming a personal trainer and helping people get back to a healthier lifestyle. I am also planning to run a full marathon before the end of 2010, along with many half marathons. The marathons will become habit as the half marathons have become for me. Most of all, enjoy life.

For people looking to get started, you don’t have to plan on running marathons. The biggest goal is increase energy and endurance through fitness/nutrition habits. Thus the rewards will appear with that.

April 29, 2011, UPDATE
Currently, I am 202 and have maintained this weight for going on a year in June. Still running half marathons and trying to tackle a full marathon. Had a bad experience in the Quad Cities last fall, so still trying to convince myself to get back on the horse. But since then have improved my half marathon time greatly.

-Bradley W.

Tom L.

Pounds Lost: 35

My name is Tom L. , I am 42 years old and here is my story.

I graduated from high school in 1985 weighing 185lbs. In high school I was your typical jock by playing 4yrs of football, 2yrs of basketball, and 4yrs of baseball. Went to college and gained 20lbs in my first semester by not working out, partying, and eating anything I desired. Then I started working out with weights and played a lot of racket ball but kept parting and eating bad. When I graduated three and a half years later I weighed around 190lbs.

For the next 20yrs my weight would vary from 200lbs to 210lbs. I worked out after college in gyms for the next 10yrs. Then after I got married and started a family I just worked out at home (boring). I joined Club Fitness in August of 2009 and really started enjoying working out again. Problem was after Xmas of 2009 I had let myself get to 217lbs. My metabolism wasn’t like it was when I was in my twenties. So I told myself I needed to start eating healthy and add some cardio to my work outs and get my weight back down to 190lbs. So in the first 2 months of 2010 I lost 35lbs and weighed 183lbs. I now weigh less than I did when I graduated from high school. I accomplished my goal by giving up soda, eating healthy 5 to 6 times a day, working out with weights 4 times a week for 45 minutes, and 45 minutes of cardio 3 times a week. I just do a double work out when I can’t work out the next day.

Joining Club Fitness was one of the best choices I made in 2009. It is a great stress relief from work and everyday life. I met some great friends by working out at Club Fitness gyms in O’Fallon and St. Charles MO. My wife is going to join the gym this month and start working out with me. My 13yr old son is going to join us in the gym also this summer after school lets out. He has been working out at the house for the past year a few times a week already. He is looking forward to working out at the gym.

-Tom L.

Andrea M.

Pounds Lost: 80

My weight loss journey all began back in January 2009. I decided that I was no longer going to go at it with an attitude that put my health second; I was going to make it my priority and lifestyle. I was already a member with Club Fitness before January 2009, but never regularly went to the gym. I also was they type of person that would make excuses like, “I’ll start Monday” or “I don’t have time to workout”.

During high school and my teenage years I was always extremely active with sports, I grew up playing softball, swim team, tennis, soccer, and volleyball. During high school I was on the soccer and volleyball teams all four years and even played during the off-season. At this time I was required to work out every day for several hours a day and could pretty much eat whatever I wanted; of course that was ten years ago and my metabolism was sky-high.

After high school I went away to college and did not participate in any sports, still ate whatever I wanted and just had a generally unhealthy lifestyle. Most people gain freshman fifteen; well I gained my freshman fifty! After I went away to school I started my full time job and went back to school to pursue my Master’s Degree at night. This also contributed to more weight gain because I had zero time to cook (so I said) and would eat dinner on the way home around 10 PM, usually drive-thru fast food. I gained another thirty pounds at this point in time. After that I was wearing a size 16 or 18, weighed 230 pounds and had never been this unhealthy in my life and just felt disgusted with myself. The huge turning point was when I could no longer wear regular sizes, I required plus sizes, which made me feel awful about myself.

So, in January 2009, I decided that I was going to change myself and my lifestyle for good because I have a lot of life left to live and it would be much more enjoyable to do so being healthy. I started by going to Club Fitness three days per week and doing the elliptical machine for about thirty minutes. Gradually, it increased to five days per week and I would incorporate the treadmill and elliptical machines for about forty-five minutes. After about four months, I tried the group exercise classes with Dena Marshall at the Alton Club Fitness and that was definitely a challenge at the time. After about six months of working out I really started to see results; I had lost about forty pounds! I continued to attend the group fitness classes and do some cardio workouts in Alton when I hit a plateau. One of my friends at work mentioned that we should try a personal trainer where we work in Granite City at Club Fitness.

We met with Tim Stafford, a DFM trainer at the Granite City Club Fitness in September 2009 and decided to give the “Jumpstart Plan” a try. This was ideal because my friend and I were basically on the same fitness level when we started the program. Working with Tim definitely got me over my plateau and have officially lost eighty pounds! I am also wearing size “small” shirts and size 6 or 8 pants! My friend and I are currently still working with Tim and will continue until both of our goals are reached.

I never thought that working out with a Personal Trainer would be any different than the group classes or working out on my own, but the trainers really do push you to limits that I would never do on my own. The training sessions also build upon each other and gradually increase the level of difficulty and intensity of the workouts. Tim accommodates to your fitness level personally in order to reach the goals that you are trying to achieve.

I truly have come a long way and owe a ton of credit to Tim and Club Fitness for being such a comfortable atmosphere and welcoming gym to work out at. My life has changed so drastically and in such a positive way in one short year! I feel entirely different physically and mentally and am able to do things that I would have never dreamed of doing a year ago. I just signed up for the St. Patty’s Day run in St. Louis for the first time ever; a five mile race, I couldn’t even run five miles in high school! My best advice is to keep at it and take it one day at a time and do not give up because everyone can do it!!

Thank you Tim and Club Fitness!

-Andrea M.

Bryon H.

Pounds Lost: 52

Below is a blog that I wrote on Day 1 of my journey; followed by an update as of today. I thought I would share it with Club Fitness since I have lost it all there, under the guidance and support from Caitlin, a trainer at the Olive location, among other DFM trainers.

Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 9:27am As I woke up yesterday morning, it was like any other day. Wake up, take a shower, get dressed, play on facebook, eat breakfast and go to work. Except this day, I had my first physical in over ten years. Low and behold, I have gained 85 pounds since my senior year in high school. SHOCKING HUH...you may ask yourself where does he put it??! Now, it is not like I woke up this morning and all of the sudden I was FAT. I knew I have gained weight, be it that I have watched my body morph from this relatively lean football playing, Army Machine into this rolly polly type creature over time. With all of that aside (and I mean all of that 85 pounds)..as far aside as you can put a mass like that...what caused me for concern was my blood pressure. 190/40. Not bad, but a little high.

So, simple 3rd-4th grade division says that if you take 85lbs / 10 years = 8.5 lbs/year. So I would be naive to think it was going to come off over night. For me it is going to be all about portion control and a constant workout routine while at the same time balancing a never ending, ever changing work schedule and my home and friends. For me, it is not going to be about being ripped with muscle; rather healthy and lean and enough muscles to get me by.

A solid start with each of these will slowly change my blood pressure int the right direction. My dad (love him to death) battles from being overweight and diabetic. That is not the future I want for myself. My mom on the other hand has thyroid issues and osteoporosis and can't gain weight fast enough. Mom is like 4'11" and 100 pounds soaking wet with Army boots on. Dad is like 6'1'" and 350 (give or take a pound). Needless to say they screwed me in the gene pool. Well it is time to sink or swim. I can keep finding excuses or I can just get my fat butt off facebook and go work out! Sounds like a good idea to me!

