My name is Jaclyn Jerome, I am 51 years old, I have been married for 33 years, I have two boys and two charming grandsons.  The programs at Greco have changed my life and allowed me to go from a size 20 to a size 6.

When I turned 50, I decided it was time to make some significant changes in life.  I knew that it was time to get into shape and to kick all the nasty habits I had acquired over the years (smoking, drinking pepsi and alcohol and eating way too much junk food).  If I was ever going to see my two lovely grandsons grow up to be adults, changes were desperately needed.

When I joined Greco in Jan 2011, I weighed 238 lbs. and my body fat was 46%. Needless to say I was obese!  Given that I had never worked out before, I was very nervous and I didn’t even know what a plank was. I decided to start off with the 10 week Lean and Fit for Life Program at the Kanata location.   With the Greco routine of exercising 3 times a week and changing all my eating habits to clean eating, I immediately started to feel and look great and couldn’t wait for my workout days.  At the end of the 10 weeks I had lost 30 lbs. and 10% body fat and I was very pleased with the results.  In March 2011, feeling quite confident with myself, I was ready to pick up the pace. I signed up for a one year membership and moved to the Lean and Fit Program at the Barrhaven location.  It is now May 2012, I have been doing Greco for a little more than a year and I have lost 80 lbs. and close to 20% body fat.  I now not only know what a plank is, I can actually do push ups for as long as I want and do burpees for a full 45 seconds. I am very proud to say that I am no longer obese, I feel better than I ever have, and I have even managed to give up smoking, drinking and all the junk food.

Thanks Greco and a very special thank you to all the trainers and workers (you know who you are) at both the Kanata and Barrhaven locations. Thank you for seeing me through all these positive life style changes and for all the coaching and words of encouragement along the way.

• Learn about getting fit, staying fit and enjoying a healthier lifestyle with Tony Greco
• The story of High Jumper Marie-eve Chainey who rallied for a 9 year battle with kidney disease to make the Canadian Track and Field Championships
• Success Story of Frank Adamo of ItalFoods
• How to burn fat all year long

Team1200 Grecosize Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

CFRA Greco Lean & Fit for Life Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tune in this Saturday at 7AM on CFRA, or 9AM on Team 1200 to listen live or by podcast on the Team 1200 website.

To listen to full previous shows, click here.

The thing about denial is that you usually don’t realize you’re in it.  Almost every day there is a story in the news talking about the health implications of so many overweight Canadians, or how carrying extra weight around your middle greatly increases your risk of heart disease, hypertension, insulin resistance and diabetes – this is all common knowledge.  And you know personally that you should make more of an effort to eat better and exercise more, yet my own efforts to get back into shape were consistently sidelined in favour of other responsibilities that just always seemed to be more important.  Every once in a while I would be spurred back to the gym after getting a sign that would hit me like a two by four to the head: chronic back and joint pain, getting out of breath after a single flight of stairs, outgrowing my clothes, having a herniated disk, even slowly losing touch with friends I used to be active outdoors with because I’d rather sit out a trip than be the straggler who can’t keep up.

It’s no surprise that having a child prompts all kinds of planning for the future, so the real tipping point for me came in the quiet hours of the morning as I was feeding our newborn.  It was while holding my son and thinking about wanting my kids to know the joys that come from an active lifestyle that triggered a basic realization.  I realized that as our kids grow up, more than anything else, they will require our example.  And I was going to need some help.

Anybody who has been physically fit at any point during their life understands that there are no shortcuts around the hard work that is required for getting and staying in shape.  So it stands to reason that if you are going to be investing your hard work into a program, you also want the best possible return on that investment.  And that’s where Greco comes in.  In the first ten weeks of the Lean & Fit program, I lost thirty pounds, decreased my total body fat percentage by ten percent, and dropped from a size forty to a size thirty-six; having stronger core muscles and losing the weight resulted in my nearly constant back pain fading away to nothing.  Getting fit has made the difference between simply enduring versus actually enjoying physical activity.  A two hour weekend road bike through the countryside – bring it on!

What is most remarkable is that achieving these results did not require a complete overhaul of my life and habits, only a bunch of minor changes and smarter choices as suggested by Greco.  No fads, just a comprehensive look at what I was doing, what I was eating, and tweaking it by stopping what doesn’t work and doing more of what does work.  It helped to take advantage of the resources on the SNI website (especially the recipes) and I love the variety and taste of what I get to eat on a daily basis.

