Dover Personal Trainer at Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness

Deanna Rigby Success Story

I joined Breakthrough 8 years ago, when my children were in middle and elementary school.

I was very hesitant because my life was so chaotic between family and work that I wasn’t sure I would be consistent with going to the gym. I was also nervous about being able to complete the workouts.

The trainers quickly eased my fears by giving me individual attention and coaching which boosted my confidence. I also made the class times work into my busy schedule so I would remain a consistent participant.

My favorite part of coaching with Breakthrough is the coaches. They know each person by name and know what their goals are so each workout is tailored to a member’s specific goals whether it be weight loss, endurance, or building muscle.

I work out consistently with the same people in my 5 o’clock class so they are my good friends. We have a great deal in common and we enjoy each other’s company. They motivate me to come to workout each day and each week.

I’ve experienced so many positive changes since starting with Breakthrough. I’ve consistently worked out for many years so my muscle tone is great as are my cardiac abilities and I’m able to keep up with my kids!

Exercise is a great stress relief for me as I have a demanding job so I can’t wait to get to the gym each day to work out my stress.

I have lost 23 pounds this year due to working with one of the coaches on a specific eating plan so I have even more energy!

I have such healthy routines in my life now. I work out on a specific schedule with great friends, getting healthier together is so much easier than trying to do it alone!

As a result I have a positive outlook on life and am up for most any challenge.

To anyone on the fence about joining Breakthrough I’d tell you we all have to start somewhere so don’t wait for the perfect time to join because you’ll never find one.

Start today and it’s okay to be nervous, we all had to start somewhere but Breakthrough will provide all the support you need, you just have to show up.

Women tend to put everyone else first and then as the kids get older, we find ourselves sad and feeling negative about ourselves. We need to know it’s okay to put our health first as we need to be healthy in order to take care of others.

Exercising should not be considered a luxury but a way to get healthy, relive stress, and have a positive outlook on life.

-Deanna Rigby

Ron Baublitz Success Story

In September of 2018 I saw an ad for a Breakthrough 14 Day Challenge on Facebook.

I knew of Breakthrough because I had seen it in action while doing PT at CORE 2 years prior rehabbing my shoulder surgery then again in early September 2018 getting PT for my hip.

I thought, “Wow, that looks like a great workout” but I didn’t think I could do it in my current physical condition.

Regardless I decided to meet with Chris. He was very thorough in focusing on what I wanted to achieve health-wise. I committed to a 2 week trial and very quickly decided to join as a member.

My favorite part of coaching with Breakthrough is the encouragement from all of the coaches. They are always cheering you on to do your best and when they see you could be doing more they encourage you to add more weight or reps – they see what you’re capable of when you may not see it yourself.

I also love the family atmosphere that Breakthrough has cultivated, it makes workouts fun.

Since joining Breakthrough I’ve lost A LOT of weight, increased my energy levels, and built a more positive mindset.

I’ve learned that this journey is more mental than physical.

Attending Nutrition 101 was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t until I got serious about my nutrition that my results skyrocketed.

My life has changed in so many ways since joining Breakthrough! I’m able to be active and hunt, fish, golf – all activities I loved to do that my health and weight had limited before.

I’m so happy to be back in the game and off the bench!

If you’re looking to take your health and wellness to a new level I encourage you to let the Breakthrough team show you the way.

It’s up to you to do the work, but you’ll be doing it with an extremely knowledgeable team who have a passion for your well being!

Joining Breakthrough was the best decision I made last year and yes, I wish I would have done it sooner but I’m glad I’m here and doing it now!

Jessica Patel Success Story

In January of 2018, I made a trip to my home-country, India.

I was extremely excited to reunite with my friends after 7 long years; and I would of course take pictures with them, but when I returned home I deleted every single picture with myself in it!

Imagine, you meet up with your friends after 7 long years, and you don’t want to keep ANY pictures on your phone, simply because you strongly dislike the way you look.

Yeah, so that trip to my home-country was an absolute eye-opener for me.

During my plane ride back to the U.S., I was talking myself down, thinking about how I would only give myself water and no food as punishment, and I actually did that for a couple of weeks.

Then, I met a young college student who was coaching other students so I decided to ask him for help. However, by the time I started to see results, it was time for him to graduate and he left the state, so I lost all of the confidence and gained all the weight that I had lost and more.

