Before/after 4 week Spring Clean Your Life Program (anonymous):
Holli’s story 2016-2017:
“I am a busy full-time working Mom. I was forever conscious about being fit and had been working with Jessica at A New Leaf for about two years. I could do pushups and planks and had good strength but my weight was stagnant, if not going up. She suggested I try kickboxing to get more cardio. I immediately fell in love with I Love Kickboxing and joined the gym at the conclusion of my first session. Before kickboxing, I had a million excuses for avoiding cardio like having a sore knee or waiting for “good weather” to run. Since kickboxing- no excuses!
In September I entered the ILKB 45-day challenge. In addition to 3x/week kickboxing, I maintained 2x/week strength training and, with Jessica’s urging, completely changed my diet. For those 45 days I did not eat: Sugar, Dairy, Alcohol, Wheat, Corn, or Soy. I had very little caffeine, lots of water and only chicken or fish; no red meats. Admittedly, it was rough at first but then I discovered so many new whole food recipes that I started to really enjoy eating healthy and feeling great. I travel for work so keeping up with the workout commitment and the eating regimen was not easy at times but I stayed very focused. I measured myself almost daily with a body composition scale so that I was not watching just the pounds. The end of 45 days coincided with my 44th birthday. I had lost eight pounds and numerous inches! Five months later I have lost another seven pounds and reduced my body fat percentage further.
I formed real habits for eating and exercising. Now 15 pounds lighter, I am fit and have a healthy BMI. I’m so happy! Thank you Jessica andBozeman ILKB!!!”
Pam W.’s story:
“I have never worked with a personal trainer before, and when I heard my friend say that she was meeting with a personal trainer at “A New Leaf” who was amazing, it got me thinking. I turned 50 this year and while I thought I was healthy, slender and in shape, I knew my posture was not the best and that I lacked upper body strength. I thought about it a few times, wondering if I really needed someone to train me and did I really want to spend the money. After my first class with Jessica Benoit I knew I had made the right choice. In 6 weeks, I have not only felt my back and shoulders get stronger, seen my posture improve, but I also have toned my complete body. I feel more balanced in my body shape and appearance, stronger all around and I am working on my ability to handle cardio workouts. I think Jessica is super knowledgeable about what exercises work for different bodies and she is right with you so you stay in correct form. This is hugely important to me as my back and neck tend to hurt whenever I work out. It isn’t surprising that each time I leave a session, my back actually feels better – there is no pain! Jessica also knows how to keep you challenged and moving, and keeps it fun and inspiring. So much so that you don’t even know an hour has passed. I have felt success even with the smallest accomplishments and look forward to each class. The really beautiful change that has occurred is that my confidence about myself, inside and out, has also increased and balanced out… and it feels great! Jessica has a simple, lovely way of connecting with you, while you are getting stronger. She has talked to me about fitness, and eating habits – never judging – but always supporting, inspiring and encouraging. It is easy to tell she really cares about each and everyone one of her clients. I would recommend Jessica to any person, regardless of age or gender.”
Charlotte M.’s story:
“I want to start this review by thanking Jessica for all that she’s done for me since we started working together to improve my fitness and enhance my strength. Within weeks of working with Jessica I could see improved muscle definition and an increase in strength. She has helped me to identify weaker muscle groups and we’ve been working together to strengthen those areas. I realized my biggest gain from working with her when I far surpassed my expectations on a challenging mountain bike trail this summer and I could see that my training with her had really paid off. Jessica is an excellent trainer to work with whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your game or simply starting to get back in shape. As a naturopathic doctor, I appreciate all that she has to offer in helping people at any level reach their health and fitness goals and I recommend her to all of my patients.”
“I’ve been working out with Jessica for about 9 months now and absolutely love the results. I’ve always struggled with my weight and after having my second son I realized it was even harder to get the weight off. I figured I needed to build muscle with the cardio I was doing at the time but I didn’t have the modivation or education with weight lifting so I knew I needed help. I found jessica online and I’m so happy with the results that she is a part of my workout schedule 3 days a week. I am 32 yrs old and have never been in better shape. I’ve played hockey since I was a teenager and I have never had so much endurance when I’m skating. Jessica has kept me going with her positive, uplifting attitude. She is very knowledgeable, being able to answer any questions I have about food, vitamins and body function. She really cares and I’m so glad I found her.”
“Encouragement for all those working Moms out there:
I have been working with Jessica since early February 2014. I am a busy professional and Mom in my early 40’s and working out seemed impossible to incorporate into my schedule. One day I was having lunch with colleagues and they both talked about the weight training they were doing with their personal trainers. I had heard before how weight training is extremely beneficial- especially for women and especially when you are in your 40’s. Shortly after that lunch, I looked online for a trainer in Bozeman and came up with Jessica’s New Leaf; I loved her “healthstyle” approach.