Simply put, the Greco Kanata team is amazing.  From the first impression at the front counter to working with the trainers, it’s clear that the team is genuinely interested in seeing you succeed.  What continues to impress me is how each of the trainers can be empathetic to how hard you’re working during the drills, yet how they are also able to push you further to get that extra effort out of you.  I think it makes the difference between good results and great results.  It makes the difference between the workout being a chore versus looking forward to the next workout.

It worked for me and I recommend Greco with no reservations.     -Evan

February of 2011 was a milestone month in my life.  I had recently found out my wife and I were expecting our second child (later to be change to second and third ‘children’), I donated platelets for the first time, and I decided it was time to do something about my fitness level, or lack thereof. 

I had heard friends talk about the Greco Lean and Fit program and, having tried to get into shape by myself multiple times in my life with no success, I decided to give Greco a go.  When I went for my initial consultation, I was 208 lbs and had almost 30% body fat (considered obese by most charts I have seen). 

I was immediately impressed with the knowledge Josh seemed to have and his ability to translate that knowledge into something understandable.  I began my journey down the Lean and Fit road a few days later.  Lean and Fit, at the beginning, was likely the most difficult undertaking of my life.  I had to drastically change my eating habits (I LOVE to eat), and had to force myself to go to ‘the gym’, as my daughter calls it, three time a week.  As time went on though, the lifestyle change I had decided to make became second nature.  I now make healthier choices in foods without even thinking about it and going to work out is something I look forward to as opposed to dread. 

Five months after my initial visit, thanks in large part to the staff and trainers at Greco Barrhaven, I weighed in at 147lbs and about 11% body fat.  

Greco Lean and Fit has allowed me to do more than I could ever have imagined, or even thought myself capable of!

This Saturday on Grecosize and Greco Lean & Fit 4 life:

1. Former Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher will be on the show
2. Kayla Bouffard has a great Greco Success Story that she will share with us

Team1200 Grecosize Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

CFRA Greco Lean & Fit for Life Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tune in this Saturday at 7AM on CFRA, or 9AM on Team 1200 to listen live or by podcast on the Team 1200 website.

To listen to full previous shows, click here.

Its been 6 years since I started lean and fit.  I started in 2005 when Greco only had the one location in Barrhaven – I still remember the days of Kelly and Todd, Josh, and even your advanced classes one night a week!  When I started Lean and Fit, I was 172 lbs (keep in mind I am 5’7), my BMI and Body fat percentage were well over 20% ( I think BMI was 26 and Body Fat was 26.9%). Now, my body fat fluctuates between 13 – 16% and weight is around 145 lbs.  I recently got married and have put on a little weight, but a year ago, in my prime, I reached 13% body fat and 135 lbs.   

Lean and fit has changed my life – it has given me self confidence, It has given me positive energy.  I feel amazing and formally wanted to thank you and your team in Barrhaven (I was there from 2005 until Kanata opened) and Kanata (opening until now).  

Thanks again, Anik Dattani

This Saturday on Grecosize and Greco Lean & Fit 4 life:

1. Success Story will be shared by Sam El-Sayed and discussion on the importance of eating raw food
2. Tony will talk about “Waist Management” and getting rid of your belly fat once and for all!

Team1200 Grecosize Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

CFRA Greco Lean & Fit for Life Promo:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tune in this Saturday at 7AM on CFRA, or 9AM on Team 1200 to listen live or by podcast on the Team 1200 website.

To listen to full previous shows, click here.

Sean Adams is a member at our OAC location, and has lost over 39 pounds and 18% body fat with the Greco lean and fit program! Congrats Sean.

When I first started Greco I weighed in at 189lbs with 31% Body Fat. Today – I am 20% body fat .. weighing in at 142lbs 24years old, 5″7

Lean + Fit, Personal Training (with Armand) and Six Pack Abs have all contributed to me shedding just over 45lbs.

I have to say  – the six pack abs was the most exciting program for me – The diet was challenging and the results were quick, visible and real. We all have abdomens – the six pack abs program truly helped me burn excess belly fat and now I can see them!

One of the biggest changes in my life Lean + Fit has contributed to is my over all health and my skin. I suffer from excema, and so long as I work out – my skin looks rejuvenated, less irritated and I have minimal flare ups. This goes hand in hand with a clean healthy diet.

I was recently in a car accident (beginning of December) and currently participating in physiotherapy to realign my hips, lower and upper back. I hit an 8 point Buck with my car and endured an intense impact. My car has been written off however, I am forever grateful I still have my precious life. Because I am in such good shape – my recovery is progressing quickly and the whiplash was not as bad as it could have been had I had been in poor shape. I hope to be fully recovered within six weeks and cannot wait to get back to lean + fit.