Until next time. Keep on me about being healthy and losing weight. I need your support.

Acceptance is the first step...Motivation will get you there!

I have used facebook as the catalyst for my journey to this point, posting of monthly photos, tracking progress, taking feedback, and inspiring and motivating others. I am registered to run the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon in April and have currently lost 52 lbs, 23.5 inches, 6 % body fat, 6 BMI points in the last 25 weeks of my journey. I am currently writing a book to tell my story to others that normal people with normal lives can do the things necessary to make change. As the old adage goes, If I can do it, anyone can!

-Bryon H.

Marisa B.

Pounds Lost: 20

I felt compelled to share the great experience I have had since joining Club Fitness back in January 2008. I have worked out on a regular basis for the past six plus years, but it was not until I joined Club Fitness and began working out with the DFM trainers that I have experienced real results.

One trainer in particular, TJ Hurt, has really changed my life. I trained with TJ while he was the DFM Director at the Alton location. In the six short months I trained with him, I accomplished fitness goals I had always hoped for but never thought possible -- especially in such a short amount of time. TJ not only revamped my workouts, but more importantly, he worked with me on my diet. I believe my diet was the main reason for my lack of success in the past. Besides being happy with my results, I've also learned a great deal about proper diet and exercise from TJ, which I can utilize going forward.

For already being in decent shape when I started training with TJ, my results were amazing -- especially considering the fact that I only went into these training sessions thinking I wanted to tone up! I've lost approximately 20 pounds, 17 inches, and 5% body fat.

Not only is TJ a great trainer, but I was always impressed with the way he handled his staff. He kept a fun & upbeat atmosphere, while still displaying professionalism in the club. He will definitely be missed at the Alton location.

I truly believe that TJ's postitive attitude, extreme focus, and no nonsense approach to my diet/training helped me to succeed. He is the BEST. Thanks!

-Marisa B.

Frank Randall

Pounds Lost: 6 inches

It all started a few years ago when I pinched a nerve in my neck and lost the use of my left arm. The pain in my back was almost unbearable. I thought that I would have to have surgery to fix everything. I was out of work and pretty much bed ridden aside from physical therapy twice a week. I started getting bigger and bigger- loosing what muscle mass I had and gaining a family trait- a big belly.

Once the therapy was over and I gained my left arm back , I felt much better but still had horrible pain through my neck and back. I also could no longer see my feet when I looked straight down which was unacceptable. In the four months that I was incapacitated, I went from 145 lbs to 190 which was the biggest I have ever been. One day I was going to eat next door to Club Fitness and I saw a sign in the window saying “now hiring” so I went in. I didn’t think I would get a job looking how I did, but low and behold, an old friend was the manager! She gave me a job and it all started going right from there.

In the year that I have been working here I haven’t lost much weight, but what I did loose was that belly. I have now gone from 26% body fat and no muscle to 12% body fat, a size 38 inch waist back to my normal 32, and I look and feel better then I ever have before. The pain in my neck is all but gone and I can put the surgery (that I will most likely have to have someday) off for hopefully another fifteen to twenty years. My energy levels are off the chart and in the pursuit of better living, I have also given up cigarettes- something that had a hold on me for over nine years. This is something that I will stick to for the rest of my life. It was all thanks to Whitney who gave a little fat kid a job at club fitness.

-Frank Randall

Tyler Fox

Pounds Lost: 65

Hello my name is Tyler Fox. I have always been an athletic kid, and I always played alot of sports. My main sport was football. I went to highschool at St. Dominic, and played football 4 years there. I found myself so worried about succeeding in football that I let my physical appearance go. By my senior season of football I weighed a whopping 290 lbs. I didn't carry it that bad, but I definately wasn't in shape.

After high school football was over I realized that my personal life was suffering from being overweight. That is when I joined Club Fitness at K and N in O'fallon. When I got to the gym, I was inspired by how many people there were trying to get in shape. I was there 7 days a week, and sometimes twice a day. By the end of my senior year in highschool I got my weight down to 225, and I found myself happier than I had ever been.

I am attaching a picture from me my junior prom and senior prom, and I am not trying to brag at all, but i am very proud of my acheivements. After St. Dominic, I played a season of football at Lindenwood University, and I then decided that it wasn't worth gaining all that weight back, so I quit. Now I am dedicated as ever, and my goal is to get down to about 200 lbs. I couldn't have acheived anything I have without the motivation and equipment that Club Fitness provided me with.

-Tyler Fox

Jim Doughty

Pounds Lost: 200

My name is Jim Doughty. I am 40 years old, am married and have 3 kids. I have lost 200 pounds since January 1, 2005, all through diet and exercise. I went from a size 4X to a size Large, and a 52” waist to a 34”. I have been a member at Club Fitness since May 2008. You can usually find me working out at the St. Charles location.

I have been overweight since I was 5 years old, and have always struggled with my weight. Over my lifetime, I tried every fad diet there was. I would lose a few pounds, but it always came back on, plus more. I started thinking about making a lifestyle change towards the end of 2004. I was nearing 400 pounds. My wife had just had our 3rd child, and we had a 1 year old and a 3 year old as well. I would get winded just carrying them up the stairs at night. Our oldest was starting to get involved in sports. I would try to play soccer with her, but just couldn't last more than a minute or two. I was miserable. My knees were always in pain. My ankles would cramp up just walking 50 feet. I considered having gastric bypass or a lap band, but couldn't afford it, and was really afraid of the complications. So, for Christmas I purchased a membership to a gym for me and my wife and set my start date for January 1. Although I had tried dieting before, I had never exercised. This time it was going to work. I had a family counting on me.

I started doing strictly cardio. I was only able to go about 5 minutes on the treadmill, but kept at it and every few days I would go a little longer, and raise the incline a level or two. I stuck to a low fat, low calorie diet as well, and the weight started falling off. In the beginning, I was losing 8 and 10 pounds a week! After a few months I tried out other machines, the elliptical, the stair climber, and the exercise bikes. By the end of the first year, I had lost 100 pounds and was already feeling so much better.

I kept at it another year and by the end of 2006 I had lost another 50 pounds. I bought a bike and took up cycling. I am not a racer by any means, but love distance riding. Throughout the Spring and Summer I try and ride every day, often doing 100 mile day rides. I also have done RAGBRAI for the past two years. That is a 7 day, 500 mile ride across the state of Iowa. I am planning on a third time this Summer.

I did hit a plateau in 2007. For most of the year, I didn't lose any weight. I still had about 50 pounds I wanted to lose, but it wasn't coming off. I started working with a trainer who taught me a high impact cardio routine mixed with some weight lifting. This did the trick. I still do this routine about 3 to 4 times a week. I helped me take off another 40 pounds by the end of the year, and then another 10 throughout 2008.

In addition to cycling, I am now running and swimming as well. I have done several 5K runs and am planning on doing a triathlon this summer. I have added more weight lifting to my workout as well, and am toning up quite a bit. I am assistant coach on my children’s soccer teams and am active in their school athletic association. I am off all prescription medications, and am in the best shape of my life! I am even more outgoing now, and more self confident. I have so much more energy, I run circles around my kids, and make exercise a priority in our lives. I don’t want them to go through what I had to go through, so I am teaching them to stay active and make healthy choices.

