Results From Using The Michael Andreula Method
Steve Before
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Steve After
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I said I was never going to post any pictures of my progress, but why not LOL. Father's Day last year I realized I wasn't quite following post gallbladder surgery diet LOL.. Well I paid the price. Yeah I failed, blah blah blah but it was a tremendous wake up call.... I am not even close as to where I want to be, but it's been an amazing journey so far. Reached my goal in 11 months thanks to the amazing #ckomadison team: Mike
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Mike’s workouts are a breath of fresh air for anyone who is tired of the boring, traditional workouts. The creativity and intensity levels are so high that you will be absolutely soaked after a session. Mike’s positive nature makes the hardest of workouts an incredible, life changing, experience. I highly recommend Mike and his innovative ways, I worked out with Mike after a major surgery and now I can say I am “Wall Street’s Top Athlete”.
Alex
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Jason
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After trying many different fad diets and struggling with my weight for years, I thankfully finally found something that works. Not only have i been steadily losing weight on this program, but it really hasn't seemed like and effort to watch what i have been eating. in other words, i don't feel like I'm dieting. Which is probably why i have been able to stick with this. Plus the results have kept me very motivated!
In the past whenever i was trying to lose weight there always seemed to be some negative side effect associated with it. I would lose a few pounds here and there but i would be irritable, lethargic, or just plain miserable trying to restrain myself from eating sugar and other high glycemic carbs which i always seemed to crave. When those cravings would rear their ugly heads, i would go into cycles of binge eating and wind up eating worse than when i wasn't even trying to diet. I felt trapped in this cycle with all extremes and no happy medium.
I'm writing this on January 9th, 2012 and right now i weigh 198 pounds. When i started on this program just over 5 months ago i was a depressing and unhealthy 258 pounds. Not only do i look much better now, but my energy levels are elevated throughout the day,and my workouts feel much more productive. Instead of dreading going to exercise, i now actually look forward to it.
My other main down fall when it came to other eating plans i have tried was usually the fact that i had to eat many times a day and felt like i had limited foods to choose from. I never seemed to be able to find the time in my busy schedule to eat as often as i was being told i should, and i also was admittedly, too lazy to make the food that i would always have to bring everywhere with me. It just seemed like such a hassle. However i got tired of the alternative of being fat and when my brother who happens to be Mike Andreula told me about this diet, i decided i should give it a try. I was certainly skeptical, as like i said, i had tried so many different things in the past and was never able to stick with it for more than few weeks.There hasn't been a day since i began this program that i have regretted it or it has felt like a chore....well,with the exception of when i first started it that is.
The beginning was a bit tough as i still had the same cravings as always and did feel a little hungry throughout the day. My brother kept telling me to trust him and just stick with it. In hindsight I'm certainly glad i did, because in just about a week or so it seemed that my body had adjusted to this new way of eating and i started losing fat as if someone had turned a switch on.
These days i mostly eat high proteins which mostly come from both red and white meat, fish and eggs. When it comes to fats i eat mostly the "good fats" with a moderate amount of saturated fats mixed in. I never realized before that the body requires fat to burn fat, and while struggling to eat non fat everything, i was actually sabotaging my progress in the past. I also eat a good amount of nuts, olives and cheeses with most of my carbs coming from green vegetables and salads.
I wanted to write this personal experience because I have been excited to tell everyone about the way i have been eating and the results that i have been getting from it. For years i was frustrated and had begun to accept that i would just always have struggles with my weight. Now that i have realized that i just wasn't doing things that worked, and have been presented with an alternative viable solution. I would love to see others who feel hopeless about losing weight to have the same feeling of success that i now have when they look back in 5 months and realize how much progress they have made in their goals they never felt they could achieve.
~Vincent Andreula
In the past whenever i was trying to lose weight there always seemed to be some negative side effect associated with it. I would lose a few pounds here and there but i would be irritable, lethargic, or just plain miserable trying to restrain myself from eating sugar and other high glycemic carbs which i always seemed to crave. When those cravings would rear their ugly heads, i would go into cycles of binge eating and wind up eating worse than when i wasn't even trying to diet. I felt trapped in this cycle with all extremes and no happy medium.
