What made you join Orange Shoe Gym?
I had just finished a rehab program after knee surgery and had been inactive for awhile which left me feeling very out of shape, and over weight.  My Physical Therapist helped me analyze the many programs and facilities that are available in the area.  The small, intimate setting at Orange Shoe, as well as the personal training option, were very appealing to me.  After meeting with Josh and touring the facility I was convinced that this was the best choice for me.

What type of Fitness Program have you followed?
The biggest part of my Orange Shoe program has been personal training three times a week.  During these individually tailored sessions, we work on strength, balance, endurance, posture and stamina. I then compliment my Orange Shoe time with daily walking.  I wear a pedometer and try to get at least 10,000 steps in each day, most days I am able to get anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000. Recently I have added Yoga and Pilates to my workouts once or twice a week. Finally, I eat a balanced diet, I try to eat 5-6 small meals a day and I stop eating for the day around 7 or 8 pm.

How long did it take you to achieve your goal?
I really started to see results within the first month. I have done very well in the 2 months between my initial fitness assessment and the reassessment.  In that particular 2-month period, I lost 12 lbs and I have now lost a total of 30 pounds and a total of 19.5 inches. My strength, endurance and over all fitness has greatly improved.  I am so pleased with my results. What was the biggest challenge in keeping up the program? My own self doubt was a major challenge for me.  I have never considered myself to be athletic, or even physically fit.  The talented staff, the individually structured workouts and the very supportive Orange Shoe Gym personnel have allowed me the confidence to achieve amazing results.  I am getting more and more confident and that confidence has been the primary factor in keeping me moving forward on this path of weight loss, strength and fitness. I am finding a whole new person inside of me.  One I never knew was there.
 
How did Orange Shoe Gym help you overcome that challenge?
I have always received encouragement and positive reinforcement from everyone at Orange Shoe. My personal trainer has been awesome, always there with a high five and words of encouragement. As my overall fitness has improved my self confidence has greatly improved. My work-outs are always challenging, but they are also fun!  Everybody needs a little fun in their lives.

How has your life changed as a result of working out at Orange Shoe Gym?
Wow!!  Where do I start?  I feel wonderful.  Not only has my body changed physically, but my whole outlook on life has changed.  I am so much more confident.  I wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to go rather then slow and with no energy.  My husband and I are continually amazed by my new found flexibility and abilities to do things I had not been able to do before starting at Orange Shoe.  The other day we walked a 10K (6.2 miles) in 1 hour and 35 minutes, and at the end I was feeling energized rather then exhausted.  My blood pressure had started to creep up, higher then I wanted it to be, but it has come down as my fitness level has improved.  One of the biggest changes in my life has been an improvement in the way I manage stress.

What has been your favorite part of working out at Orange Shoe Gym?
It is hard to choose just one favorite thing, there are so many things I like.   I truly like having some "me" time doing something that is good for me.  Having the gym all to myself with just my personal trainer is so much fun, but I have also grown to love Yoga and Pilates  I have discovered the power of exercise and how wonderful it is for my mind, body and spirit.

Why would you recommend Orange Shoe Gym to others?
From the moment I walked into Orange Shoe Gym I felt comfortable.  I am always met with a smiling face and a warm personal greeting.  The classes that I have attended are never crowded and are always lead by an enthusiastic, energetic professional. It's a great place to work out and, more importantly, it is a great place to get the encouragement we all need to start toward a lifestyle change of fitness, strength and better health.