January 28th, 2013

At the end of September I met this woman..... Little did I know she would be responsible for my motivation to get fit for my wedding and bring back the healthy lifestyle I once had..... Since Oct. 1st, as of today I've lost 15 lbs and 16 inches! Kathy Gonnelli Henkel, you are an INCREDIBLE woman who has taught me about my own personal strength (both mental and physical)! We're not done yet, Hawaii isn't until August! Bring on the tires, challenges, and dead lifts! Can't wait to put on that dress this Thursday! :) ~Keiko Y.

 

January 15, 2013

“What a Difference a Year Makes”

 

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS when Kathy Henkel becomes part of your life. She saves it.

One year ago I was waking up to a reality I didn’t like. I was overweight, numbed out, isolated, and unfit. I was missing out on the joy of health and shying away from a fuller life. My life was small, my attitude had flat lined, and I had hit the wall and was ready to change. I had been a healthy and active person before in my life and knew I needed to find my way back. I told myself I was battling a genetic legacy of overweight tendencies and a middle-aged metabolism.  I was coming off years of numbing anti-depressants and staring daily into a closet of “fat clothes”, and a mirror of self-disapproval.

I started taking advantage of all the free trials area gyms were offering to get a good feel for what was going to work for me now. Then I went to Kathy Henkel Fitness to - WATCH! – a class or two and see what I was in for.

Everything was different; the studio environment, the positive, motivating energy, the welcome feeling, and the collaborative attitude of the women taking the classes. I watched in amazement at these women – so strong, and totally and completely enjoying themselves and each other – and thought to myself “I WANT SOME OF THAT!” I ended up participating - for a DOUBLE class that night and I never looked back.

I have never been the “joiner type,” the thought of group exercise was horrific to me, and my first few classes meant being honestly confronted with the reality of my then compromised physical state. But Kathy Henkel’s Magic worked its way in, gently but solidly, and within a mere week or two, I was feeling AND seeing my efforts take hold.

Kathy encouraged me to meet myself where I was, to make my best stab at each exercise every time, and to trust the process. Kathy celebrated my efforts on the same level as my results, and it has made all the difference.

Since becoming part of the KHF Family, I have shed over 35 pounds, a stunning number of inches, and released myself from the rut I was in. I now fit into 3 pairs of “skinny” jeans (from the back of my closet) I had hanging on my wall and had been staring at since last February. I take ZERO medications, and am rarely sick. I am nicer, more fun, and mentally flexible. I am stronger, more positive, and can see and feel the workouts showing up in my everyday life – from greater strength in daily moving to increased energy for fun. I sleep better, think more clearly, have a better attitude, and have gained a posse of dedicated, supportive women who inspire me and keep me going. I laugh more. And I approve of myself.

I have completed a Mud Run, a 5K, and a Warrior Dash – something I never thought would happen – and I am on my way to my 2013 challenges. It was Kathy’s ever-present encouragement and generous, confident spirit that made me believe I could – and I am. I can’t wait to see what Kathy will get me into this year!

Kathy Henkel Fitness is the reason I can feel good about sharing my past year’s journey, in an honest and brave and real way. The proof is POSITIVE. Look at these photos! Then come see for yourself what happens when Kathy Henkel enters YOUR life. You won’t look back.

 

With gratitude, Kami Bacon

 June 2011

Last spring my friends gave me a gift certificate to Kathy's Boot camp for my birthday. I started going to Kathy's, Boot camp once a week and I was really out of shape. After the first night I was totally humbled. I was humiliated because I could not keep up and I was so very sore the next few days after that class. I dreaded going back the next week and if it wasn't for the fact that it was a gift I wouldn't have.

Slowly over the next few weeks I started to really enjoy the class and found that I was able to do more and more. Kathy was so motivating and never ever called attention to what I was unable to do. She just kept pushing me on.

I absolutely loved the positive energy in her style and they way she inspired me to work harder. I was amazed that she would be working right along side of us and not just barking out instructions.

I was slowly starting to change. I began to make more time for myself, I added more classes, dropped some weight, built muscle, and gained self confidence. I am more fit and feel strong. I have made some wonderful new friends at the studio who are also very supportive and a ton of fun to be with.

Kathy has made me realize that it's not so much what I can't do, but what I CAN do...and I AM doing it! Thank you Kathy for all of your help and encouragement this past year. You are truly one amazing women and I am so thankful to have been given the chance to meet you. Looking back to

the last year, the gift from my friends that I once dreaded was actually the best thing that could have happened to me.

Marilyn

June 2011

I thought I was in fairly good shape and then I went to my first Boot Camp with Kathy! I could not complete the class.
That was just about a year ago. Since then I have taken just about every class Kathy offers. I feel better then I have in years.
My body is toner and I think I look better too....:) Kathy is a great motivator, always positive and encouraging and she makes the classes fun.

Thanks for everything, Maura.........