The best investment I have ever made was in ME!

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Lucy Baczkowicz

I joined Inspiration Fitness right after my 45th birthday.  I wanted to get in shape for my daughter’s wedding which was in 15 months, so I thought I would start early.  I was impressed with the proposal of guaranteed results if I followed their regimen.  I liked what they were offering me (a new body!) , so I gave it a shot.

The nutrition program & exercise were a “killer combo”, along with the individual attention I received on a daily basis from my coaches.  I saw results immediately.  I learned a great deal about what I should put into my body to get the best results.

I love that the exercises are different EVERY time I come to camp.  It is never boring!  I challenge myself and have reaped excellent rewards.  I lost about 25 lbs and went from a size 14 to an 8.  I am totally addicted to endorphins!

I have gained so much self-confidence because of my new body, that I courageously quit my dead-end job of 9 years and now have a wonderful new position where I ooze confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Inspiration Fitness has given me a “can do” attitude to help me face anything that comes my way.  I-F has provided the tools for my success, but in the end without the close, personal interaction with the coaches, none of it would have been possible.

I am Leaner, Stronger, and the Best I have ever been!  The best investment I have ever made was in ME!  Thanks for Everything!    ~Lucy Baczkowicz

 

IFC is helping us live our lives better…

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Jay and Ana

Why did u join IFC?  We joined to learn how to live a better life and learn how to work out better. Anna wanted to lose some weight and I wanted to stay in shape instead of starting to have a hard time tying my shoes.

What words of encouragement do you have for someone joining?  If you take the lessons, you can learn to live your life a little better. Angela and her team specialize in this and can answer questions about anything fitness related.

What do you like best about sessions?   The sessions are always different and constantly changing. We hate doing the same thing everyday and IFC keeps the workouts changing and up to date. The VIP sessions keep track of everything you have been doing, the things you should do. They help you accomplish those goals.

Ana and I enjoy traveling and we enjoy food. We don’t enjoy working out or dieting. IFC is helping us live our lives better by showing us fun workouts the different types of foods and how we should eat them.   We signed up for another year because Jason is an awesome trainer and Angela is a little bit loco.  —Jay Grabbe (and Ana Makarovska)

 

Anyone who even considers trying this out.. Please do.

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Crystal Modzik

I joined IFC April 2010. My good friend Lorrie Franovich told me it would be great. She had like 5 months already behind her at IFC. For her to say how challenging this class was  interested me. I had to try it.

I have been attending pretty regularly since and the results i have had are great. Many people have said i have always been thin but oh so not true. I started class at a size 10-12 and now i am wearing my clothes i did 11 years ago. size 6-7. I have all my old work clothes to show it!  Most of all I’m stronger then i was then at 21 years old.

Everyone at IFC, past and present have been so great to me. Family like. I feel so comfortable around everyone. I am inspired everyday i come to be better, and know i can be. I love a challenge and i always get that here.

Since i have joined i have a huge energy surge. Before IFC i thought i was in good shape doing little gym workouts and all. I got to a stopping point. Nothing was changing. I felt like i needed more and had no idea how to get it. You know, that little push, nudge…

Anyone who even considers trying this out.. Please do. It is so life changing, FUN, and just what everyone needs. Its family hanging out, sweating, cursing at each other and enjoying a small part of their day for health.

Every coach i have had has been so memorable. The drive these people have and passion is so inspiring. I love the encouraging words and knowledge everyone has. I’m sure i have said my “words” back! No whining, I know.

Without Angela, Jason, and Steph I don’t think I would feel like I have brought sexy back!!!! ;)    Crystal Modzik

 

 

I saw all these incredible women doing it and realized if they can do this, so can I

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Joyce Wilson

I have to start by saying what an honor this is, I have accomplished so much and I’m so proud of myself and of every one there because I have seen them go through  the struggle of that first workout, or the first challenge and I’ve been there myself. I know just how difficult it can be.  It was about a year ago that my friend was talking about a kettlebell class.  We both looked at the IFC website and I tried to talk her into going with me, but she said no.  I thought about it for a few weeks, so when I saw a one month deal, I figured, what do I have to lose.   I found out there was a lot to lose……a lot of weight, a lot of inches and a lot of body fat!