My advice to beginners is keep at it. The pain will go away! Also, work with a trainer! It’s worth it. Take your time and remember to take baby steps. This isn’t The Biggest Loser. You are not going to lose 100 pounds in 8 weeks. Don’t be discouraged, keep at it and the weight will come off. The longer it takes to come off, the longer you will keep it off! And don’t forget to reward yourself!

-Jim Doughty

Jan Sharamitaro

Pounds Lost: 150

I am a member at Club Fitness. I have been a member for about 2 years. I have lost 135-150 lbs.(it changes day to day). Yes, I do a no no. I weight almost everyday. I love going to Club Fitness. I exercise daily. I have to. Here is my story.

I have been obese most of my life. Yes the word obese is embarrassing. But, now I can admit to it and say it about myself. So, I guess I just found out something about me- that being overweight did effect me most of my life. When I was turning 21 I had lost weight because I was going to CA with my sister and didn’t want to be fat. I lost 60 lbs and looked good.

I met my husband and had 2 beautiful girls. Spent the next 20 years becoming and being obese. I guess I was taking care of everyone else and not me. I was just muddling through life. My children were growing up and my parents had passed.

I really can’t say what it was, that turned the light on inside me (to make a life change) But, I had been observing my friends (who what I would say were skinny). They actually didn’t eat much. They did not really exercise. But remember they were skinny. Hmmmmm!

Well, being quite obese-342lbs.- I had a lot of work ahead of me. I could not climb the steps from the basement without being out of breath. I also had bad knees. The doctor had told me I needed a knee replacement. But, he would not do it at my weight because it wouldn’t last long and I was too young (47).

Since, I was obese with bad knees,I needed to start somewhere. Of course, I started with eating right. I had taken fen-fen when it was popular and it worked great for me. It gave me control over my eating. But they took it off the market and then I lost control again and gained my weight back plus some. At least, fen-fen had taught me how to eat right. So that is where I began. EATING RIGHT!

I have a pool and it was almost summer. So I started doing water aerobics by myself everyday in my pool. The weight was coming off. When it got too cold to swim, I started walking at the park. It took me a long time to complete the path and it was difficult. But after daily walks it became easier and easier and doesn’t take me long anymore.

When it became too cold to walk I joined Club Fitness. By the time I joined club fitness I had lost about 60lbs. already. I had a little more confidence and was more determined to get the rest of my weight off. This gym offered classes. Good! I went to the classes daily. Sometimes I would do 3 classes in a row that is 3 hours of working out. If it was nice outside I also went for a walk. I love being outside. The classes were difficult for me but, I kept with it and just kept trying to get all the movements precise. I did not feel intimidated there,ever!

I love all the trainers. The only training I did with a trainer was with Toni. My friend had given me the starter package (3 sessions for $99) as a gift. Toni was great! I had known her from classes so I picked her to do my training. She is tough and I was very satisfied with her help. I would of kept training with her but, financially I could not afford it. So I took what she had taught me and I also did the classes daily. I felt like they cared that I worked out properly.

I met many nice people. I have not met my goal yet. But, I will this year! I know what to do- thanks to the instructors and trainers at Club Fitness. I love the classes they offer. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It takes determination and a lot of work. I love being fit and I am striving to become more fit.

I can run!!!!!! Yes, I could not run before but now I can. I feel like I can take care of myself too. I mean I am strong now and fit. I love it. I also love getting compliments. Life is good. The only thing I don’t like is that it took me way too long for the light to go off, to get in shape. But better later than never. Thank you Club Fitness!

-Jan Sharamitaro

Ashley Bruhn

Pounds Lost: N/A

At the age of 15 I lost my mother due to diabetes, after seeing my doctor each year for a routine physical, the news was the same. “I must eat healthy and stay active, in order to fight the chance of getting diabetes myself.” I was shocked, I knew something needed to be done, but when would I ever find time.

A few years later, I was struck by a car and badly hurt with a shattered leg, broken arm, fractured back and hips, severed stomach muscles and nerves, and just about every organ was bruised. I was in the hospital for a month and a half, then in physical rehab for another month and a half. I returned home and received at home care. Once I could put some weight on my leg I was allowed to try outpatient physical therapy with my walker. My doctors told me not to get discouraged, that this would be a long road and hopefully we will begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I felt defeated, physical therapy helped me graduate to a cane, but at 19 years old a cane was anything but fashionable. I had college to return to, a job to get back to. I couldn’t give up, so I decided to push myself farther.

Once I could walk on my own two feet again, I checked out the local club fitness, with the hopes of gaining back my strength that I knew I had in me and to lose weight, not being able to walk packs on a lot of unwanted pounds. I was very surprised by how eager and friendly everyone was there, the environment is welcoming and nonjudgmental, just what I needed. I couldn’t pass this opportunity up. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this on my own, I needed someone knowledgeable and someone who could motivated me, so I met with a personal trainer, Carrie Cougill, within the first session of meeting her I was convinced, she was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t treated as a joke or just another client; she listens to my needs and helps me tremendously. I no longer dreaded going to the gym. She makes each experience fun, laughable, and one step closer to my goals. I went from not being able to step up stairs to doing the elliptical at 3.9 within the first 4 sessions. I also went from not being able to lift my shoulders off the ground to being able to do sit-ups repeatedly. I can walk without needing to rest; I even was able to return to work. I am amazed at how much I’m overcoming in such a short period not only physically but emotionally; I am no longer discouraged or worried.

I plan to continue my physical therapy at Club Fitness; I can only imagine what goals I will accomplish! I couldn’t have done any of this without the helpful and friendly staff. Thank you for all you’ve done for me!

-Ashley Bruhn

Tracy Shelton

Pounds Lost: 32

Hi, I’m Tracy Shelton and this is my story. I am 40 years old, married, have 3 kids, and it’s time to put myself first! I have so many reasons to change my life. At 60, my father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and recently had several bouts of congestive heart failure. His weight issues have also led him to become diabetic, which must be treated with medication. My mother and aunt have had gastric bypass surgery and still continue to struggle with their weight. My late grandmother also had this surgery and constantly struggled with her weight. It hurts to see myself following in their footsteps. It’s time for me to change the direction of this path for my family and me.

After several seasons of being a “couch” fan of the Biggest Loser, I’ve finally decided that it’s time for me to make a major lifestyle change. What good does it do to only watch the Biggest Loser and think “Wow, look at what they’ve done!” It’s time to be an active participant in my own life and be able to look back at myself and say, “Wow, look at what I’ve done!”

My new life began on October 27, 2008, when I decided to join Club Fitness. The manager of the Granite City Club Fitness, Aaron Scherr, is who I credit in helping me finally come to the realization and accept that this is the place where I can get the help and support that I need to lead a more healthy life.

Since joining 3 months ago, I’ve lost 19 ½ inches, 32 pounds, and my body fat has dropped 2.1%. With the help and encouragement of my DFM personal trainer, Jarred Starman, I’ve already seen a positive change in my life, both physically and mentally! Just recently I was able to climb Monks Mound with my family. While this may not seem like much to some, just a few months ago I would have waited in the car while my husband and kids climbed. My new found confidence in myself is enabling me to try new things and push myself further than I would ever have done. In fact, I will be participating in the St. Louis Marathon in April. I will be walking 13.1 miles for the half marathon.

