Success Stories Archives - Page 3 of 11 - Dover Personal Trainer at Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness

Peter Wadsworth Success Story

PETER BEFORE-AFTER FRONT

Looking at these pictures it reminds me why I signed up, for twelve months, with Chris Gray.

Just the week prior to signing my contract, I had a routine Doctors visit, where I weighed in at 216 pounds.

The previous months were the darkest times I have ever experienced.

I had too much free time and nothing productive to keep myself from spiraling downwards

It was November 2014 the week of Thanksgiving when I first walked through the doors of Breakthrough.

I was uncomfortable, and I did not want to be there.

I could not finish most of the exercises, but I can still remember the burn the next day from those first few workouts.

The aches and pains from the gym, were nothing in comparison to the emotional pain I struggled with.

Twelve months have passed since I signed up for my first Total Transformation Challenge.

It was a last minute decision to participate, for no other reason than it would give me something to do with my free time.

I went all in and gave up alcohol, sugar, all fast food meals, like McDonalds.

I even dropped caffeine from my diet.

Who in their right mind quits coffee??

I can remember the pounding headaches during workouts, as my body adjusted to the withdrawal of its usual highs.

For the next 90 days I followed the program, and documented my progress with some embarrassing selfies, which for one brief moment were posted on FB.

I think Krista (one of the Boot Camp trainers) was the only one who got to see them.

I went to the meetings but I was not ready to share my ‘why’ with everyone.

A part of me wanted to share, but I still find it difficult to control my emotions when talking about it.

The conclusion of the challenge was somewhat of an anti-climax for me.

It was St. Paddy’s day, and I took an intentional leap off the wagon from the diet.

A couple of weeks later I had restored a few pounds and enjoyed a few pints with friends.

Inspired by others at my 6pm session at Breakthrough, I went right back into the workout schedule.

Without you all, there by my side, it would not have been possible, and nowhere near as much fun!!

Keep crushing the walnuts.

The next few months I continued with the gym and nutrition program, for the most part.

I took what I had learned and used what worked for me.

Making healthier choices with portion control really made a difference.

PETER BEFORE-AFTER SIDE In August I was asked to share my story as Champion of the month.

I did not know whether to laugh or cry.

At the time, I believed I did not meet the definition of a champion.

I once believed Champions had won something, or they are on top of the world.

You see, the previous August my wife lost her battle with lung cancer.

I declined to share my story as I felt more like a survivor in this game of life we are all playing.

I felt had lost, and did not feel like a Champion.

I still don’t consider myself a champion in the true sense, I did not win a race.

For me it is not a race.

This is my journey.

I am ready to begin the rest of my life, and see it through.

A very dear friend (you know who you are) has since convinced me a champion is someone who sticks at something and sees it through.

I am going to make the most of my opportunities every day instead of wishing my life away.

I don’t want to be sad anymore.

So I write this story with the hope it inspires someone to do something with the rest of their life.

Don’t live with regret.

Take one small step at a time, but take it.

One small step consistently every day will make a huge difference.

Enjoy every day and love those around you.

A huge thank you to everyone for the words of encouragement and all of your support over the last year!

Dawn Curtiss Success Story

Last fall, I had come to a crossroad in my life when I realized I seriously needed a physical tune up.

The pounds were piling on and weren’t coming off.

I had tried Weight Watchers numerous times, only to lose five to ten pounds.

I looked in the mirror and I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

In the back of my mind I thought of my mother and maternal grandmother who both succumbed to cancer in their early sixties.

At age 55, I knew I had to do something but I couldn’t do it alone.

One day last November, I saw an ad on Facebook for Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness and the 24 Day Challenge, so I thought I would give it a try.

This would be my last resort.

If this didn’t work for me, I was going to throw in the towel and come to the conclusion that I would be fat forever.

I didn’t know any when I first registered but I instantly became part of the Breakthrough family.

