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Transformation #3
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Janice Beckmen, 44, Summit, NJ
Kim Kaplan, 42, Summit, NJ
TIME REQUIRED TO REACH GOAL: 2 years & still going
LESSON LEARNED: Commit to change with a friend. Exercise together, eat healthy together and even shrink together.
Here's the story of two women in their early forties who have been friends for many years. Both have 3 kids and like many of
us have gained between 30-60 pounds per pregnancy. Both were committed to exercise but weren't seeing the results they wanted. They came to The Bar Method together and the rest is history.
Story #1 - Janice
I remember January 2008 very well, it's when my friend Kim asked me to join her for a class at the newly opened Bar Method in Summit. She had been a regular at Lotte Berk when she lived in NYC and missed the challenging workouts. Spinning our wheels at the gym wasn't working and we were hoping that The Bar Method would be as effective as her old NYC routine. It was and we were immediately hooked. I had never been one to attend group exercise classes as I often felt as though I had two left feet, however The Bar Method was different. The teachers were encouraging (although sometimes scolding Kim and I for talking during class!), the environment non-judgmental and after a couple of months, I began to feel increasingly strong, more flexible and toned. I continued to attend four classes per week and was feeling better both physically and mentally. I love taking class with my friend, Kim, as we are each other's greatest motivator. While there is no competition at a Bar Method class, we silently push each other a bit harder to get the best workout we can.
In January 2009, I was feeling stronger and leaner. I was losing weight and decided it was time to focus on the next step, which meant cleaning up my eating (while continuing to work especially hard in The Bar Method - just showing up doesn't count, unfortunately). Thanks to the suggestions from a nutritionist I heard at The Bar Method's free workshop on eating healthier, I cleaned up my act. I began stocking my house with freshly cut fruits and vegetables which prevented me from eating all those awful, fatty carbs that we crave at 4pm each day. Over the course of the past 2 years I lost 25 pounds! These results have also corresponded into dropping two sizes, looking and feeling better and wearing Kim's old designer jeans (smile).
Story #2 - Kim
I started a little slower than Janice. I was fairly self-conscious about my appearance as everyone else appeared to be more flexible and fit. However, as time passed I realized I wasn't there to fit in but to workout hard. When I re-focused my energy, I not only felt more comfortable but started to notice my body was leaning out and getting stronger. At first, I didn't lose much weight but saw it happening all around me. This only made me more obsessed and determined to change my body. The teachers continued to encourage me to pay attention to the details and to focus on good form. Before I knew it, I was changing my body and more importantly, I realized that The Bar Method was changing the way I look at myself. I had a better attitude about my self than ever before. Even though I was changing the way I saw myself, I still wanted to lose one more pant size. With Janice, I committed to working out harder and eating cleaner (there really is no magic pill, sorry!). I am now down two pant sizes and am thrilled with my progress. I will continue to challenge myself and push myself to my limits.
Achieving a goal with a friend is easier and more enjoyable, we highly
recommend it. We arrived at the Bar together two years ago - supported each other, exercised together and even shrunk together.
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