Success Story: Janice Bontius

Everyone has their breaking point, the time where they say, "Enough is enough." I experienced my breaking point during the summer of 2006 when my weight ballooned to an all time high of 220 lbs. I was shocked to realize that 22 was not only the number of snacks I seemed to inhale each day but it had also become my pant size. My breaking point was a rude awakening, a real eye opener.

I have 3 very active boys who would love to have me run and play with them but I physically couldn't do it. I was having lower back problems, and my right knee bothered me a lot. I had no energy and always seemed tired and felt depressed. I was ready for a lifestyle change.

I started my lifestyle change slowly by teaming up with a friend for support and trying to watch what I ate. We both joined GoodLife in September 2006 and I haven't looked back since. At first I was going to the classes and doing cardio on the treadmill but it just didn't seem adequate. I needed something else, something more. That's when I had a consultation with Pat Rekker and asked her to be my personal trainer.

I started with Pat in June of 2007 and still weighed 202 pounds. If it wasn't for her I'd still be on that treadmill and dissatisfied with the results. Pat started me out on a regular weight training program three times a week. I soon noticed the results: improved posture, energy and strength levels were up and I was able to stop going to the chiropractor for my back and knee. As I progressed, Pat introduced me to a program using free weights and this is when I realized that I wasn't only losing weight, I was gaining great definition. As my pant sizes kept dropping my outlook on life kept improving and I found a new interest, even a joy, in running.

"Having Pat as my personal trainer has enabled me to be where I am today. Her patience, encouragement and professionalism keeps me motivated whereas on my own I would have given up a long time ago."

My kids are excited about the new me. We can go for walks together, I don't get tired and we are looking forward to going on long bike rides this summer. My two younger boys find it fascinating that I can lift them up to give them a hug and, when I do, they can wrap their legs around my waits. Needless to say, this is a great morale booster for me.

Having Pat as my personal trainer has enabled me to be where I am today. Her patience, encouragement and professionalism keeps me motivated whereas on my own I would have given up a long time ago. She is always there with a friendly smile, encouraging word or a new program to keep my workouts interesting and challenging. Through Pat's vision of my long term goals, comprehensive training programs and attention to detail, I have been motivated to keep focused on my objectives to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

I haven't reached my goal yet but my journey with GoodLife and Pat has taken me a long way. With Pat as my trainer I have lost over 40 pounds and now weigh 159 pounds and I have lost a total of 26 ¾ inches. I have been able to buy size 8 pants (no more double digits for me!) My energy levels are up and I can spend time outdoors with my kids and have strength to spare. I owe all of this to GoodLife and the opportunity of having al personal trainer, like Pat, who is there to guide me and help me along the way.