eMbody Team Members Vote on Your Favorite Story!

This past month, we asked our members to tell us about their eMbody Fitness success story - big or small.  We would like to thank all of our members who submitted their stories.  The stories were incredible!  It was a tough decision but our eMbody Fitness team members voted and picked their top 2 stories.  Now we want you - our club members to pick your favorite!  The winner will receive a $250 gift certificate for the Healthy Butcher.  
​
Here are the finalists.  

DEADLINE TO VOTE:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD!
STORY 1 - ​ Andrea A.
This isn't a "body after baby" success story. It's a "mind-body balance" after baby" story. When my beautiful one-year-old son died of a freak infection, four days after my maternity leave was finished, I truly thought I'd never be happy again. Miraculously, Sam arrived two years later, when I was 42 (!). My body held so much pain, from the years of loss, grief and then birth. I'm so fortunate that I took a chance and joined Embody. It's testament to the extraordinary yoga and fitness teachers here, who've I've been practicing with for eight years now. In that time I've completely realigned the structure of my legs and lower back, especially becoming conscious of the way I hold tension; I'm still working on my upper back :-) Anyone who's had traumatic loss knows that all the shock and pain is stored in the body and I'm so supremely grateful to have benefited from the slow, quiet, mindful journey to a place of physical and mental comfort. I'm blessed to have my miracle child, after a journey of infertility, then tragedy. But I'm also equally blessed to have gained a yoga practice and the excellent instructors Embody selects. Now I've got such remarkable tools to steer me through life's obstacles and unforeseen challenges.
STORY 2 - ​Dave K.​
​I recently went on a date with a woman who likes to work out a lot. On the date, when she told me she likes a guy who exercises, I smiled and nodded my head to suggest that I do… I don’t. It worried me because I was developing a crush on her.

Historically, my attempts at becoming a person who exercises have fallen flat. I once worked out in a friend’s new house in a bare empty bedroom following an exercise video playing on an iPad on the floor – it was very basic. I once worked out in another friend’s parent’s basement tiny side room following a routine on a tiny iPhone screen – it was pathetic. I once worked out in a busy gym with a friend who acted like a drill sergeant and treated me like a fresh army recruit – it was embarrassing. Needless to say, none of it worked out… but I did try.

Not long ago, my sister told me about eMbody Fitness. I work in production, so my hours vary. She described me being able to make my own hours, and that appealed to me. So with this new crush being the new motivation, and no excuse about the hours, I decided to give it a shot.

I know this will sound like a paid Ad, but it is not… eMbody Fitness was love at first sight. I show up at midnight and the entire place lights up just for little ol’ me. It’s always clean and nice. The music is right on point. I can grunt as loud as I need to and not feel embarrassed. When I do run in to other people, they’re friendly and respectful. The entire experience is perfect, right down to the endless fresh towels and key fob entry. It couldn’t have been designed better. I know they have classes and traffic during the day, but I feel like I have my own “secret” experience at night and I love that. It has literally changed my life.

But what’s more important than me now being a “guy who works out”, and having this new healthy routine in my life… a couple weeks ago, the woman I’ve been going on these dates with mentioned how nice my arms are, not knowing that I only started after our first date. Maybe if this story gets published, I’ll send it to her and come clean. Not to mention, if I do win the 2 week VIP membership, you better believe who I’m inviting to use it ;)

I recently met the guy from the Old Spice commercials, and after telling him this story and comparing abs, he told me to thank my gym, so Thank You eMbody! 
STORY 3 - ​Melodie H.
​I am at Embody almost every day. As a cancer survivor, and having had two broken arms all within a two year span, I have put myself into the hands of the wonderful, knowledgeable teachers, who have modified their classes for me every step of the way, including during radiation. I am healthy, happy, strong and confident. My recovery has been partly due to the competence and kindness of my teachers at Embody. As a bonus, the social aspect of the club has done the world of good for me, and I cannot thank Embody enough .

STORY 4 - ​Veronica A.
​In 2016 I joined eMbody! With hardly any knowledge, intimidated and eager to dive in to the GYM world. I was introduced to Andy Smith and my journey started! He slowly started training me and I got more and more intrigued ... he inspired me everyday and scared me too 😱😂...
But I was showing up day after day.  It felt like I had a purpose, I was introduced to a whole new ME!  I wanted to learn, I began to feel empowered and with a desire to set goals, goals that belonged to me and about me! I am a mom , friend , sister and many things to other people BUT this was about ME. About rediscovering who I AM!

And slowly my fitness journey began, I asked every question I could, to Andy, to Lance to Debrah and everyone in and outside of embody and thanks to this I decided to switch careers from the marketing world to the Fitness industry. I have never been happier! I became operations manager at Rocket Cycle and became even more dedicated to my fitness journey.

Having embody is having a second home. I’ve become my better me, I feel in control, empowered and stronger everyday! I was seating goals and accomplished my first 200km cycling ride in 2018.  My body has definitely changed in the last 3 1/2 years and I’m working towards bigger goals for 2020.  I will be 50 in 2020 and this journey has thought me it is NEVER to late to start and feel the best you’ve ever felt. No matter the age it’s mostly about your desire to move forward , dedication, consistency and the desire to feel your very best!
I have gained confidence, self control, greater happiness!

​So my success is not that I have achieved a ONE thing , my success is my everyday dedication to my health! Try it, you will never look back!!!!

Thanks to the eMbody team!!!

