Success Story: Annie Leblond

I came to GoodLife Fitness at a time where my life was less than ideal. Here I was, 32 years old, out of shape, overweight – and not too sure how I got there – on sick leave for depression. I've never been the kind to try all sorts of diets; I just let myself go over the years, not realizing it. So when the doctor told me "OK, if you don't feel better after your leave of absence, I'll have to prescribe you some antidepressants." And that was the "coup de grace." Did I really get that low? Now, I can recognize a second chance when I see one. I was convinced I could turn things around for myself if I only had a little bit of help. I decided to fight my way out of depression and to get my life back on track by training. A friend of mine had been training at GoodLife Fitness for the past year and only had good things to say about the facilities and the professionalism of the staff, so it was only natural for me to turn to them.

The odds of me losing the kind of weight I needed to lose and of staying motivated without a trainer were close to, well, zero. It was clear I was going to need a trainer who actually knew what he/she is doing. I also like the idea of diversifying my training by attending group exercise classes. Plus, GoodLife was a well established company, so I felt pretty confident I had knocked on the right door. I immediately felt at ease at Rideau's Club. The first person I met really took the time to listen and set me up with a trainer that could help me reach my goals. And that is when Meaghan came into my life. Not only did she have a plan for me, but she set me straight with realistic healthy monthly goals, so I wouldn't get overwhelmed by the task ahead. She talked to me about nutrition, about the principles of exercising, but mainly, she put the responsibility into my own hands.

So I met with her three mornings a week. Knowing that someone would actually be there that early helped me keep my motivation. And even if she was not my favorite person some days, I knew she was keeping her part of the bargain. So whenever I was hearing her shout "Come on six more, five, four..." as I was completely beat, I kept my part of the bargain and kept pushing or pulling or whatever it was I doing!

"Exercising was now party of my life. My experience at Rideau's Club was that much of a life changing experience."

The results came relatively fast. Progressive, steady, lasting results. In the course the first nine months I trained with Meaghan, I went from 179.4 pounds (35.9% of body fat) to 133.5 pounds (24.0% body fat). But not only did I manage to shed the weight, I gained my confidence back by pushing my limits every day and by taking ownership of the hard work I was doing. I smiled much more, I felt better in my own skin and for once in a very long time, I not only enjoyed but was looking forward to shopping for clothes! I took some time, but there is no doubt in my mind that I could not have accomplished all of this without Meaghan and all the knowledge and expertise she had gained at GoodLife Fitness.

Exercising was now party of my life. My experience at Rideau's Club was that much of a life changing experience. So I continued training on my own. And then another challenge came along: a trip to Egypt that involved serious walking in the desert and mountain hiking. Guess who and where I turned to? Meaghan and her expertise! I didn't even think twice about it. My goals were so different this time, I needed a totally different plan, but I couldn't figure out where to start let alone how to do it. How do you prepare yourself to walk in the sand for hours? To hike up Mount Sinai? I challenged myself I was going to do those things all the way. What was the point of being in shape if not? Experience had showed me that once I set my mind to it, nothing could stop me, if I only had a little bit of help. So I explain my goals to Meaghan one morning, and she had another plan for me. We started my program the same week. I worked as hard as the first time, I hated her at times, like the first time, but I also trusted her completely, like the first time. And the results came, in the timeframe we had agreed on. I didn't lose weight, I didn't need to. But I increased my strength and my resistance tremendously. And it paid off.

I just came back from Egypt a few days ago. The experience was more than I hoped for. Because I was ready, because I knew I was ready and because I had total confidence in the physical abilities and mental strength, I was able to be present, in every moment of that hike and that walk. It made those moments even more fulfilling.

I never had to go back to that doctor. I never looked back. Well, almost never. Just to see and fully grasp the work I'd done and how far I'd come. I am not a different person because of my experience with GoodLife Fitness. I am a better person. I am the person I was deep down inside and needed a push to get out there and be. I got confirmation that I am strong and that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to. And I know when and where to ask for help. And there is nothing wrong with that. I can never thank Meaghan or GoodLife enough for the help they've given me.