I'm writing this on January 9th, 2012 and right now i weigh 198 pounds. When i started on this program just over 5 months ago i was a depressing and unhealthy 258 pounds. Not only do i look much better now, but my energy levels are elevated throughout the day,and my workouts feel much more productive. Instead of dreading going to exercise, i now actually look forward to it.
My other main down fall when it came to other eating plans i have tried was usually the fact that i had to eat many times a day and felt like i had limited foods to choose from. I never seemed to be able to find the time in my busy schedule to eat as often as i was being told i should, and i also was admittedly, too lazy to make the food that i would always have to bring everywhere with me. It just seemed like such a hassle. However i got tired of the alternative of being fat and when my brother who happens to be Mike Andreula told me about this diet, i decided i should give it a try. I was certainly skeptical, as like i said, i had tried so many different things in the past and was never able to stick with it for more than few weeks.There hasn't been a day since i began this program that i have regretted it or it has felt like a chore....well,with the exception of when i first started it that is.
The beginning was a bit tough as i still had the same cravings as always and did feel a little hungry throughout the day. My brother kept telling me to trust him and just stick with it. In hindsight I'm certainly glad i did, because in just about a week or so it seemed that my body had adjusted to this new way of eating and i started losing fat as if someone had turned a switch on.
These days i mostly eat high proteins which mostly come from both red and white meat, fish and eggs. When it comes to fats i eat mostly the "good fats" with a moderate amount of saturated fats mixed in. I never realized before that the body requires fat to burn fat, and while struggling to eat non fat everything, i was actually sabotaging my progress in the past. I also eat a good amount of nuts, olives and cheeses with most of my carbs coming from green vegetables and salads.
I wanted to write this personal experience because I have been excited to tell everyone about the way i have been eating and the results that i have been getting from it. For years i was frustrated and had begun to accept that i would just always have struggles with my weight. Now that i have realized that i just wasn't doing things that worked, and have been presented with an alternative viable solution. I would love to see others who feel hopeless about losing weight to have the same feeling of success that i now have when they look back in 5 months and realize how much progress they have made in their goals they never felt they could achieve.
~Vincent Andreula
For the past five years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Michael Andreula at CKO Kickboxing. While Michael is CKO's head trainer, he does so much more than just personally training his clients and teaching classes. On any given day, Mike is at the gym kind-heartedly mentoring, coaching, encouraging, and challenging people to take the extra step and push themselves a little bit more, thereby allowing the members to discover within themselves a reservoir of strength, toughness, and endurance that they never realized existed within them. And, it's not just the physical side of strength, toughness and endurance that Mike seeks to develop within the members; it's also the mental stamina that Mike coaxes along. Mike believes in a total mind/body connection, and it shows in everything that he does Roe Rana
As I sit here and focus on writing about Mike, there is NO way I can ever sum what he does/who he is even if I was to write a book! As Mike is the most inspirational instructor-young FIT man I have ever encountered....and at my young 49 years of age, I've encountered many "so called" instructors/trainers. No one compares to Mike. He is professional, efficient and innovative for his Club KO Maniacs!
Having joined Club Ko back in Feb. 2002...and sure, for those first-timers, a bit inhibited by the bodies and attitudes I encountered at this different gym, I decided to "stick it out" as I have always been exposed to exercising...well, yeah, "stick it out" was NOT the word. I soon found out this was another world of fantastic challenges that I never knew my body could take...more so my mind. True meaning to the word "fitness" and then some!
Sure, I can go on explaining how great The Michael Andreula Method, in which I lost so much body fat and weight--with the proper food/exercising, which I still keep off...or enlighten you with some of the details of how much better I fell...physically....but don't be fooled, as the strongest part of my whole body is MY MIND. That I owe to Mike's classes, as he pumps us ALL to the max.
You won't have much time to think while taking Mike's classes, but in the midst of his workouts, his jokes would make you crack up and know ...he's right behind you making sure you push yourself to limits YOU DON'T KNOW existed nevertheless, were able to cross them...and my friends, working out...IS about breaking limits.