Before I started, I remember going on the bike trail and being so out of breathe just from walking.  I would be sweating and my face would turn red, which is quite a feat for a Mexican!  I felt unattractive, undesirable and at times just unworthy.  I would constantly “settle” because I felt that I didn’t deserve anything better.

The first class was miserable and I almost did not come back, but while I was there, I seen all these incredible women doing it and realized if they can do this, so can I.  I was inspired by all of them to continue.  In the first month, I seen amazing results and I knew that I had to continue to come.  In January, I will have been here for one year and the changes I have seen in myself have shocked not only my family and friends, but I have amazed myself.   The coaches have been so great and I have learned so much from them.  They have pushed me to and beyond my limits.  When I didn’t believe I could do it, they did and they were right.

There are extra activities, parties and other fun stuff IFC does throughout the year and I have been to just about every one of them.  For me, this has been a total turnaround.  I was always pretty shy, so for me to attend these activities by myself was definitely a step outside of my comfort zone.  I’ve found myself developing new friendships, meeting some pretty amazing people and opening myself up to these new relationships.

I love the classes, I love the people and I love the way I feel.  I have not felt this confident and good about myself since high school. I am a different person then the person I was last year and I have IFC to thank but I also realize I’m the one that accomplished this.  I did it!  I have more work to do, but from where I’ve been, I’ve come a long way.  I am now a constant fixture around IFC.  If you have been there in the last year, at some point I have seen you.  I only hope that my story inspires you, and that the accomplishments I have made encourages you, because if I can do this, I know that YOU can do it!  Best wishes -Joyce Wilson

 

Crown Point Boot Camp: Success Story Victor Martinez

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Member of the Year Victor Martinez

 

Why did you join Inspiration Fitness?

As a result of some complications that occurred during a routine surgery, I had the realization that my obesity was killing me, and was looking for help. I refused to let my obesity take me away from my family.

I was looking for a place that offered something different, I was tired of gym status quo of weight machines and elliptical machines. I was looking for a place where I could switch up my same old tired free-weight workout that I had become used to, and not seeing any major results.

What results have you seen since joining?

Where to start, there have been so many changes since I’ve started. Other than my physical changes, one major change is my energy levels and I’m more active with my children than ever before. Last year I was the soccer coach for my Son’s team. I was known as the coach that would run around and race the kids on the team. I think the parents were shocked that a big guy like me was running races with their kids and having fun doing it.

What aspect of IFC do you enjoy the most?

There is never a dull moment, every morning when I walk in and look at the white board I wonder what new workout has been worked up. Also all the support from everybody, I’ve been to a couple afternoon classes and had others motivating me with a “Come on Victor you can do it”. It’s this close knit community of fitness enthusiasts that makes IFC such a great place to work out.

What would you say to anyone thinking of joining IFC?

If you’re looking for a gym where you can go and get on a machine and sweat a little, then IFC is not for you.  I would tell them, it’s not easy, your muscles will be screaming, there will be times where you will wonder if the workout is ever going to end, but at the end you will see results.

If you come and give it your all, you will see the results that you’re looking for. You will see yourself get stronger, which will boost your self confidence, and you will love it.

What was your life like before joining IFC?

Before IFC, I was tired all the time. I had no energy and just couldn’t play with my children, this was what hurt the most. My children mean the world to me and to have to tell them “Daddy is too tired” was just painful. What was more painful was knowing, if I couldn’t lead by example, I was setting my kids up to be just like Daddy. (Now Daddy can do pushups with both of them on my back J)

How has your fitness coach(es) played a role in helping you over the past year?

All of my coaches have been very motivating, and always open to answer any questions that I have.

I can remember the first time I did a Turkish get- up, or was able to snatch a 32kg kettelbell , these were very big accomplishments for me, and the coaches at IFC recognized this and there have even been times when I would e-mail Angela just to tell her I did a box jump on a 12” box, and she would respond back with an email to congratulate me.

