Jennifer Smith
SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources
“In just 9 months AM Wellness has increased our wellness engagement while lightening our load as a leadership team. Coach Jess and the team are excellent to work with and I appreciate their timely responses to both us and our employees. Our employees enjoy the variety of ways to earn incentives through AM’s programming, but they find the most value from the one-on-one coaching opportunities.”
Anna Oswalt and Audrey Oswalt
Stryker Employees
“My sister and I have always wanted to run a half marathon and we decided 2022 was the year! We picked the Great Turtle Run on Mackinac Island, for the medal of course, and instantly reached out to Bridget with Athletic Mentors to help us with training. We’ve been avid 5K runners throughout our lives but had zero knowledge in the half marathon world. Bridget and her team at Athletic Mentors were instrumental in helping us train for our goals. I had a lofty goal to run an 8 minute per mile pace and the workouts that AM coaches put in our program helped so much! It was a great mix of fast repeats, hills to prepare for the Mackinac terrain, long runs to get our endurance up, and scheduled rest days so we never over did it. They were always challenging workouts but so fun because of the diversity and they were always on hand and available since we utilized the Athletic Mentors ap. Although the training plan was amazing, it was nothing in comparison to the constant support and encouragement we received from the Athletic Mentors team! Bridget, Dom, and others were always checking in on us, giving us tips and tricks along the way, even wishing us good luck on race day and asking how we did after. I was unable to achieve my goal but still ran a 1:56 and placed 5th for my age group and was 134th out of 487, all which I’m very proud of. My sister did accomplish her goal to run under 2:30 and ran a 2:24! It was such a fantastic experience from start to finish that now my sister and I want to tackle a full marathon which we of course will not do without Bridget and her team at Athletic Mentors showing us the way!”
Cheryl Riley
Athletic Mentors Client
What did you change?
I made a lifestyle change of what I eat and made it part of my regular routine to exercise. I try to eliminate processed food as much as I can. The majority of my diet is natural foods which consist of vegetables, fruit and lean meats. I don’t deprive myself from foods I love, but I use moderation. I am conscious of what I eat to feed my body the nutrition it needs.
Total pounds lost?
I reached my first weight loss goal of 65 pounds and I would like to reach my “ultimate” weight loss goal of 75 pounds. Although, I am comfortable and happy with my weight today.
Favorite form of exercise?
Strength training – I love going to the gym and having the workout my coach planned for me for the day on the whiteboard to follow. The plan is developed to my ability and challenges me to continue improving. All the trainers encourage me to keep the correct form, push me to keep going, and always encouraging me with positive feedback. They educate me on strength training and nutrition. They are always approachable to answer any questions and explain what the positive impact of the exercise is doing for my body.
Advice to others?
You have to decide you finally want to make the change for yourself. You have to be committed and dedicated to make it a lifestyle change to be healthy and fit. Stay motivated by getting into a routine and “no more excuses.” Once you get in the routine and begin to see the results in your body, your energy and how you feel overall it will keep you motivated.
What motivated you to keep going?
The support system of “everyone” at the gym. The staff takes interest in you as a person and achieving your fitness goals. The results I saw in my body with the muscle I gained, the definition, the strength, the endurance and the energy I have.
Besides the weight loss what other positive changes have you noticed?
My emotional being, I have a more positive outlook and attitude on how I view things about myself and life in general. I am conscientious about what I am putting into my body and staying active to maintain my goals that I have achieved.