WATCH OUT! With the changes that I have already witnessed in this short time, there is no stopping me now. I am focused and excited to see how my life will continue to change, for the better.

-Tracy Shelton

Janet Terrell

Pounds Lost: N/A

I decided to join Club Fitness for two main reasons. One of them being that my father may be losing his right lower leg from diabetes. He does not control his disease as he should and because of this he is now facing the real possibility of losing a limb this coming Tuesday.

Because diabetes runs in my family I know I have to be pro-active to ensure I never end up like dad and members of his family. It's a nasty disease.

My second reasons for joining Club Fitness is the fact I am planning to return to the Army (National Guard side). So, it is vital I keep myself in the best shape possible if for any reason I am called up to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. I know the real dangers that face me for returning to the military but I loved serving my country and I do miss it. Keeping healthy means being able to serve my country and remain healthy while doing so.

Thank you for letting me share my story.

-Janet Terrell

Michael H.

Pounds Lost: N/A

My name is Michael Hodges and in July of last year I suffered an unexpected stroke. It was a bleed in my brain caused by an A.V.M (arterio- venus malformation) that I did not even know I had. So at 32 years of age I underwent six and a half hours of emergency brain surgery, spent a week in a coma, and was hospitalized for over a month. Coming home, I no longer had the use of my left side and was extremely weak. I was in a wheelchair.

After several months of physical therapy I was able to walk short distances with a cane, but I tired quickly. Then they released me from therapy, saying that I had reached the limit of my recovery. They said that there was no hope for regaining the muscles in my left shoulder, arm, hand, abdomen, and lower leg.

I took matters into my own hands and came to Club Fitness. Not only was it affordable, but everyone was so kind and supportive of me there.

Upon first coming to Club Fitness, I could do the butterfly press, but not with any weights on it, and I had to strap my left hand to the machine. Now, a few months later, I can do 90 lbs without using a strap to keep my hand gripped. My left bicep and triceps have begun to respond. Now when I workout I can feel my back and abdominal muscles. I’m doing up to five miles on the stationary bike, and my overall endurance has increased dramatically. I can even do TWO HUNDRED lbs on the leg press.

I’m grateful to be able to come to Club Fitness and gain back my independence.

-Michael H.

Cathy E.

Pounds Lost: N/A

My daughter and I signed up a couple of weeks ago. My husband signed up last week and my other daughter has been a member for about 6 months now. We all signed up for the jump start program with a trainer. We have very positive opinions about Club Fitness and I think it will work very nicely with our lifestyle.

I was a little afraid to start with a trainer. I am 53 and my trainer, Kara, seemed to know what I could start with or just took pity on a woman old enough to be her mother. When we were done the first session, I was tired and sore for the next couple of days. But after doing some things she recommended, I was ready for the next session the following week. Again I was tired and a little sore but I feel like I now have more energy through my work day. I sit behind a desk for 6-10 hours a day so going to work out seemed like a real chore but I find that I feel better after working out and look forward to going.

I think most people are apprehensive about going to a fitness club where the staff and the members feel they are just a little better than the rest and aren't afraid to let you know where you rank with them. Over the years, I have encountered this a time or two. I have not had that feeling at Club Fitness. It appears every one is treated the same by the staff, very professional. The members are there for the same reasons...to get healthier or to stay healthy. The staff is very friendly (even cheerful) and very helpful which I appreciate very much. After a long day at work, nobody wants to see a disinterested staff person when you want or need a little motivation to get some exercise in that day.

So that is my opinion at this time which I think will keep me wanting to work out on a regular basis.

Thanks for opportunity to give my opinion.

-Cathy E.

David W.

Pounds Lost: N/A

September, 2007. The doctor looked at me and said it’s time. I’ve been threatened with High blood pressure meds for years and he wanted to put me on them. Apparently a blood pressure of 160/120 is not a very good number, my ankles starting holding fluid and I really started having trouble doing simple things like mow the lawn without sweating and needing a break in the middle. At age 38 and a height of 6’2, a whopping 285 pounds had started to take its toll. With a wife and two children ages one and three, I needed a change.

I simply started walking 5 days a week at 3.4 miles an hour during my favorite one hour shows and cut down my calories to simple health bars, chicken breasts and salads. No more than 1500 calories a day. I left every Friday as my “eat what I want day” so I wouldn’t miss out on a piece of pizza or some wings. As simple as that, I was down 35 pounds by Christmas 2007. Then I stepped it to running at 4.3 mph and using the elliptical machine occasionally.

Now, with the help of Club Fitness, here it is June 2008, I am 215 pounds, down 70 pounds, running 3 days a week and working out with weights 2-3 days a week. I still enjoy “Eat what I want Friday’s,” I look better than I did in high school and college and I’m getting ready to run my second 5k race with a goal of 24 minutes. My wife is also a member and is already down a few sizes and loves the spinning classes.

Thank you to the folks I have met at Club Fitness on Centre Point, thanks to Aaron S. for talking me into joining and thanks for the great free child care which makes going to work out so much more convenient. The girls in child care there do a great job and if it wasn’t for the free child care, I would never have been able to join. It’s hard for middle aged parents to do a lot of things with two little ones, but you make working out so easy. And now trips to the zoo, Grant’s Farm or just playing soccer is a lot easier and a lot more fun for my wife and I and the kids.

The other day, my 4 year old asked me when he can start exercising. It really does have a positive impact on those around you…….and he starts soccer this fall. By the way, I received a clean bill of health last week. My doc was amazed. My blood pressure was 118/68 and all blood work was perfect.

-David W.

Doris Hearn

Pounds Lost: N/A

To say I am a work in progress is an understatement. I am 44 and have always had a weight problem. I have Diabetes and Heart Disease in my immediate family and this year decided I wanted to live a long and healthy life. I started on an eating plan in February which was helping but I knew I needed to add exercise.

I joined Club Fitness at the end of April. When I went in to sign up for my free session, I met DFM Trainer Sean Miller. I was nervous at first. I had never worked with a trainer before, but Sean made me feel at ease and comfortable. At first when he offered me the jump start program. I declined. After thinking it over I went ahead and signed up for the 3 sessions.

I am happy to report that after 3 sessions, I am down a dress size from when I walked in the door. Also just as important, I am learning to walk all over again. Let me explain- I have always walked with my toes out, head down and shoulders slumped. Sean was quick to notice this and took action. He taught me some exercises I can do anytime for my feet and ankles. It's still a struggle but I'm getting better with my posture and walking every day. Of course when I am at the club, Sean always has a watchful eye and every once in a while I will hear "toes in Doris". I can't express how good it feels to have him say how proud he is of me-even though I'm not still using his services. It's nice to know he's always there if I have questions or need a little extra boost of support.

I don't think I would've had the amazing results I do without him in my corner. I would recommend club fitness and their trainers to anyone.

-Doris Hearn

Heather Rieth

Pounds Lost: 183

I have lost 183 pounds or as I like to say, “I have cut myself in half and lost my trainer.” I am a 31 year old fat girl survivor and a mother of an adorable 2 year old son. I knew I needed to make life change for him and the fact that I was going to die if I didn’t lose my weight.

