TDC Winner: Lance Merrien

We just wrapped up our third TakeDown Challenge, and the results are staggering. Altogether, the participants lost a total of 512 pounds (...and counting!). The challenge is a nutrition initiative, but includes a fitness component as well to focus on healthy habits and implementing a healthier lifestyle for long term health and weight loss. This go-around, we had our first male winner, losing 23 pounds of fat, 8.8% of his body fat percentage, and gaining 3 pounds of lean muscle mass was Lance Merrien. 

Word of Wisdom from the 2016 Fall TDC Winner: 

"I signed up for the TakeDown Challenge because I was tired of my clothes not fitting and feeling so lethargic all of the time. I really just needed a boost to get me going. Thanks to the amazing group of people at Encompass Fitness Studio and the support of all of the participants, everything became an entire lifestyle transformation.

The meals and recipes were delicious, and I never felt deprived. I loved that the program didn't restrict anything. Now, I have tons of energy, and I am considering doing a Spartan race next spring."

Lance's #1 Fitness Tip:

Stick with it. I got discouraged that I had no results after week one. It's definitely a commitment, but habits can be made in 4-5 weeks so what seems so hard at first isn't even a second thought by the end. The best part was really the change in me, both physically and emotionally. Once my energy started to come back during the program I started enjoying the classes more, pushing myself harder, and loving it all. Yay Burpees!!  (editor's note: Lance really did write that. No editing here.) 

Lance Merrien, collecting his winning prize from Encompass CEO Brady Johnson.  Lance won a month of Small Group Personal Training, and a care package from Rodan and Fields, and has graciously decided to donate both prizes to a greater cause. Read below to see how you can contribute, or be the 'winner' of his prize. 

Health for Haiti

"The Challenge alone already has me well on my way to achieving my goals, so I wanted to do something that would give back, and help another person to achieve their goals as well. I have decided to auction off my winnings and donate the proceeds to the victims of the Haiti Hurricane. My church is really involved with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, and I saw this as another opportunity to help." - Lance Merrien, Fall 2016 TDC Winner

To learn more about how you can bid on Lance's prizes, valued at over $500.00, contact Lance at haitiauction@outlook.com. 

November Member of the Month: Patti Mowchenko

We are so excited to recognize Patti Mowchenko as the November Member of the Month.

Over the past six months Patti has gotten herself out of a four year slump. She was slowly adding more pounds to the scale, despite her attempts to starve herself. She wasn't comfortable in her skin. Now looking back, Patti says that what she thought was a weight issue... she now knows was a fitness issue. When Patti started at Encompass Fitness 6 months ago, her goal was to loose 10 pounds. 

 Patti originally joined Encompass Fitness in May by participating in the May TakeDown Challenge. Since then, Patti has lost 10 pounds, and participated in two 5km running events, despite never considering herself a runner. Patti has successfully discovered her potential, and has never felt better.

We asked Patti to share with us some highlights from her transformation over the past six months and how she achieved her goals. 

"I believe the TDC helped me reach my weight goals. Joining Encompass and participating in weekly classes helped me feel better about myself. My confidence is at an all time high and I am proud that I have scheduled time for me in my busy life."

Patti says that her favourite thing about Encompass is the family feeling. "I love the atmosphere and accountability. I never miss a class as I truly feel that if I do I would be missed. I feel so much acceptance and encouragement with my Encompass family." 

Although Patti's original goal was scale focused, she I just completed her first 5k (running, not walking), and her goal for next year is to finish her first 10k. "I never considered myself a runner and thought I wasn't capable of running any sort of distance. Now I know I can do it!"

Patti has been an asset to the group classes, and so positive and encouraging in the TakeDown Challenge. We can't wait to see what the next year brings, and to see her cross that 10k finish line.

Congratulations, Patti! 

““I have loved my experience and can’t imagine my life with out encompass fitness being a part of it””

— Patti M.

TakeDown Challenge Winner: Kandyce Meili

Kandyce Meili (left) the winner our of May TakeDown Challenge receiving her award of one month of personal training and a Shaklee care package from Encompass Fitness Owner Brady Johnson (right). 

Our second TakeDown Challenge has come and gone; with much success. The 'TDC', a 28-day introductory program includes menu's, recipes, and perfectly portioned meals for each participant. Since the beginning of the year, with 2 separate TakeDown Challenges, participants have lost over 450 pounds. Nutrition attributes to much of this success, and the results of our participants, as well as our winner, Kandyce Meili, speak for themselves. 

Giving birth to her son less than 5 months ago, Kandyce was ready to get back on track and make a change. As a mother of four, Kandyce signed up for the TakeDown Challenge with the long term goal of getting back to her pre-children weight, and a short term goal of losing 15 pounds. As a busy mom, Kandyce said it was time for her to do something for herself.

Over the challenge, Kandyce lost 18.1 pounds, 6 inches, and 7.5% of her overall body weight, winning her a month of personal training at Encompass Fitness and a Shaklee gift basket. Kandyce has surpassed her original goals, and has set bigger and better goals, including a future half-marathon. 

"I loved the TDC. It was so easy to follow, and the recipes and suggestions allowed me to follow the program without having to think. All I can say is, I feel great and the program just really works"

On behalf of Encompass Fitness, we would like to thank our TDC partners, Sobeys, who allowed us to label all ingredients on our menu to make them easy to find, as well as the Flat's Eatery who offered our participants a TDC approved menu - with the correct portion sizes for each individual (still available today). Having these partnerships allowed our challengers to be successful with the program, and still enjoy life.

That's what our programs are all about - Balanced Habits.

Click here to learn more about the TDC, and how you could be our next winner this Fall! 

               TDC winner Kandyce, before (left) and after (right).