Teacher

Southington, CT

"I lost about 25 lbs!"

"I used to be taking high blood pressure medication, I'm not anymore and I haven't been sick in ages."

Dear Team Horizon,

   I wanted to thank you all for changing my life, as this is my one year anniversary from when I began with my personal trainer. This has been a great year and a true transformation of my overall health! Your approach is outstanding! I'm so proud of the changes I've made and am so happy you've helped me keep it off!

Weight Lost:     35 lbs

Waist:              6 inches Gone!

Body Fat:          11% Lost!

   I was pretty skeptical at first and thought it might be too expensive to ever have a personal trainer, I quickly learned it was a wise investment. Let me say with age, the combination of co-pays for doctor appointments and prescriptions, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments clearly outweigh the cost of taking care of yourself with your approach. I also know the meal planning is as important as the exercising.

Thank you so much for the help! My best to everyone, be well!!!

Kevin Morgan

Cheshire, CT

Age 43

   I've lived in Cheshire for years somewhat close to the Meriden area as well. I did actually evaluate personal trainers in Meriden and Cheshire because I do business in Meriden a lot but Live in Cheshire. I found Horizon in my search and was very impressed with what they had to offer in comparison to other personal trainers in CT. Working with my personal trainer at Horizon was the best thing I've ever done for my health. I began with a lot of back pain and knew I had to lose weight to correct the problem. I tried losing weight before on my own but had little results. When I did have results on my own, I always gained the weight back quickly.

   When I began my new program, I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I thought they would destroy me in the beginning. After meeting my personal trainer I was quickly at ease! They started me off lightly to focus on safety and form first.

   I have reached my goal, feel great and kept the weight off. My back doesn't even bother me anymore!

Andrea Lucarelli

Cheshire, CT

Age 33

   I have struggled with my weight, body image and self esteem my whole life.   At one point, when I was in my twenties, I was really thin.  I got that way by basically starving myself. I thought I looked good at the time, but I never felt really great. It’s no wonder that I didn’t feel good and I was tired all of the time; my body was not getting the proper nutrition that it needed.  Once I began to eat three meals a day again, all of the weight came back plus some.  A little over a year and a half ago I had a baby.  I was at my highest weight ever before I even got pregnant, so needless to say I was feeling quite down after she was born and I was 25 pounds higher than before I got pregnant.  I couldn’t stand to look at myself.  I tried one of those diets on TV where you order the food.  Sure, it worked.  I lost 13 pounds, but I hated the food and I just couldn’t do it anymore.  I got really tired of people telling me that once you’re in your 30’s, your metabolism slows down making it more difficult to lose weight so I was probably where my body should be.  I’m sure that it is more difficult to lose weight as you get older, but not IMPOSSIBLE.  Finally, my husband suggested a personal trainer. 

   Making the call to Horizon personal training was the best move that I ever made.  From the very first day, the personal trainers worked as a team, teaching me the proper nutrition that I would need in order to get results along with my workouts.  I knew how important nutrition was in order to get great results; however, there are always cravings along the way.  I am a chocoholic!!  I couldn’t go 3 months without any chocolate.  They had a solution for that too!!  It seemed like a no brainer.  Every single workout, I found myself getting stronger and feeling better.  Horizon’s personal trainers were right there motivating me every step of the way.  The best part is, I was getting results [within the first week] and feeling great at the same time.  I now have more energy and will never need to starve myself to try to be thin again. 

   To date, I have dropped 2-3 pants sizes.  I went from a 10-12 to a size 4 [which are getting loose on me].  I am also going to get a physical next week to have my cholesterol checked because six months ago [before I began with the personal trainer], my cholesterol was borderline high and my triglycerides were through the roof.  For once, I will not be embarrassed to get on the scale in my doctor’s office.  This is the first time in my life that I have made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas and I have not gained a pound.  AND, I was able to enjoy all of the good food that I wanted to because my personal trainer gave me the tools to understand good nutrition.  They taught me how I can maintain my weight and still be able to enjoy the foods I love at times too.  I had such great results that my husband joined and lost over 25 pounds in 12 weeks! 

Thank you to all of the personal trainers at Horizon.  You have changed my life in such a way that words cannot explain.  I can actually look at myself in a mirror now and be happy with the reflection.  Thank you so much.

Samantha G.

Plainville, CT

Age 40

   The one thing I can do now that I could not do is control my life. My personal trainer helped me with that skill. I am able to control what I eat, control my priorities and control myself. Over the past ten weeks, I have been able to control my appetite and the urge to eat. This control enabled me to realize that food is nourishment, not pleasure. I never thought I would have the control to maintain my nutrition plan at events, dinners, or treats at work. I have controlled my priorities, consistently exercising five times per week. Finally, the power I have gained from just these two areas has allowed me to control my mind, giving me the confidence to achieve life and fitness goals I never felt possible, such as seeing the abdominal muscles in my stomach, running 2.78 miles in 20 minutes, or bench pressing 90 pound dumbbells six times in my final set!

