Escape 2 Fitness Co

07/22/2008 Posted by tld38

I first came across Escape2Fitness through beach yoga classes on the beach last year. (Can you get more zen than sunrise yoga looking over the lake and the Chicago skyline?" The instructor told me about the Beach Body Makeover and I thought "this is what I need - a way to kick start me and keep me accountable for I know I need to do, just don't do on my own". I did one session last fall and was happy enough with the quality of the trainers and the commitment of the entire E2F staff to do personal training sessions with them over the winter - my first experience with a trainer. My body transformed over the winter. I remember struggling to do 15 pushups when I started, did 26 when I started personal training and did 100 by the end of the winter (okay, they were girl push-ups, but still... compared to 15 - Wow!). My confidence grew, I became more motivated, chronic back pain disappeared. I felt in better shape than when I ran a half-marathon a few years ago. Once this spring came around I was eager to see my comrades on the beach again and am in my third session this year. I started less than 10 lbs from my goal weight. The combination of trainers, peer support and nutrition consultation has brought me to yet another level. The right support has brought my body fat percentage back into the normal range, - 4% loss last month. 4%!!! I lost 13 inches last month. 13 inches!! (Only downside - having to buy new clothes because my shorts and pants from last summer are hanging on me now. Shopping as a downside - does it get better than that?). Anyone who feels they've reached a plateau, this holistic program is going to show you things and get you through it. The calibre of the E2F staff is outstanding. Their standards are very high and the commitment of the staff comes through. They love sharing what they do and seem almost as excited as we are when we reached our goals.

Pros: Can you get a better venue than Chicago's lakeshore or within your own home?

Cons: Some days 6am is early... but I (almost) always get there.

07/09/2008 Posted by zoix

When I talk about Escape 2 Fitness with people who don't know the program, I begin with the same story -- about my not having seen inside a gym for over 20 years. Tho my comments are met with laughter, the unfortunate part is that it was true. Not having parttaken in any fitness program caused me a great deal of anxiety and embarrassment, which in turn caused me to continue to avoid the exercise I knew I needed. Once I joined, I didn't commit to buying any new gear (not even shoes) until I lasted a week in the program -- something I was sure I wouldn't do, considering the 6:00 a.m. class and the fear that everyone else in the program HAD seen the inside of a gym within the last 2 decades and was therefore far more fit than I. My fears and anxiety vanished within the first two days, EVEN THO I fell on my bum and tripped over the pajama pants I insisted on wearing until I rode out the week and reached the holy grail of workout clothes. The positive energy of the program keeps me going: the folks who join all have fears, weaknesses, strengths, and days where performance is blah. But, knowing that I'll be supported while getting a MEAN workout is what makes me jump out of bed at that hour; being at the beach and seeing the sunrise during crunches, while most of the city is still asleep, gives the overwhelming feeling of power, commitment, camaraderie, and most importantly, accomplishment. The group becomes a group friends; that's what makes our efforts honest and ongoing. The trainers are fearless in taking on any goal we want to achieve. I have truly been pushed to my limits and have exceeded my expectations in terms of stamina, weight loss, physical health, and overall well-being. Escape 2 Fitness is a complete experience. The staff guides clients through fitness routines, nutrition, and tips/support to reach personal weight loss and health goals. It's an unbeatable program for anyone who isn't scared of being their absolute best.

Pros: tireless and knowledgeable staff support, group camaraderie, intense and current program, RESULTS

Cons: No cons. You get out of it what you put into it.