"I’ve lost 28% of my body weight"
I am 26 years old. I have never been an athlete. I have never been in shape. I have tried in the past to get healthy, but every attempt has come to a screeching halt because something just wasn’t right. I have been a member of three different health clubs in three very different places. I belonged to a franchise gym in Boston, where the ceilings were low (it was in a basement, essentially) and the gym was dimly lit by fluorescent lights. I’d never seen a gym so populated by people who were just there to look the part with no intention whatsoever of breaking a sweat. It was clearly just a meat market for these people. They sure did occupy most of the equipment, though. Needless to say, I was incredibly uncomfortable there. I felt like the chubby outcast destined to show up a few times and never be seen there again, which in hindsight was remarkably accurate.
I also belonged to the enormous sports complex/fitness center at my college. It was undoubtedly the largest health club facility I’d ever seen, yet it, too, was consistently bustling with people. I would show up, get on the first free piece of cardio equipment I could find, and make excuses as to why I should leave and come back the next day when maybe it wouldn’t be so busy. Again, I only showed my face there a couple times before my insecurities got the best of me and I told myself it was okay to stay home.
A year or so later, I signed up at another franchise gym that was open 24 hours. THIS, I thought, was the solution to having to fight over equipment or feel like everyone was judging me between their vein-busting powerlifts or treadmill marathons. Nope, it was packed all day and all night. It was also so inexpensive that a lot of the patrons were high school kids. The women’s locker room was chock-full of loitering teenaged girls.
At this point, I realized that I had a Goldilocks thing going on. One gym was too dark, one gym was too big, one gym was too small…and they were all overcrowded. It wasn’t until I moved to Rindge and saw a flyer for Solar Fitness that I was able to find my place in the world of fitness---a world in which I felt so harshly rejected so many times in the past.
Once I set my mind to a healthy diet of lean meats and an endless bounty of vegetables and juicy fruits, coupled with working out 4-5 times per week at Solar Fitness, I lost over 80 lbs.
Why do I think it finally worked for me? I’m certainly not a Type-A personality. I find it hard to discipline myself, and very easy to make excuses for my shortcomings. For this to have happened, I had to have found the perfect gym. I don’t wake up in the morning dreading stepping into Solar Fitness. It is flooded with natural light from the skylights aloft in the high ceilings; I actually look forward to the wake-up. I am greeted with smiles from the staff as well as the other members. When I look around the gym I see normal people working hard to challenge their bodies (and really, their minds, too! Overcoming the mental limitations we arbitrarily set for ourselves is not so easy at first.). These are the same people I run into at the grocery store and the gas station. We’re all neighbors and we’re all striving toward the same goal. I’ve never run into an unfriendly face. I’ve actually never once felt uncomfortable at Solar Fitness. My confidence level from the first day I began working out was high. Furthermore, I cannot describe with words the pride that I feel after a long, strenuous workout.
A gym is more than just a facility, it is an experience. What I have come to realize was that the facility can be the most impressive complex you’ve ever laid eyes upon, but if the staff, the atmosphere, and the other members aren’t always 100%, you won’t be 100%. I’ve lost 28% of my body weight, and still have 40 more pounds to lose. I know I can do it, and look forward to the process and to seeing my friends and neighbors alongside me at Solar Fitness.
Randi-Jo Taylor
Rindge, NH
“I Lost 80 Pounds in Less than 6 Months”
“I decided not to work out and ate what ever I wanted during my pregnancy. Boy, did I regret that, I got up to 216 pounds. After having Wesley I waited about 8 weeks to start the Solar Fitness program. I was amazed at how fast I was losing weight. In just four months I could see my six pack coming through. Down to 136 in less than 6 months.”
Stephanie Baker
306 to190 in 10 Months
“I thought I was always going to be fat. I accepted that until my doctor told me my cholesterol was through the roof and so was my blood pressure. I was only 21. Now, 116 pounds later, no more problems. Not only do I know that I will live longer but the quality of my life is so much better. Thank you so much.”
Larry Thibeault
"You won’t find a better facility in the region."
I have been coming to Solar Fitness with my fiancé for about a year now. Jon and his staff are fantastic. I have been to several other gyms in the area and in NY, and never had witnessed such a friendly and positive atmosphere. You cannot come across a staff member without receiving a genuine smile. The equipment is phenomenal not to mention abundant, you are never waiting around. I especially like their Hammer Strength machines as each side is independent from each other allowing for an even workout. If you are looking for a great place to better yourself, you won’t find a better facility in the region.
James Giniewicz
Jaffrey, NH
To: Friends over the fence
When Solar Fitness started, my first reaction was that it was nice to have a good local gym again. It's convenient, economical and well equipped.