Not having been in a “real” gym for over ten years and battling arthritis in my knees, I wasn’t sure I could physically perform all of the exercises.

During my first meeting with Chris Gray, he assured me I could do it, it may take me a little longer but it can be done.

I gave up the diet soda and junk food for water and veggies.

I learned how to make my own protein snack bars instead of filling myself with corn chips.

I admit I did struggle (physically) the first couple of months but everyone, especially the staff, were very encouraging.

Learning each new exercise was a personal achievement for me as I battled through the limitations with my knees.

I watched others older than me do the workouts with ease and I became hopeful that I could do them too.

I can’t believe how far I’ve come in the last eight months but I know I still have lot of work to do.

I know this journey for me at Breakthrough isn’t about a quick fix; it’s about a healthy lifestyle transformation.

All of my bad habits through the years have taken a toll on my body but I’ve learned there’s still time to repair the damage.

More importantly, I’ve learned how necessary it is not only to take care of my body but my whole self; mind, body and soul!

Karen Kaufman Success Story

IN SEARCH OF A BALANCED LIFE

The reality, that I needed to make changes in my life, came in 2004. While retrieving a folder from my file cabinet at work, I almost passed out. I sat down at my desk, drank some water but still wasn’t feeling too sporty. I announced to my office partner that I was heading to the Nurse’s station. The nurse thought I was having a heart attack. My blood pressure was sky high and my pulse was rapid. She put me on oxygen for 20 minutes and retook my vitals. Although the oxygen had lowered my blood pressure, my pulse it was nowhere near normal. So off to the emergency room I went. They determined I had not had a heart attack, but decided to keep me overnight for observation.

By morning my vitals were back to normal, and I was released, after I promised to schedule a stress test with a Cardiologist. The stress test revealed an irregular heartbeat. The Cardiologist ordered an angioplasty procedure, to determine whether there was blockage in my arteries. To say I was scared, would be an understatement. I was 48. This happens to people much older, like my Uncle in his 70’s, not me.

Once the procedure began, it was quite interesting to be an active participant. The surgeon spoke to me throughout the procedure, explaining what he was doing as it was happening and I was able to ask questions and let him know if I felt any discomfort. I could watch on a monitor above my head as he shot dye through my arteries. Fascinating! My arteries were not blocked and my heart was healthy. He said to me before he left, “You need to figure out what is stressing you out.”

I had become so use to being in stress mode I thought it was a normal part of life. I also realized that after I retired from the Air Force in 2000, I had allowed my weight to balloon, (225 lbs) and was no longer doing any kind of exercise to stay in shape. My sedentary job in DC, and my long commute from DE, (4 hours round trip) was taking its toll on me. So when the opportunity for early retire (2006) came, I took it. No more long commute. It was “me” time!

Since that time, I have been working towards balance – mentally, physically and spiritually. Although the mental and spiritual parts of me have grown, the active physical part of me was still lacking. This discovery was realized during Alan Kovitz’s Mastery Program through the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) Leadership Central Delaware (LCD) Program. Alan recommended I speak to Chris, and the rest is history. A year and a half later, I’m stronger both physically and mentally. Not perfect at it, and I fall from grace from time to time, but always get back up, stronger!

Thank you Chris, Karen, Steph and all the Punchkins (Breakins or BTrs doesn’t sound right) for assisting me in my quest for balance. You’re the best!

Karen Kaufman

Yolanda Bottorf Success Story

I have always been somewhat of a “tomboy” and was very athletic growing up.

I started playing volleyball and running track when I was about 12 years old, and fell in love with running.

I continued running long distance cross country until I graduated high school.

I stayed pretty active but never really watched what I ate.

I started my path into adulthood and moved away from home, stopped exercising, and continued to eat horribly.

Life happened and I ended up moving back home in my early 20s, where I met my husband.

By that time I had gained weight and wasn’t super healthy.

