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! ☺

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

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

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.

As soon as I met Chris for the first interview to get more information about Breakthrough, I knew joining would be a serious commitment.

I was at a crossroads.

I was in my late forties and realized I couldn’t just exercise here and there and eat whatever I wanted anymore.

The weight was coming on and the aches and pains were happening more frequently.

To make a commitment both financially and time wise felt a little overwhelming at first.

However after a short time I Breakthrough my concerns faded.

I love that the coaches know everyone individually (speaks to the smaller size of the gym) and tailor their feedback to each person’s individual fitness goals while challenging you at the same time.

They’re all passionate, dedicated, and thoughtful and make you want to be better.

Some of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced in my first year at Breakthrough are

• Awareness of my nutrition and water intake (I was always so focused on cardio and not much else).
• Consistent and challenging strength training
• Being a part of something bigger than just myself, and being in a place that creates the culture of a caring community and mutual encouragement.

My life has changed so much since beginning at Breakthrough.

My nutrition and water intake is MUCH better (actually a huge change), less alcohol, and an enormous improvement in my awareness, discipline, and overall sense of well-being.

This has led to lower body fat, weight loss, and feeling stronger and fitter.

If anyone were to ask my about joining Breakthrough my advice would be DO IT!

It’s the best money you will spend and worth every penny.

This is a gym that fully and genuinely understands that overall health is a combination of nutrition, exercise, and mindset.

They put tremendous energy and expertise into all of these areas through trainings, group challenges, yoga, and small group programming

That makes Breakthrough head and shoulders above any gym I’ve ever heard about or joined before!

-Kim Sabanayagam

I’ve always been self-motivated to exercise.

A gym was something that never interested me or even occurred to me to try.

One rainy day after sitting on my recliner for a couple of hours watching a movie, I got up and felt like I had just run 13 miles.

I had not run 13 miles for more than a year prior to that moment.

I stopped the road races but was still getting on my treadmill several days a week albeit for much shorter distances.

I realized then that I needed to up my exercise game.

I saw an advertisement on Facebook for a 21-day trial period of Yoga at Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness.

Ok, easy enough.

I was very impressed when I walked in and was quickly greeted by the owner, Chris Gray but what I saw behind him peaked my interest even more.

People, who were my age, who looked like me, laughing and exercising and interacting together.

After the yoga class, I went home and signed up for the month long trial period.

Chris called me shortly after and scheduled me to come talk with him.

The first thing Chris asked me was “What was my WHY.”

My why?

Wasn’t that obvious, I thought.

Well, I said, I want to be stronger and as I get older I don’t want limited mobility from years of being sedentary.

He then asked me “How is your nutrition?” I said, without reservation, “I exercise so I can eat what I want.”

He looked down and just acknowledged what I said like it was perfectly fine.

It didn’t take me long to realize why he looked so solemn.

I am not exaggerating when I say I have heard at least 150 times in the last year “It’s 10% exercise and 90% what you put in your mouth”.

It was frustrating for me because I wanted to eat what I wanted and what I wanted was French fries, mashed potatoes, ice cream and any and all of those similar foods.

I don’t even like vegetables nor did I know what the right things were to eat.

Why, I would think, is all this exercise NOT enough?

THIS was my biggest challenge.

So I decided to just keep doing my thing and eat what I wanted and exercise often.

I have done each challenge Breakthrough has offered and with each one I’ve learned a little more.

The combinations of foods and how to cook food to make it healthier but taste delicious are just two of the many things I’ve learned.

I’m not saying my nutrition is 100% on point all the time but it has improved so much that I feel better, I’m down a size and I don’t desire all those other foods all the time.

I still exercise to eat what I want but what I want to eat has changed immensely.

Now I know what I am supposed to be eating and other options when eating healthy isn’t readily available.

While just doing “My thing” by eating what I wanted and exercising, I didn’t even realize how my mindset was changing and how easily it became my normal.

Another word we hear a lot in the gym is “Accountability”.

If I miss one or two days of workouts Chris will text/Facebook me and ask if I’m ok.

If in class, I’m struggling with an exercise or just struggling in general, one of the coaches will ask “How are you doing? Something hurt?”

These people really care.

After each workout we all go into a huddle, affectionately called “Family huddle”.

We clap for each other and take turns high fiving each one other.