I realized that my son could fall down the stairs once he started walking because he could get to another room before I was up off the floor. I could not live with the thought of my son getting hurt because I was too fat. I lost the weight all by eating healthy and working out with my trainer. The first thing I had to do was figure out my relationship with food and the trigger points that made me eat. Then I had to find what foods worked with my metabolism and which foods did not. The exact same diet will not work for everyone and I constantly had to change the foods I ate to keep losing weight. My trainer, husband, family and friends kept me motivated and kept me going.

I decided that 2007 was going to be my year. I joined Club Fitness in November 2006 but didn’t really start on my life change until January 2007. I made the commitment to myself and my son to lose the weight. I knew it was all about choices. I worked 70-80 hour a week for my job, finished my Masters Degree in Business, made time for my family, and still made it to the gym 8 hours a week. I just laugh when people say they don’t have time to workout and eat right. That is completely untrue; they just chose not to make time and sacrifices. I just chose to go to the gym instead of watch TV and go to sleep early. If I was able to fit losing 125 pounds in 11 months in to my schedule, I think anyone can fit it in. You just have to want it more than anything else and be willing to sacrifice and stick with it. I made the choice to live and get healthy rather than stay morbidly obese and die.

I can relate to every single over weight and/or morbidly obese person out there. I completely understand what each and every one of them is feeling. A person who has never been overweight or struggled with their weight has no idea what certain foods can do to a person. As a society we use food to celebrate, cope, fill time, and many other things. I think it would be easier to be an alcoholic than to be overweight because you do not need alcohol to live. Food is extremely commercialized and accessible. You cannot go to McDonalds and eat a healthy meal for less than $6.00. You can buy a double cheeseburger with fries and a drink for $3.00 but it costs $6.00 for a salad. Society does not make it easy to be thin. If you watch TV, half the commercials are for food or food establishments. Marketing and advertising people just taunt and tease people with their biggest temptations at the times of day when they are most likely to indulge. Hence why I do not watch live TV, I only watch my shows that are Tivo’d so I don’t have to watch food commercials. It is all about making changes to make your day to day life easier.

There is no way I would have reached my goal without my trainer. Demetrius Anderson, a trainer with DFM, pushed me every week to reach my monthly goal. Not disappointing him and the fear of how hard the work outs would be if I didn’t reach my goals, kept me in line. I knew if I cheated or didn’t give my all, it would show in my numbers. That kept me on track and made it easier to change my life style. Because of our hard work, we won the DFM contest and the trip to Cancun. He has given me a new outlook on life and the ability to live the life I have always wanted, a life in a normal size body. I will probably always train with him, but he isn’t just my trainer anymore, he is my friend.

There is no better feeling than achieving your goal, being proud of your accomplishments, and having others be proud of you as well. I love seeing people who I haven’t seen since losing my weight. The expression on their face is priceless. What is even better is when people walk right past me and don’t even know who I am. Just a few weeks ago, my cousin who I haven’t seen in over a year walked right past me in the locker room at the gym. I had to stop her and she didn’t even recognize me. I am no longer on medication and I am not going to die because of morbid obesity. I now have more energy than my son and can out run him. The icing on the cake, to put it in food terms is not only will I live to see him grow up; I will be able to enjoy him more. I want to help motivate other people so they can be as successful as I have been because being physically fit and able to shop in normal clothing stores is UNDESCRIBABLE!!!

Everyone asks me what diet I did, how much I worked out, and what were my tricks. I tell everyone they have to be patient, eat the right foods for their body in the right portion sizes (which takes trial and error), and workout at an intensity to get their heart rate up for a set amount of time at least 5 days a week (a trainer helps too). I wish for every person in world who is battling with weight and food the feeling of being a “normal” size. I know what it feels like to have people look at you because you are so large and now I wonder why people look at me because I am no longer over weight. There is not a single food on earth that would make me feel a good as being at my goal weight does.

-Heather Rieth

Dawn Koehler

Pounds Lost: 110

Dawn Koehler, a Club Fitness member at O Fallon South has lost 110 pounds this last year! She has lost 10 sizes and feels happier and more energized than ever before. Here is her inspiring story.

Dawn struggled with weight her entire life. About one year ago, she decided she wanted a place to work out but she was not sure about joining a co ed health club. She drove by Club Fitness and decided to come in. Once inside Club Fitness, she felt comfortable with the staff and members and bean coming in about 3 times per week, using the elliptical, the treadmill, the bike and a few leg machines.

Dawn lost about 20 pounds in the first couple of weeks and she was amazed when her old pants suddenly seemed to too big! This encouraged her and she kept going with her own sensible, no-gimmicks approach to weight loss and better health and fitness. Dawn followed her own eating plan. She focused on fruits and salads and drinking lots of water and eating lean protein. She did give herself one cheat day per week where she allowed red meat and more starchy products in her diet. She ate 3 healthy meals per day with 2 snacks and she says, “don’t deprive yourself or you’ll go crazy”.

Dawn’s changes were noticeable and people would tell her they couldn’t believe how much she had changed and told her she looked like a different person! She noticed the changes in her own energy levels as well. She said she used to get out of bed and feel drained and now she feels so much better. She has so much energy and she is not out of breath anymore. She rides her bike and walks when the weather cooperates.

Her wardrobe has changed too! She no longer has to shop in the “biggie section and she is looking forward to spring and summer to wear shorts and swimsuits! The days of wearing t-shirts and wraps over shorts and swimsuits are gone!

Dawn stayed motivated during challenging times by looking back at her “before’ pictures and vowing that she would NOT go backwards. She said that coming to Club Fitness would motivate her as she worked out with others who were focused on healthy lifestyles and fitness goals. The staff and members inspired her to keep going. She also had a motto that would keep her focused-“Take 5 pounds at a time and one day at a time.”

Dawn says that when she looks in the mirror, she is proud of herself and feels great. She is more social now, more confident and is out more having fun!

-Dawn Koehler

Dana C.

Pounds Lost: 45

My name is Dana C. and I am 43 years old. I am currently a member of Club Fitness in Granite City. I have been a member since Oct. 2007 and I would like to share my story.

Four years ago, I took a very bad fall down the stairs of my home and broke my leg in five places. I had always struggled with my weight. But, in the past four years, I had gained a lot of weight. I now have a steel bar in my leg and pins in my foot. The weight I was carrying was causing my leg to swell everyday and I was in a lot of pain.

My doctor had told me that my blood pressure was high and my sugar count was high. She wanted to put me on medicine for this. I was not going to do that so I started walking around the park. It was going great until my leg started to hurt. I then had to go back to the doctor who fixed my leg and he said I was walking too much and needed to stop.

This was devastating to me. I had lost about 11 pounds but it wasn’t enough. I could not give up! I was given a free pass to Club Fitness and loved it. I could only do the bike and some weights because of my leg. After my free pass was up, I joined. It was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family.

I have now lost 45 pounds and have more energy now than I ever had. I now can walk the treadmill and also can workout on the elliptical machine for an hour or more. It is amazing! I now have family friends and church members who have joined Club Fitness and they are amazed at the changes in my body and spirit.

I love the people who work at the Club. They have always been friendly and supportive. Whitney McGrath and Kandi and Courteny always have a kind word for me-they always let me know how well I am doing. It is so important to have a good support team. I feel that they have become part of my support.

