“I lost 22.2 lbs. It Works!”
IronCore All-Star: Nicole Tymec
Click below to listen to Nicole’s Fitness Journey.
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I Now Have the Figure I Wish I Had 20 Years Ago…
“I credit my workouts with IronCore for getting me the figure I wish I has when I was 20 years younger. At 47, I finally have it. Thanks again.”
Violet, Mom of 2, LaSalle
From Heartbreak to Happiness – Anna’s Tear-jerking Journey
This long, sad journey has a very happy ending……..
Back in January 2001 I was 5 months pregnant with our first child. My OBGYN gave me devastating news. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, which is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in pregnant women. If left untreated it could lead to strokes and seizures during pregnancy placing me and my unborn child at risk.
I was told to quit my job and was put on complete bed rest. My blood pressure required 3 pills a day and 3 trips to the hospital per week to monitor the health of myself and my unborn child. This was a very exhausting and scary journey for me and my husband.
I gained 91 pounds and simple tasks like bending over to tie my shoes became a challenge. I constantly felt like I was going to faint and I had built up so much fluid due to my condition that it would ooze thru my skin. Three weeks before my long awaited due date I weighed in at 235 pounds. Simple breathing became work.
Finally, I was blessed with a beautiful healthy baby boy who weighed in at 5 lbs and 9oz. I was confused that I had gained such a tremendous amount of weight but yet my baby weighed so little! From that point I began a constant yo yo battle of losing and gaining weight.
I tried many unsuccessful programs like gym memberships, boot camp classes and Zumba. Walking for hours on end, sometimes in a sauna suit (I was pretty desperate.. ) and many times skipping meals just to find that I was gaining even more weight at a much faster pace. I made excuses upon excuses not to go on vacations just so I didn’t have to wear tank tops, shorts or a bathing suit. My friends and relatives would invite me out for lunch or dinner and I would make every excuse not to go.
In February 2011, I lost my dad 2 weeks after his 57th birthday (way too young). This led me to become an emotional eater and therefore gained even more weight, I was eating out of sadness, anger and denial. I was tired hiding behind my baggy clothes, constantly wearing black, not being able to sleep, feeling muscle fatigued and brain fogged.
Most of all, I was hiding behind my smile. Day after day I was literally just getting by. I made an appointment to see my family doctor and explained how after many unsuccessful years I was very frustrated and desperate with my weight and didn’t know what else to do. She told me the best thing that would help me was to go on anti depressants. I told myself “there is no way that a pill could help me achieve my biggest dream of being fit and healthy”.
I honestly believed deep down in my heart that no drug, shakes, powders or injections could help me lose weight and keep it off for good. I know too many people that went down this route, only to be more frustrated than when they first started.
Soon after, God answered my prayers in a very discreet manner. Shortly after the Christmas holidays (I believe I actually gained 8 pounds in those 3 weeks) I was reading my emails when another email from IronCore (Punch) came thru. This time, it caught my attention. It was from Rob Santarossa and I thought to myself this guy keeps sending emails even though he doesn’t really know me. He must care. It was regarding a 28 day weight loss challenge. I thought to myself this is my LAST hope. My last hope ended up becoming my BEST hope for me and my family.
In April 2013 I called Rob. He was very down to earth, extremely understanding because he had been down this road himself and could relate to all of us who are struggling with weight loss. Soon after, we met up at the gym and he took his time to listen to all of my weight loss struggles and gave me hope.
Rob was very inspiring to me as he explained and showed me photos of his own weight struggles. He assigned me an eating plan. I will not call it a “diet plan” because the food on this plan was unbelievably generous. It was all healthy foods like salmon, chicken , brown rice, sweet potatoes, fruits and vegetables etc. I simply followed it everyday and felt content. I showed up to my workouts 5 days a week, with only a half hour workout per day and that was it!!
In 4 weeks I had lost 13 pounds and felt amazing.
I finally had faith in myself again and my confidence level went up. From there my husband and I decided the best decision was for me to continue the program and see where the journey would take me. I made the commitment to join up for a year and I have been there for 8 happy months.
As we speak, I am down almost 40 pounds and realistically I can’t even believe what I have achieved in such a short time.
It has been the most healthy 8 months of my life. I am more energetic, stronger, healthier and most of all happier. My own children tell me “mom, I love how you’re happy and always smiling”. They too noticed the transformation! This transformation has made me a better person, a better friend, a better wife and most of all, a better mother to my boys.
Everyday they ask “mom did you go or are you going to your workout?”(Lol). They too keep tabs on me to make sure I’m going to my class. They understand the importance of the workout and the difference it’s made in my life! I feel great knowing that I have been an inspiring role model to them.
Kettlebell class has become by best friend (lol). The magic behind the kettlebell workout is that in one half hour it works every muscle group. This is what my body needed and was longing for. I noticed a difference immediately. My arms started to tone up and the best part… I started to lose that stubborn cellulite off my legs.
