This is one AWESOME story from one of our many tough, hard-working Innovative Results mothers!
January 14, 2015
If I can make a difference for at least one person who has a similar story, and is considering making a lifestyle change, then I would like to share my story.
While it might seem to some a little dramatic if I said that Innovative Results saved me, but in truth, it did just that.
In August of 2014, I was a 49 year old woman fast approaching her 50th birthday. My youngest daughter was leaving home for college, and as happens to so many women at this time of life, my husband asked me for a divorce. Plus, a very good friend my age was diagnosed with ALS, and her health was deteriorating quickly. To put it mildly, I was overwhelmed and life seemed to be spinning out of control. Oh, of course, I was 40 pounds overweight and having knee problems. It was time to ante up. Get with the program, etc, etc. These were all game changers for me and I wanted to get through the next 50 years as healthy and happy as possible.
I hadn’t always been 40 pounds overweight. I have a thyroid disorder which slows down metabolism. I was a typical yo-yo carb eater – get back on the wagon and eat no carbs dieter for years, and would exercise, lose weight, and then stop, then gain the weight back, etc. You know the story. I had belonged to a big box gym for many years, but used it only occasionally, as I preferred to run outside or take occasional Pilates classes. This time, though, I was in it to win it. A complete overhaul and lifestyle change was in order. I wanted to accomplish something for me. Since my knee was bothering me and I could no longer run, I wanted to try something different and really wanted a personal trainer. I did some research, saw the great reviews and made an appointment with Innovative Results. I remember being so scared to make the call. I was afraid I’d look like an idiot. I was old and overweight. I was afraid I would fail. I was prepared to turn my health around though, and I made the call.
Mark Elmasry was the trainer who answered the phone. I told him I had an issue with my knee and was looking for somewhere to work out that could provide specific exercises for me. He was so nice and knowledgeable over the phone. I immediately made an appointment to see him. I was met by Mark and co-owner Corey Beasley, who both listened to my health issues/knee problem and walked me through a series of stretches and exercises that would build muscle in my legs to support my knees. I had their full attention for the whole hour, and both of them were very knowledgeable. They never made anything seem out of reach. They sealed the deal. I was a new member of Innovative Results. For my first week, Mark and Corey worked on my imbalances and stretched and rolled out my legs. I never knew stretching and rolling out a muscle could make me sweat so much. During my second week, I began the Innovative Results classes. After a week of private sessions with Mark and or Corey, I was a little disappointed that I would now be in a group setting. But, this is where it gets good! No matter how many people are in the class, trainers Mark and Corey ALWAYS pay attention to what each and every one of their clients are doing. They correct us if we are performing exercises wrong and they praise us when we are doing it right. They make us work hard. No, let me say it like this. They make us WANT to work hard. Many times both trainers have modified the exercises for my knee without me asking. They do this for others as well. I want to reiterate this fact: They are ALWAYS paying attention, even when they are messing around, which is often. They are both silly. And I hope I don’t offend anyone by saying it. They are silly in a good way! And it is one of the reasons I love IR and my trainers. They are all educated about what they are teaching us. They continually challenge us to do our best, but they have fun doing it, and it crosses over to the clients. We all have fun sweating and grunting during our workouts. That is why we return day after day to this amazing playground.
On a side note, I would like to mention the other co-owner, Aaron Guyett, and IR Coach Mason and IR Intern Madison. I don’t have the pleasure of training with Aaron and Mason very often, as they are morning trainers. However, I have had a few occasions where I was able to train with them. They are both awesome too, and of course, equally as challenging and just as fun as the night crew. Madison is also an intern and assists with the training at night. She is also fun and knowledgeable and ready to step in for the trainers when asked. As are all the interns that assist at IR. Let me not forget Jessica who works the front desk during the day. She is always a pleasure to talk with and offers a friendly face upon entering. There is also Lewis who works the desk at night. He too is kind and friendly and is always cleaning something. IR is very clean.
So, did I leave anything out? Well, one thing. I know I said they were all nice. But did I mention that they are all REALLY nice? Upon entering IR, no matter where the trainers are in the room, or who they are with, they will give you a welcoming shout out. If they miss you on your way in, they will acknowledge you by name when you lay your keys down or begin your stretches. They make their clients feel welcomed.
I had been waiting to write my story and give IR the shout out they deserve when I could say that I lost the 40 pounds I had acquired during 2014. But in all fairness to IR, I couldn’t wait any longer. They are just too good and need to be recognized! I haven’t lost the full 40 pounds, but I have lost 23 pounds, and many inches. I’ve also gained muscle which takes up less space than fat and I have shrunk at least two dress sizes. So, I didn’t lose all the weight yet, but I gained back the self esteem that disappeared with my weight gain, and so much more. I feel connected to the people I’ve met at IR, as we are all in this journey together. I feel ready to battle all that life has to bring! By the way, I haven’t lost my fear of failing, but that’s what keeps me getting up and going back every day, for I know if I continue to try, I can’t fail.
THANK YOU TEAM IR! I LOVE YOU ALL. XOXO.
Mikki Tiberghien
Thank you for sharing your incredible story Mikki! You bring such an amazing energy to the IR Family, we look forward sharing in many more of your VICTORIES!
