Elite Physiques Success Stories

We are incredibly proud of our client's achievements. Hard work and dedication has paid off, leaving some magnificent results in health, attitude, looks, and energy levels.  Here are a few we'd like to share.  Perhaps these amazing people can help motivate you to a healthy change. 

Lisa Schingledecker

Rebecca

Clingman’s Dome is one of the highest mountains of the Great Smokies.  Near the top of Clingman’s Dome is a 1/2 mile trail that leads to an observation platform. Although I’ve hiked this trail before — when I was in elementary school and again while I was in high school, I would not have considered this 30-40 minute uphill walk 2 to 3 years ago. On 6/10/06, my parents, who are in their 70s, and I made it to the top with relative ease. By walking at half our normal pace, we were able to make the uphill climb while talking. Those that passed us were huffing and puffing. We weren’t. Like the tortoise, we weren’t rushing toward the finish, just making consistent progress at our own speed.  Some of the hares that raced past us gave up midway, complaining it was too hard.

Working with Carla over the past year and a half has helped regain the strength and stamina to do simple things like walk my Labrador Retriever, plant shrubs and perennials, and carry stacks of heavy books up the stairs without feeling exhausted or getting achy or sore.  Now, I have tackled Clingman’s Dome and hope to hike part of the Grand Canyon someday. I am thankful to awaken every morning with energy and without pain.  

Having Carla plan and watch my every move has been an essential part of my success in that I have strengthened my core without injuring myself from overdoing or improperly doing. I was so emotionally and physically unfit when I started working with Carla.  I am thankful that I have not only ended my downward spiral, but I have made remarkable progress. It’s a great feeling!

The moral of the story: it’s okay to be the tortoise.
 

I am not one of the dramatic before-and-after pictures, but in my own way, I am something of a transformation case.

Transformed attitude, behavior, body.

I actually started training for fun, with virtually no expectations. Then I began seeing some surprising and pleasing results. That certainly galvanized my commitment to workouts!  I began believing what my trainers told me, too.

After awhile, I began to implement other changes to support my training, like doing homework and eating more strategically.  It's not rocket science...so, after a year and a half, I have much to show for my efforts. I've lost a few pounds; and reshaping my body; have visible muscles; and am much stronger.

My short-term goal is to be petite but bruiser-esque.  My long-term goal is to be training partners with my niece twenty years from now, when she'll be 25 and I'll be 71.

Love and thanks to Sherry for making Elite Physiques a welcoming place; to the trainers who've invested time and effort in me; and especially to Will for his work with me. At some point, it became impossible to distinguish where his reminders to me left off, and my own reminders to myself began, to "SUCK IN YOUR ABS."

Jerry Merrit

About six years ago, I found Elite Physiques and Sherry Macdonald.  I was at my poorest physical point, and I could barely lift 5 pounds over my head because of a shoulder injury.  When I was a catcher in college I injured my shoulder and had 2 knee surgeries.  Sherry help me rehabilitate my knees and shoulder, and now I can press 90-pound dumbbells!  She also helped me improve my diet and increase my lean muscle mass.  My body fat has gone from 17% to 12%.  Sherry Macdonald and Elite Physiques have changed my life in such a positive way, and I am very grateful for that. 

Sue

Sherry Macdonald of Elite Physiques has completely changed my life.  Two years ago, I was about to turn fifty.  I was overweight and out of shape.  After one session with Sherry, I was hooked and ready to try to be "fit and fifty" instead of "fat and fifty."  With her guidance and encouragement, I lost 35 pounds, and discovered weight lifting.  I found that I loved it more than anything I'd ever tried.  Sherry became my role model and my mentor.  I feel better now than I ever have.  I have been able to maintain my weight loss and still eat at least six times a day!  Sherry, in fact, influenced me so much that I decided to pursue personal fitness training as my second career where I strive to help change other people's lives as positively, as wonderfully, as Sherry changed mine.

Judy Ruhl, age 65

For the past several years, I have been working out with Sherry Macdonald.  I am 65 years old, in excellent health, walking, skiing, and working out three times a week.  I have only partial use of my left arm due to a birth injury.  Sherry has adapted several weight exercises especially for me.  She motivates me to work hard and has gotten me to appreciate the benefits of weight bearing exercises.  We work hard, but we also have fun....life is an attitude, staying fit keeps me positive...and Sherry is my helper.

CiCi Robbins, Teacher

A diagnosis of breast cancer and the painful condition of lymphedema caused me to rethink my lifestyle.  On the advice of my doctor and encouragement of my friends, I decided to begin an exercise program.  In September of 2000, I started training at Elite Physiques with Sherry.  At first I could only walk on the treadmill at 1.3 miles for 3 minutes.  I could barely lift a 5-pound weight.  I can now walk at a speed of 3.4.  I am stronger, have more endurance and I no longer become short of breath.  In addition, the painful swelling of my arm (lymphedema) has lessened.  More importantly, I have experienced an improved mental attitude.  I have recently begun to challenge myself with additional Power Pump classes.  Exercise has improved my life both mentally and physically.

Karen

In February 2004, I completed my fourth year of fitness training at Elite Physiques. For the most part, I was pleased with what I had achieved for myself during this time. At 53, I feel stronger than when I was 20.

The only thing I wanted to change was the size of my belly! I truly thought my belly was a "fifty something" problem. I felt my body was changing into what would be my 'senior" body. Sherry kept saying "it's nutrition." I was listening but not believing.

After Sherry returned from San Diego and receiving her Nutrition Lifestyle Coaching certification, I decided to step up to a new challenge. I wanted to be Sherry's "fitness and nutrition poster child". On January 7, I committed to a weight loss goal of 10 pounds by March 31st. To my enjoyment, I lost 15 pounds!

My changes were small but BIG when it came to weight loss. I reduced my serving portions, chose only FRESH food to eat, reduced my grains and sugar, and kicked up my cardio to 20-30 minutes a day.

To summarize my experience, it has been life changing for me. I believe I can make this my nutritional plan for life. Thank you Sherry for the challenge!