First a little background on me.  I was 38 when I first came to Punch Gym.  I am a mom of 4 that had spent about 13 years steadily gaining weight & being ultra inactive physically.  Mentally programmed that I didn’t have time for me.  I started my road to health about 7 months before I found Punch Gym.  Changed my eating habits and was losing weight.  A good friend of mine asked me to join the ladies bootcamp with her.  She told me it was tough but that she knew I would love it.  I went to my first class in August 2010.  It kicked my butt!  I was hooked!

I could barely do a push-up, sit-ups were so foreign to my body that my abs threatened to go on strike.  I was winded after a few swings.  It was my mind that kicked in and got me through that first class.  I said to myself that it’s just a half an hour.  30 little minutes.  Just a little bit longer & I’ll have made it.  I went home exhausted but enlightened.

I started losing weight because I wanted to grow old & see my kids grow up.  I wanted to be healthy.

When I started kettlebell bootcamp, I made a promise to myself that I could take a half an hour a day for me.  Losing weight is one thing, but waking up your body and finding the long neglected muscles is another thing all together!  It wasn’t easy that first week, to go back when my body was sore, but I went.  The trainers always had encouraging words.  They recognized my level of ability and always had ways to keep me going.  They recognized my improvement over the weeks and when I moved up to heavier weights they applauded me and made me proud of myself.

I’m actually surprised some days that the 30 minutes have flown by!  Everyday is different, I haven’t been bored or not challenged in the 10 months I’ve been coming.  In the past year and a half I have lost 57 pounds.  Since starting Punch Gym my entire body shape has changed!  I truly feel like a different person.

Christy Adamson, Kingsville

Emily became a better mom and wife

I was introduced to Punch Gym in July of 2010, only two and a half months after having a caesarean section with my second child.  I had a lot of ‘baby weight’ to lose and was not only bored with the typical gym scene, but I lacked the time, energy and motivation to expose myself to the monotony of its environment.  I refused to spend more money on personal training sessions for minimal results!  I tried the fad diets and purchased home dvd workout programs but found it hard to keep myself motivated and failed to see true, lasting results.  I was ready, and needed a new challenge to finally regain control of my life again.  I had heard about Punch Gym and decided to give it a try, never realizing the impact it would have on my life.

At Punch Gym, I was warmly welcomed by trainers and other members who were there to give me the encouragement and support that I required to get me started on my new adventure.  Every day we are met with a different challenging 30 minute workout, exercising muscles I did not know existed!  My strength, and endurance have improved dramatically!  After the completion of my first boot camp session, I was down several inches, 10lbs lighter, and my self esteem had improved tremendously!  I became a more energetic, patient mother to both of my children, and a better wife!  No fancy meal plan or dieting; just hard work and a reasonable, well balanced diet!  In four short months, I went from 165lbs to 125lbs, in a new athletic physique!  I owe a lot of credit for my results to the dedicated and motivated trainers at Punch Gym, who continuously create a positive, supportive, and kid-friendly environment for their participants!  The classes are high energy and fun!  There is a family type atmosphere and approach to the program and we all encourage each other. The class times are flexible enough to work around my busy schedule as a wife, mother of 2 children, and a nurse that works shift work.   It seems there is always a class time that fits into my day.

For less than the cost of personal training, we receive direction and motivation from the instructors who have a genuine interest in seeing everyone get the most out of their 30 minute training sessions!  Months later, I am proud to say that I am addicted to kettlebell, and have gained more than a new optimistic perception on life and a new body, I have made new friends and really look forward to the workouts!  This workout program has changed my life and I am so thankful for it!  To those who can identify with where I was, contact Punch Gym for a free trial and for a new you!

-         Emily Bohdal 30yrs. -

Meet Stacey, she’s self-employed, a mom of 3 and a wife.  She has a crazy busy schedule (like so many of us).  By making just 30 minutes a day to workout with a close-knit and supportive group at Punch and by eating healthy (NOT dieting) she’s made a startling transformation.

Not only did she shed more than 32lbs of fat and gained some sexy muscle, she’s whittled her waist away by a full 8 inches!  She’s gone from wearing (too tight) large and X-L tops to small/medium.  She also went from stuffing herself into a 14/16 pant to where her new size 10′s are almost falling off of her.

Way to go Stacey!