Unfortunately, that’s usually what happens when there’s no one to follow up with you or to look after your journey/progress.

Though in my mind, I did not lose hope. I knew that I needed someone to teach me how to be strong-minded and to not give up on the process. I knew that resting and quitting were not the same.

So, one night I was sitting with my laptop and typed, “Personal coaching near me,” and the Breakthrough link popped up, indicating that there was a 14 day kick-off program.

I dialed the number and a young lady with a sweet voice explained what Breakthrough is all about and scheduled my workout sessions for two weeks with Breakthrough.

But before I started my first workout with Breakthrough, I sat down with the owner, Chris Gray, and he asked me three questions: what were my previous struggles before walking into Breakthrough, my current eating habits, and my future goals. These three questions made me re-think my purpose.

After hearing these questions, I knew that I couldn’t lose 25% of my body fat in two weeks so I turned my 14 day commitment into six-months!

During the meeting, I told Chris that I didn’t eat most vegetables and I often had midnight dessert cravings. I was also very physically inactive and mostly ate out because cooking and preparing meals just wasn’t my thing.

After joining, Chris asked me to start a food journal because he said that we won’t see any changes in our bodies without being mindful of nutrition.

At first, I didn’t see the point and I thought to myself, “Who’s going to read my journal?” However, two days later, Krista, one of the strength and conditioning coaches messaged me saying, “Jessica, can we please add protein to your breakfast?

Krista’s follow-up on nutrition really held me accountable for my actions and I became cautious of what I was going to eat for the next course.

Since that day of realization, my life has not been the same.

All of the coaches of Breakthrough are very welcoming and they made me feel like one of their own! Not only are they supportive and knowledgeable, but they always make sure that I am responsible for my actions.

Why should I blame hereditary, or past circumstances? If I change my attitude, I can really do the impossible and be an inspiration for others around me.

As a result of changing my eating habits, another amazing benefit I have received from Breakthrough is that my acne problem has vanished!

My excessive eating habits had not only caused weight gain but had made me feel very embarrassed of my skin, but since I’ve gotten my attitude and nutrition under control, my skin has been glowing and I feel amazing!

I want to, once again, thank all of the coaches for their time and efforts to invest in my health. Even my family and friends have been asking me about this drastic change, and I cannot tell them enough about the hard-work and consistency that are being taught at my gym, Breakthrough!

I have also made some lifetime friends here at Breakthrough and I know that I can count on them for motivation on the days I don’t feel like exercising.

Recently at Breakthrough, we had a bring-a-friend-month, and so, I invited a few of my friends because they had been really curious about my weight-loss and the overabundance of great things I had to say about Breakthrough!

I am proud to say that I have lost over 25 pounds within a year and I am no longer ashamed of being in a group picture!

Finally, I would like to say that the Breakthrough coaches and my workout buddies have changed me completely, and they gave me a new perspective on making food choices and enjoying exercises. I learned to not just drag myself through a workout, but do it like you own it!

It’s never too late to start from the beginning, or in my case, it’s never too early. In my early 20’s, I don’t want to walk around feeling ashamed and I am happy that I found Breakthrough at the right time just when I needed it.

I am grateful that Breakthrough has transformed my messy lifestyle into a lifelong message!

At last, keep smiling! ☺

Dawn Taylor Success Story

I was extremely hesitant before joining Breakthrough, I was so out of shape I thought there was no way I’d be able to do the things I heard about Breakthrough…it wasn’t for me.

But then one day I looked in the mirror and I was completely upset with the girl I saw in the mirror.

I was the heaviest I’ve ever been, I didn’t care about what I was eating, if it tasted good, I ate it. And stress was getting the best of me.

At first I tried to lose weight on my own, and while I started to lose some weight, I would slip off track…stress was still winning.

Enough was enough.

I needed a change and I knew I couldn’t do it by myself so I set up an appointment to meet with Chris and walked into Breakthrough for the first time.

Back then I never would have thought that I would be waking up at 4am to workout at 5am, let alone for 2 1/2 years now!

My favorite thing about Breakthrough is the bonds that are made with your gym family.

We lift each other up AND we do things together outside of the gym!

