Success Stories . . .

Lose Fat– Get Fit Challenge September 2010 Results . . .

The focus of this Challenge is not simply to lose weight. The focus is on changing body composition, which involves maintaining or increasing lean muscle mass and losing only fat. Lean muscle helps to speed up metabolism and keep it running high so we can burn fat even when we are resting.

Below are the results from the ten individuals who lost the greatest number of inches during the Challenge. When the focus is on losing body fat and maintaining or increasing lean muscle mass, there may not be a great reduction in total body weight; however, as you can see, there definitely is a decrease in total inches lost all over the body.

Results

Congratulations to all of the participants but especially to those individuals who experienced a change in body composition that was accomplished through maintaining their lean muscle and losing excess fat.

 

Kelly S.

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Julie Carrique and the Kettlebell Club. After having two children in four years, I had let myself go, and felt like I had tried everything I knew – I was running three or four days per week and I was eating as healthfully as I knew how at the time – but I was stuck in a rut. Then I stumbled upon the Kettlebell Club. I started with one class per week and then twice per week, but it wasn't until I started doing the Challenge that my body really started to change. Julie's approach to fitness allows you to maximize your workout in a minimal amount of time. And her nutritional advice is easy to follow and gets you the results you want. Without her encouragement, support and enthusiasm I would have never been able to lose the twenty-five extra pounds I had been carrying around. And she's given me an even greater gift: the tools to remain healthy for life.

Kelly Before and After

Total lbs Lost: 26.6 lbs
Total Inches Lost: 28”
Body Fat %: Decreased by 10.7%
Metabolic Age: Decreased by 22 years

Stuart B.

I can’t deny the results... I workout daily, and was fairly happy with my own recent changes to my eating habits, but wasn’t seeing the results I wanted; on top of that, my cholesterol levels were borderline high. At 41 years of age, this was not where I wanted to be. All of that was about to change. I first met with Julie in April of 2011. She sat with me and created an eating plan that was designed to meet my goals of losing body fat, lowering my cholesterol levels and maintaining or gaining lean muscle mass.

When I first started on the eating plan Julie created for me I was 197 lbs with a cholesterol HDL ratio of 5.2, Triglyceride level of .87 mmol/L and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) levels of 46 U/L.

Julie introduced me to the ‘new normal’ world of clean eating and three months later, my weight had dropped to 179 lbs, my cholesterol HDL ratio had dropped to 3.7, Triglyceride level to .57 mmol/L and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) levels were cut in half to 23 U/L! 

Needless to say, I lost several inches off my waist and saw significant improvements in muscle definition.

I did all this while eating regularly and maintaining my workouts. I never lacked for food and although I occasionally craved a treat, Julie was prepared with health alternatives to keep me on track.

Thanks Julie, I really appreciate your taking the time to put together a personalized eating plan for me! I will definitely continue with the ‘new normal’ way of eating. Like I said, I can’t deny the results!

December 2010 April 2011 July 2011
  Typical eating plan. No real concern for portion control or sugars, fats and carbs.

No alcohol or tobacco		 Self administered eating plan with concious effort to reduce carbs, excess fats, switched to sweetener instead of sugar.

No alcohol or tobacco		 Strict eating plan designed by Julie Carrique.

No alcohol or tobacco
Total Bilirubin 10 umol / L 6 umol / L 14 umol / L
Aspartate Transaminase (AST) 49 U / L 46 U / L 23 U / L
Alanine Transaminase (ALT) 90 U / L 40 U / L 38 U / L 
Alkaline Phosphatase 85 U / L 88 U / L 86 U / L
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase 43 U / L 27 U / L 20 U / L
Total Cholesterol 5.65 mmol / L 4.25 mmol / L 3.53 mmol / L
LDL Cholesterol (Calculated) 3.64 mmol / L 3.04 mmol / L 2.31 mmol / L
HDL Cholesterol  1 mmol / L 0.81 mmol / L 0.96 mmol / L
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio 5.7 5.2 3.7
Triglycerides 2.23 mmol / L 0.87 mmol / L 0.57 mmol / L
Ferritin 368 ug / L 306 ug / L Unavailable

Throughout the nine months, I have been working out (mostlty weight training) on a regular basis. In December 2010, weight was fairly steady and occassionaly fluctuated between 200 lbs and 205 lbs. Strength was good with steady increases weekly.

