Shanna
1. My fitness level was non existent. I had no energy. I didn’t want to work out.
2. Working out three times a week and moving more. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and taking the dog on longer walks
3. More energy, I don’t need a nap in the middle of the day. My clothes fit better. My body is “tighter”
4. Joining GG is the best thing you can do for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Sherona
Before coming to GG, I tried several exercise programs. I tried to maintain an active lifestyle from gyms, boot-camps and numerous beach body workout programs. However, I was not satisfied with the results.
My fitness life includes a holistic approach. which includes diet (intermittent fasting) and regular exercise. The focus on nutrition and regular exercise has benefited me tremendously. I am committed to making this a lifestyle.
I have boundless energy which has lead to a significant reduction in my daily caffeine intake (from 4 cups of coffee a day to barely one). My cardiovascular and muscle endurance has improved significantly. The focus on regular routine has allowed me to maintain discipline.
GG is a supportive and non judgmental community. The staff is knowledgeable and are equally committed to seeing you achieve your transformational goals.
Shahla
💕Mind, body, and soul. 💕
The mind, body and soul have a way of aligning. When you feel good physically, you feel good emotionally. Go Girl is so much more than a box with four walls where people come to lose weight. We are a community where the weight loss pales in comparison to everything that can be gained; community, friendships, confidence, and so much more.
Three years ago, I decided it was time for a change. I didn’t like the person I was. I didn’t think I looked good on the outside, but more importantly, I didn’t feel good on the inside.
Perhaps, some of you can relate. I have struggled with anxiety on and off for some time. And the worse I felt, the less motivated I was to make any type of positive change. You see, when you’re spiraling downwards, it’s easier to simply resign to the fact that things will never get better.
But they do.
And they did.
As soon as I joined Go Girl, it was a breath of fresh air. Instantaneously, I was surrounded by a community of positive and supportive women led by trainers who truly had my best interests at heart. I felt like I could be myself. That there was nothing to be embarrassed about. And through speaking with so many of the women, I found that just like me, they too were searching out the same type of change.
With every passing day that I came to Go Girl, I started to feel better. I smiled more, I laughed more and most importantly, I truly believed that I deserved to be the best version of myself.
For many of us, Go Girl is more than just a gym. It has become a fixture in our lives. We have developed true friendships which we possibly can’t imagine living without. I have heard women speak about their struggles with so many different things (physical health, mental health, family, infertility and employment). For some of us, those four walls are a sanctuary and the outlet that we need.
For me, the true definition of health and well being is looking at myself from a holistic perspective. So, whenever I think about Go Girl, it’s never been about how much I’ve lost, but instead, about how much I’ve gained.”
Emily
Go Girls created a place for me to set goals and stick to them. I used to think losing weight was impossible but my Go Girl family is what made me believe otherwise. I have noticed a change not only in my physical, but my mental health since joining this community.
These are my before and after photos from the 6 week challenge in May of 2019, I managed to keep the weight off all summer (my appetite shrunk like crazy after the challenge and my amount of energy skyrocketed!). I am signed up for their next challenge that starts this week (September 14th kickoff). I am now trusting the process and excited to share with you my after pictures from these next 6 weeks.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Lina, Yeeshin, Pam and Steph. I owe them many thanks for making me feel welcome and kicking my butt every week. If anyone is thinking about signing up feel free to talk to me, these women have changed my life and I’m positive they can change yours.
Anyway, time to get meal prepping! See you in 6 weeks.
Brenda
I never thought I could be this physically fit and strong in my mid-forties! And it’s all thanks to GG and the wonderful trainers. Everyday is a new and fun challenge, and I always look forward to starting my day with GG at 6am!
I’ve joined other gyms and yoga studios in the past but nothing really compares. I really saw my body change after just a few weeks. But more importantly, it’s such a positive atmosphere…the trainers, the staff and all the girls. Over the past few years, I really forgot to take care of myself after losing a set of twins and caring for a child with a chronic illness. I’m so thankful I found GG, both for my physical health and mental health!! I would recommend GG to any woman wanting to make a positive change in their life any time.
Ela
About three years ago, I found myself in a situation where I needed a change in my life. I used to overeat to kill my stress. At the same time I promised each night that I would go for a run the next day. Or maybe I could start swimming again? Of course, I never kept my promises, but instead, I always found excuses. Either I was too tired for a run, or it was raining or simply I was not in the mood. Months passed and nothing changed. I was going through my usual daily pre-programmed routine and had no hope for a change.