So Mike, as you compete with for this new challenge, know it in your heart that you've created Monsters like me...that can, confidently, walk down the streets on NYC (as I do daily) knowing how healthy I feel/am and that at any given moment, although you don't promote violence, I can kick anyone's butt...but more important, I lead the life I have to lead...for myself, my family and my son Derek who, recently, went to Heaven...and quoted "fear less; regret nothing" after taking one of so many challenging kickboxing classes with Mike. GO CRUSH SOME BODIES, CHAMP!!!! And make us AGAIN proud by securing this new spot on your already-famous life!!! Sincerely and gratefully, Ingrid Schultze
Having joined Club Ko back in Feb. 2002...and sure, for those first-timers, a bit inhibited by the bodies and attitudes I encountered at this different gym, I decided to "stick it out" as I have always been exposed to exercising...well, yeah, "stick it out" was NOT the word. I soon found out this was another world of fantastic challenges that I never knew my body could take...more so my mind. True meaning to the word "fitness" and then some!
Sure, I can go on explaining how great The Michael Andreula Method, in which I lost so much body fat and weight--with the proper food/exercising, which I still keep off...or enlighten you with some of the details of how much better I fell...physically....but don't be fooled, as the strongest part of my whole body is MY MIND. That I owe to Mike's classes, as he pumps us ALL to the max.
You won't have much time to think while taking Mike's classes, but in the midst of his workouts, his jokes would make you crack up and know ...he's right behind you making sure you push yourself to limits YOU DON'T KNOW existed nevertheless, were able to cross them...and my friends, working out...IS about breaking limits.
So Mike, as you compete with for this new challenge, know it in your heart that you've created Monsters like me...that can, confidently, walk down the streets on NYC (as I do daily) knowing how healthy I feel/am and that at any given moment, although you don't promote violence, I can kick anyone's butt...but more important, I lead the life I have to lead...for myself, my family and my son Derek who, recently, went to Heaven...and quoted "fear less; regret nothing" after taking one of so many challenging kickboxing classes with Mike. GO CRUSH SOME BODIES, CHAMP!!!! And make us AGAIN proud by securing this new spot on your already-famous life!!! Sincerely and gratefully, Ingrid Schultze
At CKO, where all of the trainers are outstanding, Mike Andreula stands out above the rest. His classes have almost a cult following, he's THAT good! He challenges his clients both emotionally and physically. He motivates people to bring their best and to expect more of themselves with each and every class. He encourages positive changes, no matter how small, and creates an atmosphere where people want to work harder and see results. Whether his clients are brand new to working out, or have been at it for years, he is determined to make all of us a success. In a class of 50 people of varying ages and abilities, he has everyone in the roomworking at their maximum potential. And that's what it's all about. It's inspiring for sure, and the results he gets keep us all comingback. Trainers with Mike's knowledge, passion, and energy are clearly few and far between.
As a lifelong athlete, I can say he is one of the best "coaches" I've had. I am stronger & healthier than I have been in years.CKO is lucky to have him!
-Chrissy
I've been going to Mike's Class since January 2010 and I can not imagine life without it now. I'm the happiest I've ever been with my body which is amazing but also surprising. I have been active since I was 4 years old. I love the feeling during sports of challenging pushing yourself til you can't breath. I won a national championship when I was 7 and have done just about every sport imaginable. I got a scholarship for college playing soccer at a Division 1 school. I was always the fittest one on my teams but I never loved my body. So after moving to NYC after college I found it difficult to stay as active in this new "concrete jungle." So I thought it was ok just to take a little break from exercising. I ran in Central Park a bit and did the treadmill sometimes. After two years living in Manhattan I moved to Hoboken. I signed up for a 3 month membership at Mike's Class, went twice loved it but found out I was pregnant and didn't do anything more than walk for the next 9 months. Needless to say I gained almost 50 lbs during my pregnancy. Not my finest moment. After I had my son I was done with my "break." My personality was just not this lazy person so I got myself back in check and signed up for Mike's Class again. That's where I found Mike. It felt like home, the sweat, the energy. He is such a great motivator and the class is so much fun (who doesn't like working out to good loud music, that itself makes you smile and move your feet). Having your own bag allows you to work at your own speed and change your workouts every time so you won't ever feel like it's mundane. It brought back my competitive spirit and the rush I get when I challenge myself to run faster, hit harder. So after a year of taking Mike's classes my average weight is almost 10lbs less then my average before I was pregnant. I have attached two pictures. One is almost 2 months before I even had my son (very embarrassing but I'll show it for the cause). The second is a year later and me feeling and looking my best. Thanks Mike!
