Mary is from Williamsburg, Virginia, and she works as a public school teacher. Three years ago, she noticed a change in her weight, which made her feel ashamed of her body. This significantly affected her lifestyle, as she didn’t want to go out or do things because of how she looked. Her biggest struggle was binge eating.
She chose Live in Fitness Retreat because the price was good, and she had never been to California. Long Beach sounded like an awesome place to spend her summer. Gary, one of the sales reps, reached out immediately, and through their conversations, he made her feel safe and excited to come to the retreat.
When Mary arrived at Live in Fitness Retreat, she expected to lose 5-7 pounds a week, detox, and learn how to overcome her binge eating disorder. She also hoped to work with a specialist to fix the knee and ankle pain she had been struggling with for ten years.
Regarding her progress, Mary noticed significant physical changes during weeks five and six. While binge eating is still a struggle, she has experienced more daily success at the retreat than at any other time in her life. Her resting heart rate has lowered, and she’s been able to control her breathing better during cardio.
What has worked for Mary in the program is the excellent work of the chefs, as each meal is both beautiful and delicious. The variety of classes ensures constant muscle confusion, preventing her muscles from getting used to the routines and slacking off.
Mary enjoyed many aspects of the program, including the classes, lectures, staff, and clients. She loved that the program took her all over Long Beach, making it feel like a summer vacation. Spending time on the beach, boardwalk, marina, trails, parks, hills, and town allowed her to truly experience the city. Her favorite classes included hitting the stairs with Summer, boxing with Marcus, agility training with Alec, and HIIT with Zach. She particularly enjoyed Scott’s lectures.
Among the staff, Coach Summer stood out for her steady, positive outlook and constant encouragement. Coach Scott worked wonders on Mary’s knees and ankles with his incredible knowledge, while Coach Jay helped her correct her form to prevent injuries. Among the clients, Mary found a kindred spirit in her roommate, Sharee, who became a huge motivator for her, along with other favorites like Satrece, Claudia, and Mai.
Mary’s outlook on life has changed dramatically. She shed 20 pounds in six weeks, and with that weight, she feels like she shed the life events that led to her weight gain. She’s now ready to live the next chapter of her life fully, without being weighed down—literally.
Mary’s advice to others contemplating the program is that it’s not perfect. She encourages them not to waste energy on negativity but to smile and work hard. While the weight doesn’t come off as quickly as hoped—something she’s still reconciling—she assures others that they will become a better version of themselves.
Lastly, Mary offers this advice: “The longer we wait to get in shape, the harder it is. I should have done this in my 20s. Now, in my 30s, it’s harder. But I’m happy I didn’t wait any longer.