Over three years ago a friend of mine received a Bootcamp flyer from Punch Gym in the mail. She immediately told me about it because she knows I am always up for a new and fun way to work out. So we began our journey together. BOOTCAMP #1 was a huge success for me, I was challenged both mentally and physically and even though I could barely sit down after week one, I couldn’t wait to keep going. Working out is not new to me since high school I have always trained, from spin class to kickboxing to running the casual 5K and weight training, but Punch was a new and exciting. This class was only a half hour, it incorporated interval training, cardio and weights and it was kicking my butt. I love that no workout was ever the same, that I was pushed to my absolute limit after only a half hour, and that my body was changing after the first week. After my first boot camp I lost 3 inches, increased in strength, flexibility and cardio and I lost 15 unwanted pounds, that I just couldn’t do with my current workout or diet.

Needless to say I have been attending ever since…. But that wasn’t the kicker for me, so if you have a minute here is my small PUNCH success story. I am a 33 year old female who one year ago was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For those who don’t know, it a form of blood Cancer. I was told that I would undergo a year of treatment, Chemo and Radiation, which would Cure my Cancer but leave my body feeling run down and out of shape. I was ready for the challenge of course, I mean what else can you do but fight. So I began treatment and within one week I realized that all my years of hard work at the Gym would come to a screeching halt. I was too sick and felt too tired to even walk my own stairs to do laundry some days, so sadly my doctor advised that I stop my regular workouts and allow my body time to heal. So I did, kicking and screaming, but I had to listen to my body and give it the rest it needed, and took 7 long months off the gym. I continued to walk and eat cleanly so that I could try to maintain what I was but unfortunately the drugs I was on for treatment help me to stay tired and healthy… so healthy that I was an extra 40lbs after treatment was all said and done. Yep 40lbs, no baby to blame, no McDonald’s to blame just a small price to pay to beat Cancer. And I did it, yet another proud moment. But now I had to build my body back from scratch and I knew just where to do it.. So I put my mind on yet another task to lose that Chemo body and get mine back. I was welcomed back to PUNCH, with open arms of course, and began the PUNCH experience. I went to PUNCH classes 5 days a week, began training my body to learn how to run again and attended another class. Yes this is extreme to work out 1-2 hours a day, BUT so is gaining 40lbs in 3 months with no fault of your own, so it had to be done, and after my experience with Cancer I realized that I deserved to give my body a new look on life. Let me tell you it was NOT easy but was TRANSFORMED… I lost all 40lbs in 3 months. I went from 240 to 200lbs, lost 4 pant sizes, and could fit in all my post Cancer cloths BUT I was determined to be better. This weight was solely lost due to training, I never changed my diet but I eat rather clean and never fast food besides the weekly pizza dinner. I still love dessert after dinner and am known to enjoy an alcoholic beverage but that is the best part. I could still have that cake, slice of pizza or frothy Margarita, and the the weight was still coming off. I was still feeling nauseous everyday as the drugs were leaving my system but my body was embracing the activity, so I continued. I knew that I was going to be back to work soon and I wanted to be healthy and strong. I kept my schedule going for two more months….And lost another 20lbs. So 5 months post Chemo- 240 lbs down to 180 lbs, yep that is 60lbs, Size 14 down to size 10 and the body I had 15 years ago was standing in front of me in the mirror. And here I am one year later, Cancer free, 60lbs smaller , still attending PUNCH an in better shape than ever.

As I continue my journey with PUNCH I only get stronger, now I swing the 40 lb bell for all exercises and I know the next bell size is only a few swings away. My body is lean and my muscles are cut and visible, I have built strength but don’t look bulky, I can bust out push ups like a high school kid and my Core has never been so tight. They give us the tools for a better healthier you, don’t we all deserve to feel good, be healthy and live a longer life?? It’s up to you, we only have this one life so make it count. Thank you for reading my success story and good luck on yours. Hope to see you soon at class.

So if you are seeking a workout with the concept of group personal training, friendly and encouraging staff, and you want to be your own success story …There is no other place to do it than Punch Gym.
THANK you PUNCH GYM

Cealia Gagnon

I have never made a better decision than going to PUNCH Kettlebell Gym! I have always really struggled with exercising. With my formal education in kinesiology, I know that exercise is a critical part of being a healthy woman, I just never seemed to find the time or motivation to get fit or stay in shape.

It’s thrilling to be seeing defined and toned muscles for the first time in my life! I still have a way to go to reach my goals, but I just know it’s only a matter of time. I’ve been working out with Rob for about a year now and this is the first time I’ve stuck with an exercise program this long!

A huge factor contributing to my success is the fact that the workouts are so convenient. Each workout is only 30 minutes in duration, and I have easily been able to fit PUNCH into my daily schedule making it an important part of my day. ~ Stacey Spencer, Windsor

PUNCH gym has defied all my expectations. I put in the time and the results show. I have lost inches in my legs, butt and waist. I have gained muscle and toned my arms and core. My butt has actually lifted back up to where it belongs and creeping on forty all the women out there know what I am talking about.