   My health has drastically improved. Prior to the challenge, I had Progressing Sleep Apnea, low energy levels and was considered obese based on my BMI. I was also on a repeated cycle of overeating, feeling sick, attempting to eat healthy for a few days and then return to a day or two of overeating. Since the beginning of my personal training program and the challenge, I have obtained an energy level I never knew. Further, my sleep apnea has ended and I eat a consistent, healthy diet. This has drastically increased my quality of life. I no longer base my plans for the day, or even the whole weekend, around the meals I will eat and the restaurants I will go to. I am able to enjoy my life and not just the thought of my next meal

   I pray everyday that my family members realize the benefits of a personal trainer, exercising and eating healthy. They were raised us on carbohydrate-filled breakfasts and butter filled dinners. I hope that they realize the benefits of exercising and healthy eating so that they are able to live to spend quality time with my future children. Also, if they were to take on a challenge of fitness, they would inspire others as I am. I honestly worry about their health, given their lifestyle and believe that they could change their lives in ten weeks, even more than I did. They seem content on living shorter, out of control lives, instead of enjoying the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

   The reason I began with my personal trainer at Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition and entered this challenge is because of the results that I have witnessed people on www.horizonpt.com. Further, since entering the challenge, and reaching the overall goal of losing 25 pounds, people often comment about my physique. It has created many awkward conversations where I thank them, discuss how I obtained these results and asked if they were interested in learning more or meeting with my personal trainer. It is at that time when people shy away, refusing to sacrifice their currently unhealthy lifestyle in order to achieve the life changing results I have experienced. So, it is possible that successful physical and mental changes in a person will inspire others, but to what extent depends on the drive and responsibility of the person being inspired. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix in weight loss and until one appears, people will continue to be scared away from fitness by the work and effort required for successful change and maintenance.

   Weighing 181.5 pounds; running 2.78 miles in 20 minutes; lifting 90 pound dumbbells for my set of six; reducing my body fat to 14.9%; these are all of my physical accomplishments with my personal trainer. My statistics and my pictures will show these results. I am proud to have achieved these goals. In some cases, I exceeded my goals for this challenge. Others, I did not reach.

   However, these are not the accomplishments I am most proud of. The accomplishment I am most proud of is the mental growth and the training my spirit has gone through at Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition. It is through my mind and spirit that gave me the ability to achieve my physical accomplishments. The intense mental training I received at Horizon is the reason for all my achievements.

   Prior to starting with my personal trainer, I had not consistently exercised since high school. In fact, the last time I weighed 181 pounds, I was 13 years old, entering middle school. Four years of college and 3 years of law school had grown my intelligence, but also my waistline. I was squeezing into 38-inch pants and staring at my parents every Sunday, watching my body head toward their obese track.

   While I had attempted diets before (Atkins, South Beach, Lean Cuisine), and exercised occasionally in college, I was completely out of shape. I made excuses when I went to the gym. I created fake exercise plans in my head that either took the easy way out or accomplished nothing. I never tracked my progress and did not even think about the responsibility of tracking my food intake.

   However, one day, while finishing up my last of a dozen apple fritters, I came across the booth of Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival. I realized, while doing sit-ups for free training hours, that this was the path to physical and mental health. I later went home and visited www.horizonpt.com and virtually met my personal trainer. I couldn’t believe the results others have had.

   The word diet now seems ridiculous to me. A friend recently started the “cookie diet.” He eats six cookies a day to lose weight. Its success does not matter, because the plan is unrealistic. It is a tease for your mind. A gimmick, that gives you hope which inevitably will be dashed as the cookie diet is no lifetime plan for a great physique. You cannot eat cookies forever, it is unrealistic.

   What is realistic is the Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition eating and exercise plan. It is not a diet and not a quick fix. It is a true life change, a transformation, which empowers you to make drastic, permanent and sustainable changes in your life. This power is the most important portion of the challenge.

   This power is so important because it is completely mental. It is the mental power to maintain strict nutrition. It is also the mental power to return to the nutrition plan immediately after a “cheat day”. It is the mental power to finish that rep in a difficult exercise set. It is also the power to grind through a disappointing exercise session or a bad weigh-in, knowing the plan will succeed.

   When I first started with Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition, my life was extremely hectic and I was slowly losing control of it. I had just finished law school, the bar exam, running a political campaign, and I was starting a new job. I felt completely out of control and took it out on my stomach. I would wing an assignment at work, and then eat a buffalo wing afterward to feel better about myself. I would find peace in pizza. Food was my escape and exercising was not on the agenda.

   However, my decision with my fiancée, Melissa, to join HPT, allowed me to gain the control over my life that I so desperately needed. I wish I could say I had the foresight to know that HPT would give me this mental power. I was just hoping to lose weight. To my surprise, it is the gained mental power and control, which I find the most satisfying. Even more than a great run on the treadmill or an excellent day of weight training.

