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 My name is Morli Gamm and I joined UpLift November 2006.
I needed a new exercise regime, as I had to temporarily stop walking because of a foot injury. (I was walking 4-6 times/week for one hour…as fast as I could without jogging). A friend was a member at Uplift and loved the resistance training (and the results showed on her!). I figured my arms would tone up, maybe my legs a bit…sure, you gain muscle, you burn more calories…but I was not prepared for the transformation that happened over the next 5-10 months.
I love going to work out and mostly I love my days off…. no guilt about taking a day off from exercise.
I went from a size 10 (probably more like a 12 that I refused to wear) to a size 6 (I haven’t been that size since before kids!) And about 15 pounds lighter! I feel physically stronger. I also feel emotionally stronger.
My health improved as a result of being an UpLift member.
My blood pressure went from borderline hypertensive to 100’s/60’s…. no medication.
When I started, they (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) would say “you need to eat protein to build muscle” so I thought I would give it a shot…it was hard to eat 100 grams in a day when I was used to about 30-40. It felt like so many calories. They continued to pound it into my head…. eat more protein and they gave me ideas of ways to do that. I spent a month writing down my food to make sure I got enough protein…. I actually didn’t change my diet much besides that. I actually added calories (the additional calories being protein) and lost weight.
The trainers at Uplift are so helpful; most of us have never lifted weights and were intimidated by weights. They are always walking around and giving us pointers on how to do an exercise better and how to use proper mechanics so we don’t hurt ourselves. It is so nice to have trainers around willing to answer your questions anytime or help you with an exercise or change the exercise if it is not working for you.
For one year, I exercised less (I went from walking 4-6hours per week to lifting 3 hours per week…really) and I lost 15 pounds and went down 2 pants sizes.
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 My name is Jess Benson and I joined UpLift November 2006.
When I started, the only things I knew about resistance training was that it was something I "should" do because it was good at helping maintain bone density and gaining core stability. I never really thought I could gain visible muscles!
I cannot believe how much my feelings have changed! I think that resistance training is key to fitness and good health. I love lifting weights. I plan to have resistance training in my exercise plan forever.
I have lost 15 pounds without really trying. I've lost inches and measurements (mm) by calipers. I've gained muscles that I can actually see.
I feel much stronger. I've always been active, but I've noticed that as I get older, I had more aches and pains after physical activity. I don't have those same aches and pains anymore. I have much more strength overall.
I've always needed exercise in my life for my emotional well-being. Resistance training has added another dimension. I feel really good when I come to the gym and I feel great when I leave because of the great workout.
My overall health has improved enormously as a result of being an UpLift member! Losing weight is always beneficial and my mental health has improved too.
I've made changes in my diet with the guidance of UpLift. The biggest change has been adding more protein. Before joining UpLift, I probably consumed about 25 grams of protein a day. Now I have at least 75 grams a day. I eat more whole grains, more blueberries, and more yogurt than I ever had before.
I thought I knew a lot about nutrition, but I've learned a great deal from the UpLift trainers. It’s hard not to learn about nutrition, as there are always discussions on the floor about nutrition when I’m working out.
UpLift is an incredible place to start and continue your exercise program. The personal one-on-one attention is second to none. When I started at UpLift, I didn't know anything about weight-lifting technique but all the attention I've received has made me comfortable and confident about lifting weights. If I ever do have a question, there's always someone there to help. The monthly program changes are essential in keeping fitness fun and interesting. The personal attention that I get at UpLift would cost much more money at another gym.
I love the fact that UpLift is a gym for women only. I wouldn't be interested at all in a gym where I had to lift weights with men (I do love Rick, though!). |
 My name is Char Neely and I have been a member of UpLift since 2006. Resistance training was not new to me. I was always physically active – swimming, riding horses (owned one for 10 years, lifting 50 pound hay bales would be considered resistance training, wouldn’t it?), tennis, golf, running, racquetball, weight lifting, and in my later years, yoga.
I became a member for two reasons; the first reason was that I wanted to get strong and fit again and the second reason was that I missed the challenge of an organized sport. The programs presented to members at UpLift allow us to progress at our own speed and at all levels. I was competitive only with myself – I loved it! I knew I needed resistance training to maintain healthy bones and to develop strong muscle structure as I aged (which seemed to be accelerating quite rapidly).
As I watched my Mother age – she is a spry 85 years old this August – it reinforced that resistance training is critical for maintaining muscle strength and bone health as we age. I could not ignore the fact that without resistance training, an aging body has to fight so many more obstacles than it should have to. If only my Mother had the opportunity to be a member of UpLift when she was younger. There is no telling what she would be capable of today at 85! Her bones would be stronger; she would be able to stand straighter and maybe would not be going through a second hip replacement surgery.
After an hour session, I feel revived physically and emotionally – balanced - full of oxygen, clear headed and hungry! I want to eat fruit, veggies, protein and not a Big Mac.
I feel physically stronger. My spine feels longer and straighter which allows me to walk taller. No slouching here. My legs and buttocks are firmer and stronger. Going up and down stairs all day is not a problem as I can push off each step confidently. I push myself to do a bit more by taking two steps at a time and really using my buttock muscles to propel me up. However, I don’t recommend using this method going DOWN the steps… could be all kinds of complications here … not a pretty picture. My hands and wrists are stronger from gripping the free weights (my favorite workout). My arms are getting firmer and shapelier.
The mat work and using balance balls has strengthened my core, which helps with standing tall. These exercises have kept my neck from sagging… all that staring at the ceiling while executing the removes really does do the job. Well, that and Lancôme’s miracle neck creams.
I feel better emotionally and not just on workout days, but for days after. It is as if I had taken a capsule full of oxygen. I know this may sound silly, but my vision is clearer, my thought process more focused. More importantly, I feel happier, healthier, and content – like superwomen!
After joining UpLift, my bone density increased almost 6 percent. My Doctors were astonished and so was I.
Resistance training is critical and necessary for continued good health as we age. I was surprised at how quickly the body changes when one turns 60! Little things such as aches and pains, sleeplessness, mood swings, changes in diet (eating too much), and listlessness. That motivated me enough to change my habits and then, lo and behold, who appears on the horizon, but UpLift, Guided Fitness for Women. And people say there aren’t angels with us. Ha!
UpLift trainers have helped me understand nutrition more as well. I now read labels more carefully. I eat more frequently during the day, which keep my energy level more consistent so I don’t feel like I’m starving and then overindulge on cheese and breads. You can tell this is my weakness. Oh, and that butter.
I now choose snacks my body needs – vegetables, protein, whole grain carbs, nuts. The trainer’s help you get your nutrition on track and encourage eating often, moderation, and education and help you change your eating habits.
UpLift – you are improving our weekly experience by adding yoga, core strengthening, and balance programs to go along with resistance training. I can’t think of an improvement… you even sell great exercise clothing and food. Thank you UpLift.
I love talking to women about UpLift! I tell them all of the above but add that the energy and good spirits of all the members adds to this special “women only” atmosphere. |
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