HOME TO CALIFORNIA'S BEST TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM

2020 was a hard year for everyone. I gained 60 lbs after having my 3rd child in July that year. After I gave birth, I had hip & lower back injuries from child bearing & being overweight. I tried to exercise, walk, jog, run, but it just made it worse. I was also pre-diabetic and had thyroid & cholesterol problems. Shortly after, I lost my dad from COVID. I was devastated and I also had the baby blues. I couldn’t play with my kids, getting up & down the stairs was hard, going to work was hard, doing simple chores was hard. I was sad & grumpy all the time. I thought to myself, “Is this it? Am I going to be like this for the rest of my life?”

Luckily, I have a loving & supportive husband who went through that tough time with me. I found @thearkfit and my husband & I decided to give it a try. I found out that @thearkfit is a place where I can workout safely & free of judgement. Because of my injuries and limitations, they modified the workout for me. It’s like having personal trainers, but in a fun group environment. It’s very inspiring to workout with the 6:15am strong crew.

Honestly, a big reason I stayed was because the cool down songs were Christian songs. They reminded me that I need to stay connected with God wherever I am. Ever since I started @thearkfit, I’ve been starting every morning with the Word.

Fast forward to a year later, I’ve lost more than 25 lbs since I joined, passing my weight goal. I am 100% healed from my injuries without any surgery (besides muscle soreness). I’m cleared from all medical problems I had. I am now able to chase around & play with my kids. Now I no longer concern about my weight or how I look, & I wake up excited to workout. I can’t thank The Ark Fit Team enough for pushing me beyond my limit & always believing in me. Whenever I told myself, “I can’t do it anymore” you guys were always there to say, “You got this! It’s all you!”

Here’s to another year of getting stronger physically & spiritually. ❤️

Last year I started taking my physical health seriously again. When I started working out consistently and pushing myself harder, I slowly started to recognize lots of changes. I wasn’t just becoming more confident in how I looked, but I also found spiritual and mental alignment, as well. I’ve learned to use exercise and fitness to celebrate and honor what I am capable of, and to show gratitude for another day of life on earth by striving to surpass my thresholds. Shout out to @thearkfit for helping me set a new standard of fitness and create a healthier way of life! 🙏🏼

2020 and beyond was rough for me mentally and physically. I had a baby, started working from home, my gym closed at the beginning of the pandemic, everything I established as a regular lifestyle was flipped upside down. I dropped weight during breastfeeding and when I stopped, the weight came back and then some. Throughout 2021, I was very unhappy with my body and how I felt mentally without the boost of serotonin that comes with working out.⁣
I struggled getting back into my fitness with the loss of the community I had previously. In November 2021, I decided I couldn't do this anymore and searched around my area for a gym that would help encourage me to go back into my lifestyle. I came to Ark Fit with the hope that I could get back into the swing of things, I was still hesitant but Donald convinced me to get a class pack. I dropped off the face of the gym until the New Year. I came to class here and there, but I still didn't have what I needed to hold myself accountable. When I received a text regarding the transformation program and met with Stephanie, I decided to take a leap of faith that this was what I needed to get back to it. IT WAS SO ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I’VE EVER MADE. The trainers at Ark Fit are all very encouraging, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable. As my trainer, Donald was empathetic to the outside factors that affected my progress, encouraging when I doubted myself, and really took the time to get to know me and what I needed in a trainer. This translated into specific focuses in our sessions and adjustments during class that helped with my weaknesses/injuries and goals. Over the last six months, I have been able to gain the community I was looking for, I have better eating habits, and I've gained back most of my strength. The weekly weigh-ins really helped me to remain focused on my goals. I DIDN’T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR ME TO HAVE MADE THE PROGRESS I HAVE. I'm leanest and healthiest I've been since I was in my mid-twenties and I have no desire to stop here. I am so glad that I made the investment in myself and that I found Ark Fit when I did.

In 2022, I looked in the mirror and was unhappy with what I saw. Coming from a shoulder injury from college tennis in 2010 and a back injury from a motorcycle accident in 2017, my body was not what it once was. I couldn’t get out of bed and used my arms to grasp the mattress to turn myself over. Modern medicine couldn’t solve my issues unless I had surgery. I was too young to have surgery and was recommended to exercise to compensate for my injuries. I was in a deep rut. So I started looking at local gyms like 24-hour fitness and LA fitness and realized that I didn’t know what I’ll be doing there and would be intimidated by the bodybuilders. However, the occasional posts of my friend inspired me to reach out and ask how the gym was where he attended. Nothing but great things were said. I saw The Ark Fit’s social media pages and realized I have a few friends that attend there, and they all mentioned the same thing.

