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Typically, when I find someone or something in my life that creates a dramatic difference in my life, a positive, life-altering difference, I feel compelled to share my story with all those who will read or listen. I have found that “someone” in Fran Jackson and I have found that “something” in her fitness program.
At 12, I was the 5’4” tall skinny girl in class. Then came puberty and “pow”- all curves. Unfortunately, I never grew any taller so I’ve had to watch my weight ever since.
I was always an active and energetic person growing up and never worried about my weight. (Well, I worried about it but it was never much of a problem.) After college, I became a restaurant manager working 55 hours a week, most of which was on my feet, so again worrying about my weight was pretty much an afterthought. Working out? NO WAY! Then I met my future husband. At twenty-nine, I moved 1200 miles across the country, quit my job, left all my friends and my family and ended up in Fredericksburg, VA, a newly-wed, house-wife trying to help my husband open his new restaurant. It was fun and exciting, but taking care of myself became a low priority. Needless to say, in the next 6 years I gained an average of 5 pounds a year. I joined a gym, but never went. I tried ever diet fad that came along- “Atkins,” “Body-for-life,” “Southbeach” . I’d last a week or two but couldn’t take the deprivation, loss of energy and lack of results.
My 2005 New Year’s resolution was to put myself as a priority. My thought was that only I can truly make myself happy. It’s a choice and I choose happiness. So I promised myself to treat myself as well as I treat my family and friends.
Three months later, my brother announced his engagement. His fiancée, Tina, asked me to be her maid of honor. Of course, all the family would be at the wedding and Tina and I promised ourselves that we were going to look great. Tina had heard from her colleagues at the FBI about a terrific personal trainer named Fran Jackson. Tina set up an interview with Fran. Remembering my promise to myself, I mustered up the courage to go with her. Looking back, now, that day was a turning point in my life.
In our meeting, Fran asked us what are goals were. Tina was thinking Cameron Diaz and I was thinking Selma Hayek. We both laughed, but Fran asked us straight-faced, “How hard are you willing to work?” Oops, what have I got myself into? Determined to look our best we committed to three workouts a week for one month. After that first week, F-R-A-N, was definitely a four-letter word. After the first month, I was dropping weight and feeling stronger. After two months, I was down a dress-size and my confidence was growing. I also noticed that I had more energy and was sleeping better. Beginning the third month of “three-a-weeks” I had dropped another dress size, but the wedding was right around the corner and I wasn’t to my goal. After discussing it with Fran and my husband, I decided to add one more work-out per week. For me, this was another turning point. That one extra work-out per week really accelerated my progress.
By wedding time, I easily slipped into my Maid -of-Honor gown. Plus my husband helped me shop for a whole new wardrobe. Sunning at the pool in my new swimsuit was fun, fun, fun. Working out in the spa before my massage was a real treat.
I wore a cocktail dress at the rehearsal dinner that I wore only once before on my honeymoon. At the wedding, I received more compliments from my friends and family than I ever had in my whole life. I felt great – confident, strong, energetic and happy.
Thank you, Fran, I couldn’t have done it without you. Your professional training and guidance has been a godsend to my life. I highly and gladly recommend you and your personal training to all persons interested in improving their bodies, their health and all aspects of their lives. P.S. My husband thanks you, too.
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