Testimonials

 

Nancy Pripstein-- lost 29 lbs in one Game (8 weeks)

 

My name is Nancy Pripstein and I am 52 years old. I have struggled with my weight since giving birth nearly 30 years ago. Slowly climbing to over 200 lbs (225 when I joined Synergy), I decided to do something. Exercise has always been key to any success for me.

 

For 30 years I have worked in the food industry as general manager and chef working 7 days a week and surrounded by food. This year after the death of both parents and a sibling, I changed careers and have better quality of life with 2 days off and normal hours.

 

My daughter Heather had joined a gym for women after moving here from New York to spend time with me. It turned out to be a great bonding time, then turned into "me" focused with a "game on" event.

 

I got a head start with book and coaching from Charmaine (had already lost 6 lbs by attending as many Zumba classes as she taught), I was so inspired by her and the other members in the gym.

 

I successfully "stuck" to regime and over 8 weeks lost nearly 30 lbs. I look and feel wonderful and will continue my "healthy journey" as a member of Synergy gym.

 

Thank you Synergy and Charmaine

Sheri O'Donnell-- lost 47 lbs in three Games (24 weeks)

 

 

Since January 10, 2011 the start of her first Game) through August 15, 2011, Sheri has lost a total of 47 lbs! The road has not always been smooth-- she is human! Sheri actually lost 59.2 lbs during that timeframe, gained 12.2 pounds in between the 3 games for a current weight loss of 47 lbs. Following are her words:

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed playing my first--'Game On'.  For me, this is an answer to my prayer.   I was beginning to think that I was sinking to a point of no return regarding my weight.  Initially, I was reluctant and not very motivated.  Once I signed up, day 1 came quickly.  I hurried out to stock up on the food items that I would need for the week.  That first step was a crucial part for me in getting a good start. 

 

The keys that open the door for better health are exercise and eating right.  Yes, I’ve known that and have heard that many times before.  Yet, knowing it and doing it are two very different things.  I just love the way this game is packaged together.  By the way, it’s not just a game.  I look at it as a real way to make some permanent changes in my health.   

 

This is a plan consisting of 5 mini meals, water, sleep, exercise, support, and opportunities to change good and bad habits, what could be better than that. (As a disclaimer, I’m not a big fan of the language used in the book.  But hey, bad habits can be changed here!)

 

I feel very grateful for the opportunity to “do” this ‘Game On’.  I plan on playing this “game” on a regular basis (one day at a time).  For me, it has changed my whole outlook on health.  I once felt like I had been buried under a huge weight.  Thankfully, that weight has, finally, been lifted.  I feel an indescribable joy on the inside! 

 

It’s a relief to get the opportunity to make things different.  Life is so short!  Seeing little changes turn into big changes is exciting.  Bumping up my exercise to be a daily part of my life was like first jumping into a pool.  It just had to be done and I had to get started.   I was tired of not doing it.

 

This feels right and it feels good!  I’ve been overweight for too long now.  I may not get this opportunity again, so I’m going for it, Lord willing.  The bottom line is:   I’m having a ball doing it.  For me, it’s like learning how to ride a bike for the first time, all over again!  Thanks, Charmaine, for being a friend and asking me to do it. 

 

 

I'm very grateful.

 

 

Apryl Motley-- lost 12 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

"No matter what you're going through in life, the game can only enhance your well being and ability to cope with whatever issue(s) you're trying to manage.

 

Of course, you know mine is unemployment.

 

I was just telling someone yesterday how grateful I am for the game. Without it, I'm pretty sure I would have turned into a chocolate-eating, mess-making blob!

 

Seriously, the game has made me get more sleep, which means I can look at everything with a fresh perspective. Even more important, it has forced me to think before shoving every God forsaken thing in my mouth.

 

The camaraderie and team spirit have been great too. At a time in my life where I feel least like socializing, the game has 'forced' me to make new friends."

 

 

Carrie Estell-- lost 15.1 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

"Eating right is a must to lose weight... small healthy meals are the way to go. This program allows you to eat healthy and incorporate healthy 'hobbies' that need to continue through life.

 

This program really helped me; I am some one who exercises about 4-6 times a week. My issue with weight is all about the food. I have learned how to eat... and if I eat wrong, my body notices by not being satisfied and I actually crave my mini-meal of an apple, two cheese sticks and some cashews.

 

This program also allows you to live; each week you are given a FREE DAY and a FREE MEAL along with a FREE 100 calorie per day for anything... (I chose coffee creamer).