As every guy knows when their wife gets pregnant, you're going to gain a couple pounds for the next nine months. Well, a couple turned into about 15 so my wife and I after our son was born decided to get back into shape. We read a ton of reviews of most gyms in Hoboken and the reviews for Mike's Class at CKO were great so we decided to take the free trail class. Mike was our instructor and it was amazing how much he motivates you. Keep in mind I was out of shape so I truly thought I was going to die during the class but because of Mike I pushed through. It was a great workout and I couldn't believe how many muscle groups you work in just an hour, I was hooked! I could see the results within weeks and enjoyed working out again. Within months I shed 25 pounds and felt great! Well, after over 2 years of going to Mike's class at CKO I was able to keep the weight off and I feel like a new person.
Thank you Mike and everyone at CKO!!
Bill
Niki
Mike,
Here's the pictures you were asking about today. The before pictures are a little scarey. Definately use them if you want. It's really crazy in 3 months I lost 40lbs, 4 inches in my waist, and I believe over 7% body fat. I really never expected this much of a difference in 3 and a half months.
Matthew F
Did you ever stare at yourself in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back? Yes, this statement sounds cliché to say the least but it is exactly what I experienced on the morning of my 30th birthday. After spending much of my late twenties packing on an excessive amount of unwelcomed weight, I knew it was time for a big change. That big change was starting taking Mike's class. Prior to joining, I hit the gym, changed up my diet and was able to shed about 40 lbs. on my own but quickly hit a plateau. The treadmill was just not cutting it anymore. I needed to push myself to the next level and Mike was able to get me there. I started my membership with the 10 week program and quickly dropped another 22 lbs. and many more pants sizes. The intense workout not only stripped away fat but helped sculpt lean muscle and restore a physique I hadn’t seen in years. I officially was addicted. Close to two years, countless workouts and over 80 pounds later, I am still going strong and Mike continues to be one of the driving forces in helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Does the workout ever get easier? NO
Do you really want it to? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Hit it hard or hit the road!
Joe
My workouts have completely changed since coming to Club KO and working with Mike. I have never been in better shape and I really enjoy the workouts. He revamped my outlook on working out and changed my boring, stagnant routine. I started taking Mike's kickboxing class 4 times a week where his energy keeps you going the whole time and you want to keep pushing yourself to see the results in your body. Then I started his interval weight training class and WOW! I wake up a 5 am twice a week only for his weight training class. The class is incredible especially since I was never into weight lifting before. Now I look forward to the class and seeing myself become more toned. Mike's continuous motivation and support is incredible and makes me feel better about working out and myself!
Dara Kauth Wexler
"I have always been active, but after having my second child two years ago I was annoyed at how difficult it was to get back into shape. I hated the way I looked and hated nearly passing out trying to suck my gut in every time I walked pass a mirror. I figured I had to jump start my workout routine and asked (pleaded) Mike to train me. After 3 months of training with Mike the pregnancy fat on my belly was gone. I could not believe it because I had tried for two solid years to lose the belly flab. How did he do it? In addition to the kickboxing classes I was already taking, Mike had me start weight training and introduced me to high intensity interval training. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these workouts! Ten years ago I did MMA training and was in the best shape of my life. I can say that I am very close to being in the best shape of my life again. Training is hard, but I love every minute of it especially now that I can see the positive changes in my body. Mike has renewed my passion for working out again. Mike has been so motivating, and thanks to him I am going to continue to push for the body I want."
JOANNE SHU
Mike, Just wanted to say, Thanks!! for coming out with your Ipod/itunes work out. With not having the time to get to the gym occasionally I can get a really good work out at home. So! "kudos" to you.