I was becoming the mom who wouldn’t participate in any activities anymore. I recently went on a field trip with my son where we had to play a simulated hunting game. The parents and teachers were invited to participate as well. sually I would be the mom on the side line watching the kids have a great time. Not this time. I actually raised my hand to participate. I thought to myself: “you can do this, they are only 11 years old.”. I DID!! I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t out of breath, I wasn’t cramping up, I wasn’t complaining. I had a great time. I did better than my son did. I was agile, alert and active. I was impressed, and I noted to myself that a year ago I would not have been able to pull that off. ~ Shannon Rizok, Windsor

If you are really looking to make some changes, come check out Punch Gym. Rob is an outstanding trainer and motivator. He has the professionalism and maturity to work with individuals with varied personalities and with different requirements of training. He provides customized challenging 30 minute workouts that will work your body in places you did not know existed. As a busy mom of four, 30 minutes is about all I can fit in. In that half hour I work harder than I ever have on the treadmill or other cardio machine. ~ Cary Robinet, Lakeshore

When I came to your gym originally, I wanted to work on some of those “trouble spots” that seemed to be resistant to regular cardio and weight training. I was extremely surprised at how the Kettlebell workout targets the core yet tones all parts of the body – and so quickly. Working with you is like having a personal trainer – (someone to motivate and challenge me to challenge myself) and to ensure I am doing everything correctly, but for a fraction of the cost of a personal trainer. In addition to the physical changes I have seen, I am amazed at the increase in my strength and flexibility and energy – it’s all good! ~ Gina Facca, Lakeshore

I wanted to take the time to thank you for everything you do to help me improve my overall fitness. I can honestly say I truly lucked out when a friend recommended I try Rob’s kettle bell gym. This is the best work out I have ever been addicted to and for the first time in my life I actually look forward to going to the Gym. The classes are fun and the people are awesome. My energy level during the day is greater than it has ever been and I feel better than ever. This is truly the most challenging and fun work out I have ever done with noticeable results. I can honestly say Rob is by far the best personal trainer I have ever had. With his dedication, experience and ability to motivate the classes I am confident my health will only continue to improve…

Thanks again to you and your family for giving us your time to help shape the lives and achieve fitness goals never thought possible by so many. ~ Sheri Morency, Lasalle

When my sister approached me and asked if I wanted to go to a “kettle bell” workout, I had no idea what she was talking about let alone what we were in for.

After checking out the website www.tecumsehbootcamp.com, we were intrigued and wanted to learn more.

We decided to take Rob up on his “free trial” offer and embarked on our journey on Friday, August 14th, 2009. After filling out some paperwork, a basic lesson on how to swing the kettle bell, it wasn’t long before we worked up a sweat with the other Boot Campers. At the end of the grueling 30 minutes, my sister Elly knew this was for her. My self on the other hand, was still a bit skeptical. My sister signed up on the spot while I thought it over the weekend (which by the way, I had body parts hurt that I never knew I had). With a little persuasion, I decided to give it a try and on Monday, August 17th, 2009 we walked in ready for our workout. What we didn’t expect, was how much fun we would have at the same time, and wanting more. I really enjoyed going to class with my sister, as we are competitive in nature and she was my incentive to work harder. We both work opposite shifts of each other and the chance to have almost 3 weeks of being together and encouraging (and laughing at) each other was something we often don’t have the opportunity to do.

We have both tried many other gyms in the past but with Punch Gym Boot Camp, 30 minutes goes by so fast, it hardly feels like a workout and is like having your own personal instructors encouraging you to do your best. We can tell you from experience; it is definitely a workout for any fitness level. You work at your own pace and gradually build up to heavier weights. Rob and Christine are great instructors and definitely inspirations to look up to.

My sister Elly decided to take time for herself after having her third child start school full time and continue working out, having noticed a change in her body and stamina. Elly having had upper back and neck troubles for many years of working as a nurse has commented on how much better she is feeling.

On day one, I couldn’t do a full sit-up or even one push-up (men’s style). By the end of the Boot Camp, I was completing the full 30 second rotation for both. I have lost inches, weight and better yet, feel stronger and leaner. I was feeling more confident with my body and proud of what I accomplished in only 4 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, I could not continue with Punch Gym. However, I will not hesitate to join again in the future and recommend it to anyone who wishes to lose weight/inches, gain a more leaner and healthier body. ~ Sincerely, Diana Roberts and Elly Funkenhauser (sisters)

I am a 61 yea r old woman with osteoporosis who had never participated in a fitness regime or joined a gym before until at the encouragement of my daughter, I gave PUNCH Kettlebell gym a try. My only attempt at physical activity previous to this was walking and golf.