I started out wearing a size 20 jeans and then a size 16 and even those are now big! My feet don’t hurt anymore and my leg doesn’t swell and I love the new person I have become.

I now have normal blood pressure and normal sugar levels-no medicine for me! I would like to thank Jesus, my family and friends and all those at Club Fitness.

-Dana C.

Susan Lutz

Pounds Lost: N/A

I had to make a change. I was 43 and feeling worse physically and emotionally every day. My average weight gain was 5 to 10 lbs. every year since I turned 40. I was finding all kinds of excuses not to work out.

I knew the only way to succeed was to commit to something that would get me out of the house. I had driven by Club Fitness several times trying to get the courage to go in.

After watching commercials for other fitness clubs, it can be pretty intimidating to walk through those doors. I was out one day and decided that I would just go in and take a look. From the minute I walked in, I was treated completely different than what I expected. Everyone was so friendly and I wasn’t pressured to join at all. I actually felt very comfortable and knew instantly that this was the gym for me. I signed up that day and purchased a Jump Start package after my first complimentary session with a trainer.

After completing the Jump Start, I thought I would try to train on my own, but it wasn’t working. One night while I was working out, Jordan Unfried approached me and introduced himself to me. We talked for a few minutes and I soon realized that by working out alone, I wasn’t going to achieve the results that I needed. It’s too easy not to push yourself when you work out alone. Jordan showed some before and after pictures of his clients, and I was convinced. His clients get results.

I signed up for some sessions with Jordan and that’s when things really started to happen for me. I was starting to feel better and stronger with every work out and couldn’t wait to get back to the gym every day. The workouts never get boring with Jordan and I’m challenged every time I work out with him. When I first started working out, I could walk at a moderate speed on the treadmill for about 30 minutes and that was it. Afater a few weeks, I worked my way up to jogging and now I run 3 to 4 miles four times a week at an average speed of 5.5 to 6 mph.

That’s when it hit me…here I am, 44 years old and doing something that I have always wanted to do. The feeling is incredible. I’m getting compliments again and people even say that I walk differently-with confidence.

I work out 5 to 6 days a week because I love the feeling I get when I walk through those doors. The Club Fitness team is amazing and so supportive. The gym is always clean and they make the environment fun and uplifting. I’m always greeted with a smiling face when I walk in and I truly feel as if I’m among friends. Club Fitness is so different from the other gyms because it’s not competitive….it’s a place where you can go and work out at your own pace without feeling any kind of intimidation no matter what age, shape or size you are.

Thank you Club Fitness! You have changed my life.

-Susan Lutz

Jim H.

Pounds Lost: 80

With my health at an all time low and a starting weight at over 300lbs. I had reached the very end of my rope. The physician that had been treating me for a number of ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a triglyceride level that was of the charts, leveled a crippling blow.

In addition to all of the current ailments, I had also been diagnosed with a heart condition that could be life threatening if my health where not to improve. For the full year of 2006 I had been in and out of the hospital and doctors office trying to calm the symptoms of my ailing health. Finally my doctor sat me down and told it to me straight. He said that if I ever wanted to live a full productive life I would have to get daily exercise and eat a healthy diet. It was the same story I had heard time and time again, in fact, it was the same story I had heard my entire life. This time it was different, my life truly depended on it. I was not sure where to start, so with the advice of my doctor I started looking into local gyms to get a membership. In March of 2007 I happened across a grand opening flyer for Club Fitness in Granite City. I was very apprehensive and almost didn’t come in. I was so nervous, here I was at over 300lbs. in the worst health that I had ever been in and I was going to join a gym. I must of drove by the gym 3 or 4 different times and finally decided to go in. I spoke with the gym manager about the facilities and what services they offered. I remember that I immediately felt at ease and I knew that this was going to be my new gym. The following day I asked a friend to come in with me and we both signed up. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful. They truly cared that my experience there was the best it could possibly be every time I came in to visit. Any question or concern that I have ever had has been answered professionally and promptly. Immediately after joining Club Fitness, I started seeing results and with the help of the staff, I have continued to see results. I have proudly been a member of Club Fitness for 8 months now, I have lost about 80lbs and my pant size has dropped from a 42” waist to a 34” waist. My doctor has taken me off of 5 of the 6 medications that I was taking, with the remaining medication being for my heart condition that I will take for life. I had my blood work done 3 weeks ago and all of my levels are in the normal range, without the aid of any medication. My physician raves at the progress that I have made in the last 8 months, and I always tell him, it has been a team effort in which I could never have accomplished on my own, but with the right team on my side, I truly could never fail. Club Fitness and my trainer Jordan Unfried have been a key part of that winning team.

My experience with club fitness has been phenomenal, I have never been treated like just a member, but have always been treated as a friend. My work out experience has always been a top priority to the Club Fitness staff. I am always welcomed by a smiling face and am always treated in a friendly professional manner. Club Fitness offers a safe, friendly, intimidation free facility in which I can walk in and feel completely comfortable to work out and focus on my personal fitness goals. I still have a few pounds that I need to lose, but with Club Fitness on my team, I have no doubt that I reach my goal. I would recommend that anyone who has a fitness need, stop by there local Club Fitness and add them as part of their winning team.

-Jim H.

Carol Sue W.

Pounds Lost: 37

Being 70 plus years old and having never worked out before, I was a little skeptical and very self-conscious when my doctor told me to join a gym. I had gained weight through the years that I didn’t think I could ever lose. This extra weight contributed to my knee problems, which finally led up to a possibly dehabilitating surgery.

I started my work out program at Club Fitness, Lemay Ferry location on October of 2006. It was a very pleasant surprise! The staff was friendly and very helpful. The facility was very clean and there were plenty of machines-all of which I felt comfortable using!

The results are ongoing. I have dropped from 175 pounds to 138 pounds in less than eight months, but more importantly, I have my full mobility back! I can climb stairs without stopping and my knee pain is practically gone! I know I would not look and feel the way I do today if I hadn’t taken that first step and joined Club Fitness.

-Carol Sue W.

Bonnie S.

Pounds Lost: 48 1/4" inches

I began training in order to become more active, be able to play with my nieces, and be able to wear stylish clothing that fits well.

Krista was professional and accommodating to my injuries. She kept me motivated through positive encouragement. Because of Krista, Exercise is now a part of my life that I look forward to and enjoy. Because of my wonderful experience with personal training, I am aspiring to become a trainer myself someday.

-Bonnie S.

Charles M.

Pounds Lost: 68

When I joined Club Fitness, I really expected that I would do what I normally do which was work out for a few weeks, start missing more and more, and eventually just go back to doing nothing.

I remember being offered to work with a trainer for one session free and I was skeptical about how I would like that. When I first worked out with Shauna, I didn’t know what to expect and I really thought it would be like a lot of gyms where they simply take you around and point out how the equipment worked. This was not at all the case. She talked to me about my goals and problem areas and really worked me out hard. I have really enjoyed how Shauna works with me, she really seems to get my personality and knows when I am dogging it and she needs to push me or when I have really had it. When I started, walking for 30 minutes on the treadmill was a struggle at even pretty low speeds. Now my normal cardio workout includes fast walking and running at differing inclines. I am also starting to run in some 5K’s with a goal of completing a half-marathon in the fall. Shauna goes above and beyond in working with me to keep me motivated and encourage me. She even ran in a 5K with me, and with her help and encouragement, I ran the whole thing and beat my goal time. I love the accountability of having someone to work with to help me keep moving towards my goals. Because of her encouragement to do my best, especially when I would get frustrated (all the time), I have made so much more improvement outside of just the weight loss and physical changes. I am about halfway to my goal and there is no way I would have kept it up long enough to see all these positive changes without Shauna’s help. I also want to thank all of the other trainers and staff who always encourage me and help me to feel comfortable and welcome in the gym.

