Trainer Spotlight!

SPOTLIGHT ON……  LaDonna Trapp!

February 2018!!

WELCOMING OUR NEWEST TRAINER!

I have been involved in education for most of my life, including acquiring a Bachelors degree majoring in Psychology at Valparaiso University while being a wife, mom and full time employee. My employment has most always revolved around education.

I had always wanted to learn what a Personal Trainer could do for me so when I came to Pumps Fitness and experienced a great work out with enthusiasm and a smile, dropping inches and pounds, I was convinced.  Education in wellness/fitness is the wise choice for me.

 As a Certified Trainer through the National Association of Sports Medicine, also holding an AFAA certificate in Metabolic training, and soon to be earned Certificate in Exercise Design For Seniors, my goal is to help individuals realize they can do it! There is an exercise program for everyone. My desire for my clients, is to give them a place where they can zone into a little “healthy me time” with no distractions and a little specialized attention.  

When our daughter was just a little girl she asked me, “Mommy, how old will you get to be?”  I told her not to worry, Mommy would live to be 100, and I meant it, to the best of my ability. Currently, the fastest growing age group in America is the 90+ age group. What if you become part of that age group? If so, are you going to get there to the best of your ability?

Will you invest in getting well or in being well? Imagine- being at the best of your abilities, so you can live well.   I choose being well, at the best of my ability.

                                                                                   

La Donna Trapp

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

AFAA Certificate Metabolic Training

MONTHLY CLIENT SPOTLIGHT!!

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Kira Geiss!

November 2017!!

The story is oh so familiar. . . it may be your story.  “I am too busy to work out!”  We all justify why we don’t work out, but the reality is if we don’t make time for ourselves and our health, we fall apart and then cannot support our family, friends or succeed in our goals.  Like all of YOU I am busy, my name is Kira Geiss and I am the Director of Finance and Chief Compliance Officer for a Dental Manufacturer.  Several years ago, I started a not-for-profit preschool (The Field Station Cooperative) with several other mom’s and 12 years later I am still their Director of Finance.  Additionally, I have been involved in a variety of other church and community activities.  Yes, just like YOU, I am busy. 

In high school, college and early in my career I was in great shape.  I got married, had kids and then got back in shape for a bit.  Then I began eating all the kid’s leftovers.  The words of my parents ringing in my head, “waste not, want not”.  So I was “busy”, eating leftovers, began to grow, lose muscle tone, and purchase larger sizes.  I started having a lot of back pain.  In my late 40’s, I participated in a Mud-a-thon with my daughter and began running a little to try to get back in shape.  I started to feel a little better, but after a few years, still did not see any real results.  It is not clear what lead to my friend Dale Huyvaert’ s suggestion for me to go with him to his trainer.  Maybe it was my complaints about lack of results, hearing grumbles about my stress level, noticing my workload, determining it was time for me to have life outside the office or the impending implosion/explosion.  Regardless of the reason, I met Ian. 

After my first work out I literally almost fainted.  I realized it was time to get serious.  In a conversation with my in-laws I found out they had both trained with Ian at one point and my father-in-law still did.  They shared Ian’s amazing recover story.  Reality hit. A recipe for success was within my grasp, a work out partner (Dale) and a committed trainer (Ian).  Every workout was unique, every muscle was sore, every time I heard “you can do anything for 20, 30, 45, 60 seconds” I thought of the obstacles that Ian overcame and had to push through. 

After about 1 ¾ years, at 50 I am in the best shape I have been in for the past 15 years!  Ian has not only been a trainer, inspiration, work out partner, motivator, but also a sounding board.  Ian is committed to the success of each of his clients.  He works to develop a plan to aide in achievement of our individual goals and commits to his clients.  He fills our bucket with encouragement, support, and a smiling face. 

Thanks to all of you have been in a training sessions with me, you have offered support and inspiration.  Thank you for making the commitment to yourself and eliminating the excuse of being too busy.  Most of all sincere thanks to Dale Huyvaert for being a work out partner and introducing me to Ian, and to Ian for engaging me in unique, challenging work outs.  I look forward to continuing my fitness journey.  It has reduced my stress, given me life outside the office, increased my health and it has literally saved me in so many ways! THANK YOU!!!!!

Good Nutrition & Cconvenience Can Go Hand-in-Hand

Focus on good nutrition while making use of pre-prepared foods and you’ll find that healthy eating is easy.

