1. What did life look like before you focused consistently on nutrition and fitness?

Deb: Fitness has always been a part of my routine.  I was a student athlete in high school and played intramural sports in college along with a weekly workout routine of running, swimming or going to the gym.  I was fortunate to have friends in college that also enjoyed the same activities and kept me motivated to stay active.  There were a few years after marriage (specifically my child bearing years) where the fitness routine was put on the back burner but I have learned over the years that when I commit to staying active and in a regular fitness routine, I feel so much better mentally and physically.  It has only been in recent years that I realized that nutrition is just as important as the fitness part of the health equation.  I used to have the mentality that I could eat whatever I wanted because I would work it off later.  After I realized that I need to eat well because I work out instead of working out because I ate crappy, things started to click.  I started to see difference in my muscle tone, skin health and general sense of well-being after incorporating a healthier eating style.  Don’t get me wrong, I still treat myself to the unhealthy foods but they are just not a part of my regular diet.
Brooke: I grew up in an active household. My parents were members of a gym that also had a center for kids. Whenever my parents would go to the gym, they would bring us with.  When we were younger, you could always find a group of kids running around the neighborhood playing games, whatever the weather.  I was also involved in sports such as basketball, volleyball or -my favorite- soccer. I played soccer from the age of 5 until I was 15 but, once I quit, I started to realize I was gaining weight and I wasn’t doing anything about it. I didn’t change my eating habits or go to the gym on a regular basis. Going off to college and partying, drinking and eating out on a regular basis didn’t help the situation either. It wasn’t until my Senior year of college and the summer after I graduated, where I believe I was at my lowest point. I was very unhappy mentally, physically, and emotionally. How could someone who grew up being active and competitive get to be this overweight and unhappy?

2. What made you decide to make a change?
Brooke: Two weeks after I graduated college, I started my internship. This was supposed to be an exciting time, I was a new graduate about to embark on the “adult world”, yet I was far from excited.  I had to buy all new clothes for my internship, all of which were in sizes that I was shocked that I had reached. Once I started my internship, I would come home, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat. I was “too tired to go to the gym.” A few months into my internship, I was noticing that my brand new clothes were becoming tight. I knew then that I needed a change. 
That summer I started Medifast. I was abiding by their meal plan and working out 4-6 days a week at Anytime Fitness. I lost 30lbs in three months. I started feeling and looking better. Once I lost the weight I wasn’t attending the gym as often and wasn’t being as mindful about meal choices and started to gain some of the weight back. In October, I was at my parents house and my mom asked me if I wanted to go to a class at the Warehouse with her. Of course I used the common excuse “I’m too tired.” My mom responded “it’s only 45 minutes you can do it.” Although I was nervous to go to a group workout because of how out of shape I was, I knew I needed to go. That first class at the Warehouse was Boot camp with Jeanine the Machine and man did it kick my butt. Even though it was a hard workout, I felt so good afterwards that I couldn’t wait to go back.
Deb:  I enjoy group fitness over trying to do it myself on the pavement or in the gym.  It’s too easy to quit when I get tired if I don’t have someone pushing me. I’ve joined the large clubs in the past but have found that I like the smaller, more intimate, private facilities better.  I am so thankful I stumbled onto the Warehouse!  Nickie, Marc and the team have built something very special here. They genuinely care about each and every member.  It is the first place that I have been that focuses just as much on good nutrition as the workouts themselves.  
From the moment I walked in that door, I knew this was going to be my new workout ‘family’.  I truly believe this about the people I have gotten to know at the Warehouse.  As you know, our family experienced a great loss last October in the death or our son Josh and the Warehouse Family has been a very important part of my ‘moving forward’ process.   I am so thankful for the love and support that everyone has given our family over the last seven months!

​ 3. What has changed (race times, blood work, attitude, etc.)?   
Deb: As one gets older, the priorities in life tend to change.  I am thankful for the Warehouse programs as it has allowed me to continue to work out at a level that I feel I need and truly enjoy.  I hear other women of my age struggling with weight gain and general feelings of low self-esteem but thankfully, that is now how I feel.  I attribute my fitness and nutritional routine to helping me through this next stage of life when a lot of other women become more sedentary.  I don’t want to become that!  Thank you Warehouse Family for motivating me and keeping me coming through those doors each and every day!

Brooke: After my brother died, I realized how short life is and there is no more room for excuses. I don’t have time to “start next Monday” I need to start now. Not only am I trying to get in shape to fit into a wedding gown next summer, but also trying to build new life long healthy habits. The Warehouse trainers and family have encouraged me to push myself harder than I would’ve on my own. I have found that the group challenges are not only competitive but help hold me accountable. Since joining the Warehouse, I have become more confident both physically and mentally.  
 ‘Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.  
– Unknown –