It’s very inspiring when the coaches recognize the accomplishments and keep me pushing to reach more goals, such as working up to a 34kg kettlebell.

 

I realize that I can do it and I’m proud of myself!

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Before

One day at work one of my friends mentioned there was a kettlebell class in Crown Point, I had no idea what kettlebell was so I figured I would check out the website. After looking over IFC website, I figured this might be interesting so I made an appointment to meet with Coach Angela. While meeting with Angela, she asked me on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad did I want this. I thought about it and said, I’m probably about an 8. You have to understand, I had tried just about every diet and latest fitness craze there was and I was never able to stick to any of them. Angela told me we usually only take 10s, but I think an 8 is a pretty good start.

I joined for a month and at my first bootcamp I had no idea what I was about to happen to me. I could not believe how out of shape I was and I spent most of the time trying to breathe and get the feeling back in my toes. My feet had literally gone numb. When I was leaving I thought to myself, I don’t think I can do this, there’s no way I’m coming back…..but I did. And I keep coming back.

When I attended the nutrient seminar, it all finally made sense. I now understand just how important nutrient is, and I’m constantly nagging the girls at work about how they are eating. They may be getting tired of hearing me, but after 41 years of not eating right, I want to share everything I’ve learned.

After

I took the kettlebell seminar in February so that I could begin the kettlebell camps. I now go to the bootcamps and kettlebell camps at least 4-6 times a week and I feel amazing. I am taking full advantage of everything IFC has to offer, and they have alot! Stephanie pushes me hard and she’s an amazing trainer. One day while she was going over our workout, she said, for the more advanced I want you to try it like this. I looked around the room wondering who is she talking to, and when it was my turn for that exercise, I realized she was talking to me! Sometimes I look at her with that “are you crazy” look in my eyes, but when I try it, I realize that I can do it and I’m proud of myself.

In the last three months, I’ve lost inches and pounds; I have toned my body and have gained muscle. I have more energy than I ever thought possible. If I were asked again, “How bad do you want it?” I would now say 10. I’ve set a goal for myself and I am going to continue till I reach it.

Thank you IFC, for changing my life. Thank you Angela, for believing in me when I was at an 8. Thank you Stephanie, for pushing me when you know I can do it, even when I don’t believe it myself. Thank you to everyone I have met, because you have all inspired me.

Best wishes!
Joyce Wilson

I have lost a little over twenty pounds and I hope not to find them ever again!

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Before

“Joining the 8 week body challenge has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I have tried many, many ways of losing weight without any success. Sure, I would lose five pounds and then gain ten later. But with these workouts not only are you losing weight but gaining LOTS of muscle. It is not easy but it definitely works. As I recall the first day that we worked out at the camp, I felt soooo out of shape. Yeah, I was pretty embarrassed. More like ashamed of myself, knowing that I wasn’t taking care of myself. Not to mention trying to keep up with my busy lifestyle and four children was getting more difficult as the weight kept accumulating. So far, I have lost a little over twenty pounds and I hope not to find them ever again! I would like to thank Coach Stephanie, my co-worker; for really pushing me and keeping me on my toes. She has been my inspiration after her own transformation. I would also like to congratulate everyone who lasted the whole 8 weeks!!! Great job!! Thanks Angela for the support and the valuable training!”

Susana Herrera

After

I have lost a total of 80 pounds, but more importantly, I have lost 12 inches overall!

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Before

“The real beginning of my journey started in August of 2008, in the recovery room after a surgery from a torn rotator cuff as a result of a car accident. I can remember hearing the nurse say “Call the Doctor, he is not breathing” and could feel the nurse rubbing her knuckles on my chest trying to wake me up. I had difficulties breathing due to my morbid obesity. Afterwards, I took a sleep apnea test and I stopped breathing 40 times in two hours and my oxygen levels dropped to 50%, all of which, I was told, was due to my weight. I was immediately put on a C-PAP machine to sleep at night.

