My
name is Sheri Looney. In June 2009, at age 45, I found myself very overweight,
out-of-shape and
ready to make a change. I have had weight issues for a long time, and I’ve even
gone through an eating disorder.
I
had read about the upcoming P31 Boot Camp in the newspaper, and I thought maybe
I could give it a try. I had already heard good things about it from my niece,
Kelsey, who assured me that “Coach Curtis” is awesome and that I could go at my
own pace. She even signed up for Boot Camp to help support me. I’ll be honest –
it was really hard at first; in fact, there were some hot summer mornings running
around the tennis court at Buford Park when I thought I couldn’t go another
step, and then I would get encouragement from Rachel or Kelsey or Jennifer or
someone I didn’t even know and I would think, “Okay, I can do this, just keep
going.” So, I kept going, and today, almost nine months later, I lost 85
pounds, 33 inches and 18% body fat. I work out every morning and some afternoons,
and I love it!!
I
remember thinking on day one of Boot Camp that P31 was going to help change my
life, and I was right. Of course, the outward weight loss is the most obvious
change, but P31 has helped me make so many other changes as well on the inside.
The spiritual focus on God that P31 emphasizes is so important and has helped
me to refocus and reprioritize things in my life that I had neglected. I love the
Power of 4 and the way that I’ve been able to apply them to my daily life to
make changes for the better. I’m less stressed, more grateful for what I have,
and I just feel better about myself . I think empowered is the best word I
could use to describe the way I feel now. I can do things now that I never
thought I’d be able to do, and that is an amazing feeling.
I
also love the fact that Rachel and all of the trainers emphasize that it’s not
about the number on the scale, but more about eating foods that are good for
us, working out and being healthy. It took some time to change my way of
thinking, and there are some days that I still struggle with it, but I always know
that I can talk to Rachel or any of the trainers and they will be willing to
listen and give advice and encouragement. The support I receive from Rachel,
Jennifer, Amber and Kelly through their leadership and their encouragement has
been a big part of my success so far. I think they all bring out the best in
everyone in the way they lead by example in their own unique ways. Also,
working out with a group of women who care if you’re not there and encourage
you when you are has been a big part of the process. At first, I was nervous
about working out with people I didn’t know, but now I’ve made friends with
women I would not have otherwise met.
Almost
every day, someone asks me how I’ve lost the weight, and when I tell them P31
Fitness, most will say, “Oh, I could never do that,” but I always tell them, “Yes,
you can, because if I can, ANYONE can.” I encourage anyone who wants to make
positive changes in their life, physically, spiritually, mentally and
emotionally, to try P31 Fitness. It is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve
ever made.
--Sheri Looney
Sulphur Springs, TX Member
I LOVE P31!
I love the way the trainers are so positive, caring, and encouraging.
Being a part of the group makes me more accountable. I am blessed by P31's commitment to the Spiritual, Mental, and Physical aspects of women.
P31 leads women to a higher level of awareness and appreciation for our true purpose here as christian women.
--Sulphur Springs Member
The summer boot camp was an awesome experience for me. It is amazing to see what God can do when women in a community join together to change. For me personally, I was blessed to realize the truth in what you pointed out to us: I am so much more than just a number on a scale. Thank you for showing all of us what our potential truly is!!!
--P31 Fitness Member
Van, TX
I joined P31 in July 2010, after much convincing from Laci that I really could survive! I never thought I would be able to get up and work out three days a week at 5:15 in the morning...there was just no way my body could function that early. After I attended the first class, I decided it was for me. It is similar to a class I had done at a gym, but the atmosphere is so much better. I feel better about myself for working out and trying to enrich not only my physical well-being but also mental, spiritual, and emotional. And, I have finally listened to the advice of Rachel and stayed off the scale. Laci and Amanda are such great supporters and encourages that I even began working out all five days with the beginning of the October session. I'm hooked! Thanks P31 for what you are doing in the lives of women, and as an extension, in the lives of our loved ones.