This didn't leave me much wiggle room to avoid getting more exercise, except for my own commitment. As my weight continued going in the wrong direction, I finally made a personal commitment last summer to improve my health with more exercise at Solar Fitness.
With an exercise plan cobbled together from a couple of books and word of mouth, I started going to the gym by myself three days a week for two months. This resulted in losing a few pounds per month. This was better than I had done in years, but it was not good enough. If I followed my past attempts, I would start to drop off by the end of the third month. Then I would just do occasional workouts and hope to to keep my weight steady.
The email I got from Jon Pavnick last August about personal trainers at Solar Fitness sparked my interest. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to get more results and also to strengthen my commitment to ongoing exercise. I signed up for my first personal trainer. The possible impact on my health made the price well worth it, if it would work for me. I'd give it a one month try.
What I found out was that the sessions with Stephanie were far more intense than my solo efforts. She also gave me a calorie limit per day and encouraged me to track my food intake. This combination of exercise and diet produced first month results that were 4-5 times as much weight loss and significant loss of inches. I signed up for more.
The next three months have continued the loss of weight and inches. More importantly the support, encouragement and individual tailoring of my exercise regimen by Stephanie has built my commitment to continue. For the first time in forty years I am getting in better shape. I am healthier than I have been in decades. Thirty pounds is only a good start. For me, there is still along way to go. Now I know I can do it at Solar Fitness with steady help from Stephanie.
It is nice to have a good gym again in operation locally. It's convenient, economical and well equipped. Better than that are the results that are changing my life.
Regards,
Chuck & Kathy Bruce
“I lost it at Solar Fitness!”
One year ago I joined Solar Fitness. My trainer helped me set goals and had the insight and knowledge to help me attain maximum results. The guidance made me a stronger person in mind and body and a training regiment that avoided injury but gained stamina and learned to use my muscles to the maximum benefit. I have seen the transformation to a leaner and fitter body and with a 35 pound weight loss without diet I am on the road to having a fit, stronger, and healthier lifestyle.
I like this place because you are treated as an individual and the atmosphere here is like family there is no judging! There is always someone here to answer your questions or guide you in the direction you wish to achieve. I am fifty years old and have arthritis and thought that I would never be able to achieve these goals. I am here to tell you that I have never felt better and my arthritis is at a bare minimum because of this routine. This is a great neighborhood gym and I encourage you to join. It has been an amazing journey and my long term fitness goals are being realized for the first time in my life. Do it for yourself you will love the results!
Marcia Hoey
Rindge NH
“I have lost 40 pounds. I lost 4 inches in my waist, 3 inches
in my arms and legs.”
My goal was to lose 60 pounds and several inches throughout my body in 6 months. To date, almost 4 months later, I have lost 40 pounds. I lost 4 inches in my waist, 3 inches in my arms and legs. With your help and support I know I can achieve my goal!
Jenn CahillShirley, MA
“My core is smaller and tighter than before I had 4 children”
My core is smaller and tighter than before I had 4 children. The 20 pound loss isn’t my primary success; it’s not filling out the size 10 jeans but having room to spare in my size 4’s!
Theresa RichardsShirley, MA
“My cholesterol is down from 248 to 205”
I met Kyle Ross in the fall of 2007 and decided after reading his credentials in the gym to contact him. Little did I know my eating habits were terrible and that the nutrition piece was just as important to Kyle’s program as the exercise. I am delighted to report after a year and a half, my cholesterol is down from 248 to 205. I have doubled my calories burned per cardio session and have become much firmer and stronger.
Leslie Lichtman Harvard, MA
“Within 1 month I knew it was possible to get back in shape”
Within 1 month I knew it was possible to get back in shape. It is really helpful and more fun to have someone motivate you, keep changing your routine so it stays interesting and you see better results. Kyle accomplishes all that and more. Whatever your goal is Kyle will work with you and if you stay committed with him you will get the results you want and you’ll have fun getting there.
Valerie FournierOwner/Operator of Anytime FitnessLancaster, MA
“Kyle Ross provides the knowledge to get me the results I want.”
When I joined the gym I recognized one piece of equipment — the treadmill. I knew I needed help or else I would quickly get bored. I had concerns about how to use the machines to maximize my results. Kyle Ross provides the knowledge to get me the results I want. Not only do I know how to use the equipment appropriately, but Kyle continually adds variety to the routine so I stay focused and continue to improve.
Anne FellowsHarvard, MA
“Improving Quality of Life”
Kyle has helped me increase my energy, endurance, as well as my confidence. His nutritional guidance has also helped me make better choices with my daily diet. I highly recommend his professional training services to anyone who is looking to make a lifestyle change towards being more healthy and improving quality of life.
Prateek Manager, B.M.STownsend, MA