I am absolutely delighted to say that with the encouragement of Rob and staff at PUNCH Kettlebell gym that over the past eight months the following has happened:

I look forward to working out 4 times a week,
I have better balance, more energy, strength, endurance and agility,
My bone density has improved,
My beloved sport of choice, golf, has improved (quite a bit),
My clothes fit better and according to family and friends I look more fit and I personally feel more fit.

I have been enjoying training with Rob so much that my husband signed up 3 months ago. He can’t believe the difference it has made in his overall feeling of well-being. He is now ready to start up his baseball season with renewed strength and confidence.

Kudos to Rob at PUNCH Kettlebell gym for all you do to help people improve their lives through fitness. ~ Andrea Jones, 61, Windsor

Thank you for the goodie bag today and even more importantly, thank you for a fantastic week! This has perhaps been the most difficult thing I have ever done…..physically. (Mentally, I have two University degrees and a Specialist. It didn’t help me read the signs today though! LOL! )

I have been overweight all of my life and I signed up as a last ditch effort to get fit. I have tried a lot of things…..diets etc. I have taken 10 pills a day for two years to keep my blood pressure in check. (Brought on by severe pre-eclampsia in pregnancy) It is no way to live….I have a 2 1/2 year old son and I need to be healthy for him. My hubby too!

Your program is WONDERFUL…..I can’t say enough. Even when I feel ashamed that I can’t do everything the greatest, your kind words and motivating attitudes remind me of my purpose, and I keep trying. I love being at your gym every morning and I just wanted to say “thank you”! ~ Jodi Stone, 34, Windsor

I am addicted to the Punch Gym. Amazingly my body has lost and toned all in a short time. I was in to the cardio-kickboxing for a long time, I was unable to see results like have from the kettle bell workout. I enjoy the thirty minute classes, and am exhausted after each and everyone one! With the help from Rob and the instructors, you can progress and see results in your body within a couple of weeks! I recommend this to everyone who wants to feel better about themselves and wants to lose and tone up! ~ Heidi M. Lebeouf, CRN Ohpthalmology

I did the Boot Camps in an effort to improve my lipid profile and decrease risk for heart disease which is very high in my family. I just had same re-checked and results are unbelievable – my Cardiologist has never seen anyone able to decrease their numbers so significantly through exercise and diet !!! Improvements like this are unheard of without using anti – cholesterol medication…..

Cholesterol 200 – now 150 (25% decrease)
LDL 131 – now 94 (28% decrease)

Grateful to you! ~ Kimberley van Vliet – Tolton, RN, BAS, Nurse Administrative Manager

My experience with the Punch gym boot camp was fantastic! The boot camp helped me realize that I can’t just rely on cardio workouts, but that I need to focus also on my strength training to help me build muscle, stamina, and improve my endurance while running. Now I’m really getting to enjoy that “runner’s high” that I’m always hearing about. What I think I enjoyed best was the variety of the workout, the kettle bells, ropes, balls, and especially the circuit training. I find that my workouts are more satisfying when I’m being told what to do, because I don’t think I could ever discipline myself to do certain exercises voluntarily (e.g. mountain climbers, strongman crunches).

The boot camp has motivated me to keep up this kind of training because I love how must stronger I feel and look (so does my husband!). I’ve recommended the boot camp to lots of woman and especially those who are interested in looking for a new style of workout, and being a member of a non-conventional gym. ~ Alycia Tomalty, South Windsor

My name is Larissa and I’m a 31-year old Human Resource professional that loves chocolate and requires a lot of motivation to exercise. I joined boot camp because I was overweight and lazy and needed some type of activity to kick my butt so that I could fit into a bridesmaid dress cause walking on my lunch break was not cutting it.

The instructors at Punch Kettle bell Gym were knowledgeable, supportive and made working out 5 days a week for 4 weeks really fun. I may not have lost the weight that I wanted to, but I lost the inches and was able to fit into my bridesmaid dress. I also lost my cravings for chocolate, began eating better with the help of their Success Manual and started sleeping better too.

I recommend this program to everyone I talk to wanting something different in their exercise routine because it works. It may be a little intimidating at first and you may want to curse the instructors during class, but by the end of each class you thank them and say “see you tomorrow” instead. ~ Larissa Burch, Human Resources