Then one day, one of my friends liked Go Girl ad on Facebook. I looked at it, noticed that it was not too far from home, so maybe I should give it a try. And this is how my journey with GG began.
Yes, after first class I couldn’t move for the next four days. I started thinking ‘if it hurts for so long it must work’’, so I signed up for a 6 Week Challenge. I went for orientation, listened carefully and read all the papers they gave to us. Diet tips were great. I was quite strict and it all seemed to work for me. The exercises challenging, innovative and interesting. I Never ever got bored during the class. This is the first time in my life that I fell in love with the gym.
Since I joined GG it helped me not only to become strong, get into good shape or lose weight but also get to the new routine. I added gym to my “must do” list and start eating simple healthy foods. When I come to the gym, all problems disappear at least for one hour and my brain gets the refreshment that it needs.
It has been a great experience and it could not be otherwise, because we have such fantastic trainers who put their heart into their work. Lots of gratitude and respect to Lina, Pam and Yeeshin for their hard and great work. This gym is constantly evolving, which creates a new promising perspective for the future.
Huge thank you to Stephanie and Alana for their work and support, as well.
One important thing, the whole GG family is special – girls support each other, and are always ready to share experiences and give advice. You find great friendship and encouragement here. I get inspired by many of you.
One small note to end with. A few months ago I decided to push myself a little bit further when GG introduced a 12 Week Challenge. I took it on with
great hope. I think it worked well, don’t you think?
MANY THANKS 🙏 GG.
Laura
Prior to joining Go Girl in 2015, I was never a fitness fanatic. I did the occasional run here and there, but I never truly dedicated myself to working out on a regular basis. I did the typical gym membership which was great in the beginning but then the novelty wore off after 4 months. I also tried other types of “workouts” such as hot yoga and kickboxing. Same results…after a couple of months, I lost interest. I was able to maintain a decent weight by watching what I ate but eventually that was no longer good enough for me. Before GG, I was roughly 140-145 lbs. I wasn’t pleased with my weight but felt that it was good enough.
Then my friend urged me to try a free class at GG. I was hooked immediately. The workouts were hard and my body hurt for days but it was a good pain. Between the first time I joined GG and until I became pregnant, I had lost between 15-20 lbs and gained some strength that I never had before. I had gone down 2-3 dress / pants size.
I came back to GG roughly 2 months postpartum. I was able to shed all my baby weight in about 7 months. I keep joking about how I went to the gym during my maternity leave to keep me sane but in reality, if it wasn’t for GG and the people there, I most certainly would have suffered some form of baby blues. The trainers and admin staff welcomed me back with such open arms and hearts. The love the staff had shown to my son when I used to bring him in was priceless.
This is going to sound cliche but Go Girl is my second home, my other family. I truly would not know what to do if I didn’t have GG in my life.
I have been a member since 2015. GG has been there for me through my worst days and my best days. This is the only “gym” that I have stuck with for this long. I put the word gym in quotations because it’s more than just a gym. It’s a place to go to not only work out but to be surrounded by people who genuinely care for you. How many gyms and trainers actually know your name and your quirks?!?
Since joining GG, my confidence level has gone up. I’m fitter and stronger (mentally and physically) then ever. I’m willing to take risks that I’d never would have done before. Hello…Spartan Sprint AND Super!!!
After giving birth to my son, GG was there to save me through the baby blues and isolation of being on maternity leave. The people there were so welcoming and willing to accommodate me by allowing me to bring my baby…and take care of him while I worked out. That one hour a day was a saviour.
I have met so many wonderful souls at GG. They have become my sweat sisters for life!
This is my story. If it can inspire one person to try GG out, I will be happy GG is part of my everyday life now. I cannot imagine not being able to work out anymore!
Mackenzie
Before Go Girl I was going to GoodLife and trying to do P90x at home, but I wasn’t very consistent with it. I had little motivation and no accountability but myself. I would go to GoodLife 2 to 3 times a week , and try to come up with workouts in my head using high school knowledge . I tried changing how I ate but no matter how hard I tried, I was never able to stick to the change in my diet. I always had something to justify the bad food I ate.
At one point I hit rock bottom. I weighed my heaviest and couldn’t take how much I disliked myself and the limitations I was putting in front of me. At one point I was not able to go on a roller coaster because I didn’t fit in the seat.