   I now have the power to control my life. I find the power in my clear, realistic nutrition plan. This plan prevents cravings and ensures that I am eating enough so I am never so starving to give into temptations of fattening foods. This plan empowers me to say yes to good food on holidays and no to ricotta pie the day after Easter or no to the leftover cookies from Christmas. I now find pleasure in life’s great pursuits, not from a hamburger and a beer everyday after work, or margaritas and Mexican food.

   I now have the power to control my life. I find power in my exercise plan. I never liked lifting weights or straining myself on cardiovascular exercise. But the power I have gained from HPT has turned my attitude around that I actually look forward to exercise. Exercise has become the release or the reset button for my spirit. Also, it helps me to maintain my nutrition, as I chose the treadmill instead of happy hour three times a week. Further, the challenges I face and conquer in weight training prepare me for the challenges I face each day outside the gym. If I am able to power through 96 lunges or sit-ups at level 15, then the work or political tasks I must accomplish in a day become easier to manage and to complete. Add to this the additional energy I have and life becomes much more enjoyable, much more fulfilling.

   I now have the power to control my life. I find power in my control. This may sound cyclical or unoriginal, but it’s true.  Power and control are the balancing forces that keep your body and spirit energized. When I gained control of my life I felt empowered. The more empowered I was, the more control I gained over my life. This continues over and over again. This applies in nutrition, where self-control in maintaining the nutrition plan, provides more power and incentive to maintain control later on when an ice cream Sunday sounds so tempting. However, the organization of my physical health, with the help of Horizon and my personal trainer, has empowered me to control other aspects of my life. I am no longer overwhelmed, I am challenged. I control my schedule, which empowers me to make confident decisions. The confident decisions, then allow me to gain control over other aspects of my life.

   To add even more clichés, I do not see this challenge as an end, but as a beginning. It is a starting point, a jump start toward the goal of losing more weight and more body fat, so I may reach the “athletic” range. It is the starting point of maintaining the nutrition plan for the rest of my life. It is not good enough to lose weight for ten weeks. No matter what my challenge results look like, it is the continued quest to maintain control of my life, which will empower me to succeed at my maintaining my physique and control of my life.

Peter B.

Attorney

Cheshire, CT

   My main goals with my personal trainer were to lose fat and get active. Years of abuse on my body from doing nothing has taken its toll. I saw the great results my wife achieved and I knew I could succeed. I would not change a thing. The Personal Trainers at Horizon are perfect. I like that it incorporates protein, carbs, and fats and does not eliminate any essential components. I would never believe that the more times you eat, the better chance you will have at losing weight. Before, my only exercise consisted of me walking to the fridge. My personal trainer helped a lot, working 12+ hours a day you have to discipline yourself to prepare your meals and exercise everyday. Then you have a chance. The results and the support from my Personal Trainer motivated me the whole way.

   Growing up, I remember being a tan, skinny guy who could eat whatever I wanted. By that I mean “whatever”. A typical lunch or dinner involved Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonalds, Wendy’s, and MORE. I never seemed to gain weight. I never thought of needing a personal trainer.

   When I was in the air force, I would wake up at midnight and go to the chow hall and eat biscuits and gravy, eggs, tomato and cheese scrambled with chocolate milk and then go back to bed. All in the while, I had no concept of the value of “good nutrition” and how important it is for your body. I just thought I was lucky and that I could eat anything and not gain a pound.

   When I got married, the weight seemed to stick to me. My wife had a personal trainer at the time too. I was comfortable and still had the same eating habits. I also work all over the state traveling, I can be in Meriden at one time of day to have to shoot towards Waterbury the next. Horizon has a great location that I can get to off of either highway. I wanted to work out and get back in shape, but always used “no time” as an excuse. I wanted to lower my cholesterol. I wanted to be healthy and be a good role model for my daughter, who is two and now is the time to instill good eating habits. I just didn’t know where to begin.

   My wife had gone to Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition following the birth of our daughter and had great results. I knew this was what I had to do. I noticed significant changes from the first week. I watched the fat melt away early. People really started to notice and compliment me and it felt great!

   I look forward to going to my workouts and having a friendly, positive, knowledgeable personal trainer to assist me with my workouts each step of the way. Horizon has provided me with the tools to continue a healthy lifestyle, stay fit and learn how to enjoy food all over again.

   These days, I look at food in a different way. I now know and understand what my body needs to thrive on. I also know that I can enjoy those sweets and treats in moderation and not have to feel sorry. I enjoy being fit and active. I am in the best shape of my life and I feel great. My personal trainer helped me so much. It really is amazing the difference that this has made in my life. I wake up everyday and I feel fit and strong and I have so much energy. This has changed my life forever. Thank you to all of you at Horizon Personal Training for giving my health. I can now teach my daughter the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle.