I am not a professional athlete training for a championship – I am just a girl who prides on her body’s strengths and physical capabilities. I love challenging my body and have an addiction to working out.  Nothing taste as good as lean + fit feels… nothing.

Kelly Lee

Peter has a new photo and success story:

I just thought I’d give you an update on my success with the Greco style of living. I’ve adapted very well and easily with my new lifestyle and I believe my update photo will prove that! Since the last photos in May 2009, I have taken three strength classes as well as another 6-pack abs program.

My weight loss to date is 60 lbs and my body fat is now at 10% (down from 30%). I still have goals I want to achieve and I know that I will get there with the help of the program and Brent and Dan. Speaking of which, I cannot talk about my success without mentionning that an important part of it has to be attributed to the great support and encouragement I continue to get from these two guys! Thanks Brent and Dan!

Peter

To view Peter’s previous post and photos, click here!

I have always considered myself to be an active & fit person. As a child I was in dance, track & field & loved being outdoors. As an adult, I maintained an active lifestyle. I continued to run, hike, cycle, ski cross country & became a dance teacher/choreographer. Over the years, my fitness level remained the same but my energy was down to an all time low. Due to overwork, stress & low energy, it was getting harder & harder for me to fit my exercise regimen into my busy schedule. I became frustrated as well as disappointed with myself. The vicious cycle of not eating right, exercising sporadically & sticking to running or walking as my work outs just wasn’t cutting it for me anymore. My clothes were tight fitting, I lost muscle definition & I wasn’t sleeping well.

I joined Greco Lean & Fit in March of 2009 and thanks to Tony’s Kanata team (and now the Beech street team) I finally feel like myself again. I will always consider myself a work in progress as I strive to become leaner & fitter, I still haven‘t reached my goal. 6 months into this program I lost 20lbs & 7% body fat but the benefits of feeling & looking better far outweighed the numbers on the scale. When I first heard about the Lean & Fit program I must admit that I was sceptical. I thought that the food plan would be impossible for me to follow & that attending class 3 times a week really wouldn’t make that much difference with my current exercise regimen. Although I realized that I had to make lifestyle changes in order to achieve my goals, I had this fear of trying something that was so different for me & contemplate the possibility of failing. I couldn’t have been more wrong. We monitor what we eat carefully with the help & suggestions from the folks at Greco. Our fitness classes complement whatever else we choose to do on our ‘off days’ so I was able to continue running. Whether we run, power walk, cycle, swim or even play hockey, the Lean & Fit exercises strengthens our bodies overall & promote a strong core. This in turn can help prevent injuries while participating in other activities. At Greco schools, we are surrounded by people who motivate us to work hard. Their enthusiasm reinforces ours and nobody drags anybody else down with negativity. When it comes to food & fitness the staff at Greco can only guide & teach us, as knowledge is power.

In the end though, it’s left up to us to follow through as we reap the rewards of consistent hard work. I not only feel better, I sleep better, I manage my time better & have more confidence to tackle the many challenges of running my Bark & Fitz franchises. When Tony says “Hey Lynne you look great!” I reply with “Oh no Tony–I look fabulous!” And I say that with utmost confidence.

This is an amazing transformation.

Started Lean & Fit on July 2, 2007

Before – 220 lbs, about 38% body fat | After – 160 lbs, about 23% body fat
November 2008 – started meal plan

Before meal plan – 178 lbs, about 27% body fat

2006 photo by John W. MacDonald | 2009 photo by Cheryl Mayhew

I started the Lean and Fit program on January 21, 2009 and lost 21 lbs. and 7.6% body fat. I then did the 6 pack abs program and lost another 11 lbs and another 4.8 % body fat. So my totals so far are a loss of 32 lbs. and 12.4% body fat.

I joined the Lean & Fit program initially because I was very much overweight and I got concerned about my health since I was pushing 50 (I’m 48). I was tired of diets because they were always only band-aid solutions and not very good ones at that – I would lose weight but did not get any healthier!

I learnt quickly what Tony means when he says the Lean and Fit program is a change of lifestyle. The lessons learnt about nutrition were an integral part of my success. However, equally important were the types of exercises that are part of the programs (L&F and 6 pack abs). What I like a lot about the program is that the exercises are always different so I never get bored with them. Unlike the diets, I have now lost a lot of weight and I feel a lot healthier!

Thanks a lot to Dan, Brent and Daniella for their support.

I look forward to starting the Strength program on June 8th.

Peter