success story

Rachel Christensen

What was the primary reason for deciding to hire a personal trainer and Kristina specifically?

I had tried everything on my own. I had come to the realization that I would not be able to do this on my own. Kristina was recommended by a mutual acquaintance who suggested that I check out her web page. I knew that I needed someone who would push me and get me results and that is the type of person Kristina is.

Did you have specific goals in mind?

I wanted to be in shape. I was concerned that my weight would lead to diabetes and that would cause a whole series of issues.

Did you reach those goals?

For the most part, yes. I would say that losing 60 pounds is amazing. Just as we were reaching my goal, I got pregnant, so I had to step back on the exercise. I am still working out with Kristina, but we have modified my program to keep my doctor happy.

Did you reward yourself for completing those goals?

Yes, I worked with Kristina to identify non-food celebration items (something that I had never thought of before), like new clothes (that I didn’t have to buy at the plus store) and spa visits.

What was your first impression of Kristina as a trainer? Has that impression changed over the course of your training?

When I first met Kristina I really liked her. She was the type of person that would listen to my whining but push me through it. She never gave up on me, even when I wanted to. My impression of Kristina really hasn’t changed. I now have a greater appreciation for her dedication to her clients and her as a person.

What was your first workout like?

At the time I thought my first workout was not too bad. Kristina pushed me but didn’t try to “kill” me. Did I ache the next day? You bet!

How do your workouts compare now to what they felt like in the first few months?

My workouts now are just as challenging as they were when I first started but my fitness level is so much greater. I can push myself further now then I ever thought possible. If Kristina had tried to make me do in the beginning what I am doing now, she never would have seen me again after the first session.

When did you first start to notice progress, weight loss and strength gains?

I noticed progress after our first session; it was all mental at first. I knew that I was doing something great for myself and that it would pay off in the end. As for “seeing” a difference, within the first month my clothes started getting looser and a few weeks after that I noticed my strength increasing.

What did Kristina do to change your diet?

“What didn’t Kristina do to change my diet?” would be a better question. I was not a healthy eater. Fruits and veggies were not my friend. If the beef wasn’t a well marbled prime rib, I didn’t eat it. I ate out 90 percent of my meals due to shear laziness. Kristina taught me about good and bad fats, portion size and balancing my diet.

What was the hardest part of beginning your fitness program?

Making the call and asking for help. I had tried everything, and I mean everything on my own and didn’t like to admit that I could not do it on my own. I spent the majority of my first conversation with Kristina trying to convince her that she did not want to train me. What I didn’t realize at the time was that all I was doing was making the idea of training me more and more interesting.

Where are you now in your fitness goals?

I am in the best shape of my life, considering that I am now 8 months pregnant that is saying a lot.

What do you think was the biggest benefit of having a personal trainer?

Having someone looking out for me and making me train even when I didn’t feel like it. I can’t say enough good things about Kristina and hiring a personal trainer. I am healthier and happier then I have ever been in my life and I feel this is directly related to having Kristina train me.

-Rachel Christensen

March 2007