   My personal trainer helped me look. Approaching 69, I want to be able to be active, limber, and have a better looking body! I knew that it will take more than eight or twelve weeks to complete the change. I got this way over 10 years. I’ll need 12 to 18 months to get there. Without a Personal Trainer, I would have not been coming. It is like a doctor’s appointment, you show up because someone is waiting for you. I have known how to eat for ages, but needed a close checker to stay on track. Constant checking by my Personal Trainer and gentle “scolding” when I strayed was so valuable to me. I love the quiet and friendly atmosphere and Personal Trainers.

   I began my experience at Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition on 11-4-02. As Bill can attest, there have been many personal trainers over a period of time. They really tried to help me lose the weight. I can not fault them if I did not do well under there guidance, but I was able to gain agility and muscle mass, even though the fat was more difficult to budge.

   I also was trying other nutritional programs outside of the gym, but never another personal trainer. There was Weight Watchers, Nutri-system, and L.A. Weight Loss, some of which helped, but no real results. Back in February, I started on the Alli program. This is where you take a capsule with every meal that you consume fat. The concept being that the ingested fat is excreted, not digested. Then the body draws the necessary fat from your cells. This, along with diet and exercise. My personal trainer and I finally began to see results. Because the fat has been building up for ten years, it will take longer to get rid of it.

   This challenge is only the beginning for me. I plan to continue until my ultimate goal has been reached with my personal trainer. I have dropped 30 pounds since February and would like to get down to 180 lbs. If I continue to look ‘good’ maybe an additional 20 lbs after. Having had breast cancer, I do not want to look sick or cause people to wonder if the cancer has come back. This challenge is only the beginning for me, I still have a long way to go with the help of Horizon and my Personal Trainer.

   I live in Wolcott and was thinking about a personal trainer in Waterbury or Wolcott area. After evaluating other personal trainers, I chose Horizon. The drive from the Waterbury area is easy as well. During my personal training experience at Horizon, I gained a much better understanding of the correct way to work out. Incorporating the nutritional plan and personal training into my weekly schedule allowed me to see results that I would have never seen on my own at the gym. Horizon Personal Training and nutrition CT worked with my busy lifestyle and provided a comfortable and fun atmosphere, while helping me work to my full potential.

Lindsey Albert
Medical Technologist
Wolcott, CT

Age 23

   I’ve spent money on diet supplements, pills, and diet plans and all ended with the same results. I would gain the weight back and had very little muscle strength. I had done some personal weight training on my own and thought that more days in the gym would give me better results for someone my age, but instead, I felt weak and tired. So, I decided to spend the money for a personal trainer in CT and found that on an 8 week program, going three days a week, I lost 10 pounds of fat and 15 pounds over all! My strength has more than doubled and I feel and look stronger. Probably the most important factor is that I learned to eat right by properly balancing the carbs, protein and vegetables in my diet. I was taught the correct way to work out. Until you work with a personal trainer in CT at Horizon, you have no idea what your body can do. For example, I never did a weight training with any more than a 30 pound dumbbell. By week eight, my trainer had me using 55 dumbbells! I now know that without a good personal trainer, I would never have achieved my full potential. Your trainer is with you, pushing and encouraging you to do what he/she feels you are capable of and is ready and willing to answer any questions you may have. I have to say, that the program certainly is not a “walk in the park” for the first couple of weeks, but your endurance gets better as you become stronger”. It was an easy drive to meet with my personal trainer in Meriden Waterbury turnpike as well, it’s a convenient location and easy to find.

Butch Bugbee

Hunting Guide

Southington, CT

Age 61

Before I began my personal training, I would run or walk about a half mile everyday, and sometimes do sit-ups or squats, but nothing too serious. My eating choices were poor. I ate a lot of junky, greasy food and large amounts of it! A friend suggested to my mother that I should try the youth and teen personal training program at Horizon.

At first, I was very uncomfortable with the idea of starting the program. I am very uncomfortable with my body and thought I would feel like a fat loser because I wouldn’t be able to lift a lot of weight. I was nervous because I have bad ankles and a shredded tendon. My feelings changed once I started working out with my personal trainer because I realized the trainers and members that were there weren’t there to judge me, they were there to help and encourage me! This was so reassuring and I felt much more comfortable after I met my personal trainer and started working out.

When I first signed up at Horizon Personal Training & Nutrition, I was nervous and thought I was going to feel like a wimp next to my trainer. I was proven wrong when I met my personal trainer. She was very friendly and not harsh at all. She was easy to work with and extremely helpful and encouraging. The gym was very clean and there weren’t too many people in there at one time. I was really impressed with how helpful my personal trainer was when working with me. I felt better once I got more comfortable with what I was doing, and it felt good to not give up on myself or get discouraged while working out.

Alissa Nelson
Southington, CT
"Youth & Teen Personal Training"
Age 15

Entrepreneur

Southington, CT

"Horizon gives you the full package - a physical program that really WORKS, but also the mental mindset that truly compliments everything."

Pharmacist

Southington, CT

"I have already lost over 100 pounds of fat!"

"I tried working out on my own and even still they allow me to do so, there is nothing like having my trainer there"

"They really take training to the next level!"