At Breakthrough all of the coaches know you, not just your name. They help you with your individual needs, know what you’re capable of, and help you meet your goals.

And once your goals are met they push you (in a good way) to create new ones.


Since joining Breakthrough I’m healthier, stronger, and much more confident!

I’m not the thinnest I’ve ever been, but I’m the fittest and that’s what is the most important to me.

I’ve also quit smoking!

I eat much healthier now, and have learned that just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it has to taste bland and boring.

I lift weights, kettlebells, barbells, and do exercises I never thought I could do.

And most importantly I’m not ashamed to look in the mirror anymore or to be out in public…my confidence has come back!

If anyone were to ask me about joining Breakthrough I would say you need to do this for you!

Make an investment in yourself, you are worth it!

I promise you, if you take that first step, make that call to Breakthrough, come in and talk to Chris, and sign up you will not regret it.

Breakthrough is not like any gym you’ve joined before. They care about you and get to know about you.

We may do things in group format, but your workout is customized to your individual needs.

You are never pushed through pain…in fact it’s the complete opposite!

The coaching team does not believe in “No pain, no gain” they don’t want you to injure yourself any further.

They address your injuries and do not let you workout or modify your workout until you’re cleared by your physician.

To me, that’s very important.

I could go on about Breakthrough, but I’m going to recommend that you come in and check it out for yourself.

Chris and his team are definitely re-defining fit!

Theresa Bennett Success Story

Before joining Breakthrough I knew I needed to do something – I was quite miserable being overweight and out of shape. But, I kept thinking…how was I going to fit in exercise when family and work take all my time?

Also, I was so out of shape, I was embarrassed to walk into a gym and I was not sure where to begin. I was also dealing with psoriatic arthritis and shoulder issues and figured there was no use joining a gym, I would be too limited for it to make a difference.

During my first visit to Breakthrough, Alexis took me through an entire workout. I was dressed for a workout, but did not think I would actually do much.

I was wrong…as the workout continued, I kept thinking I was going to fall out on the ground and not be able to move again. Much to my surprise, I made it through the entire workout!

Afterwards, I met with Chris. Chris thoroughly explained everything that Breakthrough has to offer and spoke with me about what brought me to Breakthrough and my goals.

I had not really thought about my goals and I certainly did not think someone was going to take the time to find out why I came and help me to articulate goals.

I spoke to Chris about my time commitments and medical issues and he assured me that we could work around them.

At the end of our meeting, Chris gave me additional documents to review and said to give him a call when I made my decision about whether or not to join.

I knew that if I did not make a commitment in that moment, I would not be following up. So, I told Chris I was ready to make the commitment.

He asked if I wanted two or three times a week – I said…go big or go home, I’m coming three times a week.

He asked morning or evening…I chose morning and could not believe that was coming out of my mouth.

I have NEVER been a morning person. I was the person who stayed up way too late at night working and was always the last one out of bed in the morning.

My husband got up earlier and woke up the kids for school; I stayed in bed until the last possible minute.

When I left the gym that day, I drove home wondering…who is this person that just committed to working out three times a week and in the MORNING!

Chris suggested I start PT for my shoulder and assured me that my workouts would still be rigorous, but safe.

He was right.

I am serious about my commitment to myself and Breakthrough. I include Breakthrough because the coaches invest so much in us, that I do not want to let myself or them down.

I owe it to myself and the coaches to, “Get up, Show Up and Never Give Up.”

When I need to travel for work, I rearrange my workout schedule at BT and workout while away.

My favorite part of Breakthrough is the small group workouts. I was in a bad place before starting at Breakthrough; I stopped connecting with friends and was not as outgoing as I had been in years past.

The small group was so encouraging when I first started; I did not feel as intimidated as I thought I would. I saw people of all shapes, sizes and ages and they all accepted me as I was and encouraged me as I progressed.

I made new friends and look forward to the workouts to connect with the group; I found that part of myself that enjoys being sociable. As a result, I found myself making the effort to reconnect with friends outside of the gym.

If I could have two favorite parts, I would also say the coaches. The level of expertise across the team allows for a comprehensive approach to being healthy and fit, mind and body.

In addition to their expertise, they truly care about each individual who enters their doors. They know who you are and take the time to ask if you need anything; they also push you when they know you can do more.

