I first joined Encompass to gain strength in my legs after undergoing knee replacement surgery 2 years ago. I was struggling just to climb the stairs at my workplace and had to pull myself up using the railing. Now, after a year of coming to classes and doing the Kickstart and Life programs, my life has changed so much that I can carry my 1-year-old grandson up the stairs… without the railing!  To some, this may seem minor, but to me this is a tremendous achievement.  It’s all thanks to the encouragement I received at Encompass. 

Starting a program can be intimidating.  But at Encompass the coaches make it work for everyone, regardless of your ability level.  You don’t need to be “in shape” to start coming here!  The Encompass family cheers you on and motivates you and the intimidation quickly fades. No one is left out at Encompass. My workout partner, Wanita, was a great motivator and influence to me. I saw how she pushed herself and what she was capable of, and I wanted to be able to do the same.

After working out at Encompass for a few months, I participated in the Kickstart program. I had such success that I then transitioned to the 6-month LIFE program. Little did I know I would “gain” so much more than seeing a decreasing number on the scale.  The best thing about the program is how easy it is to follow, the options to have to eat, and the recipes. You can eat something different every day if you choose to and you don’t have to cut foods or have to be eating salads three meals a day. Plus, the material and information you are provided helps you stay on track.  Sometimes the food was so good that I felt like I was cheating, but when I looked back at my journal, it was a balanced meal. I was amazed that I could still eat things like spaghetti and meat sauce, and that it wasn’t an indulgence but a part of a balanced program and lifestyle.

The most important concept I learned through my time at Encompass is that the number on the scale is just a number, it really has no meaning.  To date, the scale states that I’m only down 16 pounds, which can be discouraging from all the work I’ve put in.  But in reality here are my results:

Total fat lost – 31.2 pounds
Total inches lost – 18
Body Fat percentage lost – 13%

This just proves that the scale is just a number!

The coaches push you hard at workouts, but it’s for your own benefit and never beyond your abilities. With my knee limitation, doing box jumps hadn’t been in the cards… until I mentioned this could be a new goal for me to achieve. My next session, Coach Kim had me try a “very small” box jump, but nonetheless, they were still a box jumps.  Partway through, I noticed Kim smiling.  Once I was done the round, she said she had goose-bumps seeing my accomplishment and   When I looked at her, there were tears in her eyes.  The coaches at Encompass really do care about the accomplishments of everyone (even Coach Alex!). 

I feel healthier, stronger, and am so proud of what I've accomplished this past year.  I’m so amazed at the little things I can do now – put on a pair of socks without holding onto something, play with my grandkids, and even carrying groceries is easier. None of this would be possible without the support at Encompass. Encompass, KickStart and the LIFE program have changed my way of thinking about weight loss and exercise and I would strongly recommend it to anyone. I used to dislike the idea of exercise, now I miss it when I can’t be there, and I’ve even taken exercise equipment camping with me. How things have changed!

Set your goals and just go for it!!!