SUCCESS TRANSFORMATION STORY – JAMES HANTON’S GOT EM FIT PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA SCHMIDT
I’m a 25-year-old CPA, dog mom, and newly engaged. I was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and made the move to Kansas in 2020. When I’m not working or at the gym, I am either at a dance class, crafting, or hanging out with my dog!
Age:
25
City:
Olathe, KS
Relationship status:
Engaged
Occupation:
CPA
Fitness category?
Transformation
Transformation story:
I started training at Got Em Fit in February of 2021 when I finally decided that it was time to make a change in my lifestyle. I had tried multiple times since graduating college to lose weight on my own, but each attempt only lasted about 2 weeks before falling off the wagon. Finally, I made the decision to find a trainer (because I had no knowledge of working out or general fitness) and was going to commit to the journey long term. I was lucky to find Got Em Fit where I found James, Amber, Liz, Eli, and Lou Ann who have encouraged and pushed me every single day. With everyone’s support, in just 10 months, I had lost 35 pounds and 8.5% body fat, and my journey isn’t over yet! I love feeling stronger, having more energy, and being more confident than I have ever been. I can’t wait to see where my fitness journey continues to take me and I finally feel that I have found joy in a healthier lifestyle!
In your opinion, weight loss is more of a fitness issue or a health issue, and why?
In my opinion, weight loss relates to both fitness and health, but I think that losing weight can significantly reduce one’s chances of developing various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, etc.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life?
My goals for fitness and life are to be confident in myself. Self-confidence is key to living a happy life where I am excited to push myself and try new things. Since I started my fitness journey, my self-confidence has improved drastically, but I still have a ways to go. I also set smaller fitness goals along the way such as squatting heavier and landing taller box jumps. As I complete those, my confidence at the gym and in my fitness abilities increase, only encouraging me to push harder!
What does your Coach James mean to you?
Coach James has been a motivator since my first workout in the gym. I came in and knew absolutely nothing about fitness or working out. James made sure to correct any form issues I was having and answered all of my questions, regardless of how simple they seemed. James knows when to push me harder and makes sure I’m working to my full potential every day. I appreciate the motivation I receive from James and love having him on my side to celebrate all of the little victories I’ve experienced along the way!
What’s it like being part of the “GOTEMFIT” family. What impact does a positive community have on your life?
Being a part of the Got Em Fit family is like nothing I have ever experienced and I know that I wouldn’t have had such success without their support. The positive energy that every single member brings to group classes always pushes you to work harder. I always feel encouraged by trainers and members on my best and worst workout days alike. Being a part of a positive community is what makes me excited to be back at the gym every day and to continue to push myself even when I feel like I’ve lost progress.
What is the biggest lesson you have ever learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve ever learned is to go with the flow. As a type-A person, I like to have a detailed plan and timeline for everything. I’ve learned that situations may not always go according to plan and being flexible keeps me from being discouraged!
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey?
Your journey is YOURS, not anybody else’s! Everyone is different and you can’t compare your progress or actions to anyone else’s. Anyone working to make a change is strong regardless of how fast or slow they see a physical change!
What does success mean to you?
To be successful is to make progress. I believe that any progress towards a goal is success and should be celebrated just as much as accomplishing the end goal.
Share your unique training/coaching methods
While I don’t think that any of my training methods are necessarily unique, I feel that one thing that makes my training method special to me is that I take any movement as a good move. Whether it be a walk outside with my dog, an hour at the gym, or even just getting my steps in while running errands if I meet my movement goal for the day, I call the day a success and get ready to crush it the next day!
Training Plan:
I participate in an hour of group training classes at Got Em Fit 6 days per week. On rest days and days that my schedule doesn’t allow me to make it to group training, I either do a virtual workout or walk my dog just to get some movement and keep loose. Additionally, I participate in various dance classes in the area to incorporate some variety and continue getting to do one of my favourite hobbies.
Nutritional Plan:
I like to call my nutrition plan “make better choices”. One thing I knew would be my downfall in this journey was completely cutting out foods that I loved or missing out on social events for fear of not being able to eat or drink anything provided. I count my macros and calories to help guide me and stay on track during the day, but still, allow myself to eat my favourite foods in moderation (I.e. ice cream and Mac and cheese). When out at restaurants or social events, I try and modify the options or choose healthier options from what’s available. By still allowing myself to have a cookie or ice cream on occasion, I stay happy and motivated to eat better overall!
Supplement Plan:
Short and simple – a daily multivitamin and a protein shake after workouts at the gym.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I prefer to try and stay all-natural but ultimately I take and would recommend whatever supplements will encourage someone to form a habit. For example, if a person were to find a protein powder that they are excited to drink every day, then that is what I would recommend that they incorporate into their nutrition/training plan, regardless of whether it is all-natural or artificial. Ultimately if a person dreads having to take a supplement because they aren’t excited to consume it every day, then that is a less healthy option than the one they enjoy.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
I think one of the biggest factors that separate Status from other fitness magazines is that they include content about everyday people like myself. So many other fitness magazines feature only people that I could never relate to because I didn’t feel that I could ever attain such an elite level of fitness. By including content that appeals to people of all fitness levels, I think it attracts a diverse audience and inspires so many more people to work harder, regardless of what their end goal is.
What is your favourite quote to live by?
If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with B.S.
5 things people don’t know about you:
- I won a national championship title in dance.
- I’ve visited 31 states.
- I know how to Hula.
- I’ve danced in parades in NYC and Disney World.
- I love to bake. I also love to give away most of my baked goods so I’m less tempted to eat them in bulk!
If you could inspire one person, who would that be?
If I can inspire one person, I hope it would be someone who wants to start their own fitness journey but is nervous to make the jump. I was scared to go to the gym because I had gotten to a place where I thought it would be embarrassing to attempt to lift a weight but I quickly learned that making the decision to try was the best decision!
Who inspires you? And why?
I am constantly inspired by all new members at the gym that come to classes and reach their goals! I know how scary it is to come in and be the new member and when I see other members jump in and get stronger, it inspires me to keep working harder every single day!
Connect with Amanda: IG