One of the biggest complaints people have about eating healthily is the perception that it requires more hours in the kitchen to prepare nutritious meals.  But there are so many convenience items available now that preparing healthy meals is a snap.

For protein, you can buy fish or poultry that’s already seasoned and ready for quick grilling or frozen pre-cooked shrimp that can be tossed with some pasta and veggies for a quick dish.  And don’t overlook canned tuna, salmon or chicken breast that can be added to salad greens, rice dishes or soups.

You can also boost the nutritional value of condensed soups by mixing them with nonfat milk or soy milk instead of water.  As the soup is heating, toss in some frozen mixed vegetables, or some loose pack spinach to add nutrition, flavor and bulk.  Frozen-loose pack vegetables allow you to use only what you need and are ready to eat in minutes.

Salad preparation can also be quick thanks to pre-washed salad greens, all sorts of pre-sliced and chopped veggies and baby carrots.  Add a splash of low-fat bottled dressing and some pre-cooked chicken or shrimp and you’ve got a quick and healthy meal.

Fresh, pre-washed and cut veggies are available in the produce section, and if your market has a salad bar you can often find them there, too.  Pop them in the steamer, toss with some pre-chopped garlic or onions when they’re crisp/tender, and you’ve got a gourmet dish in minutes.

Chinese Zucchini Noodle Bowls With Pork Meatballs

Using a spiral slicer to turn zucchini into long, noodle strands is a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food without guilt. These Chinese Noodle bowls are filled with flavor, fiber and lots of tasty protein. Meals like this are exactly what you need to reach your fitness goals. Servings: 6

 

Here’s what you need… 

For the MeatBalls

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5-Spice powder
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 green onions, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

For the Noodle Bowls

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 4 baby bok choy, thinly sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 Tablespoons coconut aminos
• 5 organic zucchini, peeled and run through a spiral slicer

For the MeatBalls

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl combine all of the meatball ingredients. Mix well with your hands until all of the ingredients are evenly combined. Form golf ball sized balls and place on the wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until fully cooked.

For the Noodle Bowls

1. In a large soup pot, place the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, onions, and bell pepper. Cook for 4 minutes. Add the bok choy and cook for another 4 minutes. Add the broth and coconut aminos. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Use a vegetable peeler to remove all of the green skin from the zucchini. Cut each zucchini in half, width-wise, and use a spiral slicer to create long, angel-hair noodles. Add the noodles and the cooked meatballs to the soup pot. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Serve in shallow bowls, drizzled with sesame oil and sprinkled with minced green onion. Enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 199 calories, 18g fat, 170mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 18g protein. 

Call For Your Free Fitness Analysis 219-548-3480

Pumpstrainigandpilates@gmail.com

Pumpsfitnessinc.com

Monthly Client Spotlight!

SPOTLIGHT ON....LaDonna Trapp!

June 2017

“I look healthier, leaner and sculpted.  I am happier.”

These words are in my “Personal Decree” that I wrote 5 months ago when I started at Pumps.  Ian gave me homework that required me to outline my personal goals and write a short decree that I could read on a daily basis to keep me motivated.

Not only do I look healthier, leaner, and sculpted, I am happier and I have confidence in my ability to achieve my hopes and dreams.  I have learned how to breathe and I have more energy than ever.  My husband believes in me and we believe in the menu planning, including portion control, in conjunction with the exercise program!

My husband gave me the best Christmas gift ever…a six month training program at Pumps Fitness!  Today, you can see the results in my muscle tone and my most recent achievement is I ran my best time ever in a 5K race!  Ian’s training program has helped me gain muscle tone, strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, weight loss, sensible eating and confidence!  What more could you want from a fitness program?

As I am about to go into month six, I have begun to lament that is nearly the end of my Christmas gift.  But being a wise mentor, my husband is encouraging me by saying, “Keep going!  Anything that helps you stay healthy and strong is paying you back.”  Wise words, right?  If you invest in being strong by supporting your joints, maintaining a healthy heart, losing weight through healthy menus, and gaining energy and confidence, you will spend less time with illness, injuries, lethargy, and that endless list of negatives that hold you back.  That is priceless!

In the past, I have watched handicapped people pass me in races.  My daughter offered to take my hand to help pull me up the last hill during one race in particular. I thought, how awful, not just for me but her too! I would not have my daughter held back and possibly embarrassed because I couldn’t pull it together to get my backside trained for a 3 or 5 mile race. My biggest concern was my breathing. I was so short of breath and was concerned of pushing myself too hard. I watched my times get slower and slower with each race I participated in. 

