Monthly Client Spotlight!

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Nicole Blaschke!

February 2018

It’s Not Just About the Weight

My journey to fitness is 6 months in the making. Before this I had countless "failed" attempts to regain control; take my life back, get off medicine, be more active, eat healthier, and make better choices. WOW!!! That seems so overwhelming to read those words back to myself. So many of us know the steps and what it takes but still we continue to read numerous articles, pin way too many Pinterest diets, exercises and ways to plan for our fitness success but in the end we still choose to live the same way. Living the same way I had for the past 20 years. Man how time flies!!!! Looking back I see all the times I swore this time would be different and this would be the time the change would stick only to find weeks later and often times only days later, myself eating to numb the pain of another failure. Hi my name is Nicole. I'm 38, a wife, a mother, and in the process of being a healed emotional eater. 

The sting of failure, the fear of success dictated my life until May of 2017 when a switch was flipped. From May to July my fitness journey had nothing to do with physical fitness and everything to do with mental fitness. We talk ourselves out of so much in life and more quickly than we even realize. These 2 months were a reconditioning of the mind. Speaking words of encouragement and worthiness. All the things we say to our best friends, family and co-workers but never to ourselves. We are our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up. We are relentless and unforgiving. And ultimately ruin our chance of breaking the cycle without even being fully aware of the patterns. I knew if there was any chance of breaking the chains of emotional eating, this had to be addressed head on. The process was difficult, gut wrenching, empowering and very possible all at the same time. This “time” would end up being the best foundation and choice I could've made to prior to coming to Pumps Fitness. 

July 2017 I began working out with Ian. As any mom, I had guilt taking that time for myself, spending that money on myself. Until I realized I too was an investment! Taking that next step in my fitness journey was just as much about my kids, my husband, family, and friends as it was for me. It was the first time I made my health a priority. As I continue my journey I cannot say enough about the Pumps Fitness family and the unconditional support I have received and the healthy environment to process the raw and real emotion that comes with shedding not just the weight but also the baggage of the past that got me to where I was. I have achieved goals within the last 7 months that are beyond anything I could have imagined. 

Through all of this I've learned this journey is a mind set…an intentional choice. A mindset that must be in place from the moment you wake up, until the moment you close your eyes. We are truly remarkable beings. We are more capable of overcoming the challenges of life, our childhood, our past, and make it through the other side better for all of it.  What we see as a weakness in ourselves will become our strength when we accept and realize that those weaknesses do not define us, but actually serve a powerful purpose in fueling each of us to be better. Anything is possible!

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!!!!!

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.

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!  

 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

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Kori Howard!

June 2016!!

                                     BEFORE                                 AFTER

Kori is a teenager who resides in Valparaiso with her family.  The following are comments from her biggest fan; her mother!

            “After years of getting little to no physical therapy for a mobility issue, we finally decided to try something different.  After researching for a month, looking at credentials and testimonials of different places in NW Indiana, Pumps Fitness was chosen.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was hoping that Kori would build enough strength in her legs so that she could run normally and become stable enough to walk without being clumsy.

Ian has far exceeded my expectations!  Kori now runs normally and can pass her PT tests.  The turning point for me was when I saw her jumping rope.  I just cried.  She has never been coordinated enough to do that!  This achievement came after only a few months of coming twice a week. 

Ian has been so pleasant and fun for my daughter.  She loves coming here and being challenged. 

The best and most unexpected benefit of all has been that Kori has lost almost 40 pounds and now we have to buy all new clothes because they are all falling off of her.  What a wonderful problem to have!

Thank you for everything!”

Kathy (Kori’s Mom)

Client Spotlight!!

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Ashley Wells!

May 2016!!

My name is Ashley Wells and I’m 25 years old. I moved to Valparaiso almost a year ago from Wisconsin to start a new job and be with my soon-to-be husband Bryan. I have always been an active individual until the weight of my college courses got the best of me. I struggled with stress and anxiety and started to look down on how I looked. To remain active I have joined gyms like Anytime Fitness and did the occasional yoga classes in college but trying to obtain a nursing degree at the time can make it hard to be motivated for anything else.

A couple months after moving Valparaiso a co-worker referred me to PUMPS where I soon met Ian. I told him it wasn’t a matter of me not being able to do it by myself to lose weight or workout in general but to continue to be motivated and stay committed. I wanted to workout right and focus on being healthy. As a nurse working all kinds of hours and for 16+ at a time it can be hard to maintain a well-balanced diet let alone a workout schedule.

Beginning to train with Ian was tough. I didn’t know what to expect and knew I would be pushed to all kinds of limits. I have never lifted weights and cardio is my worst enemy but the small results I see are worth it. I still get frustrated not seeing the results right away but it takes time and the slow changes are happening. I have only been with PUMPS for 8 months and I have been able to gain muscle, lose inches, and manage my stress. I still have a long way to go but I joined PUMPS to focus on my health and get me to a better and happier place.

