New Holidays, New You: Workout Can Trim Pounds, Increase Energy

Everyone has the best of intentions this time of year: "I won't eat two pieces of pie at Thanksgiving dinner this year. I'm not going to have that second glass of wine at the holiday party this weekend. I will not stuff myself with Aunt Margaret's Christmas cookies, no matter how good they are."

But when it's time to making our annual resolutions, it's likely that losing all those extra pounds added over the holidays will be at the top of the list. Again.

Take heart. There are plenty of success stories out there to set an example and keep you inspired once you've made the decision and the commitment to lose the extra pounds and get in shape.

One example is Larry Darnell Stokes of Long Beach, Calif. "As I approached my fiftieth birthday, I took a hard look at the man in the mirror. I realized that the person staring back at me was someone I said I'd never be: an unfit, fat slob with more chins and extra rolls than the Pillsbury dough boy," he says. "I decided it was now or never."

Susan Epstein of Southern Pines, N.C. had a similar revelation. "I took a long look in the mirror and could not believe what I was seeing: over 30 and overweight. I had no idea what had happened and could not remember when I had stopped shopping for clothes in regular stores and started shopping where sizes began at 16W," she says. "That was the day I went to Gold's Gym and signed up."

Gold's Gym locations across the world can help develop a 12-week program for anyone committed to making major changes in their health and fitness levels. By working with a trainer on cardiovascular and strength training, and by learning about the effects good nutrition can have when coupled with a workout regimen, scores of participants have lost weight, improved their energy levels and in many cases, regained self-confidence and well-being they never thought they'd see again.

"The biggest factor in this kind of program is the desire to make a change," says Karen Wischmann, vice president of sales and operations for Gold's Gym. "Making the commitment is half the battle. Once you have that, the next thing is support. We provide that support not only in the form of having the right equipment and facilities, but members also receive support from our employees and from personal trainers if they so choose."

Wischmann explains that although working with a personal trainer is not required, for many people, it makes a huge difference. "It's a little like remodeling a house. Sure, you can do it on your own if you know how, but most of us want the expertise of a contractor to make sure the job is done right. Personal trainers provide the same kind of expertise and support."

When deciding to embark on a training program, Wischmann says it's important to consider the environment. "You should choose a gym that is serious about health and fitness. You should be surrounded by others who have similar goals and who can provide the support and expertise that's necessary to stay committed to a rigorous fitness regimen," she says.

Many of those who have participated in rigorous workout programs have lost weight, lost inches, reduced body fat and increased muscle. And although the physical improvements are easily evident, nearly all participants say that how they feel is the biggest -- and most important -- change.

"Since I started the program, I have noticed all aspects of my life change," says Christina Forkel of Oklahoma City. "I've never had so much energy. I don't feel depressed anymore. Instead I feel an inner peace. I don't let the stress of my job get to me anymore, and I finally realized that I only have control over myself and I can let the little things go."

Epstein agrees. "If you had told me when I started the program that I would look and feel the way I do today, I would have told you there is no possible way. I was wrong," she says. "The program helped me tap into a part of myself that I had been hiding since college. The feeling I have every time I leave the gym puts a smile on my face and makes me look forward to the day ahead."

Program participants also have high praise for the individual attention and support they received from staff during their participation in the recent Gold's Gym $500,000 Body Revolution Contest.

"The trainers were great. They helped me set up a strength training program and a diet I could follow," Epstein says. "We set goals. Every week I would try to get a little faster or a little stronger. Each time I accomplished one of the small goals I had set for myself, it empowered me to set another goal."

To learn more about working with Gold Gym's to create a training and nutrition program that will work for you, go to www.goldsgym.com to find the location nearest you, and ask to speak with a fitness counselor or someone in the training department.

Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com