"I have so much more energy now!"

Graphic Design

Southington, CT

"They started off as my personal trainer, they have been my friends ever since."

"This program transformed my life, I now know what to eat and how to exercise so I can maintain my physique."

"I'll never go back to the way I was before!" 

Teacher

Wolcott, CT

"I battled weight gain since I was a kid, but managed to take it off by dieting the wrong way."

"Walking into a regular gym was intimidating, until I found a Horizon Personal Trainer."

"I have seen tremendous growth in all areas of my life, mentally, socially and physically!"

Manager

Plainville, CT

"I am so much more productive at work and my personal life!"

"When I started working with my personal trainer, they inspired me to quit smoking too!"

Cheshire, CT

“After losing over 25 lbs with my personal trainer, the one thing I can do now is stay in control of what I eat, my priorities and my life!”

I have more energy; no longer feel sick and tired!”

   I began my journey with Horizon with trepidation, but ultimately allowed myself the opportunity to give my personal trainer the "benefit of the doubt" and to prove your program is right.  I can honestly tell you I was shocked and amazed after my first two weeks there.  The changes that took place in those first two weeks fueled my fire and enlightened me as to what I was truly capable of with the right program and mind frame!

 Dear Horizon,

I grew up in Cheshire closer to the Waterbury side and have had a personal trainer before. After not having success with it I gave up with them. Soon after, I met an old friend that recommended I try a "Horizon" personal trainer. She had lost over 60 lbs. with them. She highly suggested I call them even though I had difficulty else ware. The next day I called with high hopes they could help me. Well, in my first conversation over the phone I was inspired. I met with them 2 days later and was motivated again! I couldn't believe the difference. So I learned, don't judge a personal trainer until you've used Horizon!

Edward Carson

Cheshire, CT

Age 32

   I wasn't happy with the way I looked. I gained weight since last summer and I wanted to lose that weight and become more physically fit and toned before this summer.

   Horizon is extremely knowledgeable and helped to keep me on track by staying positive and motivating me on a daily basis.

   I feel better both mentally and physically. I also have a more positive outlook about everything in my life. A Horizon personal trainer is the best way to go! Thank you all for the motivation and education.

Lou M.

Southington, CT

   Believe it or not, I couldn’t do a sit-up. A simple sit-up. I stopped taking Pilates classes because I was embarrassed that I couldn’t do a sit-up. Besides a bad back and not having any stomach muscles, I thought I’d never be able to do one. Running was out of the question too. Now I can do both.

   I’ve had problems with my back in the past, but now that I’ve strengthened my back muscles, it has been fine. I continue to be cautious when I’m exercising, but I’m running now - never thought I’d see that happen. I was taking high blood pressure medication, but I’m not anymore, and I haven’t been sick in ages. I’ve never felt or looked better! 

   My husband started to notice the difference in my attitude and appearance. As you know, now we’re exercising together. He wanted to start eating better and looking better as well. Now we support each other. We know we have to grow old, but at least we can do so feeling healthy and fit and looking our best too! He’s also under a great deal of stress, exercising helps immensely.

   My friends see me and ask me what I’m doing. They all notice that I’ve lost weight and even my muscles are starting to show. Several of my colleagues have begun exercising and dieting and lost weight. When someone feels better physically, then he/she feels better mentally. These go hand in hand. I’ve become a role model. If Diane can do it, then we can do it!

   When I started this self-improvement challenge, several other women started with me, but now we’re down to a few. As we all know, eating right and exercising are not easy things to accomplish in our stressful and busy lives. My problem is consistency. I’m on track for a while and then I get sidetracked. I want the delicious desserts. I want my chocolate. I don’t feel like exercising!

   Well, I’ve been on a mission. With my personal trainer and my husband I’ve lost about 10 mounds and I’m not quite happy yet. I want to lose some more, and I’m going to get there! Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition has given me all the tools I need. I know how to eat nutritiously, and I certainly know how to work out hard. I learned that I even have to sweat in order to make a difference in my body by burning more calories and getting my heart revved up. Eating 5 or 6 smaller meals keeps me feeling full all day. When I have a craving, I drink water. I find that sometimes I’m just thirsty and the craving goes away. Usually if I wait 10 minutes, the craving goes away naturally.

   I recently went to Florida and had to put a bathing suit on. Boy did I feel good! I feel like those other testimonials I saw on www.horizonpt.com. I think that’s why I’m inspired to lose more. I can look even better. As I stated, consistency was a problem. Now I’m trying to learn how to eat for a lifetime, as I add new, nutritious foods to my diet. I don’t ever want to be fat again. Sometimes, when I crave a cookie, for example, I think of all the hard work it took me to get where I am, and I don’t eat it. It is not easy, but nothing in life that is worthwhile is easy.