I forget to treat my body well and I have set a goal to workout 3 times a week with Ian and will continue to do so to improve my overall health. I recently obtained my Masters so my stress levels were not helping to staying motivated but I never gave up and Ian would not let me. He has been a great support aside from my family and loved ones and I look forward to continuing to achieve my goals. I hope to transform myself physically and mentally by next year. My goal is to attend a Yoga or Pilates class at PUMPS and improve on workout routines so I am able to be committed on the days I am not working out with Ian.

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Karen Welch!

APRIL 2016

Karen Welch was an athlete in high school and enjoyed exercising and staying active.  She always had some issues with her back/hip, but never really knew why or what caused them.  Physical therapy helped throughout the years but for some reason, the problem kept coming back.

She started taking Reformer Pilates at Pumps Fitness in 2014.  After about 6 months, she realized her back/hip pain had minimized, with less and less trips for physical therapy.  She learned that strengthening her core was the key.  In January 2016, she tried RESET with Ian.  With RESET, she gained even more mobility. 

February Client Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Anne Stasik!

FEBRUARY 2016

“If you don’t challenge yourself, you will never realize what you can become”

Hello, my name is Anne Stasik; I am twenty-five years old and work for Pratt Industries Midwest Recycling Division.

Growing up I was always active – but I didn’t always eat correctly (I’ll blame my sugar tooth).  While in college, the time that I had available to work out was at a bare minimum and I hadn’t changed my eating habits. Fast forward to my junior year I was unhappy and at my highest weight. I was embarrassed at the weight I had gained and with a little push from my mother, decided to make a change. I improved my eating habits and joined Curves, a gym that was centered on women.

After graduation, I moved back home and relocated to the Curves here in Valpo. After its closing I chose to become a member of the YMCA.  Although I love the variety, I never felt that I was getting the most out of my workouts and drifted towards taking classes such as Zumba fitness instead.

I met my wonderful Pumps trainer Kim through a close friend (Erin Underwood - you might remember her from last February’s spotlight) and she urged me to try a session. As I was already a member of the YMCA I was hesitant of joining another gym, however when I started to see the changes in Erin, and how happy she was with this location– I started to rethink my option of joining.

With various injuries in my past - Kim has helped me overcome them and I’m getting stronger every day.  Fast-forward almost a year later since I’ve joined Pumps and I’m less than ten pounds from my UGW.  I am thankful every day to have someone like Kim to motivate me and push me to be my very best. It is because of her and the team at Pumps that I am where I am on my fitness journey. This has been a lifestyle change and one that I’m not planning to give up any time soon.

Monthly Client Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON……  Lissa Yogan!

JANUARY 2016

Seven Months, Thirty Pounds, & A Body I Don’t Recognize.

I don’t think I’m very unique.  I’m decidedly middle-aged, a wife, a mother, an employee, a sister, a daughter etc.  I stress eat, love sweets – REALLY love sweets, always was busy and on-the-go, and thought I was doing fine since I walked regularly and tried to eat a fair amount of fruits and vegetables.

Then I accompanied a friend to this program called “Healthy Conscience”.  I honestly thought I’d do it to be a good friend and try some new exercises since I had had a lot of running related issues during the past year.  I didn’t expect to learn much.  At the same time, I enrolled in Weight Watchers – again thinking I wouldn’t learn much but that it might be good to be held accountable.  We weighed in at Healthy Conscience also.  My weight shocked me!  I was the heaviest I’d ever been which led to insight one – I’m quite capable of living in denial!

I am competitive and learned that I am also motivated by external rewards.  The Healthy Conscience program was a blast!  I loved the gentle teasing that motivated me to keep going.  I loved the one-on-one instruction provided by Ian and Michelle.  I learned a great deal and was quickly humbled when I realized I could hardly jump anymore! – even a jumping jack was hard.  Egads!  How much denial had I been living in?  (A great deal I learned….:O)   Ian asked us our goal at the first class and I said I’d like to lose 10 pounds.  He said, “You’d like to?  Or you’re going to?”.  I said I would.  At the last weigh-in, I hit 10 pounds exactly and won.  I re-enrolled because I just loved the exercises (they change all the time and I loved the variety and way that my body responded.  I could see it getting stronger and more flexible).  Mari Hahn helped me understand some of my stress reactions, the role of my adrenal glands, the need for massage and stretching etc.   After completing the second 5-week program I decided to go out on my own. 

My workout routine evolved to taking a class from Michelle, a class from Ian, and learning Pilates on the reformer with another pumps instructor, Mary Olsen.  Mary was a lifesaver in terms of helping me recover from a frozen shoulder.  She gently showed me how to turn, how to stretch, how to tighten my core and pay attention to the many muscles in my body.  Once I got into an acceptable weight range – I began to run again – slowly!  I started with walk four minutes, run one minute for a total of 30 minutes.  Today I can run 5 miles without stopping!  I work out at Pumps 3 times a week, I run 3 times a week and do Pilates stretching after every run.  I cut out sugar – I am an addict and learned that I do better if I just don’t have it.  On Dec. 20^th, I weighed in – 30 pounds lighter than my weight on May 20^th!  I reached my goal.  I don’t really recognize myself when I look in the mirror.  My body is shaped differently now; I’m stronger and leaner.  I have tons of energy and love my new routines.  If I did it – anyone can!