Today my attitude is that I am in the right place to test the limits of my abilities when it comes to cardio endurance.  At the first spring race this year I knew I could push myself and control my breathing, and I did breathe! Results? Three minutes off last year’s time! At my next training session after the race, I came in telling Ian, I am going to push it. I figure I am in the right place to do it.  If I fall over your there to help me!  He said, “Yes, we’ve got ya!” All I can say to that is, Awesome!! After the race, my daughter congratulated me on my race time.  My response was simple…I am just happy and healthy and I know that I don’t have to slow down as I get older.

I am far from done! I hope to lose a few more pounds even though I have moved my belt over three notches! Currently my daughter and I weigh the same and she is 30 years younger than me and looks great! I have goals for sculpting my legs. By the time October 1 rolls around I will be 60 years old and married 40 years. Then I think it will be the perfect time to proudly wear a beautiful Jamaican swimsuit!! ;)

MONTHLY CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Michelle Northey!

May 2017

My name is Michelle Northey. I've been coming to Pumps Fitness for about 2 1/2 years. I found out about Pumps through a silent auction at my girls' elementary school. There was an option to bid on a package of three Pilates equipment classes with Pat. It turns out her granddaughters went to the same school as my kids!

I wasn't sure what to expect with Pilates as I wasn't very familiar with it and I had never heard of a Reformer or Cadillac.  However upon meeting Pat and having my very first session, I was hooked! I loved the methodology of Pilates and the routine that Pat created for me to try. I had previously been doing private training at the YMCA with boot camp type sessions and I was burnt out. I was losing my motivation to exercise and the switch to Pilates reinvigorated me.

I very quickly fell in love with Pilates. Pat has continued to expand my routine over the years from beginner exercises to intermediate and now advanced. I love a challenge and she knows how to mix things up and continue to teach me new skills and exercises.

I'm not embarrassed to say I have become a Pilates junkie. I bring my own magazines, books and social media videos to show Pat what I'd like to learn next.  She is great at helping me adapt them for my level.  And she is always up for it, even when I say "Pat, don't freak out, I want to try this new exercise I saw on Facebook."

I have a busy life with a husband, three girls and two dogs! I work full time and have to travel for work every so often. Pat has been fantastic about accommodating my schedule.  

We meet on average about two times a week. I love how strong my core feels and how I can see continuous improvement in my body even after all this time. I never get bored with Pilates. It is my "happy place" and if I have to miss a session, I feel it both physically and mentally. 

Pat has clients of all skill levels. She is patient and professional. I really enjoy our sessions together and the friendship we have formed. Pumps Fitness is the only place in the area with a dedicated Pilates practice. It is bright and airy and feels like a Pilates boutique.  I try to find a Pilates studio every time I travel for work to keep up with my practice.  But the best one is right here at home in Valparaiso, Pumps Fitness! 

#corepower #pilateslife #Pat4Pilates4ever

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT...APRIL 2017!

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Judy Relinski!

April 2017!!

My name is Judy Relinski. I have been with Pumps Fitness for a total of a year.  Prior to joining Pumps Fitness I had under went several abdominal surgeries the last one being the worst. My emotional and physical states were by far at their worst.  After searching the internet for a fitness studio that could help me I came across Pumps Fitness.  I called and made an appointment with Ian and Michelle. They talked with me about my issues and suggested I try Pilates Reformer with Mary as my personal trainer.  This was a total relief for me that someone would be able to help me.

Mary is such a special person to me.  After being with her for sometime now, she has guided me to better body position, strength, tons of knowledge about my body and a much better emotional state. I can honestly say that my decision to join Pumps Fitness was the smartest decision I made for myself. It is hard work but the benefit of having a  trainer like Mary watching, guiding and challenging me has been a great experience.

For me staying fit is a big commitment and hard work, but Mary has made this journey a great one. I would recommend Pumps Fitness to anyone.

MONTHLY CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Dale Huyvaert!

February 2017!!

My name is Dale Huyvaert and I have been a member of the Valparaiso community since 1989. 

I had the good fortune of meeting Ian a few years ago while he was training a small group of employees at Pines Village Retirement Community.  At the time, I did not view it as good fortune since I was not looking to start working out with a trainer.  I was just filling in one night when the group was short participants.  Showing up for that session has ended up being an excellent decision for my overall health.

