Russ Christensen

Personal Testimony

I would like to tell you about my weight loss and fitness journey through EverBody's Fun & Fitness Center. I began my journey in February of 2012. At that time I weighed +/-285 pounds.  I had a job that required quite a bit of physical work and my weight was becoming an issue. I also could not run and play with my grandkids the way I wanted. I thought, like most males, that I could lose weight on my own but I was wrong. I was given a membership to EverBody's from one of my daughters and began working out on my own. I was able to lose about 15 pounds but began to struggle as I hit a plateau.  When EverBody's began the Biggest Loser program I was hesitant about joining, again that male ego. Since my wife and kids decided to join I thought I might as well too, as what do I have to lose except weight.  I also thought it would help me get in a better all-around  shape. Since joining that 1st Biggest Loser season I have continued with the program as either a participant and/or coach. At one point I had lost 96 pounds and was below my weight when I graduated high school, a loonngg time ago. I knew that I could not maintain that weight and have put some back on, but, to a weight that I, and my body, is comfortable with.

I started working as part of the EverBody's staff in the fall of 2014. As part of the staff I was asked if I would be interested in getting certified as a Personal Trainer. With the knowledge I gained working at the gym, being a part of the Biggest Loser program, and  working with personal trainers Kelly Perryman and Breanne Walsh I saw that I could help others as a Personal Trainer and became a certified ACE trainer in 2015. I have a love/hate relationship with spinning yet I am one of the spinning instructors on staff. 

Besides the weight loss I have gained strength from weight training, have increased my cardio and endurance thru spinning, elliptical workouts, and running. Not only did I lose weight with the Biggest Loser program but I also learned good nutritional habits, that proper footwear makes a big difference, stretching techniques, and more. 

Since losing weight and getting in better shape I have taken up running again, which was a struggle in 2012 - half a block and I was winded. I have now ran numerous 5K, 7K and 10k events and two half marathons.  I have also competed in two Spartan Races and three Rugged Maniac races which are obstacle courses run over a 3-5 mile course. In 2012 I would have laughed if someone said you would do obstacle races or will run a half marathon! I have  led, and will continue to lead,  Couch to 5K (C25K) classes at the gym.  I can now run around with my grandkids and wear them out instead of them wearing me out. 

None of this would have been possible without the Biggest Loser program, Breanne and Blair Walsh, the EverBody’s staff, and the classes offered. I have to admit that when I started going to EverBody’s I was nervous and felt self-conscious about my weight, that everyone would be watching and judging me, and that I would not be able to do much. I found the staff friendly and extremely helpful and that people weren't judging me or watching what I was doing.  When I say the staff doesn't judge it comes from doing Zumba classes in which I have two left feet. It seems when the class is going one direction I'm going the other direction and/or am a 1/2 to 1 step behind. The instructors continued to encourage me to do my best, to  keep moving and to not run into someone else. I thoroughly enjoy my workouts, taking the classes (including Zumba) that fit into my schedule, and leading spinning.  I have found EverBody's to be a wonderful group which makes you feel like family.