RISER OF THE MONTH: FARRELL TURNER

“Three Challenges and nine months later, I’ve lost close to 30 pounds and 17 inches, and I am easily in the best shape of my life. RISE has offered me so much more than the sum total of those numbers. I’ve gained strength, confidence and I’ve learned so much about making better food choices. “ -Farrell Turner

After having my fourth baby in fewer than six years though, I was ready to reclaim my body. I had seen happy faces streaming out of the RISE studio while I was pregnant and new to town, and remember thinking that one day I’d work up the courage to sign up for a class. And that day came. I went regularly for a while but life happened and I stopped going for a few months. The turning point was really the day I decided to join the RISE-olution Challenge.

Three Challenges and nine months later, I’ve lost close to 30 pounds and 17 inches, and I am easily in the best shape of my life. RISE has offered me so much more than the sum total of those numbers. I’ve gained strength, confidence and I’ve learned so much about making better food choices.

The Challenge motivated me to get to the studio daily and helped me really integrate into the RISE community. I was never on a team that was “in it to win it,” but instead, I had teammates who were there to support each other in their individual endeavors. Everyone had a different motivation for participating—weight loss, better nutrition, training for a big race, trying something new, or a combination. All had a place on our team, and all have a place at RISE.

The classes are definitely tough, but still great for every fitness level. The instructors push you but also offer support. While class variety and top-notch instructors are typically key motivators at just about every other fitness environment, RISE far exceeds expectation with those elements AND offers a community that is completely unique. And community has been a consistent theme among RISE clients since its inception. The community is the reason I continue with RISE.

I’ve had many friends ask what I’ve done to get in shape and the answer is simple – move more and eat better. The key differentiator was finding a place that supports, encourages, and pushes me. Working out has become really fun and purposeful. My advice to anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle is to find an environment with a supportive community. I feel fortunate to have found that place in RISE, and it’s made all the difference in my life and my Glen Ellyn experience.