   Many women my age are experiencing health problems because they are overweight and don’t exercise. I’ve witnessed several of my colleagues who have retired and within a short time, have died because they didn’t take the time to take care of themselves. The location is very convenient for me too as I work in Waterbury CT to drive home toward the Meriden side of Southington. Here’s my goal: to look my best, to feel my best, and to be my best. I try to be a good person on the inside as well as on the outside. Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition has started me on the journey (thank you!) and now and forever, it’s my job to complete it!

Diane M.

Teacher

Southington, CT

Age 56

   I’ve always had a problem with my middle section so I wanted to lose weight and change that appearance. I wanted to tighten up and tone up; I was looking for more energy. The bottom line is I just wanted to feel good about myself again. I have had personal trainers before, but I was very impressed with what I saw at www.horizonpt.com

   The atmosphere is very positive for me; it’s a happy place and at the same time, a serious place. Everyone is very personable and knowledgeable.

   The biggest asset for me was the accountability knowing my personal trainer was their waiting for me, her knowledge on everything and sharing it with me and educating me on exercise and nutrition. The drive that she has to keep me going and pushing me when I think I can’t was great too.

   I love the knowledge it has taught me on what foods to eat and what not to eat. I love the recipes in the back of their book along with the list of carbs, protein, and veggies. It was just very easy to learn!

   I was a smoker and I didn’t eat right, I never exercised. If I did anything, it was taking a walk once a week around a local park. When I started I quit the smoking and got right into eating right and exercising.

   What was so life changing for me was that in the beginning of my membership it was the fact that I just quit smoking so my lungs were not used to so much oxygen and they actually hurt during cardio. I was always short winded! I just had a heart procedure with two stents put in my arteries so I was afraid of maybe having a heart attack. It was scary but every week I got stronger and stronger!

   I’ve never spent money so wisely before!

   So many different life changing experiences because of my personal trainer: Looking good in the mirror, smaller sizes in clothes, the energy level, a clear, strong mind, and my #1 inspiration: www.horizonpt.com

   I love the one on one attention and the positive attitudes everyone has.

   Weekly body comps… (135lbs total, 28.1% body fat; 125lbs total, 24.6% body fat) It kept coming off!

   I want to inspire others now, I have loved ones that battle the disease of depression and addiction and I just want them to feel and have what I have! It would do them wonders for their mind, body and soul. It would give them self esteem, they deserve a good life!

   After many, many years of smoking and eating unhealthily, I had a scare! I found myself lying in a hospital bed with a doctor asking me if I have family with me because we may have to do open heart surgery! I ended up with two stents in my two main arteries. I knew at that point that I had to start living differently, but it wasn’t that easy to change a long life of living unhealthily.

   I first found Horizon personal training and Nutrition on the internet www.horizonpt.com, that’s where I read Bill Yeager’s story and said “okay, I’ve got to check this out!” I found my way to Horizon and within a week I was signed up for a 12 Week Transformation Package with my new personal trainer. I knew the only thing that was going to work for me was accountability.

   That’s when I met my trainer and I was off and running (and OH was I running!!!). About 5 days into it, I could feel it working. My personal trainer had the drive that I lacked. Through my 12 week transformation, I lost weight and started to see visible changes in the mirror. I was under the impression I was coming to Horizon to lose weight, little did I know how much more I would be gaining! My 12-week transformation was amazing. I lost 22 pounds!

   I was a little intimidated signing up for the 8-Week Challenge. I didn’t think that my body would change too much more. Wow, was I mistaken. Throughout these 8 weeks, my mind, body, and soul have changed drastically. My personal trainer changed my life! Horizon taught me so much, not only about weight loss and nutrition; but showed me strength and stability. My personal trainer has a drive about life that has passed onto me. Just when I think I can’t go any more, my personal trainer shows me that there’s more, and all of this with kindness and compassion. Over these last 8 weeks, my body has changed in so many ways. I’m starting to see definition in my muscles and my abs! Abs! I have abs!! Can’t believe it!!

   I have learned that I am a strong person and that I can put myself first. These strengths I have gained have spilled over into other areas of my life. It has given me self esteem. I’ve seen changes in my relationships as well. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would get all of this life out of losing weight!

   It has been a pleasure having the Horizon Team in my life. I wish you the best in life and business! Thank you so much!

Maureen H.

Plainville, CT

Age 49

   I’ve been a Member for over 8 years with my personal trainer. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to eat. One week on vacation and my numbers stayed the same. Another week with house guest and there was only a 3 pound gain. Being in tune to what I eat or not eat as in the amount of protein I can keep my lean mass up. My personal trainer taught me that this is beneficial in burning more calories. I also have tried to increase my activity. An extra walk in the evening or a bike ride, 10-15 miles once a week. Though the challenge has officially ended, I will continue to watch my diet and exercise. My goal is to drop another 30 pounds! Another item my personal trainer taught me is that the increase in protein and better nutrition has solved my fingernail dilemma. They would always be splitting, chipping, and breaking; now I have to actually keep them trimmed. Many people have stated I do not look and act my age in a physical manner. As my grandkids told me, “If I can climb steps without holding onto the rail, I’m not OLD.” I do feel “young” and will continue to work out with my personal trainer to keep my body moving. Losing some more weight will also help!