Enough was enough, I refuse to pass away due to my own actions or lack thereof! Earlier in life I powerlifted and trained for strongman competitions, so I started to work out again and eat better, notice I didn’t say right (that’s another topic in itself). I saw results, but most of my workouts were the typical powerlifting workouts, which included bench press, squat, and deadlift, a typical workout for a powerlifter. Don’t get me wrong, I got strong, but I also got tired of the typical lifting.

After

This is where Inspiration Fitness came into play! I took the introduction class, and couldn’t believe how out of shape I was, I mean I thought there is NO WAY I’m doing one of those Turkish things, they are crazy, but I was hooked. In my first class I could barely do three rounds, but Cody and Channa where there telling “Come on, Victor, you got it!”. I just knew I just had to show up and do the best I can, and I would get better. Now I am able to do a Turkish get up, snatch a 32kg kettlebell (just did that on Wednesday)! Also, I’m able to now play with my son, rather than just lay there and let him jump on me, and say daddy is tired.

Inspiration Fitness is not just a “gym” it’s more of an experience. I have worked out at several gyms in the area, and have worked with many trainers, there is no other gym like this in the area, where the trainers give each and every client 100%. I actually look forward to every workout, they are challenging and every morning I come into the gym I wonder what new kind routine or exercise Angela has come up with to torture me.

Two years into my journey, I have lost a total of 80 pounds, but more importantly, I have lost 12 inches overall. I am down two pant sizes and I am not afraid to sit down in buttoned shirt anymore. There is even talk with my pulmonologist that I if I continue losing, I will be able to start reducing my dependency on the C-PAP machine to sleep.”

Victor Martinez

I needed to get fit for MY own physical and mental well being!

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Before

“Before I started this challenge, I was in not such a good place. For the last 5 years, I had been caring for my son who was a cancer patient (now in remission) and also has special needs. I let his health completely get to me in the sense of I was so focused and determined to get him better that I lost sight of me. I was always an active person and played sports but his cancer took over myself, physically and mentally. I did not sleep at night and I found great comfort in food. All stressful situations landed me with food in my mouth and slowly my body transformed. I saw in the newspaper that this boot camp was taking place and it just hit me that I needed to start taking some time for myself so that I can be healthy for my children and husband.

Yes, it was hard. The part of doing the work to get the results were getting easier each week but I kept stepping on the scale and saw no results. I spoke with our instructors and they assured me that there was results and I was toning and gaining muscle. The scale would only discourage me. I did begin to see results shape wise and my energy levels had increased.

After

Well…8 weeks later and I feel great! 8 weeks ago I put on my bathing suit and had my husband take a picture of me, I was disgusted. I put that same suit on this week and thought, “that’s right girl, you are coming back.” My energy is back, my attitude is back, and I actually feel good about myself. The biggest change in my life that came out of this 8 weeks was that I have learned that it is okay to take 30 minutes out of each day for me. I began this challenge talking about how I needed to be healthy for my kids but I actually needed to realize, I needed to get fit for MY own physical and mental well being. 8 weeks ago I almost got to the point of making an appointment with my doctor to get on an anti-anxiety medicine just to help me cope after these 5 years. Now, I know that would not have been the right thing. I just needed to look inside, dig deep and find me again. Thank you Angela and Inspiration Fitness for helping me achieve my goals.”

Jenny Walters

I lost 28 lbs!

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Before

“8 Weeks ago…I felt exhausted beyond belief. Although I didn’t do the challenge as suggested, I would do sit ups, squats, chase the kids outside and a Zumba routine several times and worked with weights a little.

6 weeks into the challenge I saw some results, like got my energy back. I no longer needed coffee to get me going. I felt a little stronger.

After

After 8 weeks, I feel more energized even though I didn’t follow the routine as suggested. I did do some form of exercise just not daily. although I don’t see much change on the scale, my husband said he notices a difference and my clothes tell me I have tightened up a little more. I wished I had done more. Usually takes me long to get motivated but I usually get there somehow. I lost 28 lbs last year and kept most of it off.”

Norma Santiago

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