I was introduced to Go Girl through my sister. My fitness life now has completely changed. I am at the gym 4 to 5 times a week, and I’ve done a complete 180⁰ on how I eat and I now look at food positive and healthy way.
Through Go Girl, I’ve lost 45 pounds , and I’ve never felt better. I’ve lost about 18 inches of my waist. I’ve gone down 4 dress sizes , and after 9 years I can now fit into a size 14 pants! With Go Girl, I have never felt so confident in myself and proud of myself, through them and the amazing trainers I’ve learned to love myself and it has helped me in so many ways. I have found a second home, a place where women support one another and want to help each other achieve their goals. Anyone thinking about starting there journey and wanting to be a healthier and happier version of themselves, I would suggest Go Girl. It is such an amazing , encouraging and positive environment for women 🙂
Cheryl
Before joining GG, the year prior I lost my father and 3 months later left my husband. I was very miserable for 2 years and put on nearly 30 pounds. The vicious cycle set in – which was being miserable, eat, & putting on weight . Also as I’m 55 everyone told me that it’s the “stage of life ” and accept your body for what it is.
No.! In life, we can either give up, give in or give it all you have.
I never ever stayed with a gym for longer than a month and now I’m addicted. I try to get to the gym 5 times a week. The method & style at GG Certainly works and it works very effectively.
I am so grateful that I found GG. I started a 6 week bootcamp took a 2 week break and then did another bootcamp. Thereafter, I joined permanently and I’m now at my one year of being with GG.
I’m back to wearing my small clothes (that were hidden away). I went from a size 12 in pants to a size 6. Also, when I first started, I had bad Morton’s Neuroma in my one foot. With clean eating and consistent exercise, I am now able to wear sneakers & run and have minimal pain. The body self-heals itself when you are on the right path. (Thank you for those words of encouragement on the very first day, Lina) The biggest bonus of all is that I have lost 28 pounds, many inches off of my body and I got my life back on track & for the first time in years. I now face each day with a smile & laughter.
It can be done. No matter the age & no matter the circumstance . It’s all about attitude and desire ! Also the guidance and Inspiration and motivation of the instructors certainly played a huge factor as well as the camaraderie that is at GG amongst everyone.
My future goal is to have the next picture of my AFTER, even better than this one.
Sarah
When I started Go Girl my life was hectic. My weeks included nursing school, working, attending clinical placement, volunteering, and wedding planning. Any spare time I had was spent sitting around studying. I had a martial arts background
but an ACL injury forced me to the couch. After a year of sitting and eating whatever
I wanted, I started gaining weight. My clothes didn’t fit and I couldn’t even zip up my winter jacket. When I saw pictures of myself I wanted to cry. It got to the point where I didn’t even want to go out in the small town I’m from in fear I would run into someone I knew. That’s when I knew I had to make a change.
I heard about Go Girl from friends who had results and figured I had nothing to lose. Since starting at Go Girl I have lost 13 pounds and more than 7 inches. I noticed results immediately. My clothes fit again and I have extra room in my winter jacket. I can even see some muscle definition. I feel more confident, strong and energetic and other people are asking me “what my secret is?”
Although it might feel intimidating to get started, as it did for me, don’t wait – just go! The community at Go Girl will inspire you and encourage you to succeed and the staff is AMAZING! They are knowledgeable and able to offer modification for every fitness level. So, NO excuses! See you in the gym.
Lori
When Go Girl asked me to write my journey, I hesitated a bit as it was very personal. I joined Go Girl about 4 years ago.
Why? Well for me it was about getting to a healthier place, emotionally/physically.
Within a year I did 3 10k runs and 1 Spartan Race. The year after I did another 3 10k runs and another Spartan. I went from I can never do that to I will do that. I’ll be 56 this week and I am in the best shape ever.
This is not the place about losing weight and then leaving after 6 weeks. This place has become a part of me and how it keeps me both mentally and physically healthy day in and day out. It’s a lifestyle choice NOT for the moment only choice.
Yes I lost weight/inches along the way however mentally I have been able to get over many fears. This place is a community that helps women get stronger and healthier…the weight loss/changes in your body, well that is a bonus. Go Girl is like a relationship, it’s a two way street, it’s up to you to accept what GG gives you. Trust the process.