STORY 5 - ​Sid f.
I have been greatly enjoying my Embody membership. Working with Domenic, I have been able to eliminate multiple sources of chronic pain, lose 25 pounds and reduce my total body fat percentage substantially. More important, I have been able to incorporate exercise into my regular weekly routine, feel stronger, have more energy and look forward to working out as a wonderful stress reliever.
STORY 6 - ​Rosanne H.
 I’d like to share my story.  I’ve belonged to a gym my entire adult life. I’ve always been active and love outdoor sports. I’ve enjoyed good health and found it easy to stay fit.  That is, until I reached my early fifties. My inconsistent work outs and undisciplined eating habits were catching up with me. It was around this time that I joined eMbody. I love being a part of my neighbourhood gym. The classes are excellent and I’ve made new friends.

For me, the best thing about eMbody has been training with Debra Basch. She’s helped me to prioritize my health and push myself. Deb is an incredible role model. I admire her professionalism and dedication to her goals. Her nutritional advice is helping me to develop lifelong good habits.

I’m thrilled to be an eMbody member and to work with such an outstanding trainer. I know the result for me is a happier and longer life. I’m very grateful.

STORY 7 - ​karen W.
I have always been an active fit person. About 6 years ago, when I turned 50 I started to have difficulty with various joint injuries including an episode of chronic low back pain 2 years ago. I was feeling very discouraged and sad about the changes in my ability to enjoy physical activity. Over the past, 2 years Embody has helped me greatly. I have lost 20+ pounds, feel much stronger, and experiencing much less muscular pain. If the back pain recurs, I have strategies to manage it. This was accomplished by adding weight training and core strengthening with the help of some sessions with Domenic. I now can work independently as he taught me a lot of new skills to work out safely. Once again, I am enjoying an active lifestyle. Thank you Domenic and eMbody!
STORY 8 - ​judi u.
I have been a member of embody fitness since its conception in March 2010. I have been devoted to working out with inspiration from the embody team embracing all the diet and workout/ classes and advice. All the members have been inspirational and I have lost 28 pounds not to mention keeping it off! I am a walking advertisement! I have referred many people to the club and they have been loyal as well. I have also worked through some tennis injuries with the help of some specifically targeted exercises. I have nothing but praise for this club and a special mention to roger and Teresita and Domenic who constantly gives me very helpful tips even if I’m just on my way in or out of the club. I also want to thank administration for helping with packages for charities that I am involved with such as thyroid/ head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer and other various fundraising groups. eMbody fitness club is a part of my life that I would share with everyone! 
STORY 9 - ​deanna M.
Debra has taught me so much about health and wellness over the years. Important things like how to fuel my body with the appropriate mix of macronutrients & strength training to achieve lean muscle mass and endurance. I constantly learn from her and when I feel stuck, she helps me pivot to get to the next level. She is encouraging and inspiring and I’m very grateful to have her as a coach and mentor.
STORY 10 - ​marlene B.
It’s the best way I can describe Debra Basch and the progress I have made with her over the years. I have always been relatively fit – however, “fit” for me meant undereating and lots of cardio. I have trained with Debra over a relatively long period of time – but one day of weight training, no matter how hard I work, is not going to get the results. In the last 6 months, I have come to understand a lot about food intake, weight training and body shape and how they all come together. I could not have done that if I did not trust Debra fully. I have had the privilege of increasing my training sessions from once a week to twice a week since June, 2019 and it has been nothing short of amazing! Debra really understands my personal fitness goals and has continually catered the exercises and diet plan to suit my needs. In the last 6 months I have decreased my cardio, bumped up my strength training to 5 days a week (twice with Debra and 3 times on my own) and have learned how to eat! She pushes me each session and has continuously challenged me. I am always amazed at the fact that the stronger I am, the weaker I feel. Debra is a role model and an inspiration. She lives what she preaches – and whatever your goals are she can help you get there. Just trust Debra and be “honest” – you can not cheat – if you do, you will not get the results. In the last 3 months I have truly changed my body. I am leaner and have muscles that are more defined. I am not even close to done – I still have so much more to go and am excited about getting there with Debra! Thank you Debra!
STORY 11 - ​samantha L.
​It was January 2012, I was in my early 40s, 50 pounds overweight, had just had my third baby and had been struggling with my weight since childhood. Enter Debra Basch and her ReShape program. The ReShape program was a combination of training and nutrition. I had always been great at the workout part but I struggled with my diet. During this program I became accountable for everything that I ate. That was the key that unlocked my ability to lose the weight. After one year, I had lost the weight. I followed Debra’s program several years but eventually fell off the wagon and gained back 30 of the 50 pounds I had lost. I re-committed to the process in May 2018. With Debra’s training and nutrition advice, I was able to lose the weight but most importantly decrease my percentage of body fat from over 30% to under 25% for the first time in my life. I am now in the best shape I have ever been in.
STORY 12 - ​Dahlia K.
Overcoming a recent bout with my autoimmune disease, I was weak and slowly regaining my appetite (for not just food, but activity and life in general).  Working with trainer Teri, I was able to build my strength and endurance as well as posture and joint health while dramatically improving my balance and Body composition with just two to three sessions a week in just one month.  I' m so proud of myself!
STORY 13 ​ - - marilyn
Returning to working out has been difficult but necessary for 2 reasons - health and personal.  Over the last couple of months I have decreased my stress and gained peace from working out.  It takes strength to show up and continue to build "strength" from weights - I have gained a new perspective about life - which in combination with my workouts will ultimately help me lose weight and get my health back on track.