The level of accountability between the small group workouts and the coaches is exactly what I needed to get motivated and stay on track.

When I first joined Breakthrough, I would have said the biggest benefit was losing weight. Now, I would say the biggest benefit has been getting healthy; I eat much healthier and as a result, my whole family eats healthier.

My husband recently joined Breakthrough and we work together to educate our children on better eating habits and model this by providing healthy meals and snacks.

Without your health, everything else in your life can suffer. I’m not saying I am 100% healthy, if you consider my autoimmune, but the autoimmune does not define me or keep me from eating better and feeling better. In fact, I have learned about foods that can help to reduce inflammation and joint pain that I did not know before.

The second biggest benefit since belonging to Breakthrough is that I have a better balance in my life.

I used to work late into the night and hated getting up in the morning. I never felt rested. Now, as a result of attending the 6am strength workouts, I go to bed earlier, I make sure I block out time at work to do work.

I keep my evenings open to spending time with my family, and I have reconnected spiritually.

I look forward to getting up in the morning and working out – it is a gift to myself that I share with my family and friends.

The third benefit is the weight loss.

The weight loss not only makes it easier to look in the mirror and feel better about the clothes I am wearing, the weight loss has resulted in gaining strength and confidence through the workouts.

When I first started at Breakthrough and was given a MyZone belt, I did not wear it. At the time, my resting heart rate was around 100 bpm. I was embarrassed that my effort would show as green when I was still sitting on the floor.

When I did cardio, I was red in a matter of minutes. Now, I proudly wear my MyZone belt and strive to see my name on the MyZone Leaderboard.

I know that as I get stronger, my heart gets stronger, as well, and it takes longer to get to red, which is a good thing.

My resting hear trate now stays in the 70s; I have not seen it that low in years!

The weight loss and workouts have helped with my stamina; I have much more energy throughout my day and I am modeling for my children healthy habits at home by getting on the elliptical in between workouts. It also helps that I no longer snore…so Mr. Bennett does not have to raise our adjustable bed which then turned him into a pretzel.

My life is much more enjoyable since we began coaching together. I feel better about myself, who I am as a parent, wife, sister, grandmother and co-worker.

As I pay more attention to my health, I also pay more attention to the health of those around me.

I am excited that my husband and sister are now both Breakthrough members. My youngest son recently won a wrestling state championship from his hard work of eating right and exercising. My youngest daughter is returning to sports after a long year of physical therapy and more recently, a return-to-sports program with 1:1 coaching at Breakthrogh.

I was also happy to pay it forward by sponsoring a friend to join one of Breakthrough’s challenges.

I only keep healthy snacks in my office for my work group and serve healthy food at family gatherings.

Everyone is surprised to find that good food tastes good!

I keep a better eye on my team at work to make sure they are keeping a better work/life balance. I’m just more in tune with the people in my life; I want everyone to have the opportunity to feel good and be healthy. And…my older kids have to suffer through me sending them pictures of my name on the MyZone Leaderboard and more recently of Bob and I clearing our bands ☺

In return, they share their accomplishments with us – they cannot be beat by their parents!

One of my friends recently asked me what I am doing because she has noticed not only the change in my weight, but in my personality, as well.

She said, “One of my big struggles is figuring out how to fit it all in (which I know taking care of myself should be the priority but I always find myself pushing that off first).

My response: Believe me…you would not be alone. There are many of us at Breakthrough who joined the gym wondering how we would make it work with many responsibilities in our life.

I go in the morning to make sure my workout is a priority before I start the rest of my day.

There is support and accountability through small group coaching. You get to know those in your group and encourage each other.

The coaches know if you need a modification due to an injury and when you need a little push to get more out of your workout.

You get a full screening and wear colored bands so the coaches know at all times how to tailor your workouts.

If you cannot make your scheduled session, there is flexibility to join another session.

Breakthrough creates a personalized program that resets every six weeks.

I’ve met so many great people and have felt completely supported; I have never had this type of experience at any other gym.

If I knew I would look and feel the way I do after only six months, I would have done it years ago. Don’t miss the opportunity to give yourself the gift of health.”

We will always face obstacles in our lives, some life threatening, others that break us down. These obstacles are what make us stronger and help us to continue to grow.

It may not seem like it as we experience it in the moment, but we eventually pull through.

