Dave McDonald (Top)
Progress Journal
    October 4, 2001
Here’s my first entry in my Body Shop Fitness Challenge journal. It feels good to be writing down my motivation, and my goals.
I’ve been a moderately, faithful gym-goer for most of my adult life. I try to get to the gym 3 times a week, and do some cardio and weight lifting.
Why do something different? Well, this year I hit the big 4-0. Coincidentally, for the first time, my doctor mentions my cholesterol is a little high, and my BP is a little high too. And, OK, I’ve gained a few pounds.
Also, my local club has put in a bunch of new machines, and I don’t know how to use any of them! (Pissed me off, at first). I’ve been doing the exact same workout for years, and although it’s as comfortable as my oldest pair of jeans, it’s not getting much results.
So here are my goals for this program:
Lose some of my body fat
Bulk up a little, particularly my upper body
Make positive changes in my diet, that I can sustain forever
Learn new weight lifting machines and technique- with good form so I don’t kill myself!
    November 4, 2001
I’m really into this. Maybe it’s the combination of the contest, and some quick results I’m seeing, and the pleasure of working hard for something, and I’m feeling really motivated. I put a calendar on my bathroom mirror, where I see it every morning and night, and I’m keeping track of every trip to the gym.
I’ve started working out each week with a personal trainer- Jason Spurlock. He works really well with me- he knows what he’s doing, has a great sense of humor, and really motivates me to work hard. He has shown me an entirely new workout, with new machines and (gasp) free weights. It’s especially interesting to work out in the free weight room. For some reason, in the past I was a little intimidated by that equipment and those guys. Now it feels really comfortable.
I’ve made some positive changes in my eating habits. I used to skip breakfast (I know, I know, that’s stupid). I’ve started grabbing some good stuff at the company cafeteria each morning- some oatmeal and some sliced fruit. I’ve also started substituting easy things (baked potato chips instead of fried, for example) that don’t leave me feeling deprived.
    December 4, 2001
The eight weeks went by really fast. So where am I?
Bottom line, I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Some friends have commented on my upper body (“getting bigger, Dave?”). And, I’ve started to notice a lot more definition in my shoulders, arms, and back.. I’m wishing the weather were warmer, because I’d like to wear a tank top sometimes!
And this was a hoot: every week I get an allergy shot in my upper arm. A couple of weeks ago, I had a new nurse, and she complained “Mr. McDonald, you don’t have any fat on your arm to put the needle in.” I laughed all the way home (though the darned shot hurt).
The eating habits I’ve changed are realistic and sustainable. I don’t feel deprived, and it’s certainly not a diet (hate that word).
What’s next? I’m hoping to keep challenging myself to get a little bigger, and a little more defined. I’ll use my buddy Jason from time to time to help me learn some new tricks, and keep me motivated. And mostly, I’ll just keep up the commitment of hitting the gym regularly, and working out, and feeling good.

Cindi Beyer  (Top)
Jason:
I need to tell you that you were right. You told me when I started training with you that results take time. I remember the poster that was on the wall near the machines for legs and I always complained that I wanted to see results faster. You always said it would take time. I have finally seen the results that I wanted so bad when I started. I want to thank you for getting me started on the proper physical fitness path. I know that without you I would never have been turned into a gym rat. I am there at least 5 days a week. It has taken me a year and a half but it was worth it. When I started with you I weighed 174 pounds and I am now at 138 pounds. I know that I did all the hard work and you just showed me what to do.

Kat  (Top)
I've been training with Jason for about five weeks and he has shown me so many new exercises. I knew I was in that rut of
lifting the same weights and doing the same exercise over and over again. I was just going through the motions. Jason has
great energy and motivation so early in the morning that he expresses all throughout the workout. He makes you want to
excel at anything you do that day. He wants to help people and he makes you see that doing that extra rep or performing just
one more bicep curl will give you the strength, to stretch yourself mentally and physically.----Thank you for your hard work.

I would like to say that I have seen Lauren in action and she has the same energy and motivating factors that are so important
in helping people. Keep up the great work. ~ Kat

Stephanie Schiff   3/20/08 (Top)

"We are honored to share our training techniques with kids! We have created a unique interactive program that enhances the physical and social skills of your autistic child. By integrating the basics of school yard sports with our equipment and good old fashioned fun!, we are happy to have put many smiles on the faces of our clients and moms like you! For more information, please call 303 829-2853. "

(Letter written to an online group for parents with kids who have high functioning autism)

Hi Everyone.