But the first thing the Coach asks is “Does anyone have any aches and pains that they didn’t come in with?”

Again, the care and support is amazing.

In addition to the knowledge of these professionals, the family feeling you get with the team of coaches and the other gym members is truly priceless.

Of course, I am a work in progress but I’m better than I was, by far, and it’s all thanks to Chris Gray and the team of coaches at Breakthrough.

I’ve recommended friends and family and stand by Chris and The Team completely.

They have truly improved my life.

-Lisa Dolph

Hello, my name is Dawn Curtiss and I live in Harrington, DE.

I had some hesitations before I decided to join Breakthrough Personal Coaching & Wellness.

It had been a while since I was part of a program, so I was a little apprehensive about my ability to do all of the exercises.

However since joining I’ve realized, I’m given the encouragement and coaching to feel confidant in achieving all of the movements.

My favorite part of Breakthrough is that the assigned exercises I’m given are specifically tailored to MY abilities.

Also, I’ve gained so many friendships at Breakthrough.

The biggest benefits I’ve experienced since starting with Breakthrough is better mobility, I’m much stronger, and more confident.

My life has changed so much since starting with Breakthrough, I’m physically stronger and very pleased with the way my body responds to exercising and the results I’ve experienced from being more conscious of my nutrition choices.

If you’re on the fence about joining Breakthrough, I want you to know, Breakthrough is not just a gym.

It’s a place that keeps your individual personal health goals a priority.

When I made the decision to join Breakthrough, frankly I was terrified.

I remember going home after I met and signed up with Chris asking myself, “What have you done?!”

I knew deep inside that I was entering into unknown territory. I had never been in a gym, or “Worked out” a day in my life.

I later learned that I experienced what is sometimes referred to as “Gym intimidation.”

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the uncoordinated girl with 2 left feet, all thumbs when it came to sports.

In fact, I grew up not knowing my right from my left, which has caused me much confusion with both driving and taking direction.

In spite of this I was determined to summon the bravery to show up for my first small group strength training session. Despite my worst fears, I was welcomed at the door.

Then, once I was actually inside the gym, I was overwhelmed at how patient everyone was with me.

Not only were the trainers taking the time to work with me on building out a card of exercises tailored to me–but everyone around me was making me feel welcomed and not the least bit embarrassed about how little I knew or could do.

The first night’s experience was so positive. I left so encouraged that I had made the right decision to join that I was actually looking forward to my next session!

My favorite part of coaching at Breakthrough is the encouragement.

After just a few minutes of my first session I felt safe and under the direction of trainers who would help me with my form and posture, so that I wouldn’t get hurt.

I know too many people, both young and old who have ignored safety when exercising, or have over-exerted themselves. I knew within a short time that I was right were I needed to be.

Since beginning with Breakthrough the 3 biggest benefits I’ve experienced have been more stamina, more strength, and better balance.

More importantly, I have a better understanding of what exercise can do for not only your body, but your mind and spirit.

My life has completely changed since starting at Breakthrough, after about 4 months of commitment, I realized that I had actually set aside part of my week JUST FOR ME.

Now working out with my friends and personal coaches makes me feel refreshed and as though I have a new identity. I look at age as just a number, because I truly have felt an amazing difference in my stamina since I began working out.

If anyone were to ask me about joining Breakthrough I would say you owe it to yourself to just try this and see if you can feel a difference. So many health issues come from sitting and becoming complacent to age gracefully.

The one hour sessions that you choose, 2-3 times a week like I do, are a small commitment – they fly by.

When you are driving home you will start to awaken thoughts and ideas, set new goals for yourself, almost subconsciously, and before you know it, you’ll realize that going to Breakthrough isn’t anything to dread, it’s something to look forward to!

Breakthrough is a total body and mind experience. They offer classes on yoga, nutrition, and mental workshops on what is getting in the way of your personal goals.

In addition, Breakthrough is centered on making friends, support, and thinking about charity. It’s so unusual to see a business work for the community the way they do.

Faithful Friends Animal Society benefits from out “Check-ins” on Facebook, and I’ve also enjoyed participating in the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets that we worked together to give to needy families in our own community.

It’s hard to sum up all the benefits, I actually look at the Nike “Just Do It” phrase differently now because that’s what I tell myself when I get in the gym, and if I don’t, one of my trainers will!