Chris Almaguer, 26 Years Old
Start Weight: 547 / Current Weight: 344
Start Date: January 11, 2012
After life knocked me down and kicked me when I was down, I really let myself go. I graduated from culinary school and if a recipe asked for something unhealthy, I added it with no hesitation. I would cook all the wrong foods and even drink a two liter of soda a day. Spending most of my time hiding behind video games, I became very closed off from the world. My family repeatedly tried to help me become healthy, but I never attempted to go on any diets.

When I came to Downsize Fitness, I stepped on the scale at 547lbs. I was shocked. I knew I was always a big guy, but didn’t realize the extent of it. I decided I was going to make a commitment to my health and start living my life. This has been my first attempt to become healthy and it's working. I have been at Downsize for 14 months and have lost at total of 203 lbs. I work out 6 days a week with the trainers and am meeting with our Dietician monthly. Not only have I lost weight, I feel better and am actually happy! I look forward to coming to the gym and seeing what I’m capable of. My physical abilities, stamina, and strength are better than I ever thought they could be. To say that Downsize Fitness has changed my life is an understatement.

Jennifer Fite
Start Weight: 280 / Current Weight: 196
Start Date: January 6, 2012
I joined Downsize Fitness in January 2012 to try to change how I felt about myself. It became my way of life and I can't ever see going back to what I was - both physically and emotionally. I try to get everything I can from this place - Nutritional support, a variety of fitness classes, and I never miss a training session.

The community at Downsize Fitness is something I have never experienced before. No judgment or embarrassment, just support and a place to talk it out and work it out.  Everyone is in the same boat - motivated, hardworking and supportive. It is liberating to be able to talk about my weight freely with no judgment. I am now down 84lbs and I feel great. I feel different this time. I feel a sense of belonging and a part of something that is special, important, and not to wax poetic, but to be quite frank, Downsize Fitness is a little brilliant. There is so much to Downsize Fitness that everyone needs to take advantage of - don't let this pass you by. 

My mantra is always: A year from now you will wish you started today. And trust me - it's true.

Chelsey Roy
Start Weight: 294 / Current Weight: 219
Start Date: September 4, 2012
The path that led me to Downsize was littered with late night drinking, ordering extra cheese on everything, and dreadful sleep habits. When I realized that my food choices had no thought behind them and I hated seeing pictures of myself I decided to take control. I have tried crazy fad diets and weird earthy cleanses with little success so I knew it was time to do it right and for good!

My biggest tools for success are MyFitnessPal and the Dietician at Downsize because it makes calorie tracking fun and really helps me realize what I'm putting into my body and how those choices affect my weight. I love food and that will probably never change, but remixing recipes to make them healthier has become a fun challenge with the help of blogs and hot sauce. But the most empowering thing through all of this is the knowledge; I know what my body is doing and WHY. I am still at the beginning of my journey but I'm down 75 lbs. in 6 months and I'm getting reacquainted with my body. I am obsessed with feeling stronger while seeing my body change in ways I never expected and leaving the gym feeling like I can conquer the world.

Tim McCarty, 41 Years Old
Start Weight: 300 / Current Weight: 250
Start Date: September 18, 2012
Before I joined Downsize Fitness my back hurt when I tried to walk anywhere, my energy level was non-existent, and I was always tired.

I never thought I would be able to lose 50 pounds in 12 weeks the old fashion way – by eating properly and exercise! My first attempt at completing a 1 mile walk/run was done in 22 minutes and now I can run 1 mile in 12 minutes. My back doesn’t hurt anymore, I have energy to spare, and I feel good about myself.

The trainers at Downsize Fitness take the time to individualize a program that will help you push yourself to your limit. Members are there with the same goal in mind – to lose weight! I don’t see my gym membership as a bill. I see it as an investment to my future.

Since I started exercising my motto has been “Don’t count the days!”, “Every day is a new day!”, and “I can do anything for one day!”

 

Melissa Zack, 29 Years Old
Start Weight: 325 / Current Weight: 223
Food will always be a big part of my life. Going to culinary school and then working in a bakery has given me unlimited access to everything my heart and stomach desire. The problem with that is, when there is no exercise or discipline to counterbalance all that delicious food you end up where I did - 28 years old and 325 pounds.

When my sister told me about Downsize Fitness, I was skeptical. Truth be told I have always liked working out but giving up the food I love? Never. I started on January 2nd and while it hasn't been easy, it has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done for myself.

My trainer pushes me to do things I never thought possible - like running a mile in less than 10 minutes. The entire staff and all the other members have been absolutely fantastic! If you would have told me a year ago that I was going to lose almost 100 pounds in 7 months I would have said you were crazy, but here I am...and I still get to eat bacon.

Eileen Heneghan
Start Weight: 237 / Current Weight: 181
Start Date: August 23, 2012
I was an overweight kid, and by the time I started college, it had gotten out of hand. Physical activity was something I dreaded having to do. I would make all kinds of excuses because I was afraid of looking silly or being dead weight. Even later when I would decide to make an effort to get healthier, I would only keep with a program for a week or two and then give up. I was convinced that nothing would change, so there was no point in trying.

Downsize has been a revelation for me. From the moment I walked in, everyone made me feel incredibly welcome and convinced me that I was in the right place. I buckled down and made a commitment to myself to really try this time, and I can feel it working every day. The trainers have been invaluable and encourage me to push myself to my limits. It's only been seven months, but I already know that this is a lifelong change. But this change wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the constant support and inspiration that I've received at Downsize. A year ago, I never would have guessed that I would have climbed the Sears Tower or have completed 5k. Now I know that I am capable of anything, and I'm excited to see what the future will bring!