--Lubbock, TX Member
I just want to thank P31 Fitness and the trainers. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful program. I absolutely love the workouts and enjoy the support of all the women. It is so nice to be able to work out in the morning with women who have the same goals in mind in getting fit. I honestly cannot imagine my life without P31 now. I now find myself less focused on numbers and more on my health! Again thank you for P31 Fitness in my life!
--Sulphur Springs, TX Member
I can tell you that P31 has been a huge positive in my life. I went to my first class in April of 2009 because I was sick of feeling like "mush". I figured I would become physically stronger. Little did I know that I would also become mentally, emotionally, and spiritually stronger!
P31 gave me a place to connect with other women that had the same and different struggles as me. I found that it was okay to be me...but also to push myself to being the best I could be. I discovered that I was worth the effort of taking time for myself and that by doing this I was also better able to serve my family in the way God desired...plus it did make me a nicer and happier person to everyone I encountered.
I hope that you find yourself discovering your blessings and building upon those. I encourage you to get to know those around you. The ladies of P31 are awesome and we are a support for one another.
--Trainer, Amber Flowers
Just wanted to say that this week's verse and reminder to be quiet and trust God has hit me straight on. My life has been full of one calamity after another...until I sat down and pulled my Bible open and read God's beautiful words of unfailing love. My problems have not disappeared but they have become His concern. He will take care of all my needs if I will only let Him. P31 has entered into my consciousness in such a way that I am reminded daily to reach out for help and understanding. I have known about God for a long time but seemed to always try to fix everything all by myself. What a wonderful gift to be able to give my concerns to someone who loves me so much. I will strive for that quiet spirit.
--Mt. Vernon, TX Member
My daughter lives in Sulphur Springs and has told me wonderful things about this fitness program. I have seen some of the women that attend and what it has done for them on the inside and outside! Having a spiritually lead and rooted health and fitness program is wonderful. I'm going to be praying that it will be in my area soon...if I had a fitness background I would love to get one started. Please keep me informed on spreading south to Austin, TX!
--Kay
Austin, Texas
I just wanted to let you know that P31 Fitness has been such a blessing in my life. I absolutely love p31 and am greatly encouraged by the trainers each week. I think I can speak for all of us working out when I say that I see God's light shining so brightly through this program. It is amazing and pushes me to strive to be more like Christ and let his light shine in my life as well. I think that it is awesome to be a part of a program this is built around God and that we keep our focus on the power of 4 each month rather than simply on physical fitness. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate P31 Fitness!
--Tasia
Sulphur Springs, TX
I just want to thank P31 Fitness and the trainers. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful program. I absolutely love the workouts and enjoy the support of all the women. It is so nice to be able to work out in the morning with women who have the same goals in mind in getting fit. I honestly cannot imagine my life without P31 now. I now find myself less focused on numbers and more on my health! Again thank you for P31 Fitness in my life!
--Christy
Sulphur Springs, TX
I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know how much I LOVE P31!!!!!! The way I found out about it was a total God set-up to begin with, and I've already experienced pressure from "the opposition" to try and discourage me.....hurt back in the beginning, terrible week of sleep this week, fear of failure. But instead of discouragement, I have been very encouraged this week! Thanks for your commitment, enthusiasm, and prayers, and I look forward to many more classes!
--April
Sulphur Springs, TX
I wanted to report in about the changes I discovered at evaluations last Saturday. Since January 2010, I’ve lost 5.4 inches, 8% body fat and my BMI went down 2.8. I've also lost 6.5 lbs. Not a lot on the scale but I've gone from a size 10 (and sometimes12) to a size 6 (and sometimes 4) That's the physical changes. I've also gained so much confidence. I don't mind being in a bathing suit this summer! I DO NOT look like the girls in the magazine but I'm not as jiggly and lumpy! I'm also wearing sleeveless tops for the first time in years. Again not perfect but not so jiggly! Another area of confidence mental. I'm not afraid to physically try new things. We travel quite a bit with my husband’s job. I find myself eager to try hiking up a mountain, white water rafting, walking several miles...I used to dread those activities but not anymore!