Sandra Rodriguez
Stefanie DiTerlizzi Testimonial Member since 2005 Five years ago my boyfriend moved in with his childhood friend, Mike Andreula. That is the best thing that could have ever happened for my physical well being because Mike was an instructor at a local gym, Club KO. Around that same time, I returned from college 20 lbs heavier than I was in high school. I was very depressed, because I had always been athletic in High School and played Soccer and Softball, but I just couldnt get into the groove of having to actually "go to the gym" now that high school (and tough practices) wer both over. After Mike noticed me being sick and tired of being sick and tired and feeling like crap in a bikini, he offered me a challenge. He said "Go through Club KO's Ten Week Program and see how you do, BUT if you see results I'm going to put you in a commercial." Thinking I'd never lose all the weight I wanted to, I reluctantly accepted the challenge. On day one of the challenge, I, along with a group of others, had a meeting with Joe, Mike's brother and Club KO's owner. He went over what we should eat and what we should stay away from, and it seemed pretty simple. We also wrote down the goal we wanted to achieve at the end of the program. I wrote "to be a size 6, and weigh 135 lbs" thinking I'd NEVER acheive it because I was a size 10, weighed 156 lbs, and had 28% body fat. I followed the diet exactly, documented everything I ate, went to kickboxing 5 times a week and lifted heavy weights once a week with the trainer in charge of that part of my program, Jen. I quickly learned that Mike's class was the best and toughest class, so I made sure to make the 5:00 class (it was 5pm at the old gym which was much less glamorous than the new one located at Madison Street.) Jen made sure that I stayed on track with what I was eating and gave me feedback every week, and Mike made sure I showed up for class. If i didnt show up for class, I was "punished" the next time I did show up, where I better have a damn good excuse. After 5 weeks, I was 149 lbs, and after the full 10 weeks I was 136 lbs and 18% body fat. I even had to take a week off for lasik surgery and still saw results! I was amazed at how easy it was at watched the fat just melt off of me. If I had known it was possible and all I needed to do was follow the program and take classes, I wouldn't have waited so long to do something about it. I was a MUCH happier person because I felt better about myself. I was embarassed at first because I thought people would look at me and say "hey that girl has no idea what she's doing" but it wasn't like that at all. Everyone at the gym is super friendly and its not that kind of gym where all the girls have a full face of makeup just to work out. The workouts were TOUGH, but I always say that the toughest part of the workout is dragging yourself there, and then Mike does the rest. He puts 100% into every class he teaches, (leaving himself some nights with no voice because he's screaming and yelling trying to motivate people) and you only feel like the least you can do is give him 100% in return. I especially liked the structure of the kickboxing classes because it felt like 'practice' to me, where you have a coach, and he tells you want to do, and you might not feel like doing it, but something inside your brain tells you that you HAVE to. When the voice inside my head tells me I can't, Mike's voice yells even louder and helps me push through. He "picks on me" because he knows I can do it, and does the same for anyone else who likes to have the extra push. Even though the gym has changed locations and gotten a makeover, one thing remains the same. Mike's class is still the best and hardest class because he NEVER loses his enthusiasm. He has a personally vested interest in each and every person in the class's results. I certainly appreciate that type of structure, because I'm the type of person needs to be accountable to someone else. Both Mike and the other employees at the gym will call you out if they haven't seen you in a while. The fact that everyone notices if you aren't there keeps me motivated. Five years later, I still struggle to keep my weight where I want it, but I know every time I need to lose the extra 5 lbs, I just need to ask Mike for the extra push to get me back to my goal weight. SO, if you're ever watching cablevision, you'll see that I held up to my end of the bargain and filmed an extremely quick and nervous commercial. Embarassing? Yes. But it was the least I could do to say thank you to my friends at Club KO. Today, I continue to train both in class and one on one with Mike because I never want to go back to being overweight and unhappy again. My boyfriend no longer lives with Mike, but he still holds me accountable for showing up to class. I'm getting married next year, and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that all I need to do to get ready for the most important important day of my life is continue to work out hard with Mike, every day at 5:30. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Mike for changing my life and giving me the tools to keep the weight off! Sincerely,Stefanie DiTerlizzi
I was transferred to the Washington DC area for work, and the move happened so fast that I wasn't able to come in for a farewell class. I didn't want you to think I abandoned your class. I was looking for an similar workout here, and there's an LA Boxing near me that I tried tonight. Good workout, nice people, but it doesn't begin to compare to your class. I could have easily done two classes, and there were nights I could barely walk out of your class (in a good way). I must also say I was one of the best people in the LA Boxing class thanks to y'all... Anyway, just wanted thank you for your great work. I'd love to see CKO migrate to the DC area!!!