We cannot let those obstacles define who we are – we deserve more.

I deserve more. Breakthrough has given me the opportunity to stop and re-examine my life and my priorities.

I am choosing myself so I can be more to those I love.

-Theresa Bennett

Tracy Lazar Success Story

When I first heard about Breakthrough it was because of an advertisement for an intro to yoga class.

I was interested in yoga but never really liked going to a class, I didn’t know what the poses were called and I felt like I was trying to follow along while I was upside down.

What interested me was that the class said they were going to break things down, learn what the poses were, and be with others that were new to yoga.

Because I saw the advertisement on Facebook I was still a bit hesitant that maybe it was a scam. So I contacted Chris and because of my reservations he allowed me to come to a class and check it out before committing and after that I was sold.

I began regularly participating in the yoga classes and after a while Breakthrough offered a trial of their large group class.

I told my husband I was going to give it a try and I jokingly told him, “I know what’s going to happen…I’m going to like it and start that too”.

I was right, I loved it.

I sat down with Chris and went over my goals and he helped me figure out which membership would be the best for me. I really wasn’t looking for weight loss, I wanted to improve my cardiovascular system and improve my endurance.

During my first couple of years at Breakthrough “You can’t outwork a bad diet” got drilled into my brain but I still wasn’t biting…I wanted to get strong and improve my endurance but I wanted to continue eating what I wanted.

Breakthrough periodically offers challenges and when I did my first challenge I really didn’t follow the meal plan.

The second challenge I followed the meal plan more closely and began seeing results.

The healthy eating finally started to get into my head and they offered a support group of sorts and that became life changing.

I learned what to eat, in what combinations and how often. Not to mention the support of my peers and coaches.

My favorite thing about Breakthrough is the personalization and family feel.

I love the energy and the positivity and I truly appreciate the focus on avoiding injury.

Since joining my endurance has improved, I’ve gotten stronger, and I’ve experienced fat loss.

I now have knowledge which I use to take better care of myself and I’ve gained friends that support my journey.

After joining Breakthrough I referred my husband. He had previously attended Crossfit but I didn’t feel like they were focusing on the importance of form and breathing.

I had him come with me for a class and he ended up joining.

I would tell anyone that if you want a supportive, truly friendly environment that will focus on your needs, this is the place to be.

Susan Cessna Success Story

Before Breakthrough I had tried Curves, Planet Fitness, and several aerobics classes. None of which gave me the individual attention I get from the coaches here.

I was hesitant to join for fear it was another club where I would pay money and go for a while and then lose interest.

The first day I walked in, Chris called me by my name and spent time setting up my routine! What a difference!!

They worked around my wrist issues and found ways to get the same results with different exercises!

My favorite part of coaching with Breakthrough is that they are always changing the routine from the warm-up to the actual class. Different ways to get the same results!

They change up the way the training goes but always checking to make sure I’m in no pain and that I’m breathing and doing everything correctly.

The 3 biggest benefits I’ve experienced in my first year with Breakthrough are:

  1. I’ve lost weight!
  2. I feel stronger and more motivated!
  3. I have more energy!

My life has changed so much for the better since joining, I’m healthier, I have more energy, I sleep better, I’m more aware of the things I put in my body, I feel stronger, and my attitude is more positive!

Besides the individual attention and the great coaches and group training, the Mind-Body Connection is something that I have come to realize at Breakthrough.

You can talk yourself in to or out of anything in your mind, and the way that you talk to yourself is the most important thing!

Coach Jim’s motivation and gratitude classes helped me realize that!

Being positive and having gratitude spills out to everyday activities! It’s also contagious!

Surround yourself with positivity and things will be better!!

Also, I’ve learned that you can’t out-work poor eating habits!! You can’t exercise and then put trash in your body and expect results.

If someone were to ask me about joining Breakthrough, I would tell them that you are worth the time and money to join because you WILL see results and feel better about yourself inside and out!

This is a journey that needs attention every day! Work out, eat healthy, and have a positive attitude! It can and WILL change your life and the way that you live!

-Susan Cessna

Alicia Carter Success Story

When I first met with Chris I was apprehensive about my ability to start and find long term success in a training program, and I wondered if I would have the will power to make the necessary changes in my daily life.

Over a 15 year period, the number on the scale had continued to climb, and my overall physical fitness level had plummeted.