Thanks for all you do. I really appreciate the push and the opportunity to workout each morning!
--2010 Bootcamp Member
I joined P31 in July 2010, after much convincing from Laci that I really could survive! I never thought I would be able to get up and work out three days a week at 5:15 in the morning...there was just no way my body could function that early. After I attended the first class, I decided it was for me. It is similar to a class I had done at a gym, but the atmosphere is so much better. I feel better about myself for working out and trying to enrich not only my physical well-being but also mental, spiritual, and emotional. And, I have finally listened to the advice of Rachel and stayed off the scale. Laci and Amanda are such great supporters and encourages that I even began working out all five days with the beginning of the October session. I'm hooked! Thanks P31 for what you are doing in the lives of women, and as an extension, in the lives of our loved ones.
--P31 Fitness Member
Texas
I joined P31 in late January after having my adorable son in October. I want to tell you that through P31 and the grace of God, my entire life has changed!
I began the program in what I considered decent shape, but was very unhappy with excess fat and the overall appearance of my physique. I did not have a significant amount of weight to lose, but being a perfectionist and control freak, I wanted to look and feel the best that I could. When I began the classes, I could barely lift my 5 pound weights through all the reps and struggled to run at all.
My goal was to lose 10 pounds and 10% body fat. I had Rachel do a nutritional program and followed it very strictly—allowing myself the occasional treat. I started the program strong, added some personal training sessions, made Juice Plus+ a part of my life and gave it my all, but the results just didn't seem to come. I went through lots of ups and downs emotionally struggling with my inability to allow my body the time it needed to make change. I wanted instant results! I kept listening to the trainers talk about how it would take time, but the frustration was still very hard to deal with. I would spend several minutes each evening staring at my body in the mirror just crying. I refused to give up and stuck with it though. It was about 4 months into P31 that I realized I had to give it to God and trust him with the direction he had for me. I quit obsessing over my appearance and began focusing on the improvement I was making to my health.
THEN, it happened!
I began to lose weight, I began to build muscle, I could sprint faster than ever, do more push-ups than ever and on and on. I realize now that God needed me to recognize HIS plan---not MY plan. I had to see that this is all a journey; not a quick fix. This is a life-long commitment to be healthy. I have now lost the 10 pounds I wanted, as well as, 5 total inches and I feel amazing. I wake up in the mornings and look forward to taking care of my emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I still have to follow a very healthy diet and work very hard, but the results are worth it. I am happier and healthier than ever, which makes me a better Mom, Wife and servant to God. I wanted to share this for anyone struggling with seeing results. It takes time. Don't give up---it WILL happen for you.
--Jaime Mitchell
P31 Fitness Franchise Owner
Sulphur Springs, TX
I began doing the M-W-F classes in September 2009 and slowly added the T-Th cardio class. After a while I began to do the evening classes also. I would find that after the morning workout I would think "Ok, I'm not going this afternoon. I've already worked out hard enough." However, by the time 5:00 would roll around, I was putting my clothes back on and going back for more!! I started to crave this madness!!
I compare P31 classes and Bootcamp to childbirth. Every day, during class when I am hurting, I think "I am NEVER doing this again!!! This is crazy!!" However, after we stretch and cool down, I get up and hobble to my car thinking "Hey, that was kinda fun!! That really wasn't that bad!!"
Then the next day during class I remember how bad the pain is and start the whole process over!!! ha ha
The positive thing about it being like childbirth is that the end result is definitely worth it!! Knowing that I am getting stronger every day and can do more push ups and hold planks longer than ever before makes me feel great! I have lost more inches than pounds - therefore, I stay off the scales!! P31 has been awesome for me! I look forward to going and being with a great group of ladies every day and challenging myself both physically and mentally.
