John Miller, 50
"Chris provided an incredibly supportive environment. From the beginning of my working with Chris I felt a genuine understanding of what I hoped to achieve, how I would be comfortable proceeding toward that goal and the need to assist me in maintaining the program over the long haul. Over the past year I've taken many small but important steps in achieving my goals-I've lost over 50 pounds, eliminated my need for blood pressure medication, increased my stamina, improved my self image and to my amazement I've begun to see the beginnings of real muscle definition. I have also over this past year expanded my involvement with Chris -adding the nutrition program, and an exercise regimen I truly look forward to. All in all,Chris has helped me reenter the world I had begun to shut out.."

Lisa Haney, 30's
"I learned to maximize my protein intake and still enjoy my meals - and use better proteins that work for me. I became conscious of everything I put in my mouth. When I think about what I ate yesterday, compared to what I used to eat when I was trying to lose weight - which was nothing - I eat a lot more and I'm getting much better results. I eat more regularly and I'm very conscious of the number of calories. I now read labels really well. I eat a lot more fish. No chocolate. And I don't eat late, because I don't crave late night snacks anymore."

Stephen Sabatella, 20's
"It was awesome. I loved it. I feel good. I have a new way of looking at how to eat and how to work out. It was great. I can't say enough about it. It's not just dieting or working out, it's a combination of both. It taught me how to feed myself. It's not eating all protein or all carbs, but learning how to balance it and eat well. It showed me how to do that. It taught me a lot."

  Mary Kay , 40's
"The contest aside, the program is motivating because it gives you the kick in the butt that you need to get going and get back on track. It makes you come to the gym one extra time a week. It makes you hop on the treadmill at night when you're tired. It makes you improve. At the beginning, writing down the food is necessary. After you get on track, you don't have to write it all down, but it's good to. It's great to see week by week that there's a change."

Jim Hayes, 50's
"It really wasn't hard. It forced me to finally kick my cardio into gear. I was kind of static where I was. I needed to do that. I did it as a result of this. My diet changed with probably more protein and more balance overall. I learned the value of protein and spreading meals throughout the day. Which I knew, but now I had to do it."

Eileen Doupe, 69
"I learned how to eat well, how to balance out your calories, not to skip meals, not to eat cookies at noon. I learned to think about my meals and the foods to pick out. I saw the need to work out and that you have to stick with it. It wasn't difficult to do. I highly praise this - it gave motivation. The biggest thing I learned was to balance out calories, proteins, and fat - and exercise, exercise, and exercise. I've told a lot of people about this."

Judy Binder, 57
"I think that the most important thing was learning what my metabolism was, learning about the calories and the amount of fat that I could eat. You know, learning about the best thing for my body. And also the exercise - learning how much exercise I needed in order to burn the excess fat. I liked that this was not something I read in a book or somebody elses program, this was my personal program. It didn't feel like a diet. It was actually more work for me saying I need to eat, rather than I can't eat. In the beginning I felt deprived because I had a sweet tooth. I was used to having chocolate or something after my meals. As weeks went on, the sweet tooth went away. And even if it came, I learned to eat other things in order to satisfy that. My clothes fit a lot differently. My weight on the scale has come down, but not as much as I thought it would. I learned I really can't go by what the scale says. It's really more how my clothes fit. I am able to wear clothes I haven't worn in a long time. And people are making comments, people who haven't seen me for a while. Saying my face is a lot thinner. The weight's come off. And I really feel great."

Stephanie Vendig, 69
"There are several things that have made this program helpful for me.
1. I learned what was appropriate nutrition for me personally - meaning, the amount of calories (metabolism) that I need to maintain my weight.
2. I was able to understand that the pounds I lost were coming from my fat stores, by knowing my body fat percentage.
3. I am able to integrate my activity levels with my nutrition. Having 4 meals a day plus increasing my protein definitely helped me forget food deprivation.
4. Keeping a journal helped with my discipline, but was difficult when facing restaurants and cooking for others.
5. I am at my lowest weight since 35 years ago.
6. My energy has increased as I go deeper into strength training & cardio work.
7. As an older adult, 69, I feel stronger, not frail or vulnerable."