Throughout my life, I had always been actively involved in sports and worked out by myself at home.  I assumed I was in good shape.  The first workout with Ian showed me that I was sadly mistaken.  The pain in my legs the next few days after that session at Pines Village was clearly a wake-up call.  I was nowhere near being in good shape, especially in my lower body.  My workout routine at home was just that, routine. 

I have been working out with Ian two times per week for the past few years and just signed up for three workouts per week under Pump’s new program.  The variety that Ian puts into each of his workouts and the small group format have been just what I need.  Plus, I have had the chance to meet a lot of very nice people at Pump’s and it is fun to watch them achieve goals and milestones (and share my pain J). 

I turned 50 in 2016 and feel like I am in the best overall shape that I have been in my life thanks to Ian, but I still have a lot of room to improve.  While I may be able to do a mean thirty seconds on the ropes, a round of heels to the heaven or a pike push-up is still a humbling experience.  That is ok.  With Ian’s help, I will continue to get a little stronger with each workout.

That is my story for now.  I look forward to working out with many of you in the future and hearing those words we all love to hear at the end of a good workout, DONE and DONE! 

Thanks Ian.               

Client Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON…… Shaun Olsen!

January 2017!!

My name is Shaun T. Olsen and you may know me, or you may know someone very like ‘me.’  I was the person who would run, but never really did it just to do it because it made me tired.  I was also the person who would never really lift weights because it made ‘my arms or legs hurt.’  However, if you told me to go play a soccer game or something, I could run for miles and not even notice it.  I know, I’m strange.

When I was younger, I was fairly active and I participated in a few sports and played the trombone in band and orchestras.  While I have struggled with weight over the years, the small level of activity helped keep me, somewhat, in shape.  However, as I got older and participated in less physical things, I started to take on a new ‘shape'.

Over the years, I tried to do some things to work on it. I’ve bought elliptical machines, rowers, a bow flex; I’ve tried diets; signed up for classes, etc... While I’ve gotten some benefit out of them, nothing has really gotten me over the hump.  Throughout all this, no matter what I did or how much I hated getting clothes at what I called ‘the FatMan Store,’ I didn’t know what to do and I just kind of gave up and started to get around 300 pounds.

Even after all the research and failed attempts at change, I never even realized that I simply didn't have the knowledge of how to really make the change.  Not too long ago though, I received an e-mail from Ian that said he was starting up a new class called the 14-day Fat Furnace. I thought I’d give it a go since I definitely had some fat to furnace.

The fat furnace was just under two months ago now, and I’ve worked with Ian since roughly 2 or 3 times a week since.  In that short amount of time, I’ve lost some weight, I feel much better, my blood pressure is consistently normal without a hint of hypertension, and my resting heart rate has gone from the medically polite version of not good to excellent.  Of course, those are the side benefits.  The big benefit is that I’ve gone down two pants sizes and a shirt size, so I got to go clothes shopping in ‘regular’ stores instead of ‘the FatMan Store!’ 

Normally at this point of starting something new I’d be frustrated by the lack of results and burned out, or close to it.  The difference now is I really like working out.  The frustration is realizing that I didn’t have to figure things out all on my own.  Just like learning a skill or trade, it is much quicker and less frustrating to have someone teach you the how and give you some hints to continue.  Working out with Ian has helped me move a huge distance in a surprisingly small amount of time. 

I am very thankful that Ian thought to send me that e-mail about the fat furnace.  If you know someone like the ‘old me,’ encourage them to find Ian, or their own ‘Ian,’ to help them move forward.  They will be immensely thankful for it!  

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: OCTOBER 2016

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Roz Jevtic!

October 2016!!

My Weight Loss Journey….

            If you asked me 5 months ago if I would be writing this about myself I would have thought it was never possible. Year after year, day after day, I would tell myself this is the day or this coming Monday my healthy lifestyle will start only, to be pushed to the next week or month. After trial and error and more error something finally clicked, I finally decided that my health was my wealth.

I started having major back problems in 2014 and literally spent a year and a half of my life basically lying in bed. I ate every meal standing for 10 months straight because I could never sit, couldn’t put my socks and shoes on and I could barely turn over when sleeping in bed. I went to this doctor, this specialist, or this hospital in hopes there would be one miracle shot or one miracle pill. I was told by a few doctors that I needed to lose weight which would be a tremendous help with my back problems. After a year and a half and 6 hospitals later I was diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and received a few rounds of steroid shots which seemed to alleviate the pain.