I contacted our trainer Donald as I knew him in the world of tennis, and he volunteered to come to work out with me so I wouldn’t feel alone on the first day or come when he was teaching. I went the next day, and the environment was like nothing else I had felt. It is very welcoming, encouraging, and inspirational. It is a place to bond with everyone in a similar situation as yours, create friendships, and work together on our common goals. The trainers and the rest of the team have always pushed me to my limits and beyond and taught me so much about food to reach my goal (probably not at the moment of each exercise lol). I’ve only been at the gym for 6 months and have seen some positive changes. I never realized that I would be where I am right now and actually want to go to the gym. I can’t wait to see what’s next to come. I am forever grateful!

Most of us spend a lot of time trying to find the perfect place to work out. A place you feel safe, a place you don’t feel judged for what you can and can’t do, a place that you feel like you’re working out with the family. Well June 30th 2019, I found that place. I had been doing a lot of Groupons at some other gyms, but nothing seemed to work for me. I would lose some weight but gain it back. I had no information on what I should eat or not eat. I could never build the muscle I wanted to build. At 63 years old I started to think it was impossible. Until I heard from a friend about The Ark Fit.

My first day at The Ark Fit was so amazing! I loved it so much that I signed up for a year membership that day, & I’ve been here ever since. The workouts kick my butt, but I love to see how I’m increasing my endurance. The Ark Fit has taught me the healthy, safe way to work on not only on my physical, but also my mental health. I was always having something that was hurting when working out. I thought if I was working out then I could eat what I wanted, but I was feeling tired and not strong with my workouts. I had never really talked to anyone about the way I was feeling. 
The awesome owners Matt & Jasmine, my favorite welcoming crew Faith & Michelle, and the best coaches ever Donald & Stephanie, at The Ark Fit spent time talking with me and all my concerns about fitness and nutrition. I am truly grateful for the time, knowledge, & patience that The Ark Fit trainers provide.  I recently started doing The Ark Fit Transformation Program along with my workouts. You’re given all the info you need about your food & workouts, plus the bonus of having a coach that you could talk with through your transformation. It started to make more sense to me with all this info I had never had before. I just finished a 16-Week Transformation Program with my one on one personal trainer, Donald. I didn’t think I would make it through 16 weeks, but I did with the help of the awesome trainers. I gained more muscle, which is something I wanted to do for a long time. I feel so much stronger and confident, and I can’t believe the weight I’m lifting now—I never thought I could lift that heavy.

One of the benefits of having a personal trainer for me is I haven’t had any injuries or any pain that continued to linger. Donald showed me the right way to maintain the correct body position when lifting and working out so that I won’t injure myself. This was so important to me because I love working out 5 days a week. Thank you so much The Ark Fit for helping me exceed my goals. I love my gym and this community so much!

There comes a day in your life when you decide that things have to change and you want it bad enough that you actually do something about it. That day for me was almost 2 years ago when I walked into The Ark Fit for my first class. I was overweight, constantly tired, had low self-esteem and just all around didn’t feel good about myself. Embarrassed to say that I only lasted 15 mins before I had to stop because my body just wouldn’t go any further. It probably took me a whole month before I was able to complete the whole 45 minutes.

2 years later, I am so much stronger, eat way healthier, and feel so much better. What made me stick with The Ark Fit and not give up is because all the trainers (Matt, Steph, and Donald) did and still do such a great job in encouraging me to push myself beyond what I think I’m capable of. Weight loss and getting fit and healthy is not always linear, it’s ups & downs. The Ark Fit has been there through all my ups & downs, and for that, I am grateful!

Before I began my journey at @thearkfit I went through a rough patch of years—both physically, due to cancer & never ending rounds of chemo, and mentally, because of the depression that came with it. I reached a point in my life where I genuinely believed that I was unable to feel as strong & fit as I once was. My confidence was at an all time low, and I never thought I’d be able to regain it.

I’ll never forget the day that @donaldduckiee introduced me to @thearkfit back in October of 2019. Ever since then, I have been going to morning classes consistently 4-5 times a week. Starting my day with an early pump has helped me tremendously, and so many positive things have happened to me because of it. I was able to last through my 10 hour days on the tennis courts as a coach, which in turn helped me get promoted to Head Pro at my tennis academy.

Not only that, but I noticed that my mood has changed for the better—I feel so much happier and way more energetic throughout the whole day. I’ve also learned a lot more about myself as a person, and I’ve discovered how to push past my own limits. I can’t thank the Ark Fit fam enough (Matt, Donald, Steph, Jasmine, Faith) for the push that they give me every single day. I know everyone who steps into @thearkfit feels the same way!