We then moved from Texas to Delaware due to my husband’s job, and I started having some medical issues and that was a bit of a wake up call.

I started working out and eating “right” but I wasn’t getting results I thought I would.

My boss at the time had talked to me about this great gym she was a part of where they did kettle bell training and helped with nutrition.

I looked it up online and called to get information on how to join, but at that time I ended up not following through.

I got to the point to where I was at my highest weight ever, I felt sluggish and just really bad about myself.

I then made the decision to move forward and commit to getting myself healthy wasn’t really about being skinny but being healthy.

I joined Breakthrough and that is when everything turned around for me.

It wasn’t just about the right exercises but more about overcoming years of bad nutrition and mental hurdles.

I am a still a work in progress but I have had amazing support at Breakthrough and being part and have accomplished things I didn’t think I could.

I never thought I would complete a 6 mile obstacle course and I just recently completed my first Savage Race.

I feel amazing not just physically but my confidence has definitely had an overhaul.

Yolanda Bottorf

Carolyn Sealund Success Story

My story begins like everyone else. I tried dieting and working out. I was somewhat successful in losing, however as soon as I would eventually stop, and my weight would climb up to my previous weight, plus more.

I was tired of being tired, and nothing seemed to fit anymore. A good friend suggested Punch (at the time, now known as Breakthrough) so I decided to do a Saturday open workout. I’m not going to lie I was hurting afterwards. However, I decided to do an trial with the gym after that.

During that trial there was a 24 day challenge going on I was lucky enough to be able to join that. That was the turning point, and the support from every one was so helpful, and crucial to my success.

The people at Punch (Breakthrough) are like family. They will support you, know your struggles, and help you achieve your goals. I’m so glad that I joined this family.

Carolyn Sealund

Kathy Rollins Success Story

I began my journey with Breakthrough about 6 month ago.

Like many people our there, I had tried all the diets that you see on TV and online, and of course, none of them worked for me, and I just kept putting more weight on.

On top of the weight, I was dealing with daily pain and inflammation from having Lupus.

I did not have the right eating habits, and I would eat anything, at any time of day or night.

I always blamed my extra weight on having my daughter.

Since starting at Breakthrough, I have learned how to eat the right foods, and the right portions.

I have stopped blaming my daughter, after all, she wasn’t the one shoving food in my mouth.

I also have has less pain from my Lupus. I use to be in pain every day from the inflammation that Lupus caused my joints.

Joining Breakthrough is what I have needed in my life for many years.

I love that I can work out 3-4 times a week, and that the trainers are always flexible with my work schedule.

The support I have received, not only from Chris and Karen, but from every single member of Breakthrough, is beyond tremendous!

I truly feel like part of the family.

I can’t thank everyone enough, for their help and support!

I look forward to many more years working out with you all, and being a part of this family!

Kathy Rollins

Rachel Dukes Success Story

My journey with Breakthrough began almost a year ago.

One of my closest friends’ sisters found this amazing place and invited me on more than one occasion to sit in on a class or come to an open workout.

I’ll admit I was intrigued, but a little apprehensive.

I was already lifting at the gym with a workout partner four days a week and figured that what I was doing was enough.

I gave no thought to what I was eating and after about a year of lifting weights, I really didn’t see results and I had injured my back.

I finally decided to give Breakthrough a try.

What could I lose?

My first workout happened to be the July 4th workout.

I got a red, white, and blue tank top and came in not really knowing what to expect.

I was completely taken off guard by how many people came in dressed for the event, and dressed to the hilt!

Immediately I LOVED it!

Chris and Karen both welcomed me, along with the other members and I was hooked.

I began to learn that taking care of myself isn’t just about spending time at the gym a few times a week.

I learned about how to fuel my body with the proper things, in the proper increments and began to see changes.

The guidance I receive from not only the trainers, but everyone who is in my 5 AM session, at the Thursday night support meetings, and Saturday morning sessions, make this gym unique.