As I write this today, I can say I am finally “living life”. Now I understand why Rob Santarossa adds “live life “at the end of each and every one of his emails. Three months ago my cardiologist was very impressed with my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. He discontinued my blood pressure medication. I was amazed that after all these years I was finally able to stop taking medication that would have eventually damaged my kidneys.
I no longer feel sad like I am living in a dark world.
I don’t feel exhausted nor feel the need to wear black or baggy clothes.
I can proudly say that I am no longer scared, hopeless or in hiding.
Rob is extremely dedicated and passionate about helping people achieve their health to the fullest using his program. Rob, Tiz, Cary, Juliette and Annie, thank you all soooooo much for always being there for me, not giving up and believing in me.
Most importantly, thanks for making every class fun, challenging and extremely comfortable. I could have never done this without the help of each and every one of you “Saints”.
What is unique about IronCore Kettlebell Club is the bond between the clients and the trainers. The clients have similar stories- up and down weight gains, frustration with fad workout programs, or simply just wanting to get stronger and healthy. Working out together brings us close in friendship and we feed off each others’ accomplishments!
The trainers also have been down similar paths and can relate to every one of our stories while providing clear instruction to each individual client. They are patient, kind, loving and unbelievable motivators to all!
This is why I make every excuse not to miss my workouts, I look forward to my kettlebell workouts each and every day and they keep me focused, energized and living my life to the fullest.
Rob thanks for creating an atmosphere that has inspired people to bring out their very best.
I am proud to be part of IronCore Kettlebell Club team!!!!
Anna Piunno, Wife, Mom of 2, Lasalle
Don Ascott 6 Months Progress
It takes just 30 minutes a day to change (save) your life…
Best news is I am not using my asthma puffer anymore.
I can also do a lot of exercises I couldn’t do before.
Also Chris Pistagnesi doesn’t hear me huffing anymore.
Down from 42″ waist can fit in 36″ still a little snug.
“My Instructor my personal coach and motivator Rob Santarossa from Ironcore Kettlebell Club. The first personal trainer who understood where I was coming from and how to get me where I needed to go. I thank you sir! Sat with me twice for about three hours to get me on the proper eating track and I’m starting to get it. As well as not charging me $35/hr for advice. ”
Don Ascott
A Heartfelt Message from a Truly Amazing Person…
In honour of Father’s Day here’s a message I received from a truly amazing person. Until today I had no idea this had gone on in their life.
Due to the emotional nature of the message I was sworn to secrecy on the identity of the writer.
It’s another reason for why I LOVE doing what I do.
Please share with anyone you know who is in a dark place.
Thanks, Rob.
My journey with Punch Gym (IronCore) began with a groupon back in 2011. I was looking for something that would help not only lose weight but tone my muscles and stay fit. (The student prices were also perfect & fit into my student budget!) When I started at the gym I was a student working two jobs and was in a very challenging program of study.
I had also lost my father a few months prior and had put on quite a few pounds from all the stress from school and grieving. As I was supporting my grieving family, working two jobs to pay for school and also going to school, it was very challenging for me to find time to workout and stay active. Punch/IronCore fit perfect with my busy schedule and the workouts were short, unique and amazingly challenging every day.
I immediately started noticing results in my body and also my energy levels ( and I never changed my bad eating habits!).
Punch Gym became therapy to me, it was a great stress reliever and the staff was always very positive and supportive. The staff pushed me to do better and work harder each workout.
I have been faced with many life challenges while I was in school and it is thanks to Punch that I was able to manage and relieve all of my stress. It doesn’t matter what kind of mood I am going into the gym, I always walk out feeling great!
Today, (three summers later) I am still a very dedicated member of the gym. The workouts are therapy to me and are now part of my daily routine. No matter how busy my schedule is or having a horrible day; I am always able to fit at least one workout into my day and walk out feeling wonderful & full of positive energy!
I almost forgot to mention that I am now not only mentally strong, I am now physically strong! 🙂
Thank you Rob and all the trainers at IronCore (Punch) for being great motivators and for being part of who I am today!
Rod Martens: “I lost over 120 pounds!”
Rod Martens lost over 120 Pounds
Sue Lost 53 Pounds and Looks Fantastic!!
Way to go Sue Doyle – very inspiring!
I went from “Ultra Inactive” to losing 57lbs…
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
Just 30 minutes a day – 40 lbs of fat… GONE!
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. –
Working Mom of 3 goes from a size 16 to size 10!
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!
First she beat cancer… then she lost 60lbs! Read Cealia’s courageous story.
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
“It’s thrilling to be seeing defined and toned muscles for the first time in my life!”
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
“My butt has actually lifted back up to where it belongs…”
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
“In that half hour I work harder than I ever have on the treadmill or other cardio machine.”
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
“Working with you is like having a personal trainer”
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