-Charles M.

Tracy H.

Pounds Lost: 16

Before I met Shauna over a year ago, I was the textbook yo-yo dieter. I gained and lost the same 30 pounds over the last twenty years.

Since Spring of 2005, I have dropped 10 sizes, maintained a healthy weight, and lowered my body fat 8%. This is the first time in my life that I have successfully kept the weight of for more than a year. I feel healthy, strong, and empowered to continue my new habits—eating right and staying active. Since my first sessions with her, Shauna has perfectly balanced what was needed to change my body composition and stop me from focusing on weight alone. She combined an aggressive fitness regime while gently coaxing and educating me about healthy eating habits and when to eat what foods for optimal results. She pushed me physically far beyond what I thought I could ever do or look like. More importantly, I look forward to exercise and incorporate it regularly into my week. The variety of exercises, her nutrition knowledge, and her willingness to research information to assist me with specific questions plays a huge part in my continuing success. Thanks to Shauna my goal is no longer to simply lose weight. I have two goals now: continue balancing a healthy diet and staying physically active for the rest of my life. But more than anything, I want to continue to model this for my son and daughter. I want to inspire them to seek a healthy lifestyle and body image. Shauna’s expertise and a lot of hard work has helped me achieve so much more than just weight loss.

-Tracy H.

Rony E.

Pounds Lost: N/A

I joined Club Fitness because my doctor told me that I had to lose 30lbs in order to get a hip replacement. I started training with Brooke to prepare for surgery. Brooke focused on strengthening the muscles in my hip as well as increasing my mobility and flexibility. In just two months I have stopped taking my pain medication that I have been taking for 5 years. As a result of my progress I no longer need to have a hip replacement, and as a added bonus I’m 12lbs lighter.

-Rony E.

Steve D.

Pounds Lost: 50

I wanted to thank Club Fitness for helping me achieve my fitness goals. I am forty-years old and have always wanted to drop a "few" pounds. I have lost 45-50 lbs in the last 8-months and it is due to the motivation to attend classes that are given by great people. The spinning classes are professional and well orchestrated.

The flexibility of the membership allows me to attend the Creve Coeur and St. Peters spinning classes.

The fact that Club Fitness has a variety of different classes also makes it fun. I have done the Dynamic Training and my wife does the step.

I also did personal training sessions. The training brought me back to focusing on the techniques of weight training and the trainer listened to what I wanted to get out of the sessions. They kept the training simple and made sure we went over and wrote down every exercise performed.

All of these combined, plus a wide variety of cardio and weight machines makes Club Fitness a great place to work out.

Thanks again!

-Steve D.

Krisie

Pounds Lost: 50

Wow! Where do I begin? When I started working out at the Club Fitness gym, I was the mother of two children under the age of two and I had approximately 45 pounds to lose.everywhere!

When I first walked in, I was so intimidated by the equipment, weights, and just the whole fitness atmosphere that I almost turned around and walked out the door. Fortunately, the staff was there to give me the encouragement and confidence I needed.

We talked about what I wanted to do and they basically helped me throughout the entire transition. Thank you God! They gave me the motivation and knowledge to do what needed to be done. I am now in the best shape of my life. I can walk to the gym with a smile on my face and know I will NEVER leave here.

-Krisie

Pauline

Pounds Lost: N/A

For me, it wasn't about weight loss nearly as much as it was about shaping up and toning. And that is what came from being committed to working out consistently (doing both aerobics and strength) and not giving up after a few weeks. Results happened in 2-3 months. I did go down a couple of sizes, but it was more about shifting of weight to where it all really belonged. That's my story. Commitment is results! It was hard hard hard. But it worked worked worked! And of course, it's why I won the over 40 Model Contest. J Exercise will always be a part of my life.
-Pauline

Kim K.

Pounds Lost: N/A

Club Fitness is the place to go to relieve my stress from head to toe. From yoga, aerobic, or spinning class, I leave energized to the max. My personal favorite is to lift weights and at Club Fitness I don't have to wait. The staff, with their friendly hellos, is also knowledgeable with fitness info. And don't forget the childcare, it's free and my kids like it there.

-Kim K.

Tommy T.

Pounds Lost: N/A

Why I chose Club Fitness: A convenient location, a well-equipped club, and a very helpful and encouraging staff. They have inspired me to be my best. I have been with the program for over seven years.

I am approaching seventy years of age, since joining, I have better muscle tone and have lost considerable body fat. I participate actively in sports as a member of a baseball league. I'm in better shape now than when I was thirty. Friendliness of fellow patrons, wonderful atmosphere in the gym brings a euphoric feeling for all of my accomplishments. I'd recommend the club to everyone.

-Tommy T.

Peggi S.

Pounds Lost: N/A

I have been working out for a long time, primarily aerobic activity. Within the last year, I started to get into weight training. When I really wasn't seeing the results I had hoped for, I thought it might be because I was doing the exercises improperly. So I took a leap of faith and purchased some training sessions.

The trainer spent time talking to me to find out what I hoped to accomplish and learn more about my eating habits and a regular diet. Then we began on my personalized routine. Let me tell you, he is one tough cookie! When I crawled into bed at night, I was often sore. But I knew that it was working the first time I actually saw a few muscles in my arms that I didn't know existed.

I have tried to maintain the routine, but unfortunately, my family, job, and volunteer work, has forced me to slow down more than I would like to. The important thing is that I learned how to workout correctly. I know that if I follow what my trainer has taught me, I can achieve the results that I want.

-Peggi S.

Mary C.

Pounds Lost: 30

I am a 46 year-old woman. After 45 years with no diet or exercise discipline, I had finally fallen apart. The list of health problems that I have dealt with include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, bloat, mood swings, and weight gain. My complexion was sallow and had no glow. My hair had become weak and lifeless and my eyes had become puffy.

I wanted to begin this essay with what was wrong with me, until I found a balance of diet and exercise here at Club Fitness. You see, I am a product of this over-stimulated, over fed, lazy and selfish society that is a result of the ME generation. I had let myself believe that I deserved everything without much sacrifice or work. In other words, I expected that I would just go on looking like I did when I was younger without any effort. I understand that age works against us and that time takes away the condition of our youth, but we can affect those changes in a positive way and preserve our " youth" a little longer, while improving our quality of life. Reluctantly, I entered an exercise program a year ago at the advice of my physician. I lacked initiative, motivation, and suffered from fybromyalagia. I was overweight, feeling older than my years and crippled with pain. I felt hopeless.

