TESTIMONIALS

Over 20 years ago, I lost 70 pounds on a low carb, calorie deficit diet with no focus on macronutrients. The calorie deficit became my way of life as it was the only way I felt I could keep the weight off even though I worked out regularly. After the pandemic, I had regained some of the weight and started to feel defeated, both physically and mentally.

I joined Blaze Fitness in September 2022, and I nervously entered the Blaze Summer Shred Challenge in March 2023. Chris gave me customized calorie/macro goals and I quickly realized I had a lot to learn! By choosing the right foods, I was eating more than ever had before while losing fat and weight. I lost 21 pounds in 8 weeks and kept it off until the 2024 Shred Challenge.

My approach to the 2024 Challenge was to focus more on whole foods and rely less on protein supplements. A different approach resulting in an additional 19 pounds lost for a total of around 40 pounds lost in two challenges (and down two pants sizes). At 45, I am stronger and healthier than at any point in my life. Participating in the challenges has helped me make sustainable nutritional changes and truly changed my life!

This was my first class with Holly and I can honestly say the workout was first class. I went to the gym feeling great today and left exhausted. I love being pushed beyond my limits

As a former power lifter I never thought high rep and low/body weight exercises would be tough. I was humbled this morning at every single station. Great class!!!

I have been working out for about 20 years. I’ve been a member of many different kinds of gyms throughout that time. Blaze is the first gym I have been a member of to offer any kind of challenge such as the Shred Challenge. They are also the only gym I have been a member of to offer their class style, with four days of strength and two of cardio/core.

I had been a member of Blaze for just five and a half months prior to the start of the challenge. When I heard about the challenge, I was a little bit skeptical of what it was going to be about. I thought it was going to be about everything else I had tried, from giving up sugar, fruits, root vegetables, dairy, to eating Paleo, Keto, or intermittent fasting, or any other kind of fad diet out there. But, I decided to sign up and check it out anyway. With Chris leading the challenge, I thought what could go wrong? So, I dove head first without looking back.

For years, I had felt/looked bloated. It didn’t matter what time of the month it was. I had tried to heal holistically. While my hormones were out of whack, once they were balanced, I was still bloated. I knew it couldn’t be hormonal.

On to the start of the challenge. Once we figured out my maintenance and deficit calories, within the first week I had lost 4 pounds. I was in shock. I wasn’t expecting to lose more than five pounds through this entire challenge, and in the first week, I was already down four! My metabolism woke up!

In the beginning, I thought it was a lot of food to eat, but my body quickly adapted. I had realized I was eating tons of fat and not enough carbs because I was brainwashed to think they are bad for your body. Boy, were those people WRONG! I started eating more carbs (fruits, root vegetables, RICE, oatmeal) and my body thanked me because I felt like I had more energy and didn’t feel that afternoon slump.

I made it a goal to hit my steps every week day, Monday through Friday. Most of the time, I was able to hit my step goal on the weekends as well.

For seven weeks throughout the challenge, my calorie deficit and macros remained the same, and I lost more weight than I ever thought I could lose. My bloating is GONE! My cycles have been lighter the last couple months, which is a huge plus!

I have not had to give up any certain foods or food groups. I thoroughly enjoyed chocolate throughout the challenge. I had some cocktails, went out to dinner, went on 3 trips during the challenge. I was able to enjoy time away, all while maintaining and getting back on track and losing.

The key for me was to plan my easy meals – breakfast, lunch and snack and have that prepared ahead of time. Then, all I had to really think about was dinner. If I was going out to eat, I would look up the nutrition information of their meals and pick based on what offered the most even macros for me.

This challenge has been a huge eye opener for me in terms of how to balance macros. The real challenge for me will be when it’s over and getting to the maintenance phase, while increasing the calorie intake over time.

I feel more confident in my body than I ever have before, and it’s all thanks to Chris, and the rest of the staff and challenge tribe!

Michelle kicked my butt today. Adding weights for super planks, pushing myself til my body thought it would break, only to hear “NEXT STAAATION!” A sigh of relief until the timer started again. Loved the workout, loved the burn. So close to my initial goal!!!

Loved this morning’s workout. Mentally I can push myself more with multiple stations with 3-4 exercises each because I know how many times I have to do one movement. With fewer stations and movements it’s mentally more exhausting. Chris has a skill to push everyone to a limit we don’t know exists.

I have been attending the Fitness classes for the last two weeks. I am not really as fit as I should be. I am discovering muscle groups I did not know I had. Most days I hurt. But I feel really great after the work out. My body feels more agile. Most people introduce themselves to me. In every session someone has asked me if I would like to partner up with them to help me through the different moves. The instructor moves around and takes time to help correct the form for the moves. patiently repeats it until I get it. I would recommend Blaze. The front desk Lindsay is very helpful, gentle and will take care of your needs efficiently. the facilities clean and accommodating. it feels like you belong.

Loved seeing the progress I’ve been making. Lydia added extra challenges to tonight’s workout that kicked my butt. The best part though was seeing myself double the weight used from just a short time before. Amazing pump and amazing motivation. Tonight, it was the weights who barely walked out.

I haven’t felt this great in years! Every workout breaks my limits and keeps pushing me to a better lifestyle.