I was unable to perform even simple chores and tasks around the house or keep up with my family on our annual theme park vacations without becoming winded and sore.

I knew it was time to make a change in my life, and when I saw the weight loss success of a coworker I decided to ask her how she did it.

The answer was Breakthrough.

I tagged along to a “Bring a friend” night and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

I just knew that if I could have success anywhere it would be with Chris and the Breakthrough team.

I love that my workouts are targeted and specific to me, constantly changing and challenging, and that I always know my safety and health is of paramount concern to the team.

Breakthrough focuses my efforts not just on physical activity, but also on nutrition, and mental wellness.

The trainers and members are friendly, energetic and above all FUN! It makes the time I spend training absolutely fly by!

After being with Breakthrough for over a year I have increased my physical strength and stamina, made comprehensive changes to my eating habits, and (most meaningful to me) I have gained a new perspective on my weight loss and fitness journey.

I’m no longer focused on what I need to lose, but what I have to gain.

I have already reaped so many benefits from my time at Breakthrough.

This summer I was easily able to keep up with my family on our vacations.

My new physical stamina has given me much more freedom to enjoy all of our family activities.

I am also much more confident in myself and have started come out of my shell socially.

Though my journey is still ongoing and I have more goals yet to meet, I no longer dwell on minor setbacks but look to the future of my journey with positivity, knowing that the Breakthrough team has my back!

-Alicia Carter

Stacy Trice Success Story

 

I had hesitations before deciding to join Breakthrough.

I had never joined a gym in the past because I always had access to fitness equipment and would tell myself that I can do it on my own.

I overcame my hesitation by telling myself that it’s okay to ask for help from professional trainers that can help keep me accountable.

I like the small group sessions, the extremely knowledgeable training staff, and the accountability standard that is a part of training at Breakthrough.

The entire staff is invested in each individual to help them remain accountable and to help guide them through the various individualized exercises.

The biggest benefits I’ve realized since working with Breakthrough are that a 1% change in your daily routine can lead to larger gains in the long run.

Also that changing your mindset and the way that you talk to yourself has a HUGE impact on your outlook on life.

Since beginning with Breakthrough I’ve started focusing on me and my needs, I feel I am a better person for those around me.

My thought process has evolved when it comes to my nutrition, and now I am more conscious of what I put in my body.

I not only eat better, but I feel better mentally and physically, and although I still have bad days, they are not nearly as often as they were prior to joining.

If anyone were to ask me about Breakthrough, I would say the same thing I tell everyone.

Breakthrough is a facility where you can be yourself, get a personalized program designed to help you achieve your goals on the scale, but also lead you and work with you to help you become a better version of yourself, not just externally but internally as well.

-Stacy Trice

Nick Dolph Success Story

I originally had some hesitations before I decided to join Breakthrough.

When my parents joined, they talked about the gym all the time and I painted a certain picture in my head of what Breakthrough was.

In December, I gave Breakthrough a shot on a free trial and my mind was BLOWN AWAY from day one.

The family orientated environment and the care from the coaches had me sold.

I would say the coaches are my favorite part of Breakthrough.

They are SUPER caring and attentive. Every day they ask if anyone is in pain. If you are, even if it’s minor they remember and will ask you even a week or so after you are 100%.

You can’t get that anywhere else.

Since working with Breakthrough I’ve realized I’d been doing a lot of things wrong in my workouts from breathing to form and technique.

I’ve also learned that nutrition is EVERYTHING. You can work out as hard and often as you want, but it’s all about what goes in your mouth.

And lastly, Breakthrough has shown me that mindset goes a long way. You have to overcome and break through the mindsets that are holding you back.

My life has changed immensely since joining Breakthrough. I have grown stronger in all aspects.

My nutrition isn’t perfect but I’m on the right track. 1/2 year ago me wouldn’t believe my eating and drinking habits!

My mindset is on track more than ever.

Negative thoughts rarely run through my mind and I’m always looking to grow.

Breakthrough offers something that other gyms I’ve personally tried don’t.

The personalized workouts, attention, and care is unmatched!

Give Breakthrough a shot and they will change a part of your life for the better.

In the past year, joining Breakthrough and choosing to invest in my current AND future self was the best choice I’ve ever made.