Elite Heat Spotlight: Megan

In recent years, I've battled with a few extra pounds.  My love for burgers and beer, and the idea that I had the world's fastest metabolism and could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, sadly led to a point in my life where I was truly unhappy with how I felt and looked. I joined Phoenyx Fitness in November 2011  with the simple goal of  losing the extra weight I had 'magically' put on over two years. I was frustrated those first few classes when I couldn't keep up with the cardio or do a single push up. I signed up for the kettlebell classes and that's when I was hooked. It was fun to see myself get stronger and have more stamina throughout class.  It was also great to see how the girls in the kettlebell class who were also a part of the Elite Heat were transforming before my eyes. 

What makes the Elite Heat team stand out from the countless classes/programs I have tried since I moved to NYC is the sense of camaraderie and dedication.  These ladies are fierce and determined.  I have learned so much in terms of terms of healthy eating , the benefits of kale, and how to have fun and still get a kick ass workout in. I am looking forward to continuing on this journey and seeing what my body can handle!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Giselle

The reason I undertook this challenge was to learn how to moderate my eating habits and , not only be fit, but obtain nice ab definition, which has always been my dream.  I have always enjoyed working out but I used to do it as an excuse to eat anything I pleased, especially COOKIES!  So, by being a part of the Elite, that will help me not only reach my goals for being fit, I will be able to learn ow to live a healthier lifestyle and share my progress with my teammates who are fighting for the same purpose.  Nevertheless, my experience in this group so far has been terrific.  I love the dynamic of the group and how we all push each other to reach our maximum potential.  This group has been very inspiring and I hope that at the end of my journey, I can inspire others.

Elite Heat Spotlight: Fiamma

I have been struggling with my weight and body image for a few years now, going through countless exercise and diet fads, and getting little to no results.  In January of this year, my best friend Ashley joined the Elite Heat, and over the next few months I witnessed as she underwent a complete body transformation.  But it wasn't only her body that changed.  It was her entire demeanor.  She slowly became more and more self confident, and the change was very inspiring to me.  I have never considered myself to be self confident, especially not where my body is involved, and seeing my best friend make such big strides in her own body image left me wanting the same.  When she decided to recommend me for the team, I was excited and terrified: having never been particularly athletic or strong, I feared being left in the team's collective dust.  Regardless, I felt that I owed it to myself to at least try.  Feeling so defeated by all of my previous attempts, I pretty much viewed joining the team as a last ditch effort to look in the mirror and feel good about myself.  Since joining the team, I have started to feel stronger and healthier.  My favorite part of the experience, and what I wasn't expecting, is the support and encouragement the ladies on the team give each other.  It feels great to know that we are all in this together and cheering each other on.  I feel like this last ditch effort might actually be the one that sticks.

Elite Heat Spotlight: Ernie

After I graduated from law school, I found myself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and my self-esteem was shot to hell.  I was also newly engaged and attempting to plan a huge wedding in another country that I had only traveled to once before! So, I convinced my friend Dorothy, who was also getting married that year, to try this boot camp I saw on Groupon. I have not looked back since...

I have taken many of the classes offered by Phoenyx Fitness, and worked with many of the instructors, and the truth is, everyone has their own way to help you get in shape and build your confidence.  I think I have always gravitated towards Malenna's classes because she was my original instructor and helped build my self-esteem through prioritizing myself and my health at a time when I felt negative about everything.  So, when I heard that she had some members of our kettlebell class doing a secret program, I just jumped into their conversations and allowed Dorothy to harass her until she would let us join.

At first, I was just joining to spend more time with Malenna, my friends Dorothy and Aleida, and the other friends I made in kettlebell class.  But after travelling to see Malenna at fitness competition and seeing how lean and svelte everyone that had already started the program looked, my excitement grew and I really challenged myself to put in the time and effort to be successful.

Through Elite Heat, I have learned a lot about nutrition, and overall health and have been able to inspire my parents and co-workers to make positive lifestyle changes I think that's what I like the most. The hardest part? Making it to the gym, of course. But when you have a strong support team that focuses on motivation and not judgement or shame, you feel inspired to go to the gym and give it your all for yourself and them.

Winner, winner chicken dinner (breast meat only, no skin, trimmed of fat, grilled and served with a a1/4 C of quinoa, cooked!!NOT dry!)  ;-)