   My personal trainer has helped me lose enough around my middle that I can bend over and tie my shoes! My health has been on a steady incline for several months, not just during my first program with my personal trainer. There are several people I would inspire, but they live out of the area. One reason I keep coming to see my personal trainer is after visiting friends in Florida that can barely get around their homes, I realized what life could be like for me at my age - It is scary!

It is hard to convince others that they need to make the changes in their lives, I just send the straight to my personal trainer! My knowledge of diet has improved. I do not have the will power to avoid the “bad” foods, doughnuts, potato chips, cookies, and the like, but I do realize not to eat them all the time, my personal trainer holds me accountable every time I see him. A “diet” does not work the best if you deprive yourself of the things you really crave.

   The two weeks I was away on vacation, I did not gain any weight. Body mass changed because I was not exercising, just walking. I have lost inches and I have dropped sizes in my jeans. The next size lower, I can get into, but too snug for comfort. I am able to keep up with my grandkids and hope to live healthy to become a great grandmother in another 10 years. I must say that the location is very easy to get to, I live in Cheshire CT closer to the Meriden side and it takes just about 5 minutes to get there from my house. Even if it was a longer drive, I would still invest the time to get there.

Ellen D.

Retired

Cheshire, CT

Age 70

   My goals were to eat healthier, lose weight and tone up. I had lost weight before and I knew that having a Personal Trainer would make it easier to reach my goals. Also, going in with my wife made it easier to stay motivated. Going at 6am makes it easier because it is usually quiet and allows for more one on one personal trainer interaction. Overall, the atmosphere allows you to workout without any worries. My personal trainer provided me motivation to push harder. Not having to worry about choosing what exercises to do and the right weights to use. I also like the fact that someone is there who will point out when my form is not right. There are plenty of choices to be able to eat everyday without sacrificing taste. Flexibility to use shakes and bars. And also the cheat day is a guilty pleasure! I am going to go with no. I never knew how to exercise correctly to ensure that I am focusing on all muscle groups. In terms of eating, I never ate six small meals per day until I started at Horizon personal training. I am going to stick with it. The fact that Katie and I have continued to receive our personal training services says it all! Knowing that a Personal Trainer is there to help us kept me going. Coming with Katie and knowing that the end result will be that I am healthier and in better shape. I like the Personal Training aspect and the accommodating hours the most!

   I live in Wolcott and was thinking about a personal trainer in Waterbury or a personal trainer in the Wolcott area. When I visited, I realized the drive from the Waterbury area is easy too. One of the reasons that I Joined Horizon Personal Training was because Katie has been going since May and she seemed really happy about the results. She never complained about going to the gym and she just seemed happier as a result of coming to Horizon. When Horizon announced the 8-week challenge with her personal trainer, she thought it would be a good idea that I join too. At first, I didn’t want to because I thought it was expensive, I already had a gym membership to another gym, so I didn’t really want to pay for both. Well I was wrong.

   Horizon was worth every penny. Not to mention that I wasn’t even really using my old membership prior to joining Horizon. I knew that I was overweight and that I needed to do something about it. So when Katie kept asking me to join, I finally gave in. Turns out, it was a great decision. I lost about 20 pounds in 8 weeks with my personal trainer and I just feel good about myself again. I had to go out and buy new clothes and for someone who hates shopping, I really had fun picking out some new, smaller clothes to wear.

   After the 8 week challenge, I kept up with going to the gym and eating the approved foods. I feel great and can’t wait to stay in shape. It is my goal at this point to stay where I am weight-wise and not gain any more. As of now, I weigh 185 and this is the lowest I have been in a long time. I started the challenge at 206 and I am going to be honest, I think the 200 mark is kind of scary. My ultimate goal before I started the challenge was to drop to 180lbs. I am not that far from my goal. I plan on continuing to reach my goal with my personal trainer. I knew that I probably wouldn’t reach my goal during the challenge, but I am happy that I am so close. Once I reach my goal, it is my plan to stay there for a very long time.

   It truly feels good when others notice my progress. When people tell me that I lost weight, I just smile and say “yes I did! I have been going to a personal trainer!” When Katie and I are out with people we haven’t seen in a long while, it is amazing when they notice that both of us lost weight. The fact that my body fat has decreased significantly during this transformation period makes me happier and healthier and I thank Horizon for that!

   I wanted to lose weight and gain more muscle, but my main goal was to feel good! I hadn’t felt happy and healthy and pain free in a while. I wanted to be happy who I was on the outside as well as on the inside. I live in Wolcott and was thinking about hiring a personal trainer in Waterbury or Wolcott where I live. Upon my search I was dis-heartened until I found Horizon. The drive from the Waterbury area is convenient as well. I eagerly started my trainng program with them. My personal trainer guided me to my goal. I was always told I couldn’t run, I wasn’t a good athlete and I was always the “chubby friend”. I was always active, but I was scared that I would give up and just fall back into what I was before. I feel 100% comfortable, safe, and supported in the Horizon atmosphere and with my personal trainer. There was nothing to be intimidated by, and I was always encouraged. “No” was never an option and I continually was pushed to do more than I thought I could.