Thanks again,
Cynthia (Cindy) Kirk
I want to thank Mike and everyone at CKO Madison for what has been an amazing experience so far.
After 3-4 years of succumbing to stress and lethargy from a bunch of setbacks in my life, I decided to get my health back on track. It didn’t concern me in my twenties, when younger metabolism can deal with and repair anything that comes up; but I knew the thirties were going to be make-or-break in terms of health and body maintenance. I can honestly say signing up here was the best decision I’ve made for my health (physical as well as mental) in ten years. I’d been in gyms before, done a lot to change to healthy eating, but I knew it was going to be pointless unless I was regularly committed and exercising. And more importantly, WANTED to be doing it versus feeing I just had to.
I knew I wanted a class/instruction, at least to start out; fitness is the only area of my life where I want people telling me what works and exactly what to do, haha.. but I didn’t want a generic fitness course where all we did was do stretches and jumping jacks, etc. Nor did I strictly want weight training when my first plan was just to get my overall fitness level back up to speed and lose a lot of the body fat I’d been accumulating. Plus I needed something that was intense but that I could handle in terms of breathing and impact, I had a lung collapse 6 years ago and never fully recovered the amount of air I can take in.
Everything I’d seen in the ads around Hoboken for CKO sounded like something I could handle, but that would remain intense and help with strength.. the 800-1000 calories I could possibly burn in an hour was obviously attractive too.
I’m pretty sure my first class was with Mike, but it’s worked out that probably 75% of my classes are with him due to my schedule. Which is a crazy schedule, but I’ve worked it lately so I’m definitely there 3 days a week, and hopefully squeezing in at least one more when I can. I’ve been happy with the approach of all the instructors and I’ve never had a bad class; but Mike’s definitely got the thing that I see in any strong leaders in any area of life; an ease with getting people excited. About what they’re doing and going on this journey with him. Not just general ‘pump up’ motivation to get you to run a bit faster, he’s actively interested in everyone doing better. It’s not just a “job” to him.
While I still struggle a bit with the diet discipline, I’ve been coming regularly since September and have lost 13 pounds, and about an inch and a half off my waist, at least. It’s around the halfway mark in terms of what I hoped to reduce/accomplish before adding more strength training..but I’m certain if I keep at it, it will come off. I’ve also gotten much more natural muscle definition in my arms, chest, and legs than I had before. And a hell of a lot more strength; when I started the class, it only took three pushups to get me to collapse. I still tend to collapse but it's usually at class' end now. The change has been gradual, but it’s definitely happening. A friend I hadn’t seen since August came back to town in July and his jaw dropped, when he saw me from across the street, while I was wearing a winter coat to boot! So I guess that answers how much has changed already for me.
Mentally, the improvement’s been even stronger. I’m not sweating the smaller stuff in life and mood is consistently positive due to the health improvements. Even exhausted, I focus so much better after a workout. And I’m addicted to coming to Mike's classes; I’ve caught myself daydreaming about it when I wasn’t there! I’ve noticed I’m starting to break through the most recent ‘ceiling’ I was at in terms of accomplishment in class, and while I have the whole place to thank for that, I can definitely see that Mike’s the anchor of it that keeps people excited about starting, continuing and succeeding in a healthy lifestyle. Thank you!!
Cheers,
Adam Barnick
After a 3 year break from going to CKO, I started attending classes again in November 2010 – badly out of shape, 25 pounds heavier than I had ever been and full of excuses as to why I couldn’t work out. In less than 5 months back at Mike's class, I have lost the extra 25 (and well on my way to losing more) and I feel great – my body is entirely different than it was 5 months ago! Since my job requires long hours and frequent travel, I can’t take classes as often as I would like but I try to get in at least 2 classes per week – and even that makes a huge difference. Making time for Mike's classes helps keep my work-life balance in check and has given me amazing results. I can’t thank you and the other instructors at CKO Madison enough…
Barry Tetrault
Senior Manager | Human Capital
Deloitte Consulting LLP
25 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, USA
“Get Busy Living, or Get Busy Dying.”
