Gwen
I joined the gym when Cindy opened in 2001 with a rather short term goal in
mind.
Like lots of women in their mid-40's, I wanted to lose 20 lbs. It gets harder
as you age and I knew dieting alone would make reaching my goal a lot longer.
I knew I needed to combine it with an exercise program, but was apprehensive
about making the commitment to an expensive gym membership.  Some co-workers
told me about Cindy's new facility on the corner of 8th and Olive so I checked
it out.  It was pretty much like most gyms, but Cindy's enthusiasm and
flexible approach were different.  She didn't require a long term contract and
the cost was reasonable, so I started with the idea of coming in two or three
mornings a week.  I knew early morning workouts would be the best time for me
since I have less demands for my time at 6 a.m.  At first I
wanted to go it alone, but Cindy and some of the other girls encouraged me to
take a class a couple days a week. They were fun ..... really fun!! I started
to see results as the pounds starting coming off, but more importantly, I was
feeling more energized and less stressed.  Within six months and after
reaching my initial goal of losing 20 lbs., I came to realize that my life had
changed.  That one hour in the morning was "my time" and it came with so many
benefits beyond my initial weight loss goal.  The support I get, the
camaraderie I feel and the friends I've made at the gym cannot be
understated.  And all that came at no expense to my family time, work time or
other play time.  A couple mornings a week quickly turned into five as I soon
found that coming in at 6 a.m. was getting easier and easier.  Oh, and it also
provided the bonus of less traffic on the road and always being at work on
time. :)  I watch what I eat and just a couple of those pounds have found
their way back, but the gym is now so much a part of my life, I
can't imagine life without daily exercise and I feel great!!
Gwen Birke

Channi

Here's my story and I'm sticking to it. Cindy tells me it has been ten years since I joined her gym - that's when it was called "She's the One."  I am not sure who was the "One", I guess we all were.  I remember getting on the treadmill and watching excerpts of "Sex and the City" (steamy stuff).  I was a little lighter then, but not as healthy (also, remember I was ten years younger).  There have some days when I have dragged myself to the gym, not gone at all, or went with a group of friends.  It has all been good.  I am now close to retirement and I know that when my husband and I are fully retired, we will be going to a gym closer to our home - sorry, Cindy.  But I know that Cindy would applaud us for at least going and making the effort.  She has been a tireless instructor and friend.  She encouraged me when I didn't really feel like exercising.   She charted my weight and complimented me when the scale went the right way (as a loss).  She made me journal daily so that she could watch what I was eating when I really wanted to be toned up for my 40th high school graduation reunion (and it worked).  I go to the gym for myself and my family - I need to be healthy.  I have a family history of osteo-arthritis and I don't want to be restricted by that disease.  So, I would like to say in closing, don't be discouraged when you miss a few days, or get discouraged and don't show up for a few weeks, just get back to Cindy and she will welcome you with open arms.  

Watching a friend and workout partner fully recover from a stroke, watching my mother who has always made exercise a part of her life quickly recover from breast cancer & later knee replacement…..these are just a couple of reasons I continue to workout.  I have seen the impact that it can have and fully believe that being in good health was the main reason that these people have survived and made such a wonderful recovery.  I’ve also become a fitness instructor because I have personally experienced the wonderful feeling of losing weight and I love to see others succeed by reaching their weight loss and fitness goals!!!  I have made working out a part of my life since college and will continue to do so.  It is a great feeling to know you are doing everything you can to stay healthy!!!

Mary
   It seems like yesterday when I started going to the gym.  I was very excited when Cindy opened so I could work out at a gym on my lunch hour. I attended exercise classes at my work in a conference room, but I wanted more.  At that time my kids were in high school and in the evening my husband and I were running from one sport to another with them.  Now that my son is graduated from college and my daughter is about to graduate, I still don't have time in the evening to work out. Going to the gym on my lunch hour helps me get through the day. I love getting away from my desk and getting some fresh air participating in boot camp or working out with weights. I feel energized when I get back to my desk.  I also have met several great friends working out at the gym.
   Last year when my daughter was participating in a summer internship at my office, I got her to work out at the gym with me.  It was fun working out together. Thanks Cindy for all you do. It has been a wonderful 10 years. Hope you have many more!
Mary Neff

Patti
   WOW….I AM getting old but do NOT feel it-  thanks to Iron Works Fitness. When I started out I felt so lucky being able to work out on my lunch hour.  I was a single mom with 2 kids who were very active in sports and school events and there was no extra time in the evenings to work out.
   I have come to the gym rain or shine – even in the snow and still look forward to it every day not only for my physical health but also for my mental health.  Working out is PART of my day and when I miss it - I get cranky (lol ask my co-workers it is true).  I will be 47 years old this summer and I feel like I am in my 20's - I have more energy, more patience and in general just live a better quality of life. The different classes offered have made a difference for me and has kept me going because they keep my interest and alleviate any boredom. THANK YOU Cindy Brenneke for keeping this gym going for so long...you are a life saver!
Patti Sanders

Patricia
Even though exercise seems like hard work, I love it!  It gives me
energy and it also brings me joy, happiness, and a clear mind.  My goal
has always been to exercise at least 2 to 3 times a week and eat
healthy.  Whenever I take a sabbatical, I feel the guilt, my stamina is
not as high and I also miss the community of people who wanted to make
positive changes in life.  I challenge any and everyone to give it a try
-- the results are phenomenal!  Set your goal, work your goal and enjoy
the end result!!! I have lost 40 pounds and I feel great! Eating healthy
plus working out is the key. The weight loss challenges & weekly
weigh-ins for the Biggest Loser contest encouraged me to stay fit and
the lunch time workouts were a break from the stress of the day. Thanks
for being there motivating me and acting as my drill sergeant along the
way.

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Without Challenge There Is No Change!