I enjoyed having someone to teach me the proper way to use weights. I felt comfortable trying new things and slowly, but surely got over many of my fears with my Personal Trainer’s support and help. I had fun and it made it easier on days when I wasn’t enthusiastic about the gym. The nutrition program was the most helpful thing of all. Although I couldn’t eat half of the food on the list, the program taught me how to fuel my body! The biggest obstacle for me was the food. I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. The challenge and my personal trainer forced me to pay close attention to what I was eating. I learned to make nutritious, gluten-free meals. This is something that was hard to learn to do, but I have to do it everyday. The money is 100% worth it! What is paid is worth feeling good! In the long run it is cheaper to pay Horizon personal training than the co-pays at the doctor. Things at home were not good, work was long, I almost lost my job, but I came to the gym every morning. My Personal Trainer kept me motivated to come. She made me want to be there. Going made dealing with everything else a little easier. Every Personal Trainer is extremely friendly and supportive. Other members continually work hard and that makes you want to work hard too! I measured my progress through how I feel. I feel amazing right now. Also my jeans are a size 10. This may seem like a high number, but to me, this is a huge accomplishment! The last time I was a size 10, I was 13 years old! My personal trainer and I are so excited! I’d recommend your personal trainers to my friend Tom had Leukemia when he was younger and a side effect is a bad heart. He is a great person but is a little slow. His mom works nights and his father isn’t around so he is an “adopted” member of my family! Tom is 26 and works for the city as a custodian. He is always on the go and is always hungry. He eats very unhealthily and it is affecting his heart. When it comes to food, he just doesn’t get it!

   Eight weeks ago, I convinced Joe to join me in Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition’s 8 week challenge. I thought it would be something fun for us to do together and I know he wanted to get into better shape. What I didn’t know is how much this challenge would impact our lives.

   Shortly before the challenge started, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I had to avoid all foods that contained or even touched gluten.  I had my gluten-free foods I ate, but was not sure how to put a proper meal together. Through the course of the eight weeks, I have learned how to cook for myself and how to properly fuel my body. The nutrition program provided me with an outline that made it easy to be healthy and gluten-free!

   Physically, I feel much stronger, healthier, and happier. I have not lost a significant amount of weight but my body has changed. My personal trainer said that may happen. My proportions are different than they were before and my jeans are down 2 sizes. Apart from the changes in my clothing and shape, I can do more! When I started at Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition I could not do even one sit up. It was not the sitting up, but the going down. I was afraid to fall backwards, but with my Personal Trainers’ help, I slowly overcame this challenge. I not only can do a sit-up, but I can do it on LEVEL 14 with a 15lb dumbbell in my hand! Another exercise I struggled with since Day 1 is lunges. My knee did not want to hit the ground. I was convinced I would never make it, but in week 7, my knee hit the ground as I lunged. These are just two examples of the obstacles I have overcome, Thanks to Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition.

   I am proud of myself for my progress. Life has been hectic these past 8 weeks, but I remained dedicated and focused on my goal. I could not have done this without Joe’s support and help of my personal trainer. I was blown away by his dedication to the diet and exercise regime. I am so proud of his progress. Although some weeks it was frustrating to not be losing as much as him, his encouragement made it better. I was always proud of him and he continually impresses me with his support.

   I couldn’t have done any of this without my Personal Trainer and the Horizon staff. She never took “no” for an answer. She was continually supportive and encouraging and made me look forward to being pushed to the limit. She is the reason we were successful in our 8-Week Challenge!

In the past, I had tried a few times to lose and maintain my weight by going to a gym. This method usually started great, but eventually I lost all focus and stopped going, wasting a lot of time and money in the process.

I decided to try working with a personal trainer and came across an ad for Horizon Personal Training & Nutrition. I am SO glad that I did. Joining Horizon is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My trainers are patient and understanding, but at the same time are extremely knowledgeable. They know the program backwards and forwards. They will keep you focused so that you can attain the results you want.

As a result of my hard work and trainers’ guidance, in thirteen weeks, by adhering to both the training and nutritional components of the program, I have lost 25 pounds and have gone down three sizes! I feel great, better than I have in years, and have so much more energy!

My trainers motivated and really encouraged me to excel and before I knew it, I started setting higher standards and goals for myself. I know that on my own, I would have never been able to achieve these results in this short a period of time, or maybe even at all. I would never even consider working out on my own at a gym again. One thing I can tell you is this: if you follow their recommendations regarding nutrition and exercises, this program will work for you!

I cannot thank my trainers enough for all that they’ve done to help me. I highly recommend Horizon Personal Training and Nutrition and their program in general, to anyone concerned about their own health and fitness, and who wants to improve their quality of life.