It’s something Andy Dufresne says to Red in a memorable scene in the movie The Shawshank Redemption. I have always loved that quote, but not until Mike’s Reboot Camp did I really embrace its true meaning.
For the first time in a long time, Mike had me feeling like I was living. While most of my vacations in the past had proved to be a nice temporary escape from reality, this unique journey helped me define a new reality, cherishing and appreciating what really matters. What started as a much needed getaway, quickly evolved into an adventure of self-discovery, self-confidence, self-awareness and self-awakening. During the trip I was in constant awe of my surreal surroundings—the jawdropping sunsets, the picturesque beaches, the clear water, but truthfully I was more in awe of Mike and his unwavering commitment to me. Mike made it his personal mission to remind me about valuing the quality of my life, to re-connecting with the things that matter, to finding my way to a healthier path. His knowledge and insight were equally as impressive as the sunsets. Most of all, he believed in me, and in turn I believed in me.
Joining the Reboot Camp was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am truly grateful for the experience, for Mike’s dedication, and for the much needed perspective and energy it afforded me.
Get Busy Living, or Get Busy Dying.
Brad Feldman
Thank you all for your support during my marathon training, whether it was financially, towards my team in training goal (which was exceeds - THANKS!) or emotionally as you all supported me in one way or another when I faced a weekend of long runs, special diets, or the need for reassuring talks. Without all of you, it would not have been the same experience!
I finished the marathon at 4 hours and 25 mins, and felt great for most of the run. The last 1 mile plus became difficult with the increasing heat and lack of shade, but I finished! It was fun with 143 people dressed as Elvis (Hence "Rock N Roll" marathon - ha!) to keep me entertained.
I wrote a little blogger to describe the marathon completion for those of us that have a hard time letting the "To Do," list go uncompleted, please read:http://kararun.blogspot.com/
Once again, thank you for the support, I will forever treasure it! I also got the "marathoner's bug," and have signed up for the philly marathon that will take place on 11/23/08 (perfect timing being the Sunday before Thanksgiving), so if anyone wants to run with me (Mari & Jess are running already!) please do, or just come out support the race and have a cheese steak, I'm having two when I'm done! :)
Much Love,
Kara
Kara
ps. I attached a race pix and a San Diego sunset picture from after the race! :)
It's been 10+ years since I underwent cancer surgery and my recent test results show that i am still cancer free!!!
I've continued to take classes since surgery and I attribute my continued good health, in no small measure, to the intense workouts with you. Everything I stated in the newsletter below from 6 years ago, is true today. I owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Andreula and all of the instructors at Club-KO for their dedication & professionalism.
Sincerely,
Brian
Brian Steele has been one of Club-KO's longest running members. He's a true success story and CHAMP. We recently sat down with Brian for an interview, on how he "won the battle".
Did you have a specific reason in joining Club-KO in 1997?Back in '97 I was planning an attempt to ascent Mt. Rainier in Washington State. The east coast doesn't have high peaks to train on and I knew that I needed something more than jogging and a typical gym workout. 'Take it to the Max' had just opened up at 720 Monroe so I thought I'd give kickboxing a try. I thought I was in OK shape but I barely made it through the first trial class – I signed up for a membership that night. Back then, when the club was just starting up there would sometimes be only 1 or 2 people for class but there was always an instructor to put you through the paces – and it was never a partial or mediocre workout. From the beginning Joe, Mike and the crew have shown a professionalism and dedication that has made the club the success that it is today.
What did you like best about the workout?
What's great about Club-KO is that it's not just a cardiovascular workout – from stretching, jump rope, abdominal work, push ups, hand weights, etc – it's a total body workout. It improves balance, coordination and strength. And I don't know of anything else, other than rowing, that affords such a great cardiovascular workout for the upper body.
2000 was a crucial time in your life. Can you tell us about your experience?