I cannot say enough good things (despite what I may think and whisper in class - ha ha) about Rachel, Amber, and Jennifer. Your commitment to our group and the Lord is awesome!! THANK YOU!!!
--Melanie Helm
TX Member
I have begun working out with P31 Fitness for the primary goal of weight loss. While this takes time, I am noticing a surprising added benefit of regular physical exercise. As a migraine sufferer, I have had my share of headaches, and in the past nine months, they have only become more frequent and more painful. In the fall, I even had some kind of headache for 22 consecutive days. Since I have begun working out with P31 Fitness in June, I haven't had even ONE headache in the past 23 days. I cannot remember a time when I have been this headache-free in the last ten years.
--Rachel Finney
Texas Member
I am so thankful that God put P31 in my life!
I found out my aunt, Angie Edwards was doing P31 and was encouraged to join her.
I started going to the M,W,F evening classes in April 2010 and enjoyed almost every minute of it. I then decided to make the commitment to myself to try out Bootcamp. Having been late to work (at 8 a.m.) almost every day for a year, this was a big deal. And a great one! I am so excited not just with the results on the outside, I have lost 12 lbs since starting, but also with how much better I feel on the inside. I have more energy, which is huge with a one year old. It is also very encouraging to have started out having such a hard time doing this stuff and now being able to do the harder stuff!
Doing P31 really makes me want to be more healthy. The Power of 4 is awesome! I think about how God wants to me to handle situations more and I am more aware of the areas that I need to work on spiritually to be the P31 woman. The daily devotionals are a great too! There are some days that I get them and think "Wow, was He talking to me or what!" Keep up the great work P31 trainers. You ladies are helping to mold all of us into better women! You are amazing and I thank God every day for putting you here!
--Ashley McCraken
Sulphur SpringsS, TX
I joined P31 classes in April of 2010, and reluctantly agreed to Bootcamp 1 and 2 for this summer. I am here to tell you this program has improved my life in areas I never dreamed possible. I had back surgery less than a year ago for a ruptured disk, yet still had to keep taking 4 Motrin twice a day to keep the pain managed. I decided that I needed help to lose weight and become stronger, so I chose P31. In just the short time I've been attending morning classes and a few evening sessions, I have strengthened my abs and back muscles to the point I am pain-free. I have Rachel and her associates to thank for this success. My dress size is also going down and I am healthier than I've been in years! I am loving BC and have accomplished physical challenges never before attempted...and I love it. THANKS to Rachel, Jennifer, and Amber for all your support and teaching me to believe in myself.
--Beth Shurtleff
Sulphur Springs, TX
I have tried P31 several times, and I would set a goal to stay with it. As life would get hectic though, I would put my exercising on the back-burner, but this last month I completed every M-W-F am class! I am proud of myself and plan to continue. Thank you P31!
--Megan Aikins
Sulphur Springs,TX
I wanted to tell you that I am enjoying P31 immensely!! I have never worked as hard as I am now. I am trusting God that attending class will become like second nature to me and become a part of who I am. Thank you for being an awesome leader and providing challenging exercise routines. I know that my spirit and health will continued to be blessed by P31.
--P31 Fitness Member
Van, TX
My thanks to P31, since joining less than a year ago I have achieved the BEST level of physical fitness in almost 20 yrs. The knowledge, support & instruction I have gained is invaluable.
With the help of P31 I have lost 65 lbs & 4 dress sizes and gained fitness, health, & self-confidence.
The women at P31 care about and support each other, sweat together, laugh together and celebrate each others successes.
--Denise Hurley
Sulphur Springs, TX
Thank you for offering the all access pass, it is great. It gives me so much more flexibility with my schedule plus the advantage of getting in extra workouts. I go to more classes than I thought I could because of all the choices. Each class is different and I get a different result. Thank you for making this available.
--P31 Fitness Member
Texas