Just when I think I can’t, I try and try again until I do. And there are days I fall off the horse, and I mean really fall off however there is always someone at Go Girl, either the coaches or a member that catches you and gets you back on the horse.
The coaches are the same ones since I started and trust me not many places can say that….Lina, Pam, and Yeeshin. I can never thank them enough for their encouragement and for just being there on the days I fall off the horse. They know when to push harder and know when to let me rest….in the end it’s up to you to trust the GG or the YPL (yeeshin, Pam, Lina) process, #NFE….
Paula
My name is Paula, I’m 52 years old, I work full time and I’m married with 3 children aged 19, 21 and 24.
When my children were younger I had a gym membership and I worked out regularly and played golf 2 to 3 times a week but as they got older and more involved in competitive sports my priorities shifted. Managing the household, a full time job and raising 3 kids became my priority. I became a “Cheer” and “Volleyball” mom and spent weeknights rushing home from work for quick dinners and driving to practices and most weekends were spent at tournaments and competitions. The class schedules at my gym were limited and no longer worked with my schedule and outside of the classes I was intimidated and had no idea what to do with all those weights and machines in the gym and I eventually stopped going all together.
When my youngest started driving on her own my taxi services were no longer in demand and I found I had all this free time. Since I had already lost interest in working out I didn’t bother renewing my gym membership and I was inactive for a long period of time.
I recall one day feeling my jeans were too tight and the sleeves on a leather jacket that I spent a fortune on were too tight on my arms! That’s right, my expensive leather jacket was the catalyst and I knew I had to do something to fit back into my expensive leather jacket. I had never tried a “boot camp” class before and it was only by chance that I found Go Girl.
In June of 2017 an advertisement popped up on my Facebook page and it caught my attention because the logo was “pink” and they guaranteed my money back if I was not satisfied with the results. I called to inquire about the six week challenge and gasped when I was told the challenge involved “no carbs, no fruit, no dairy and no alcohol”. I was nervous and thought this would be impossible but I joined anyways because I needed to fit back into my leather jacket. I lost 17 pounds and 8 inches my very first 6 week challenge. I completely shocked myself with the results and that’s when I knew I needed to join as a full time member.
Go Girl is my lifestyle now; I feel like something is missing if I don’t go to boot camp. Working out is no longer a chore that I dread rather it’s a treat to go to.
The owners/trainers (Lina, Yeeshin and Pam) are so knowledgeable, supportive, genuine and caring and they are the reason Go Girl is such a success. They understand the demands that all women and moms face, working full time or part time or stay at home moms and the thought of working out after an exhausting day at work or at home all day with the kids. The class schedule is so extensive there is always a class that will work for you whether you want to work out at 6am in the morning or 7pm at night or anytime in between.
The trainers set up the circuit with various stations and exercises everyday that are fun and challenging with modifications to suit every fitness level. You never get bored as the exercises change every day and the best part is there is no thinking involved on your part; you just need to show up, watch the demos and follow along with your group at each station while working out to fun, funky and energetic music.
The trainers have taught me about clean eating, healthy meal preparations and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and still being able to enjoy some sweet treats every once in a while. I’ve maintained my weight loss and continue to lose pounds and inches and I have also reduced my body fat percentage.
The trainers have fostered an environment filled with supportive women of all age groups, different body shapes and sizes, with varying fitness levels, all with with one common goal – to get stronger and healthier. There is 100% zero judgement and everyone lifts everyone up; the energy and vibe is so positive the second you walk through the front door. I’ve made so many new friends at Go Girl that I would have never had the opportunity to do so and I’m grateful for this.
I’m stronger and leaner now at 52 years old than when I was 22 years old. I have more energy and I don’t need an alarm clock to wake up anymore! I get compliments from my friends and work colleagues which is nice but the best compliments are the ones I get from my husband and my kids and even my kids’ friends think I’m a pretty cool mom!
Although I’ve personally gained so much since joining Go Girl the benefits are twofold as my husband and kids have also adapted to a healthier lifestyle and recognize that each and everyone in our family is a priority and without me even having to ask they now all work around my Go Girl schedule lol!
If you are thinking about joining Go Girl you need to come for a trial to see for yourself. I’m not going to lie it’s hard work and takes commitment but anything worth having doesn’t come easily. You are worth it and you won’t regret it. My only regret is that I didn’t find out about Go Girl sooner.