 

It's a practical and healthy way to accomplish weight loss. I really enjoyed the book; the only time I've ever giggled out loud reading a diet book-- way to go Krista and Az! The competition is also fun and the support of the team is encouraging."

 

 

Susan Groman-- lost 18 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

"Game On is a great program. I am glad that Charmaine brought it to Synergy. I learned to change my eating habits for the better and lost weight without feeling like I ever suffered through a terrible ordeal.

 

 

I play a lot of tennis, and as in most games with more than one player lots of things determine the score (someone hits a great shot or you hit the ball in the net). What I liked about Game On was that you were the only one in control of all of the points you could earn.

 

You controlled the score and to me that made it easy. If you want the points you follow the rules and then somewhere along the way you start seeing it make a difference in the way that you look and feel.

 

The emails and communication from other team members and opponents was fun-- it added spice.

 

My husband also lost weight because being the cook at home I was not going to make

two different meals each night so he ate and enjoyed what I made. He has called me three times his office while he is with a patient asking me for the name of the program and the book as he is recommending it to others.

 

My biggest problem now is finding something to wear to the 80s party and having to buy pants two sizes smaller.

 

I now eat breakfast, plan when and why I am taking a food splurge and drink lots of water. I also learned that a journal entry not of what I ate but my thoughts put me in more touch with myself."

 

 

Katherine Taylor-- lost 6.5 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

"I lost 6.5 pounds in 8 weeks, gave up the salt shaker habit, and made a habit of drinking lots of water and exercising (almost) daily.

 

The weight loss does not sound like a lot, but one of the weeks I was on vacation and gained 1.5 pounds. So, even with a vacation in the mix, I lost weight.

 

This Game works! Why? Because it is not a diet. It is not an exercise plan. It is not a list of things you have to do. It is a strategy for approaching each day with an outline for healthy living.

 

Communicating with teammates and those on "opposing teams" creates positive thoughts, fun dialogue, and much- needed support. When you are having a rough day, chances are someone else is also. You can share your thoughts with your teammates and "opponents," and most likely get some nurturing, supportive and sassy responses back.

 

I started out having a really tough time drinking the three liters of water, but I realized after a few days how refreshed I feel after drinking a glass of water, and my body adapted to the increase in water intake.

 

Unlike any other "diet" plan I have tried, I actually liked doing this! I am signing up for the second round."

 

 

Joanna Warren-- lost 17.2 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

"I have lost 17 pounds over the course of 8 weeks. I'd shout it from the roof top but I don't have a tall enough ladder.

 

Since I started college, I have steadily gained 10 pounds a year. I still can hardly believe that in two months I have reversed nearly two years of weight gain. At this rate I'll be the same size New Year's Day 2011 that I was on New Year's Day 2001.

 

I have known for years that you should eat five to six smaller meals spaced approximately three hours apart, but I had convinced myself that I was too busy to eat at work. As a result, I was starving by the time I got off and would frequently overeat. It turns out that the world has not fallen apart because I took a few minutes to eat something ( who would  of thunk?).

 

It really helped me that my Mom and Charmaine were also doing Game On. Once I forgot to bring food and Charmaine brought me an approved meal. Another day I needed to work late but didn't have enough food and she bailed me out again. I was also able to help her once when I had actually packed two meals and only needed one and she ended up not being able to go home to eat.

 

Plus the support we were able to give each other was invaluable. My Mom would make batches of oatmeal or eggs so I could grab something on my way out to work.

Plus we weren't making meals that would tempt us to go off the program.

 

Of course I did the Game On program because I wanted to lose weight, but I stuck with it because I wanted to win.

 

When I am tired it is really easy for me to say that a little cheating won't cause that much of a setback, but if I'm going to lose points--- well who wanted that crummy brownie anyway?"

 

 

Judy Warren-- lost 15.2 lbs in Game On! (8 weeks):

 

I'm thrilled with the 'Game On' diet. Seems like I have tried every diet out there since I first started the 'diet merry go round' 50 years ago in eighth grade. This is no crazy fad diet, but a well balanced eating plan balancing carbohydrates, protein and good fats.

 

I find that timing the 5 mini meals plus a 20 minute daily exercise session has more than proved itself with my results. I actually started a week early and have lost 21 pounds in the 9 weeks since starting.

 

The daily communication with my team mates and opponents and sharing recipes and encoraging comments has also been a big motivator.

 

I really appreciate that we get one 'day off' during the week so that I can enjoy those special occasions without guilt."

Kick Your Friend's Butt

While Shrinking Your Own...!

GAME

ON!