I've always tried to stay in shape and watch my diet. But in May of 2000 I was diagnosed with cancer. To say the least it was quite a shock and as anyone would expect a very difficult thing to accept. After several tests, second opinions, etc. it was determined that the best course of action was surgery.
I was scheduled for surgery at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for late June. About the only thing I could do to prepare was to get in the best physical shape that I could. So for the 5 weeks leading up to surgery I was going to kickboxing 4 to 5 times a week. The support of friends and family was a great help but it was the intense Club-KO workouts that were the only thing that would alleviate the overwhelming anxiety and stress I was going through at the time.
My goal was to get in the best shape possible in the hope that the surgery and recovery would go more smoothly. All the trainers were very supportive and encouraging. Fortunately the surgery was successful but as anyone who has been through general anesthesia and major surgery can tell you – it really knocks you for a loop. It was 2 months before I started taking kickboxing class again. Within a few weeks of being back at class I was feeling pretty good.
How has Club-KO helped you get through this experience?
I've continued to take classes since 2000 and I attribute my continued good health to the intense workouts at Club-KO. It's important for everyone to maintain a strong immune system and I firmly believe there is a direct connection between the immune system and feeling good about yourself both physically and mentally.
If I miss class for more than 3 or 4 days I really notice the difference. I begin to feel lethargic and a bit depressed and I know I have to go back for a workout. Getting up the energy to go to class can sometimes be very tough and, for me, the beginning of class is the worst but once it's over I feel great and I know I'm good for another day or 2. Over the years it's been a lifesaver.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Mike.
Did you have a specific reason in joining Club-KO in 1997?Back in '97 I was planning an attempt to ascent Mt. Rainier in Washington State. The east coast doesn't have high peaks to train on and I knew that I needed something more than jogging and a typical gym workout. 'Take it to the Max' had just opened up at 720 Monroe so I thought I'd give kickboxing a try. I thought I was in OK shape but I barely made it through the first trial class – I signed up for a membership that night. Back then, when the club was just starting up there would sometimes be only 1 or 2 people for class but there was always an instructor to put you through the paces – and it was never a partial or mediocre workout. From the beginning Joe, Mike and the crew have shown a professionalism and dedication that has made the club the success that it is today.
What did you like best about the workout?
What's great about Club-KO is that it's not just a cardiovascular workout – from stretching, jump rope, abdominal work, push ups, hand weights, etc – it's a total body workout. It improves balance, coordination and strength. And I don't know of anything else, other than rowing, that affords such a great cardiovascular workout for the upper body.
2000 was a crucial time in your life. Can you tell us about your experience?
I've always tried to stay in shape and watch my diet. But in May of 2000 I was diagnosed with cancer. To say the least it was quite a shock and as anyone would expect a very difficult thing to accept. After several tests, second opinions, etc. it was determined that the best course of action was surgery.
I was scheduled for surgery at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for late June. About the only thing I could do to prepare was to get in the best physical shape that I could. So for the 5 weeks leading up to surgery I was going to kickboxing 4 to 5 times a week. The support of friends and family was a great help but it was the intense Club-KO workouts that were the only thing that would alleviate the overwhelming anxiety and stress I was going through at the time.
My goal was to get in the best shape possible in the hope that the surgery and recovery would go more smoothly. All the trainers were very supportive and encouraging. Fortunately the surgery was successful but as anyone who has been through general anesthesia and major surgery can tell you – it really knocks you for a loop. It was 2 months before I started taking kickboxing class again. Within a few weeks of being back at class I was feeling pretty good.
How has Club-KO helped you get through this experience?
I've continued to take classes since 2000 and I attribute my continued good health to the intense workouts at Club-KO. It's important for everyone to maintain a strong immune system and I firmly believe there is a direct connection between the immune system and feeling good about yourself both physically and mentally.
If I miss class for more than 3 or 4 days I really notice the difference. I begin to feel lethargic and a bit depressed and I know I have to go back for a workout. Getting up the energy to go to class can sometimes be very tough and, for me, the beginning of class is the worst but once it's over I feel great and I know I'm good for another day or 2. Over the years it's been a lifesaver.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Mike.
Brian Steele
Update still a member 2011