Eli

Over the years, I have trained with many trainers and many gyms, but none have helped me feel the taste of success like TITLE Boxing Club has. I tried my first class at TITLE Boxing Club Highland Heights in February of 2015. I was anxious and scared as I had not been in a gym in many years. I was not sure what I was doing and felt uncomfortable in a gym. I am not a morning person and was not looking forward to a 5 AM class, but I left that class on a high and feeling energized.

I expected to be exhausted all day from getting up so early, but it was the total opposite experience, I was wide awake and had more energy than I did on other days. I returned the next Wednesday for my second class still somewhat apprehensive, but also excited. I had no intention of signing up and becoming a member. I thought I would come once a week and pay a drop-in fee. Evan approached me about signing up for a membership, but I was hesitant and non-committal. I was apprehensive, as I had done this with so many different gyms and fitness activities in the past and never followed through. I was always excited at in the beginning, but would slowly quit over time.

Evan took the time to explain to me the benefits of boxing, and how this would be a different experience than I had in the past. He shared with me his own personal experience with boxing and explained to me that I would be more likely to return and continue coming for classes if I was a member and reassured me that he would not let me quit. I felt like I was being pressured to sign up, and that signing up the day of my second class was an impulsive decision on my part, yet it proved to be the best impulsive decision I have ever made as I was back the next day for another class. I felt uncomfortable in the beginning, I felt like an outsider who had no idea what I was doing, but Evan as well as the other trainers always took the time to help me with my form/technique, as well as show me what modifications I could make if I needed.

Over time, I became addicted and just kept coming back, I couldn’t stay away. I kept coming back because of how good I felt after every class.

The trainers and staff were incredible and always provided a friendly, smiling face and were always interested in my progress. Within a few months of becoming a member I began personal training with Evan. He read the situation well and understood that I needed to be pushed, but gently. He understood that I wanted to begin making changes in my life, but that I was insecure and uncomfortable in a gym. He started pushing me slowly and gently. He made sure I was comfortable with more basic exercises and that my confidence had increased before beginning more advanced workouts. He took time to make sure that my form was right and slowly built me up.

I became more confident and was pushed to see that I am capable of things I never thought imaginable.

I was adamant that I could not do a sprawl. I clearly remember Evan taking time during my sessions to show me different ways I could sprawl such as stepping my feet back instead of jumping back. This was extremely helpful as it pushed me to try something I was uncomfortable with, but at a pace that was right for me, and then suddenly one day, I was actually doing sprawls. Personal training has also provided me with accountability and didn’t allow me to mess around or not take working out seriously. The weight loss has been slow at times, but Evan has not given up and continues to push me. He never hesitates to confront me especially when I am lacking motivation, having a negative attitude, or not doing the things I need to do to be successful. Evan is also not afraid to hold me accountable for my actions. He follows through on things and always follows up with me to see how I am doing, or if I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. Similarly, he also makes sure to help me to confront the things in my life that I am most uncomfortable with and that have so often in the past sabotaged me and stopped me from being successful. In addition, Evan always offers a listening ear especially when I am struggling or feeling down about my own weight loss journey. He is always empathetic, but isn’t scared to say what needs to be said even if it is something that I may not want to hear. Evan is constantly pushing me to try harder and to work harder than I did the day before. He forces me to look at where I was when I stared and where I am now.

Over the last year and a half there have been so many positive changes in my life. I am doing things I never thought was possible. I have lost weight and many inches all over my body. I am not only healthier physically, but mentally as well. Emotionally, I am doing the best I have in years. I have been able to come off of medications I had been on for years. I still have days that are harder than others and still struggle, but it’s nothing like it used to be. If I am feeling stressed or having a bad day, I always know that I can come to TITLE for a class or personal training session and it is guaranteed that I will walk out feeling better than I did when I walked in. I still have a long way to go on my weight loss journey, but without Evan and TITLE Boxing Club, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am excited to continue my journey and to quote Evan, continue:

chasing, catching, and crushing my goals.