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"I really enjoyed the New Leaf Program. One of the best things for me was learning about how my body burned calories. It taught me to vary my intensity when training, and it also taught me to really think about what I was eating. I can say that it helped me make a permanent change to my lifestyle, and I feel a lot healthier." - Colleen Meisenheimer
"Last fall, with a milestone birthday approaching (60), I decided I needed a challenge. Knowing the importance of fitness as we age, I looked into the New Leaf program at the Y. What I appreciate most about the program was learning what my resting and active metabolic rates were, so that with that knowledge, I could exercise efficiently to maintain a healthy weight. I didn't do any exotic exercise regimen, but increased or decreased walking on a treadmill accordingly and started lifting weights so I wouldn't lose muscle mass. The key to this program was meeting with a coach on a weekly basis and being accountable for your choices during the week. Tina was the New Leaf coordinator that guided me each week, and she is very motivating, approachable, and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this program to anyone that is looking at becoming healthier, especially as we age." - Kae Weigel
"I have been on the New Leaf program since February of 2009. New Leaf has given me a road map to better health and fitness. Tina and the New Leaf program have taught me my daily caloric needs and how to exercise at the appropriate intensity. There is no secret formula or quick fix to better health. If you are willing to put the time and effort into this program the results will follow." - Rich Bachmeier
"A couple days into 2011, I was getting ready for work and I caught a glimpse of myself in my full length mirror and decided that day, I was done…done being unhealthy and uncomfortable in my body. I always joked 'I have 10 pounds per kid and 10 pounds just because…' well; it was finally time to do something about it. After years of starving myself and trying many vigorous exercise activities, I came across a pamphlet for the New Leaf program and it was as if it was speaking directly to me. I scheduled time with Tina Birgen – New Leaf coordinator – to get the specifics on the program. After discussing my options, we determined the initial combo was the best route for me. These tests gave me my resting metabolic rate (RMR) so that I know how many calories per day my body needs as its baseline fuel. It also gave me an exercise assessment, which generates a tailored 12-week exercise program to maximum results and target heart ranges to work smarter not harder. The specifics of the program seemed overwhelming at first but Tina was very patient and answered every question under the sun – she is amazing! Once I got in to the groove, I realized this is a lifestyle that is easy for me to follow even with my busy schedule as a working wife and mother of 2. I thrive on numbers/goals and having the personalized figures in front of me have produced wonderful results. I utilize a Calorie counting app on my Smartphone and have created my own daily tracking sheet. Don’t get me wrong, for a person that had a very low impact lifestyle to strength/cardio workouts 6 times per week; it was a drastic change which requires motivation, dedication and hard work…but a change well worth it. I not only feel great, my body is taking on a completely different shape and changing for the better before my eyes. After 12 weeks, I dropped 16 pounds, shed 4.7% body fat and lost 10 ½ inches total. I highly recommend the New Leaf program; it is exactly what the title says!" - Kelli Van Steenwyk
"I just finished my second 12-week session of New Leaf. The weekly meetings with Jackie were great for keeping me accountable to the New Leaf plan. Each meeting was filled with encouragement and resources to help me meet my goals. Not only did I find Jackie to be a knowledgeable adviser, but also a friend. Alas, it is time for this bird to leave the nest, but I look forward to periodic weigh-ins and chats with Jackie. In other words, I have had a final evaluation with the New Leaf program, have received my personalized exercise plan, and will continue this journey to healthy living on my own." - Vicki Briggs
"While I didn't participate in the full New Leaf program, the Challenge session (this winter) has truly made a difference for me. (I did the initial combo.) The length was apparently what I needed to really look at / change old habits and try to establish new ones. Even though I had been coming to the Y and doing classes for years I hadn't really focused on nutrition and lifting, which really do make a huge difference.
Having the longer 10-week Challenge session got me into longer-term thinking and the points system (for whatever reason) was a support structure when I felt like slipping or did slip. Journaling was hard, hard, hard but food consumption was then documented in black and white for me AND Jackie to see. There was always a fresh beginning each Monday and tracking over time reinforced that changes for the positive, however miniscule, WERE happening.
The program is helpful for changing habits and for seeing results. It was a good experience!" - Lea Briggs
"The New Leaf Program was just the incentive we needed to keep us focused on healthy lifestyle habits. The combination of informative materials and individualized coaching enabled us to set accessible goals. Working the program together as a couple was also a key factor. We were able to support each other, hold each other accountable and celebrate each goal achieved!" - Christie and Kent Johnson
"I found the New Leaf program very beneficial, it taught me how to exercise at the highest efficiency, and Tina helped correct many of my bad eating habits. If you are committed to living a healthier lifestyle New Leaf is a great program." - Greg Wieker
"I have struggled with my weight for several years trying several different programs and various diets. Through the New Leaf Program, I eat a variety of foods, exercise and have lost weight. I have more energy, sleep better and the best part of my weight lost is that I am able to keep up with our grandchildren. Thank you Tina for all of your help and patience." - Diana Nielsen
"Thanks to the New Leaf program, I lost 30 pounds and have kept it off for 3 years. I learned how to make healthy food choices, and the daily cardio was manageable, unlike ;some killer work-out programs. The support and encouragement from the New Leaf staff was awesome! I would highly recommend New Leaf to anyone looking to lose weight and keep it off." - Jean Thares
"After two years of retirement weighing on my belt and a visit to the Doctors office to discover I had high blood pressure, combined with my strong desire to pursue my favorite pastime of bow hunting for Elk in the Rocky Mountains, I decided it was time for a change in lifestyle. My weight was at a all time high, and I could not carry that heavy frame up and down the mountains and breath at the same time. I looked at the New Leaf program and found exactly what I was looking for a planned menu to eat 'heart healthy' combined with a exercise program to whip me back into shape! The menu planner was the key for me! By following the plan and exercise regiment, I hit my target weight. It truly worked. I got up and down those mountains, keeping pace with my much younger hunting companions, which was my ultimate personal goal. The New Leaf program works, and I and my cardiologist are witness to the excellent outcome!" - Tony Peterson
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