Janet
Overweight has always been part of my life since I was little, never able to part with it and I just got used to being called fat. I did try to join gyms and diet clinics, they would work for a bit and then I bounced right back because they put me on diet that is impossible to follow. So as years go by, I sort of give up on all forms of exercises and diet. Every year at my physical, I only see my weight increasing and my doctor seems to lose hope on me too. When I reached over 200lb and my health is deteriorating with all sort of walking problems, high cholesterol, possible diabetes, and I have no energy to spend time with friends and family, I realized I need to do something because I am a happy outgoing person and this is not how I want to live my life.
My first trial class at Go Girl was nothing I expected, I thought people there would look at me like I shouldn’t be here and give me funny look but I was wrong. I felt so welcome and comfortable there with girls helping me, making sure I drink enough water and no one even look at me funny when I don’t even know what is a burpee. At the end of the class, there was no pushy sales tactics, they left me alone with the options and let me go.
I first signed up for their 6 weeks challenge, lost my very first 20lb and the rest is history!
Over 70lb has been lost in my first year and a half after becoming a full time member!
I am not going to lie, my first 6 months were not easy, changing my eating habits, eating the right foods, puting the time into exercise were hard. I am so tempted to drink my favourite bubble tea with 100% level of sugar many times but GG provided the group support that let me know I am not doing this alone, help me get through the tough time and made some new friends along the way! So once I get used to the
regular workout routine and adopted the new eating habit, I feel fine and no longer feels I need to be surrounded by chips and pops all the time!
Most of you think to maintain the weight, I must be eating like a bunny everyday but I am not! Throughout the process, I have learned to find balance and figured out what works best for my lifestyle. You will be surprised to see what restaurants I have visited and the foods I have eaten on Instagram.
I couldn’t be any happier at this point! I am still the same old me for my happy funny friendly outgoing personality and now, I have that extra confidence that I haven’t see in myself for a long time!
So if you ever come try a class and see me, I will be the one welcoming you, give you encouragement and tell you to drink water with a big smile because I want you to experience what becoming my sweat sisters like.
Lastly, I want to thank the trainers and staff there who always remember my name from day one and give me endless encouragements! They never take the credits because they said it is ourselves that committed to transform our own body and I am forever grateful to them as this won’t be a successful journey without them!
Allie
Many years ago, I joined Go Girl after seeing an ad that showed unbelievable resultsGo Girl… the absolute perfect description of what I needed in my life to make my fitness journey begin.
I joined Go Girl in 2015 after having my last child. I was overweight and definitely disliked exercise, but knew I needed to start somewhere. I always ate well but fitness was a struggle. My first class was tough, but the ladies who work out there and the inspiring instructors made me feel that anything was possible. I continued on, but did not go as often as I would have liked. I finally decided to stop slacking and put myself first in June of 2018! I was motivated by those wonderful ladies around me who pushed so hard every single time I’m there.
One of the things that has stuck with me the most was when one of the trainers said something to me that has never left my mind. “Your body is your biggest piece of art. It shows the work you put into yourself”. That was all I needed to push and push.
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝟿𝟶 𝘱𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.
I am happy and I have become a stronger girl inside out. I look forward to class and I make my day around attending the gym first.
Anything is possible when you have the best support behind you.
Thank you to the wonderful coaches, Lina,Yeeshin and Pam. To the ladies who attend and push you when you need it the most… thank you. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Go Girl really is.
It has been by far the best decision I have made for myself.
💕 Allie
Ashley
Many years ago, I joined Go Girl after seeing an ad that showed unbelievable results of their members. I would join this gym to see that these were actually REAL women (no seriously, the results are insane!) Women who were welcoming, strong, and inspiring!
I left GG in 2016, when I moved to the city. I tried cross fit, a boutique gyms, and chains, but there was something missing. In these settings I was just a number and I found it hard to establish a routine. With this lack of motivation, my weight began to creep up.
In August 2019 I chose to make a comeback and haven’t looked back since. Go Girl is a safe place; not only from the perspective of feeling free from judgement; but also, from the program perspective. You are always given options; and never feel that you are compromising your body in any of their workouts.
Even though I have lost 15 pounds since my return, as cliché as it may sound, I have learned that it’s not about the number of the scale. There is so much more to be gained by making yourself a priority.
Go Girl is committed to your success on every level; all you have to do is show up!