Now for the great news! After exercising (weights and aerobic), and following the diet offered here for one year, I have lost 30 pounds, firmed up, improved skin appearance and hair, more energy and focus, lower blood pressure, sleep better, think clearer, and feel younger, Fewer moods swings and less pain!!!!!! Thank you Club Fitness for helping me get my life back! I would like to take this chance to thank the wonderful people that make coming to Club Fitness so much fun and worthwhile. These individuals would be the aerobic instructors, the trainers, the assistants, and the diet consultants. And I would also like to point out the people behind the scenes that have assisted us with our payments and our personal issues. I have signed many contracts to various health clubs and signing my checks each month was the only exercise I got from them. I never felt comfortable with those facilities. They were places with the good bodies to prance around in. Club Fitness makes all people feel welcome regardless of size or the physical challenges they bring with them. It is nice to have found a place where I can grow as a person and reclaim my life.

-Mary C.

Shannon C.

Pounds Lost: N/A

I am 18 years old and have been at Club Fitness for about two years. Before I joined, my appearance was more important to me than my health, I thought losing weight would be the best way to look better. I went from 123 pounds to 102 pounds in about two weeks. I started the no carb diet and shortly after that quit eating all together. When losing one pound a day wasn't enough I started on diet pills. Thinking I was keeping it a secret, people began to notice my drastic weight change. First, I was complimented " You look great!" people said, then it became, " You're too skinny! Are you eating? And I think you might have a problem." I pushed all of it aside; I thought I looked great, but I felt awful; always tired, cold, and moody. My boyfriend approached my mom and she immediately made me tell her my weight. From that day on, people made sure I ate, including sitting in front of me until I cleared my plate. I ended up losing my boyfriend, my good health, and the trust of my mom. After a month, I gained back my weight and a little more, since my metabolism had slowed. I felt fatter than ever! I started eating very little again, but then, one day at work, a club employee came in and asked to put a stack of 10 days free coupons in my store. Realizing I had a problem, I picked one up and my parents joined me up that night. Not only did I improve my health at the club, but also my self image. Brad was my trainer, and a great one at that, he helped me though everything, starting with what I ate and the best workouts for me, ending with fixing my poor posture. I learned that I could eat and stay off diet pills and still stay looking good, feeling great, and keeping my health good, just by working out. If I didn't start up at the club, I don't know where I'd be today. Everyone is great and helpful, Brad never gets tired of all of my questions and the equipment and atmosphere are great! Joining the club was the best pathway I could have taken for keeping me away from an eating disorder and keeping my health at an all time high.

-Shannon C.

Mary D.

Pounds Lost: 30

I joined Club Fitness because of their location and it impressed me as a " user friendly" gym. I was fairly out of shape, so joining a user friendly gym would make it easier to accomplish my fitness goals. The atmosphere at Club Fitness is unlike any gym I have ever experienced. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. Their clientele are friendly and accommodating. This type of atmosphere has helped me lose 30 pounds, several inches from my waistline, and reshape my overall physique. I have, and will recommend Club Fitness to my friends and family.

-Mary D.

Mel C.

Pounds Lost: N/A

Approximately twenty years ago when I was in my fifties, one of the most common phrases I used to hear among my peers was " I used to do this and I used to do that." My question to them was "Why don't you still do these things?" Their reply was " Oh I can't do that because I am out of shape!"

I decided then that I would not become a "couch potato." If I was going to continue to enjoy things in life such as hunting, hiking, music, dancing, etcetera, I would not allow myself to get out of shape. Thanks to an exercise routine at Club Fitness, I am still enjoying the above activities at the age of 73!

In addition to health benefits of an exercise program at Club Fitness, I have met a lot of nice people and look forward to seeing their smiling faces each morning (staff and members). Once a routine is established, most people look forward to working out each day. It becomes a part of a daily routine.

-Mel C.

Lori C.

Pounds Lost: 77

Three years ago I was looking to make a change. I needed access to aerobics, cardio, and weight training. I was able to find all of that here. The convenient location and hours of operation helped make my decision to choose Club Fitness. The staff are very friendly, and fun people, as well as the clients. The atmosphere is very casual and positive. Now, 77 pounds less, I have not only made the change I wanted to physically, I have mended my broken spirit. I have self-esteem; I look great and feel great. I am fabulous at 40!

-Lori C.

Darlene B.

Pounds Lost: N/A

Joining the club was something my daughter and I could do together. Later I became stronger physically, I could walk farther and lift heavier weights. I also acquired emotional strength through friendship and communication. The physical aspect is important, but caring about others who aren't there and wondering if they are okay reflects on your health. We must remember good health not only comes from how much you weigh or the pounds you lift. It's also how you feel towards other people. Most of all I learned to accept myself. That is what the club has done for me. Thank you.

-Darlene B.

Deborah B.

Pounds Lost: 20

When joining Club Fitness a year ago, I was searching for a clean, friendly environment that provided me the ability to consistently step up to new fitness levels as needed. Club Fitness and the staff have allowed my workout regime to increase and adjust as my needs and desires have. The staff has been warm and knowledgeable. I have lost 20 pounds, 2.5% body fat and most importantly to me, gained 10 pounds of muscle. The key to the success I have enjoyed is utilizing the many programs offered by Club Fitness from spinning calls to pilots. I must give a special thanks to my trainer, who provided direction instruction; encouragement, and most importantly, kept me from hurting myself.

-Deborah B.

Cathee B.

Pounds Lost: 20

It began with a flyer in my mailbox. I've been a member for 1½ years, and work out 2-3 times weekly. In May, I started taking classes. I needed to push myself harder. During one of Diane's workouts, she said " And, why do we come to class? Because we motivate each other and push ourselves harder." She was so right. The pounds and inches began to dwindle. My greatest accomplishment was finishing a " Boot Camp" class every week. I have lost 20 pounds and I am back to a size 6. I am so proud to be 49 years old and 114 pounds!

-Cathee B.

Kenneth B.

Pounds Lost: N/A

Fit for life, that's my motto. Being fit has made me stronger, leaner, and healthier than anytime in my life. It has also given me the confidence to achieve and overcome obstacles in all areas of my life. Club Fitness is an excellent facility for helping me achieve my fitness and health goals. It is very clean, spacious, has excellent cardio and weight training equipment, and great hours. I also appreciate all the other services offered like baby-sitting, the sauna, the juice bar, and yoga classes. I truly believe when you change your body, you change your life!

-Kenneth B.

Mike K.

Pounds Lost: N/A

If it isn't fun, easy, and convenient, I'm not going to do it. In my early 20's I ran to stay in shape. It was fun, easy, and convenient. I did it religiously. My late 20's were spent trying to gain muscle. Weight training at the club made it fun, easy, and convenient. I worked out six days a week. Now, my thirties are spent doing both. Club Fitness makes it fun, easy and convenient to run, lift weights, and do classes like yoga and spinning.

-Mike K.

Gwen S.

Pounds Lost: N/A

It was a dark and stormy night. Now it was a bright and sunny day in May, that I first laid eyes on the, soon to be, new "Club Fitness." I, and about six others, heard through grapevine that a discount for employees was being offered. We all had dreams of going on our lunch hour and using the machines, and coming back refreshed and energized for the rest of the day's work ahead. A young man pointed and explained where everything would eventually go, where the classes would be held, and about the state of the art weight machines that would change our bodies forever. I have lost 3 dress sizes and 55 pounds, so far. I have also made a lot of new acquaintances and had a lot of fun in the gym during the last year and a half. I rock, you rock, we rock!

-Gwen S.