Russell Hampton, 40's
"The best thing is having a goal, a process to work against. That's why I liked this program, because it was something I could… there was a goal to work towards. And it wasn't too long. It wasn't a 12 week program, it was a 6 week program. And I like the fact that I didn't feel that I was ever on a diet. That was really important to me, because the concept of a diet is one of deprivation and food is a psychological issue for me and my mind is powerful so I'll always lose that battle. So the fact that this wasn't a diet, but more of a contest was very positive to me. And I also think the setting was nice, something that was more intimate than like it was some thing in a big health club setting or anything like that or online so I thought that was nice. And even though everyone didn't know everyone else's name there was a sense of shared competition, but commrodorary cause you felt like everyone was in it together… although I'd feel better if I won!"

Steve Pelegren, 54
"The diet is probably the greatest thing I learned and will probably will use this as a model for the rest of my life. I feel energenic during the day and that's something that's been a problem for the last 5-6 years. Getting headaches and being tired. I think having carbs and fat, making sure that I get enough fat. I used to kind of just eat protein, you know you can't have carbs, you can't have fat. So having that balance made a real big difference. I'm surprised at how much I can eat, it was much more than I thought. So that's been a great part of it, the best part. I started going back to boxing, getting that aerobic training. It was very worth while."

Eilene Moore, 60's
"I think the most valuable lesson I learned was to be aware of the amount of calories things contained and the amount of fat each calorie and staying within my limits, not nibbling during the day. And not feeling hungry and eating the right foods when I was hungry that's probably has been the best lesson I learned. I reach for a strawberries and an apple with a piece of cheese something that's within my range limits. And being more aware of what I'm doing and what I'm putting in my body and feeling better. I'm very happy with the results and I hope to do this for the rest of my life and be healthier. So I'm very grateful to Chris for teaching me all these things."

Paul Daniel, 58
"Even though I didn't place first in my age group, I think the plan is working very well something that I didn't have make a lot of sacrifices for just adjusting my portion sizes and making sure the protein and balance was there. It's something that I feel that I can continue with, without a big sacrifice and it was a nice slow weight loss that I feel lis is not going to jump back on like a quick weight loss would."

Mimi Ahn
"The first program I've been in that I can imagine making into a life change. I think knowing the hard facts has helped me. Real data. How many calories I burn. Before you were given a diet of 1200 calories. And you're not sure what percentage of that I'm burning in deficit - I have no idea. Now I have a really good idea of what I'm working with. And also I know the kind of foods. It just makes it easier. Now I have a concrete idea about what to do, what's good for me. It's not really a diet. And the exercise part is good. I know because it's not rigid but, it makes me sweat, so I know it's working."

Anne Dullaghan
"I learned portion sizes. I exercise more. It wasn't hard. I sometimes forget to eat four times a day."

Annie Hagen
"Good. Wonderful. I learned how to eat better. Exercise Better. Actually exercise more effieiciently. That's what was most helpful. I was cognisent of what I was eating and when I was eating throughout the day, which I think is really important. I had plenty of energy. I didn't get sleepy in the afternoon - I used to. I lost 17 pounds - I love you. 14 pounds of fat. That's pretty good. I'm happy."

Sue
"I eat more meals. I learned to eat every four hours and up my protein. With the bagel I get in the morning, I now go get an order of egg whites or egg beaters. And I'll have protein with my oatmeal. And I've been eating more turkey sandwiches. I learned not to go too long between meals. I've learned that if I'm going to have wine then that's the carb that I have so I cut way back. Sorry. I've learned balance. I have to otherwise it doesn't work. I'm on the road so I have to know how to eat what's out there. I'm learning. And I learned not to get my heart rate up to high. Like when I'm running with my girlfriends - my heart rate would get up too high, so I'd have to walk rather than jog."