Georgia
At the age of 48, it seemed I had gained 5 pounds overnight. Apparently, my metabolism had decided to slow down, way down. Gaining weight was getting easier and losing it became 10 times harder. I was still jogging and playing soccer and I was eating the same, but my weight kept creeping up. Five pounds didn’t seem like much, but then five pounds became 8, and 8 became 10…after 10, I stopped keeping track and kind of gave up on myself.
I was packing for a vacation and became so frustrated…nothing fit. I had go buy new clothes 2 sizes larger than I typically wore. I was so miserable. I avoided having my photo taken on the trip.
Finding a “before” photo was hard because if I did get my photo taken, it would only be of my head and shoulders, from far away, at a high angle! Or, I would hide in the back, or cover my body with my arm or a purse. I deleted most of my photos during this time. I was so disappointed that I had let myself get so out of shape in just a few months. I was really unhappy with how I felt and how I looked.
I’d finally had had enough and last July, knowing that I had to make a change, I walked into GoGirl for a free trial class. There was a challenge starting and I wanted to check it out. I spent most of the class looking around, confused and sweaty, but I LOVED it! I signed up for the challenge right away.
I worked out 3 times a week and stuck with the food plan. I was sore (for days) and exhausted but I was soooooo happy! By the end of the 4 weeks, I had dropped 7 inches, lost 11 pounds and gained muscle. I donated the vacation clothes because they were way too big!
I joined as a full time member after the challenge, but the truth is, I was hooked from that first trial class. My soccer teammates commented that I was faster and stronger, even my dental hygienist noticed the muscles in my arms. My family noticed the physical differences too, but they insisted that the biggest change was how happy I was. My family was really impressed with my commitment and I was getting workout clothing as gifts!
I soon started coming 4 days a week and then 5. The different workouts mean that I am never bored. The trainers and members are awesome and always inspire me to do my best. Coming to GoGirl has become part of my regular routine. It’s my time to focus on myself and it is the best way to start my day!
I am really proud of myself for everything I have accomplished in this past year – two personal bests in 5k races, cutting more than 2 minutes off my previous best times and competing in a Spartan Race (even climbed the rope!) I took part in the 12-week challenge and it was another chance for me to see what I was capable of doing! I am happier and stronger. I feel great and I am in the best shape I have ever been in. It’s hard to believe I’m the same person I was a year ago.
I’m so grateful that I walked into GoGirl –I’ll never be grateful for burpees, but I’ll still do them if it’s written on the board!
Catherine
It’s never too late to start living your best life…
I attended a trial class at GG a few years ago, after stepping on the scale and seeing 190 and then some. I went on a Sunday and felt like I was going to die but after the class, when I was asked if I wanted to join the next 6 week challenge, I said yes; it was like I was on autopilot. Little did I know that this would end up being a huge life changing decision. Since that time, I have lost weight and inches, but I have gained so much more.
I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I had tried every diet, program and made-for-TV exercise gadget out there. I had joined gyms, taken classes at community centres, hired personal trainers. I even bought a membership to stand on a vibrating machine and magnetic earrings that were supposed to cut cravings. Some of these worked for a bit but ultimately, none of them would stick. I wanted the quick fix, the easy way. I was an emotional eater, with an all-or-nothing mindset. If I ’screwed up’ my diet on Monday morning, I would throw it to the wind and allow myself to continue to screw up until the following Monday so I could ’start fresh’. Finally, at the age of 41, I found my secret to success. I did my first 6 week challenge, dropped 17 lbs and I was hooked. While the workouts were hard, I loved how accomplished I felt after, and I started to love how sore I felt in the following days.
Even now, after a few years, the workouts are never easy, but some parts get easier. Not because the boards are easier, but because we get stronger, both mentally and physically. Eating clean is still an ongoing journey for me. I love food, and I still get emotional, but I have learned 5 key things in my time at GG:
- Reset immediately. Don’t let one off-track meal, snack or treat impact the next meal, day or week.
- When my eating is not on plan, it is doubly important for me to get to the gym. Being surrounded by women that are at various stages of their journeys and seeing their success helps keep my head in that space.
- Non scale victories are just as important. While I am still not at my goal weight, I am learning to celebrate the other wins along the way.
- There is power in numbers. Sharing in the struggles (and workouts!) with others makes celebrating the successes that much sweeter.
- It’s never too late to start living your best life.