I have had more success doing this than anything else I have tried before to lose weight and get healthy.

I know that I can reach out to the other members and they can relate to struggles I’m having.

They offer support when I’m having doubts or life gets in the way.

It’s not all about the number on the scale, although that number has dropped.

I can lift heavier, I’m more flexible, I have more energy, and I feel so much better about myself than I did when I first came to Breakthrough.

Mentally I am tougher cookie ☺.

My story continues… I have things I still want to accomplish, but I am most certainly better than I was when I began.

I see the positive changes in my life and I can’t put a price tag on those changes.

This month, I will watch my daughter walk across the stage to graduate.

I will be wearing a dress that is two sizes smaller; I will be stronger than I have ever been; I will be more confident that I ever remember feeling… and I will ROCK that dress!

Here’s to many healthy, happy, strong years to come!

Rachel Dukes

Susan Melda Success Story

I began my journey with Breakthrough for one main reason–I wanted to lose weight and gain some muscle.

Like so many people I know, I’d diet and exercise, lose 10 pounds, and a few months later put all the weight right back on!!

Lisa Tull and Gillian Sessler both encouraged me to try a Saturday morning open workout.

I finally did and was immediately impressed with the quality of the workout.

What most impressed me was the atmosphere.

Everyone was so supportive, positive and downright FRIENDLY!!

I made my decision then and there, to join this upbeat gym!

Little did I know that I was not just joining a gym, but I was becoming a member of a new “family”.

Through training sessions, group and individual meetings, and nutrition education, I’ve gained a much more complete insight into “me” and what makes me tick.

I’ve learned that in order to have a happy, productive life, I must be happy with myself–not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Breakthrough has helped me to discover that.

I’ve learned that I am worth it and the only person who can make changes in my life, is me!!

But we all need “A little help from our friends”, and that has been provided to me through my Breakthrough family.

I am honored, and proud to have been selected as one of June’s “champions”.

I can honestly say that after a year at Breakthrough I feel like a champion!!

I want to thank you all for becoming a part of my life.

I look forward to another rewarding year at Breakthrough.

You are all champions!!!

Susan Melda

Wanda Edwards Success Story

My name is Wanda Edwards and I am 46 years old.

I have always been a very outgoing person but my self image was somewhat lacking.

I have struggled with my weight for years and it has always been a problem for me.

I started my journey a couple of months before I discovered Breakthrough…

I started losing weight in a very unhealthy way.

Stress was a big part of the reason and I lost about 30 pounds by eating 1 time each day or every other day.

I knew this was not good for me, but was also having a hard time asking for help on how to work at this a better way.

At a picnic I saw Rachel Dukes, who could not say enough good things about Breakthrough!

She invited me for an open workout.

Oddly enough, I was talking to Steve, Lisa Tull’s husband (Lisa had also started going to Breakthrough), and he said that she was doing the same thing and spoke great things about the gym and Lisa’s experience.

Seeing Lisa the next week and talking to her sealed the deal!

I met Rachel on that Saturday morning and was scared to death!

I was not sure what to expect, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming — I had a blast.

I signed up for the free week and I was hooked.

After talking to Chris and starting the 24 day challenge, I admit I was scared again.

When he told me that I had to eat 5-6 times a day (What???) and give up certain things, I had lots of questions.

After those first 24 days, I had never felt better and I have not looked back since!!

The biggest thing that I have learned is how to eat healthy.

I admit I was confused at first, but after a couple of weeks I got the hang of it.

The posts to our group Facebook page, and sharing of ideas for new recipes has always been great!

I have even gotten my family to eat some new things.

I have set some pretty high goals for myself since I joined Breakthrough, and have been able to reach them, each time.

I have lost inches and body fat, and gained muscle.

I can honestly say that I am proud of what I see in the mirror now.

I have gone from a size 22, last year, to a size 8/10 now.

I can even do pull-ups!