My 6-year old son who has high functioning autism is a sweet, quiet, fall through the cracks kind of kid. He does well academically and behaviorally, but struggles to fit in at school. He craves social interaction, but lacks the confidence and skills to jump into a playground game of soccer or basketball, due to fear of failure. He intently watches the boys play, but tells us that he's not good enough to play with them. Since he struggles with balance, speed and motor coordination, it is understandable why he is self-conscious. I fear that his lack of confidence and awkwardness will cause him to become a target for bullies. There have already been a couple of incidents that would terrify any parent. Even if you point out other kids who are slow or awkward but are still having fun playing, he does not want to take the risk. In addition to that, he and his little sister are constantly racing and she always wins. He gets so upset and asks us why he has to be so slow? If you ask him what his least favorite class is in school, he will tell you "gym." He loves to play outside with the kids in the neighborhood, but if they're playing tag or some type of sport, he refuses to join them.

It occurred to me one day, that he receives OT, speech and play therapy to work on his deficits so why not send him to a personal trainer to help him with his athletic challenges? That's exactly what I did.

Fast forward six weeks later and we're looking at a different child. Alec's confidence began to change immediately In just a few sessions with Jason I saw a side of my child I had never seen before. He started by expressing a desire to play basketball and soccer at school. This was a first! Within a few weeks it progressed to him actually playing these sports at recess and just this week he stole the soccer ball from the most athletic boy out there and scored a goal! Other kids have mentioned to me or their moms how much faster Alec runs and that he plays soccer really good! In gym last week, the teacher pointed out that Alec was the only one doing a push-up correctly which may seem unfair to the other kids, but with everything he struggles with, what a life-altering moment for him! I am astounded by how quickly we've seen his confidence soar. We never expected this to happen.

Jason works with Alec in a small gym in the DTC area. They use all sorts of equipment such as the treadmill, elliptical, stairmaster, weight machines and punching bag in addition to using free weights. They also practice dribbling, running, wrestling, throwing, catching, kicking and various activities for balance and coordination. Alec, who in the past would have chosen to have a vaccination over exercise, absolutely LOVES it! In the past we had tried group athletics such as gymnastics, marshal arts and ice skating, but he would compare himself to others and refuse to continue. With Jason, it's all about building up Alec and he is smiling and engaged the entire time, even while he's panting!

I told Jason that all I want is for Alec to feel stronger and to have more confidence. I don't care if he ever plays sports. I just want him to stand tall when he needs to and feel competent enough to participate if that is his desire. If the end result, however, is that he can kick somebody's a**, that works for me too! I am so impressed with Jason who knows what it's like to be picked on because he struggled with child obesity. He totally gets it and wants to make a difference in our kids' lives. He is compassionate, patient, kind and sensitive and enjoys being a positive influence on Alec. Watching the two of them working together has lifted my spirits in a way I could have never imagined. Alec's time with Jason is inspiring and uplifting and to see my kid's face light up when he does something physically challenging is priceless.

I asked Jason if it would be o.k. if I told this group about him. In my opinion working with our kids is his calling, however, his "typical" clients probably feel the same way! Alec is the youngest client he has worked with and based on his results, he is happy to work with people ages 6 to adult. I think he would do well with 4 and 5 year olds as well. His business is called The Body Shop and his website is www.bodyshopfit.com. You can learn much more about Jason Spurlock and his experience by reading his bio. Check out the coupon for 2 free sessions (how amazing is that in this field?) so you can be sure it's a good match. If you take the time to call him (303-829-2853) and discuss your child with him, you will know immediately if it's something you want to try. Make sure you tell him that Stephanie and Alec sent you and raved about him!

By the way, I have personally been training with his fiancé, Lauren, for a couple months now. You'll see her on the website, too. The first time she saw Jason working with Alec, she had tears in her eyes and said to me: "I've fallen in love all over again." His interaction with Alec is truly a sight to see. These are wonderful, caring and EXTREMELY knowledgeable people and I've never in my life enjoyed being in a gym this much! This is proving to be the best intervention money we've ever spent. I'll keep you posted on his progress!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me and I'd be happy to talk on the phone.

Fondly,
Stephanie
stephspec@comcast.net
phone (303) 807-1836

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