At the end of April 2011, my weight had dropped to 197 lbs. Strength was still good.

By the end of July 2011, my weight dropped to 179 lbs. Significant improvement in muscle definition. Introduced some additional cardio, as a second workout per day. Waist line reduced approximately 4 inches

 

Denise M.

I was just settling in to send you a note when I saw your email.

The race was awesome - another PB!!!! My time was 1:46:41 (my previous PB was 1:48:03) and I placed 3rd in my age class out of 182!! I have placed in the top 3 in my age class in 5k and 10k races before but never in the longer distances. A better measure of this success is comparing this result to the half marathon I ran last October - my time in that race was 1:55:03 - that is almost a 9 minute improvement. My time is also good enough to earn me a guaranteed entry to the New York Marathon for 2012. I know it's a year and a half away but you can bet I will be there- it is number 1 on my marathon bucket list.

It is time for a couple of weeks of recovery before I start my summer training for my fall races. I have kept the weight off that I lost during the challenge - I might even be down another pound or so. I went to change into my spring wardrobe for work and discovered that nothing fits - everything is too big! I took some clothes to be altered and also had to go shopping.

I have a full slate of races planned for the fall, including a full marathon. Running a PB marathon - and /or a Boston Qualifier would just complete the cycle! I plan to train aggressively this summer and am convinced that I can do it because of the weight loss and dietary changes. I have re-gained much of my running fitness - and continue to improve.

I have met the goals that I set out for myself when I joined the challenge. The longer term goals of the fall races are yet to come.

Have a great summer if I don't see you.

Thanks again for your support and guidance. I'll be sure to let you know how the fall races go!

Total lbs Lost: 8.6 lbs
Total Inches Lost: 13 ¾”
Body Fat %: Decreased by 5%
Metabolic Age: 10 years

Julie B.

Hi Julie, Hope you had a great holiday. We enjoyed our cruise and I was happy that I was in such great shape to enjoy being on the beach J. You will be happy to hear that I did manage to work out on the ship too!

Total lbs lost: 8.6 lbs
Total inches lost: 11”
Body fat decreased by: 4.1%

Cheryll S.

After I was told by my doctor to lose weight due to higher blood sugar readings, I read an ad in the recreation brochure for Julie’s classes – lose fat – get fit – fast. It sounded good to me so I joined. In the past 7 months, I have lost 8.2 lbs and 15¼ inches and my sugar levels are normal. The classes are challenging and I am always glad I took the time to attend. Julie also worked with me to create a nutritional diet which I can maintain on a daily basis. She also told me I am the oldest participant – which proves that the classes can be done by people of all ages. Thanks Julie.

Total lbs lost: 8.2 lbs
Total inches lost: 15¼”
Body fat decreased by: 5.7%

Kim C.

The kettlebell training program has definitely improved my endurance/stamina and form in my long distance running. The strength training has been a definite asset to my overall fitness program. The additional nutritional support and guidance have also helped me target areas for improvement in my overall health and well being providing me with the tools to improve my fitness level. I would highly recommend the kettlebell training program to all those who want to get fit or improve their current level of fitness. It has definitely worked for me.

Total lbs lost: 14.8
Total inches lost: 17”
Body fat decreased by: 8%

Brenda N.

Had to get my prescription refilled so went to the DR last night. He was impressed !! with me – he noticed the weight loss and the inches He told me to keep up the fantastic job. I said thank you and said it was due to my marvelous instructor at kettlebell Toted your laurels about the exercise and the “life”style change you had us doing and continue to encourage us to follow Amazing what we do for a t- shirt.

Total lbs lost: 36.8
Total inches lost: 23¼”
Body fat decreased by: 4.2%
Member since: June 2008

Lorianne I.