During this time I came across Pumps Fitness because of the RESET program that was offered and figured I could give it a try. This is where I met Ian Bowen and my life completely changed. After hearing the struggles Ian faced in his life with his own health, I realized how he turned tragedy into triumph. In the beginning days of meeting with Ian, I had days where I couldn’t even move or lift a leg, but somehow Ian managed to help me train with modified workouts. I had days where I wanted to give up and thought I was never going to get better, but Ian always reminded me that “I CAN” instead of “I can’t”.

Each week Ian would push me a little further and the weeks added up to months and today I am doing workouts I never thought were going to be possible. In the last 5 months I am down 55 pounds and feel like I literally have my life back. In September I actually completed a goal I set for myself to complete a 5K race each week of the month. I can say I would never have come this far if it wasn’t for Ian and his supportive and positive attitude. It’s funny to think I used to hate going to work out and now I look forward to seeing him and how he is going to challenge me. In the end it’s all worth it because I’m healthier inside and out and am proud of myself for how far I have come. I’m not done with my journey but I’m on a great path to get to my final goal and having Ian with me every step of the way makes my goal seem much more attainable.

 SPOTLIGHT ON……  Larry Jortner!

September 2016!!

                        BEFORE                      CURRENT!!

On many levels, I’ve had a good 55 years of life.  My blessings include good education, fulfilling employment and 20 years in Valparaiso with my wonderful wife Diane and the kids we have raised together.   However, even since early childhood (with one five year pause into normalcy between the end of high school to law school entry), I have been medically obese.  Then in 2001, the roof really fell in! 

In February, I had a major leg operation, followed by brother’s suicide in April and the total heartbreak of my native New York City on 9/11.  After a year of major depression, I gained almost 100 lbs. with my 5’8” body reaching 354.  All attempts at dieting were merely yo-yos, never letting me go below 290 and always ultimately returning me to about 335.  I was a prisoner of morbid obesity.

In early 2015, my wife started her successful weight loss plan and asked me to join her.  I initially refused to try her ‘fad diet’.  However, after horrible blood tests, (including sugar levels in diabetic range) and a doctor urging me to get bypass surgery because he thought I couldn’t lose weight any other way and was destined to a horrible near future; I changed my mind.  On Mother’s Day of 2015, I put on the tight-fitting, size 2X novelty tee shirt picture above and vowed: This is my ‘Before’ picture.  By diet alone, I managed to lose 45 lbs. by the end of October.

Only then, did Ian Bowen and Pumps enter the picture.  After winning two free, half-hour sessions at Pumps in a local promotional drawing; I actually went.  Ian had exactly the right temperament, encouragement and caring for me.  I have done weekly personal training with Ian ever since.  At first, I only wanted to avoid backsliding through the cold Midwest winter and those gluttonous holidays.  Instead, I lost 15 more pounds by February 2016.

My weight loss slowed through the rest of winter; but my strength, flexibility and health all improved.  I was afraid to do exercise outside of my weekly Pumps session until I reached 250 because I feared it would hurt my joints.  However, motivated by Ian’s insistence on maintaining good form and stuck in the mid-250s, I decided that I needed to exercise more to obtain new levels of success.  In addition to my wife, doctor and Ian, I added regular exercise at the Valpo YMCA.  After two weeks of regular group exercise, I kissed 250 goodbye.

Ian’s weekly personal training lessons in building a strong core, correct form and pushing the possible continue to inform all of my other workouts.   I have now lost 105 lbs. and am ready to cross into the 220's less than 1 ½ years after taking my ‘Before’ picture.  I now wear large tees, have lost 12 pants sizes and my doctor gives me ‘High Fives’ after good blood tests.

Pumps and Ian Bowen remain important partners in my continuing weight-loss and overall health journey.  People constantly say to me: Wow, you’ve really changed your lifestyle!  I tell them that now I finally live a lifestyle instead of a death spiral.  I’ve learned many hard and important lessons including that diet only changes the outside, and that lasting and healthy weight-loss success requires change from within; that regular exercise and picking the right partners are essential, and--oh yes--that strong really is the new thin! 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET STARTED:  http://www.pumpsfitnessinc.com