Dear People of the Inter-webs - You must know that Marc is a freekin ROCKSTAR trainer. Here is…read morewhy I think so: Grab a (healthy) snack as it's a long story!
When I was in college, I had two terrible incidences happen to me in a gym that scarred me for life. I was terrified of the gym's atmosphere, people, equipment, and the PTSD associated with those experiences. It held me hostage from my fitness and health goals for over 25 years. As I am in my late 40s now...I finally told myself "ENOUGH". I have got to overcome this and get back in power of my health, mood, life, and be the athlete I always wanted to be. I did a ton of research to find a trainer AND a safe and welcoming gym environment to begin this super scary journey. I found Marc's info online after a Google search ...so I reached out. Honestly, I was expecting to find all the reasons why it wouldn't work out. "I was scared...but I was trying..." I told myself. Lies. I had NO intention of really going through with working out in a gym. I was way too freaked out.
After I sent my reach out via his website, Marc responded to my inquiry very quickly and based on his response I felt compelled to meet with him for a consult. I mean...it's just a conversation, right? I arrived for that consult with my incredible 'box of excuses and reasons and blah blah' why it really wouldn't work out and how it's not right for me. (You know...that box of ridiculous negativity that we carry around with us that is all crap and lies? Yeah, that box. I mayyyyy have brought the WHOLE EXCUSE U-HAUL to the first meeting!). To my absolute surprise, our consultation went really great. I shared with him all the things, the fear, the incident, my massive concerns/reasons/blah blah, and was ready for him to agree with all that junk. He listened in an understanding, kind, and non-judgmental way that never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed for what I went through. He then gently navigated me towards results and self-power which shifted my mindset from excuses and "the past" to reality and "the present." In my amazement, I saw myself leave the meeting with Marc having more motivation and excitement than I had felt in years. It washed out almost all of my hesitation and fear.
Our first session was taking measurements in a private and safe setting. We set realistic goals and ended with a fitness assessment in the gym. The first time being in the gym was a bit nerve-racking, but I got through it. I found the gym, Active Lab in Broomfield, to be a clean, organized, calm, safe, respectful, and motivating place. It set the perfect mindset to allow me to walk in and actually assess my fitness. Marc checked in with me to make sure I was feeling safe without making me feel coddled or using that "concerned voice" throughout. It was matter-of-fact and helped my "Flight or Fight" calm wayyyyyyy down. Marc did exactly what I needed. I felt safe. I AM safe.
I returned for my next session and it was the first full workout. I came in and saw my name on the dry-erase board with all the things we would do that day. #MarcIsOrganized! After each activity, he wrote down the specific weight used or reps done and it gave me such satisfaction knowing what I accomplished. The whole time Marc was cheerful, specific, motivating, humorous, focused, and knowledgeable. He demonstrated every exercise, explained why we were doing it, and provided great feedback while celebrating it. The workout was challenging, but, to my surprise, I got through it! I also really enjoyed the other people at the gym. The trainers were super friendly and not intimidating AT ALL. #Jackpot
After I got home from that first session, I realized that Marc went ABOVE AND BEYOND creating a space for me to work out to my best ability without even mentioning it or making it a big deal. He heard my concerns ONCE and catered the workout so that I was not hindered by my anxiety. He set up the workouts in a place where I had full visibility of the gym, could see the door, moved cardio equipment, and stood in a place where I felt he literally "had my back." He made sure that I was able to challenge myself without allowing other mental stuff to get in the way.
That first session was a bit over 3 months ago and I can't even believe my successes and results. Not only have I lost 7% body fat, 15 lbs, and 4" off my waist, I am able to work out in the gym without ANY anxiety, concern, or worry. He slowly steered me to this incredible place with each workout. Allowing me to always be in control, but simultaneously pushing me to the next fitness and mental level. I look forward to every session and finally am free to honor my body, mind, and soul.
Marc is all you want in a trainer. Active Lab is all you want in a personal training gym. Thank you, Marc. #LifeChanged #It'sGunnaBeGreat #LastSetBestSet