“The pandemic took a major tole on my physical & mental health. One day I took a look at myself in the mirror & just hated what I saw. After so many ups & downs, I decided to start my weight loss journey. I had played sports in high school & college but I didn’t know how to nourish & fuel my body to fulfil its needs. It was then where I started restricting myself & decided that carbs were my enemy. I cut my calories super small & did lose quite a bit of weight but it wasn’t sustainable for me. I found it hard to get back into it after the holidays. ⁣

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It was in May that I found Ark Fit and decided to make some real changes. Thanks to Donald and all the other trainers I found a healthier relationship with food and found myself enjoying working out. I looked forward to those 7 am classes everyday and pushing myself during every class. Seeing the progress I was making on the scale, through pictures, and the strength I gained gave me confidence which then helped boost my mental health. I began to appreciate my body more and take care of myself better. ⁣

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I couldn’t be more thankful to Donald for helping me continue my transformation since moving for school and allowing me to continue my progress. The Ark Fit was exactly what I needed. They helped me understand that working out can be for everyone. They helped me gain the confidence to walk into a normal gym and not care about what others might think. Even though I still have more work to do, I am extremely grateful that I took a chance on myself and made an investment to become a better version of myself. Thank you @thearkfit for everything!!”—Maria P.

Sasha’s progress was accomplished in only TWO MONTHS! But, that’s just the beginning of her health journey that’s nothing short of inspiring and incredible! She’s an example of the health that’s achievable when you commit and stick with it day in and day out even when things get difficult. 👏👏♥️

“A picture is worth a thousand words and this one is saying how grateful I am for my health and hard work! Being diagnosed (with Crohn’s Disease) has probably been the best thing that could have happened to me because I don't know if I would have changed anything on my own.

There have definitely been some difficulties still and I still have dull pains here and there, but so much better, happier, and of course healthier! Thanks to everyone's support, not being annoyed when have to be a picky eater, and the endless support I've been given. I’m excited to see how else I'll change and grow as I continue and learn. Thanks @thearkfit @srhall21!”—Sasha

Today Marks 1 Year!

For those that are new here let me introduce myself, My name is Jennifer I am a mama to a 3 year old and a
Military spouse and from Beautiful Southern California.

A year ago I found myself unhappy on how I felt and in the skin I was in, I accepted that yes, my body went
through so many changes while and after I was pregnant. I got be a mom to the most precious gift ever. But I wanted to fill fulfilled in my life, | knew I
wanted to accomplish something more that goal that for so long I wanted, but just didn't ever have the right mindset or motivation.

You may think that I was so comfortable stepping into a gym, I was nervous, scared and holy cow I thought I was going to make a fool out of myself. But when you have the right community, it all becomes less scary, it just becomes a lot easier to accomplish those goals you have.
I changed my eating habits and changed the mindset that no matter how long this took I would say in the end I did it, It wasn't easy but it showed me who l was and what I could accomplish.

The @thearkfit community is definitely a place like no other my first class I was scared and nervous but I never felt like I didn't belong there, I felt like my goals mattered and I was always welcomed with a smile and always a " how are you Jen?"

I am here to tell you that no matter how long your journey is, don't give up your success and journey is personal. Never compare your day one with anyone else cause you are you, you are courageous, strong, determined, and fearless.

Today I can say that I am happy with my accomplishment. I went from weighing 160 to weighing 127. And I accomplished my goal to enlist in the Marine Corps.

I honestly would have never done it, if it weren't for the guidance of My @thearkfit trainers, always asking how l was and answering my questions and doubts. I am forever grateful to have found a community like no other. Y'all are ever looking to have a community with zero judgement go and see my friends at the ARKFIT

Last month we said goodbye to 2 beloved Ark Fit members! Ashlee & her husband, Johnny, have been a part of our community since December of 2020. We definitely miss their presence here at The Ark Fit, but we wish them nothing but the best as they begin their lives in Arizona. Here's a snippet of Ashlee's experience during her time with us:

Did my last workout @thearkfit today and I'm just feeling all kinds of grateful and blessed to have been a part of such an amazing gym for the last 1.5 years! Not only did this gym change me physically (20lbs down from when we moved here, with a baby in between), but mentally as well! Johnny and I started going to The Ark Fi✝️ when we were both not in the best mental place and feeling the loneliness of being in a new place without many loved ones around, but we found a home and community here, and that’s been the biggest blessing of all. Thank you x1000000 to everyone at this gym who made us feel like we could do anything we set our minds to! We will miss it so much!