LeAnn Healy - - (Lost 3.5% body fat dropped 8lbs of fat while keeping LBM about the same.)
"I think it's amazing that I was able to do that in six weeks, because I haven't been able to lose weight for years. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but once I did it's pretty easy. You just have to stay focus. And I did. And it worked. The main change for me was learning what my body needed versus what I thought it needed. And I just began looking at food as fuel, knowing how much I needed. And I'd reward myself with little treats when I could fit them in. I had to learn how to fit them in."

Leslie Balias
"I learned that I have to eat breakfast. And I have to eat four times a day. And I would never do that. This is a new way of living. And I can definitely see it in my body. And I have to go shopping (for clothes). I'm very happy and I appreciate it. My body started telling me when I had to eat every four hours. Then I had to eat. But I could work longer hours and I just felt better. People notice. People stop me all day long to tell me how great I look. Or they don't recognize me. I must have been pretty chubby."

Laura Burge
"I learned how to eat better. It's good. I learned I got to do more cardio. I didn't miss any food. I had a good balance of food and I really enjoyed the foods that I ate. I felt satisfied. It's hard to eat so often sometimes, especially if you're away from the house. You have to bring a sandwich with you. I feel I'll be able to continue this. I know I have to do a lot of cardio. It wasn't difficult. I did learn a lot. Even if I don't get first place, I learned a lot."

Lee Benuska
"I learned that I needed good nutrition. That combined with exercise had made me more fit. It's more the amount of food with a little more emphasis on protein. I never felt deprived on the diet. I could always find something to eat that appealed to me. My energy level has improved. For me the genius is the combination of proper nutrition and exercise."

Pat Destro
"I'm happy with my results. I did more cardio and I cut back on my protein sizes. And I couldn't drink - that was the bad part. I didn't find myself hungry. I have to say my energy went back and forth. I was energized, but then I'd do a lot of cardio and then I'd be not energized. I earned that exhaustion. And I earned my weight loss - the old fashion way. From now on I'll eat smaller portions more often throughout the day and do cardio every day."

Alice Torres
I learned that the four meals are key. I learned how to make the meals. My routines have totally changed. The eating has gotten better. Now I work out with weights. I would never work out with weights. Never. Never. But now I absolutely feel better. And I can lift a weight and know what I'm doing. I know what the form should be like and what I should feel. It's definitely been a good experience. I'm going to walk away from here more educated about working out and what to do with my food. This is a lifestyle and it's not going to end today."

Anabel Werner
"I learned what my eating habits were and what they are now. And how I don't miss certain foods. Like in the first week I was dying for a hamburger. I made my own hamburger and that killed the craving. I controlled the portion size - what the proteins, fats, carbs, and calories looked liked. Knowing what I'm supposed to eat on a daily basis definitely helped."

Victor Werner
"I learned that I can do it. I realize that getting the right muscles moving again helped my endurance. So then I could have a longer period to work out. There are certain movements that I need to work on so I can develop the strength so I don't have the discomfort. I learned that I could actually sustain a good healthy habit as far as eating is concerned. And balancing it out with a good workout program was just tremendous. In other words, we learned that we could do it. That was the biggest challenge. She never thought that she could stand going to the gym. She hated the gym. All of the instructors - everybody here - made it inviting to be here. And the results that we saw right away - the ten pounds that we dropped - that was a big motivator. So, it was a great experience."

Kelly Ophof
"I think the program is physiologically a great way to lose weight - it's a healthy way to lose weight. I like the four meal plan. Losing seven pounds of fat in six weeks wasn't difficult. I was only hungry when it was time to eat. It took a couple days to figure out what I liked to eat, and then it was easy. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. I would do it again."

Robert Spina
"I learned to eat better. I always used to cut out carbs, now I go for a balanced meal and eat more often. As opposed to when I used to think that it was better if I didn't eat until lunch. And when I go out to a restaurant, now I order the healthiest thing I can find on the menu and just eat half of it. It was the competition that helped motivate me. And that's just the food. It's changed my exercise too. The Challenge helped me just get out there and do my cardio. It's nice. My clothes that were extremely tight now fit loose. And I can wear anything to the office, not just the two big things that fit."