40 lbs, two spartans and three 10K runs later, my experience at GG has been nothing short of transformational and I feel so blessed to have found this amazing gym with trainers who truly care about the members and are invested in our success, and a community of strong and determined women who inspire me to better every single day.
Kendra
As far as I can remember I have always been a chubby kid. Often I and others in my family would blame it on genetics but as I got into my teens I realized it was laziness. Since the age of 11 I have been a somewhat active individual. I joined school sports teams and played competitively. However, during these years I was also much larger than my other teammates. I guess it’s safe to say that my fitness life was pretty consistent until the end of high school where there was also consistency in my day to day schedule. During university I gave up on sports and had no activity outside of studying, which meant no gym, no sports and more unhealthy fast food eating. This lifestyle got me in big trouble. My health was getting worse and it was affecting my relationship with my family.
At the age of 20 I thought it was about time I started to take my health seriously so I joined a gym and started dieting. However, this only worked for a little bit because I soon fell back into my old ways. I found maintaining not only the physical activity to be difficult but also having a positive mindset to be very hard. Doing this process by myself didn’t help either because there was no motivation.
Joining Go Girl was the best decision my sister ever pushed me to do and going on this journey with her has been more fulfilling than any other weight loss program I have tried in the past. I can honestly say with a smile on my face that now my fitness life is 100% more than it has ever been. Every time I do a boot camp class, I feel better about myself then I did before. This was something new for me because I know now that no matter how hard things get, when you make the time and put in the effort, you feel rewarded every time. I enjoy going to the classes because I know there are other people doing the same thing as me and when I see what they are able to do, I feel like I want to try too.
After doing my first challenge I lost 13lbs and 8 inches. Which would have taken me much longer if I tried to do it on my own. Not only did I lose weight but I could feel my body getting stronger. I remember my first class, I could hardly do one burpee in the time given, now I can definitely do more than that. Things I struggled with before became less of a struggle. I have gotten stronger both physically and mentally which is great!
What I would say to anyone who wants to join Go Girl is, DO IT! It will be the best decision you ever make. You will feel better about yourself, gain confidence, make new friends, have amazing coaches and feel so accomplished especially when you complete the goals you set for yourself. As I have learned since I joined Go Girl, there is no goal too high that you can’t accomplish. Trust the process and take every small (or big) achievement as one step closer to your final goal. DO IT ! YOU WONT REGRET IT! -Kendra
Kleona
My fitness life was non existent for the last 5 years. Before coming to GG I made multiple attempts to be an active member of a gym, but was never motivated to continue working out after the first couple of months. I lost my athletic confidence and disliked what my body was shaping out to be.
The Go Girl program has given me my confidence back, and has pushed my body more than I have in years. Because of Go Girl, I feel amazing in my clothes, I have more energy, and I have gained a level of strength I never knew I had.
Now, my fitness life includes working out four to five times a week, and making better choices when it comes to food. I was never a healthy eater as I disliked all veggies, and opted for sugary treats every time. However, making the step to join GG I am more than ever dedicated to changing my eating habits and staying active in the long run.
Go Girl is a positive community, full of strong women who are supportive and non judgmental. I am thankful to the trainers, and my fellow Go Girls for being my teachers and inspiration in helping me on my path of a healthier lifestyle . Its a community I enjoy being a part of, and a part of my day that I look forward to the most!
Ana
My name is Ana Gouveia, and I started Go Girl 4 years ago at 176 pounds. Being a bigger girl who loves fashion, I always had low self confidence, because I was never able to feel beautiful and confident in what I wore.
Before Go Girl I tried everything I could to lose weight, including pills, doctors, products advertised online and anything else you can think of! Bottom line is, nothing helped me because even if I did lose weight, I would gain it all right back.
Once I joined GG, I instantly felt a sense of community with the trainers and all the other women who constantly pushed me everyday and never let me forget that I can do anything I put my mind to! I am now 155 pounds and not only do I fit into all the clothes I want, but most importantly, I feel confident and better than I ever have in my whole life. The confidence I have gained has allowed me to do things I thought were impossible for someone like me. With my go girl community I am proud to say I have a run 5k and 10k races and participated in a Spartan Obstacle race!
I would recommend Go Girl to anyone because it will not only allow you to reach your fitness goals and increase your self confidence, but it gives you an opportunity to surround yourself in a positive environment with people who have similar goals as you and want to see you succeed.