My self confidence is even higher and that comes from having the better self image.

Chris asked me what my “why?” was when I first met with him, and I realized that that my “why” was for me.

I needed to do this for me to make myself what I wanted to be to be; a better person, wife, mother, friend, etc.

I was struggling before, trying to put everyone else first, and that is why I could not get myself on track.

I can’t thank Chris, Karen and my whole Breakthrough family enough, for all of the support and encouragement that I have received since I joined in August of 2014.

I appreciate each time that Karen bumps up my weight, or says “do another rep” (even if I do give her a hard time).

It has not been an easy journey, and there are a lot more “squiggles” out there, but this wonderful, group of friends makes it easier.

Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness-My new Happy Hour!

Wanda Edwards

Rachel Huebner Success Story

My name is Rachel Huebner and my journey began at the bright young age of 18. I had just started college and discovered the gym and a brand new life outside of childhood. I enjoyed physical exercise and staying fit and healthy enough to keep up with the pace of my theatre degree. Unfortunately, at the same time I entered into a relationship that was my downfall. While I made it through my degree (and was very successful) my personal life quickly deteriorated. I found that I was never “good enough” and that wore me down over time. I tried for years to be something I wasn’t, someone I thought I should be. I thought that, maybe, if I was skinnier I would be loveable. I eventually lost everything that made me, well, me. I lost my cheerfulness. I lost my positivity. I lost my zest for life. Saddest of all, I lost my childlike wonder and my laughter. It was a very dark place I ended up in and I honestly didn’t know what to do to pull myself out of it. All I knew was that I was unhappy and I didn’t like who I was. Unhappiness did not suit me at all so I started the long climb out of the darkness. I NEEDED to regain the joy I once got out of life.

I tried every new workout program and diet I could find. I think I bought every workout series BeachBody came out with. I put my body and my mind through hell. I cut my calories down to the bare minimum and I would work out twice a day for hours on end. I would lose weight, thinking it would make me happy but, it never worked. It was never enough. The extreme nature of my fitness was completely unsustainable. I would crash viciously and gain all the weight back plus some and would tear myself down for being worthless and not dedicated enough to stick with my plan. I repeated this cycle over and over and over again. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. I eventually ended up in therapy. It was too much to handle and something had to give. Even though therapy got me out of the pit I still hadn’t figured out my way past the pendulum. I didn’t know what I was missing. I still felt like I wasn’t good enough and I still had MAJOR self-image issues. I still had moments where I hated myself and my reflection in the mirror.

Then something happened that changed my life. A friend introduced me to Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness. I came out to a Saturday open workout and IMMEDIATELY fell in love!! The energy, the acceptance, the support, the fun, the joy, and the freedom to be my goofy, glorious self, completely drew me in!! I found a safe place, emotionally and physically. Through Chris, the Breakthrough Members, and a lot of soul searching (usually accompanied with tears) I found myself again. I discovered a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. But that wasn’t the most important thing. I discovered me, not just the old me, I found a new and improved version! I completely changed my mindset and my view of the world. I learned to love me. I found a new strength that I never knew I was capable of. Out of that strength came my purpose. I know what I am meant to do with my life. I am here to help as many people as I can discover that same strength and self-love! I want to be a light they can follow out of their own darkness or even help them to never enter the pit at all. It has definitely not been an easy road but, nothing worthwhile ever is. I have fallen off track and landed in the squiggle more times than I can count. However, I have come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and happier. I am enthusiastically looking forward to this life long journey of discovery, love, and health!

To all of the Breakthrough family: Thank you for giving me my life and my laughter back. Thank you for believing in me and accepting me, especially, when I couldn’t do those things for myself.

To all of the brand new members of our family: There is hope and a way through the struggles. You will find those things here, surrounded by people who love you and want you to succeed.

I am not going back to that dark place and I will continue to improve and make the world a better place because, you know what?!
I AM STRONG FIRST!