The Kettlebell Club has been such a life changing experience for me. Classes are fun and challenging, I sweat as much in 30 minutes of Kettlebell as I do when I teach my 45-minute cycle fit class. I have seen incredible changes to my body over the past 3 months. I could never figure out why the women in some ads said they weighed the same as I did but they wore a size 6 and I was still a size 12. I now know why! My body looks toned and strong, including my arms. Julie has changed my diet, introduced me to new foods and made this experience simple. Kettlebell has given me the confidence to believe I can achieve anything I want in life as I gear up for my first marathon next year on my 50th birthday! See you at the finish line.

Total lbs lost: 22.2
Total inches lost: 34.5
Body fat decreased by: 6%

Tracy V.

I tell everyone I used to exercise every morning 5 days a week for over a year with very little change. Now that I have been going to kettlebell 3 mornings a week for the past 5 months, I have seen a noticeable change (weight loss and clothes getting baggy). Even my daughter said to me, “Hey Mom, you are getting abs!! " I was at the same weight for a really long time, so the fact that I lost 5 lbs was great! I credit this to Julie’s guidance to proper form (little things that make a huge difference) and slight nutritional changes. I also commend her on the Nutrition Challenge and Fitness Challenges she offers. They are very motivational and no extra cost.

Total lbs lost: 5.2
Total inches lost: 13"
Body fat decreased by: 2.3%

 

What Julie’s Clients Are Saying . . .

Thanks for your encouragement Julie! You are the best! This is the highest level of consistency that I have ever maintained. I have never felt better! Physically or mentally! I know I have mentioned it before, but again, thank YOU for providing a terrific club! It is greatly appreciated! See you tomorrow.

Jenny A.

Hey Julie I just wanted to touch base with you since I haven't spoken to you for awhile. I would like to start off by saying thank you!!! I feel so much better, I can see the changes in my body and I can actually say I like my body now! That is one of the hardest things I have ever done, probably my whole life!!! I actually like my body!!! of course there are still things that I would love to change but everyone has those, but at least I'm not hating my body or my self...That's huge! I haven't weighed my self for awhile but I'm ok with that, my SKINNY clothes fit and fit comfortably now, and my clothes that should be a little lose are lose! So I just wanted you to know how happy I am and how much you have helped me, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Jen L.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for her time, thoughtfulness and direction. When I first met Julie I thought that I was eating healthy only to find out that what I thought was healthy required tweaking. Julie took the time to educate me on the proper foods to fuel my body. Since seeing Julie I have met my weight goal and have successfully completed three ½ marathons. Julie, thanks for all your support, you are truly an inspiration. Thanks.

Anne L.

I can’t begin to say how thrilled I am with the advice and direction I received from Julie. Julie’s approach was totally wholistic - it addressed both my fitness goals and my nutrition. I really love the kettlebell workouts that Julie designed for me. It’s effective, efficient and most of all it’s fun! I have lost over 18lbs of fat and gained 6lbs of lean muscle mass in the first 2 months!

Training with you has been great! You offer the complete package – nutrition and exercise, plus you have a family of your own so you understand the nutritional challenges that families face today. I tell everyone about you!

Thank you so much for helping me change my lifestyle. I am so excited with the results I have achieved by combining your nutrition guidance with kettlebell training. So far I have lost 47 lbs and 47½ inches plus my blood pressure medication has been reduced by 75%! The best thing is, I can see how my lifestyle habits have changed, and I feel great! Thank you again Julie for all your hard work and support - you make it fun, challenging and exciting. I couldn't ask for a better teacher!

When I came to see you I felt somewhat desperate - how was I going to run my first marathon at my current weight and with my current eating habits. You listened to my needs and developed a nutrition plan that complimented my lifestyle and training requirements. Through your guidance and my hard work I was able to achieve my goals: to improve my eating habits, lose some weight and run my first Marathon. I have found a new love of food and continue to strive for new athletic goals. I feel better, look better and have a renewed sense of confidence.

Virtually all of my irritable bowel symptoms are gone thanks to the information you provided and the eating plan you created for me. Thank you!

I eat healthy and exercise regularly but still something was missing. Julie made up a new food program for me, and what a difference! I feel great. I have stamina all day long and no fatigue. She has done a great job for me. I would highly recommend Julie to anyone who would like to improve their health.