John Lamore
"I learned a lot about how to balance calories, protein, carb's, fats. It was easiter than I expected, and I feel great! I didn't have to eliminate some of the things I enjoy to lose weight and 15 pounds of fat in 6 weeks. I'd recomment this program to anyone that wants a balanced approach to eating healthy. Thanks, John Lamore."

Maggie Navarro
"I think this really works. I need to get my husband to do this with me next time."

Sagal Shah
"This program was wonderful for me. I learned that I have to eat better meals and smaller amounts. And now I automatically tend to make my meals smaller. The whole routine kind of woke me up. Now I just have to keep it up."

Michael Healy
"I learned all about nutrition and the balance between fat, proteins, and calories and how to keep track of it. I learned how easy it is to avoid salty snacks and fatty snacks that were once tempting. My energy level is good. My clothes are fitting well. I got a lot of positive comments from my wife - not too many other people see me naked, not that I'm going to talk about anyway. I enjoy the exercise - the strength training, the cardio especially. It's not difficult, but it gets even easier when you start seeing results right away. I'm not hungry, because when I do get hungry every four hours, it's time to eat a meal. It's all about creating a balance in the diet and know a bit more about it. The education really helped me."

Warren Lee
"The biggest thing I've learned in the last six weeks is to limit the eating and do tons of cardio - at least half an hour every day. The eating was okay. Through out the program I tried to limit the amounts and stick to four meals a day. I've learned to watch what I eat, because everything will eventually turn into fat if I don't limit my eating. I know to do lots of cardio and to measure my progress. It was very helpful to see how I was doing each week."

Carina Walker, 30's
"Oh my God, I learned a lot. One thing I can say is that I’m going to recommend it and I have been recommending it to everybody who says they want to lose body fat. The way I’m thinking about protein, fat, and carbs I love. Being able to add certain foods, I feel more complete. I’ve learned how to eat better and how to think of food better.
I definitely increased my exercise. I used to do cardio for maybe 45 minutes, now I have no problem doing cardio for an hour, hour and a half. So mentally, that’s changed. Before it was like, oh my god, but now it’s no big deal. The eating’s fun and going through these exercises and being measured each week shows you that you can eat this way and you still have these great results. It was great. Thank you so much."

Karen Hanis, 30's
"I learned to eat regularly – and not to get hungry and make bad food choices. I watched the calories, for sure. I increased my cardio from 40 minutes to 60. This is something I can keep up for sure. It’s just the pattern. I had to get used to the pattern."

Lori Beagle, 40's
"When I got married I weighed about eight pounds less than my actual weight at the moment, but right now my cloths fit better, my muscles are firmer. I can wear a smaller size. I have more muscle.
I would recommend it to anybody. To people who want to lose fat, who want to know their metabolic rate. I know the heart rate where I need to exercise. I wear my monitor everytime I exercise."

Margo Reid, 70's
"I learned that I don’t have to work so hard trying to maintain the protein/fat ratio level, as I did in the very beginning. I also learned why I get hungry at ten o’clock in the morning – because I eat breakfast at five. And so, now I end up eating my breakfast over a two hour period because I’m doing other things. Trying to eat it all at one time is just more than I can handle. Then at about ten o’clock I eat a protein bar. Then at noon I can eat a salad and enjoy it. It’s taught me a lot about that sort of thing. It also helped me tell my husband that I don’t want as much to eat, because I know the things that he wants to prepare for me. I’m glad I’m lucky enough to have someone to do my cooking for me, but I’m glad I’m able to explain what I need and not hurt his feelings. He sees the difference, too. You’re wonderful, Chris."

Mark Rataj, 30's
"I learned how to eat properly and maintain a healthy balance between nutrition and exercise. The results exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely recommend this. I can and will continue this on my own, but I think it’s necessary to have someone monitoring you. Especially with so many demands in your life, sometimes you need that grounding."