We quickly got busy and I created a schedule where I work with her Monday evenings and Wednesday mid-mornings. This turns out to be a good balance where I give up a little family time and a little work time; neither my family nor my work are greatly impacted but the time I now devote to myself is a huge impact to me!
It wasn’t long before the dreaded cardio requirement became an important aspect of my healthstyle. I knew I could not justify the expense of a gym on top of personal training and I don’t have home equipment. I reluctantly turned to running because it is inexpensive, you can do it anywhere and it doesn’t take much time. I am not a runner. I hate it, always have. I have flat feet for goodness sake!
Jessica helped coach me by starting slow and building up at a reasonable level. I was able to beat my goal time for the Sweet Pea 5K and she met me at the finish; she was a tremendous motivator and cheerleader for me as I found my running self. I actually like to run now; I do it on vacation and business trips, I do it for stress relief, I do it to get outside, I’ve even purchased running magazines at airports for leisure reading! To be honest though, I don’t run in bad weather.I’m not THAT into it. My running season in Montana pretty much corresponds with daylight savings time.
Nevertheless, Jessica continues to push and challenge me during weight training sessions and she gently prods me to keep up with my cardio which is mostly downhill skiing (cross country if snow is decent) and dog walking in the winter. Downhill was a thrill this season because my body was so much stronger (legs, arms) and nothing “jiggled” as I cruised down the slopes. First time ever!
Today, my fitness is in check. My cholesterol, which was bordering on “we might need to do something,” dropped something like 60 or 70 points in a year and my doctor was totally amazed! My blood pressure was not high before but now it’s practically at an athlete’s level (or, barely alive as Jess says). My body makeup is totally changed but, frustratingly, the scale has not moved a great deal. In fact, I received a compliment from someone who hadn’t seen me in a while that I looked amazing (yes, “amazing”)and asked if I had lost weight to which I responded, “not really” and then proceeded to show off my biceps! Jessica reminded me that a pound of feathers takes up a lot more volume than a pound of bricks. With that wisdom, I decided the scale can go to he** I don’t use it anymore, at all.
Another bonus to weight training is increased metabolism which is a really good thing! Jessica is a great eater and I love her for it. I, on the other hand, tend to eat what sounds good to me-it might be uber healthy one day and less so the next but I keep portions in check and generally try to round out my nutritional intake. She keeps encouraging me and I’m slowly making changes. It takes a ton of time and effort to meal plan no matter how many tricks or gadgets you have. I don’t beat myself up for it; I take her encouragement and get better as I go.
Not to go unmentioned, is that my time with Jessica is just as much mental therapy as physical. I can talk to her about anything silly or serious. I have found that this outlet is very therapeutic when you have a lot rattling around in your brain and need to let it out to someone who is willing to listen, wise beyond her years, caring and not judging. We have had such a great time together that my journey to healthstyle has been more fun than it should be!
I’m not perfect but I am a mean pound of bricks who can do some serious wall sits and planks; fit and having fun. Thanks to Jessica for that!”
C.J. M.’s story:
“When I first decided to call Jess, I was at my all-time heaviest. A friend of mine had been working with her and I had seen great results. I decided that it was time to stop complaining and take action.
Although I was excited and determined to make a change, picking up the phone to tell her I needed help was nerve racking. I don’t like to admit when I need help. I typically just try to figure it out on my own. But this time ultimately I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Our initial meeting was very easy and non-threatening. We sat down, she asked me what I wanted and needed help with and we were off!
When we started and took initial measurements, I was in the “poor” category of every measurement. I was upset at myself, but she just told me that “everyone starts somewhere.” From that moment I began making changes, not just by getting workouts in, but in my eating habits and entire lifestyle. In the 5 months we have been working out, I have lost 30 pounds, hiked trails I haven’t hiked in years, ran my first 5k and my first 10k! My next goal is a half marathon, and I know I’ll be able to accomplish it. None of this would have been possible without her help!
This lifestyle changes have been much easier to implement than I ever imagined. Logging my food is now a habit, not a chore. I also now look forward to a workout; whether for the health benefits, or just to clear my head. My family has taken part too! We regularly take evening walks or bike rides. My 5 year old has hiked the M, and Sypes Canyon by himself!
If anyone is out there is looking for a change in their life, whether it be weight loss, training for a race, or just a change in their normal routine, call her! You won’t be disappointed. ”
