Testimonies

Marilyn: My bene-fit was to look the best I possibly could on my wedding day. At my heaviest, I weighed 140 lbs. I decided to change my eating habits and was able to lose about 5 lbs but I still didn’t feel content. But then I encountered the bene-fit lifestyle and that changed everything! Amanda showed me that if I work hard, I can achieve my goals. With her inspiration and training, I began to see real results. My muscle tone increased, I lost more weight, and even began to compete in triathlons. Before bene-fit, I could run about a 10:00 minute mile but now I completed a 5K at 8:06 minute mile!

I weighed 123 lbs on my wedding day and there is nothing like putting on my wedding dress and feeling beautiful! I would never have been able to accomplish my goals without Amanda. The best part is that I haven’t gained any weight since the wedding! The lessons I learned from Amanda will bene-fit me for life!

Lilly: My bene-fit was twofold – I wanted to look my best on my wedding day but also amp up my workout routine to start seeing some significant changes. When I first met Amanda I was skeptical about the once-weekly workouts and weekly “dietary challenges” as I wasn’t sure they would provide the changes I wanted as quickly as I wanted them. However, by sticking to our weekly plans and learning to eat better, I started to see a real transformation. I was getting stronger, eating more healthfully, and running faster each week.

I had those moments of “I can’t do this” or “I am not a runner.” But Amanda pushed and encouraged me while gently introducing me to new exercises and workout styles. She listened when I was having a bad week and would not let me give up. Most importantly, she did not set me up for failure. I have never felt so accomplished!

After starting the bene-fit program, I completed two 5k races and improved my finish time in each one. My clothes started to feel loose, and in fact, I dropped a full dress size! On my wedding day I could see the muscle definition I had always dreamed of having in my photos. My hard work paid off and will continue thanks to bene-fit. The best part about it is that even after my wedding day, I am still motivated to keep going and set new and different goals – like running a 10k! I continue to find my bene-fit each week and look forward to reaching even more goals with the program.

Jennifer: My bene-fit journey began in 2008 when I just wanted to drop a few pounds and feel more fit. My first program with Amanda was a workout plan with varied cardio and strength workouts along with one-on-one personal training sessions. We set reasonable incremental food goals, such as making sure I ate two fruit servings each day, which I would master before moving on to a new food goal. I lost weight and felt healthier with Amanda’s initial help, but I soon learned that I was even more motivated by having a specific goal to attain.

In 2009, I decided I could run a half marathon. Keep in mind that at this point the farthest I had ever run was 6 miles (for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society) and I disliked pretty much every second of it! Through bene-fit, Amanda designed a comprehensive half marathon training plan for me, making sure to be available to answer my questions, meet up for races in the area, and provide encouragement and support during my weakest moments. I finished the race proudly with a 12:08/mile pace, and since then, I have run my fastest 5K and 10K and completed yet another half marathon in 2010.

This summer, I joined a bene-fit training group to race the Los Angeles Rock and Roll Half Marathon and I know I will set a personal record. As a supplement to running, I attend bene-fit Boot Camp and bene-fit Happy Hour Circuit Training, and I can truly say that without Amanda’s continuous energy, passion, expertise and support I would not be in the healthy place I am today. I am 25 pounds lighter and two dress sizes smaller, but mainly my success is measured by the races I complete and the personal goals I reach. I can honestly say I’ve found my bene-fit – and I hope you can do the same!

Gianna: In 2009, before starting with bene-fit, I’d gone from a competitive college athlete to an unhappy person weighing over 200 pounds. I was ashamed of my physical appearance and disinterested in my own life but determined to regain the happiness that can only come from being serious about my health and getting back into shape.

From the start of my bene-fit journey, Amanda knew when I needed to be challenged and when I needed to be encouraged. She celebrated my successes and helped me refocus after setbacks. I began to take responsibility for my poor eating habits and made changes to my portion sizes and food choices. I also become more active in my daily life. Amanda introduced me to new cardio workouts like Indo-Row and Studio Cycling (Now my favorite part of my weekly exercise routine!) and eventually inspired me to train for a 5K race. While training, I realized how accomplished I felt, how much I enjoyed it, and what a great change of pace it was from my usual fitness routine.

Eighteen months later, my passion for living life to the fullest has been reignited. I have lost 23 pounds and lots of inches but, more importantly, I am more confident, self-assured, and aware of my self-worth. I look forward to continuing to work with Amanda and bene-fit to stay as fit as possible and love every minute of the new, healthier life I now have.