"I originally did the TakeDown™ Challenge because I was doing it with a friend and figured it wouldn’t hurt to lose a few pounds. I’ve always been pretty petite all my life and didn’t really think I had that much to lose, but when I weighed in originally at 123 and Carolyn said that my BMI (that’s the correct term, right Carolyn?) was way off, I decided to take it seriously and show her that I wasn’t as far off as she said I was! I followed the plan very diligently, but was amazed at actually how easy it was to do. I loved preparing the meals and making new things and would find myself cooking for the week at 8:30 or 9pm on a Sunday night and laughing at myself because this was something you would never see me do in the past. I couldn’t wait until Saturday when I got the new recipes for the week. I would prepare my two meals for during the day the night before and have it all ready to go in the morning for work. I’d set my iPhone to ring at the 4 hour intervals and would sometimes jump up and down with joy because it was time to eat again! Oddly it wasn’t always because I was so hungry, but because I knew the food was going to be so good that I couldn’t wait to eat it! I really did learn a whole new way of eating and even since the Challenge have become much more aware of my intake of the three main food sources - proteins, fats, and carbs. I am happy to say that I lost 13.5 pounds and got down to my college weight of 109.5. I actually was the biggest loser for two weeks during the six week Challenge and more importantly, I’ve kept the weight off and am staying right around 109-111! I really appreciate all Carolyn and Paul did to teach me a better way of eating because before I just thought if I exercised more than I would lose weight, but now I know it’s just as important to be aware of what and how I’m eating along with my exercising. "

- Chris Jeffries

"Hi Carolyn, One of the benefits of the take down  challenge that will really stuck with me is using the food journal  and really  being forced, for better or worse, to take a look realistically  at what I would  eat in a day. I loved the feeling this challenge  gave me because it forces you  to be accountable for what your  eating and doing. I think when I would use food  for comfort or  boredom I would feel very out of control and through the  challenge  I really overcame that feeling. The excitement and the friendly competition  at the gym was good fun. You could always find someone to commiserate  with you on your bad weeks and someone who to feel excited for  you in the good  weeks. i think the support of all the competitors was  important, people from all  back grounds and stories just wanting  to get in shape and feel better and that  means something different  to everybody depending where you are in your life."

- Rebecca Armelin  

"When I approached The T Spot back in September  of '08, I was really unhappy  about my weight and eating habits.   After 7 years of marriage, I had really let  myself go.  The  worst part was that being an ex-athlete, admitting to myself  that  I was beyond just jumping on the treadmill was a big step for me.   I had  always been able to take off the 10 or 15 lbs. that I'd  thrown on by just  watching what I ate and making it back to the  gym a couple times a week.  Well,  being 38 and realizing that  my metabolism isn't what it used to be, it wasn't  working anymore.   The more I gained, the bleaker the situation felt.  Instead of  10 or 15, I was now 40 pounds overweight!!!!  I walked in to  the T-Spot and  spoke to Paul about losing weight.  He immediately  addressed my concerns but put  things in a different light.  He  didn't concentrate on just losing weight, but  instead, changing  my lifestyle and the way I approached diet and exercise.  I  promptly  joined the T Spot and signed up for the Fall Take Down Challenge.   I  have to say, it changed my life.  Over the six  week period I grew stronger and smarter in the way I looked at  nutrition  and exercise.  In the process, I lost 26 pounds and started to  see  the old Darius in the mirror.  Clothes started to not fit  and I noticed an  increased energy level not felt in years.  After  the Take Down was over, I  continued to diet and exercise and  lost an additional 15 taking me down to 194  lbs!!!  I feel great  and love the way it makes me feel on a daily basis.  I eat  better  and actually think about what I'm putting into my body every day  to make  the most of my energy levels and daily intake to keep  me healthy and fit.  I'd recommend The T Spot to anyone  looking for that extra motivation to  improve your health and help  you to feel better about the way you look and  live.  Thank  you Paul, Carolyn, Mike, and Diane... I couldn't have done it without  you!!!!"

- Darius Jakubik

"This has been my most successful weight loss program, but not because of the amount of weight I lost. The larger success is that I have begun a process of changing the basic shape of my body while eating nutritious and satisfying meals. I can really see and feel the difference in the fit of my clothes. It has been a life change for me, feeling stronger and more fit every day. "

- Brad Morton

"I lost 20 lbs. and it didn't feel like I was dieting. Carolyn's recipes are delicious and easy to follow and Paul's workouts on Saturday where a lot of fun. I plan to do Carolyn & Paul's take down challenge every time they run one, I LOVED IT. "

- Denyse Pelletier, Age 44

"Let’s “Talk Take Down” It’s February 2009 and I am a 5’ 4’’ inch tall, 123 pound, 47 year old teacher who trains one hour a week at the T-Spot, and walks/jogs about 2 miles, 3 times a week. I am very happily married for 24 years to a 6’, 215 lb., 47 yr old hardworking, self motivated, productive salesman, who needs to lose weight, does not exercise at all, and insists he has no time for that in his busy, crazy, always changing schedule. Years have gone by with my suggesting, pleading, encouraging, and borderline nagging, with no success to help in his overall health habits. Enter the Take Down Challenge! For about a month leading up to the start of the Take Down, I promote our participation to my husband JJ, leave brochures on his desk, and suggest we do it together. Finally, he agrees to try it at the very last minute!! Paul and Carolyn kindly scramble to get our stats in and our six week plan laid out! We attend the start up meeting and get a great deal of advice, helpful hints, nutritional information, and of course our first week of recipes, portions, shopping list, and cardio/weight training plan! Then the work and the life style change began!! (Oh, and did I mention that was the same week we were moving out of our house for 3 days to have it tented??? Never say, “This is not a good time,” there never is, and you can do whatever you put your mind to!) So we packed up the necessary supplies from our kitchen to take to the Residence Inn, in order to start our first week right! We learned so much and no longer was life about eating out and sitting down, it was about eating right, and exercising!! Instead of being excited to go to “Islands” or “CPK “ we became excited about heading to Albertsons with our Take Down Shopping List, and anxious to prepare Carolyn’s latest recipes, while thinking about “CPF” (that would be a healthy balance of our carbs, proteins, and fats at EVERY meal!)We dedicated ourselves to 6 weeks of following the Take Down directions as closely as we possibly could. Attended the free Saturday morning Boot Camps, the Sunday hikes, increased our at home cardio, and worked out with the T-Spot trainers usually twice a week. Meanwhile we met many other great new friends also taking part in the Take Down, shared experiences, helpful hints, and supported one another. At the end of six weeks, I had happily lost 13 pounds and taken 4 “ off my waist, and 2½” off my hips! JJ lost 21 pounds, took 4 “ off his waist, and was a living a brand new life! What a great feeling of accomplishment!! I am thrilled to say that although the 6 week Take Down has been over for 2 months… we continue to live the “Take Down Life Style!” A life style that has us feeling better, eating reasonable portion sizes of a great variety of healthy foods, and LOOKING forward to our cardio and weight training workouts. JJ will rearrange a sales call in order not to cancel his time at the gym, and get up an hour earlier to do his cardio treadmill time. Healthy living has become a priority, and we all have opportunities to arrange the priorities in our lives! I had reached a weight that was appropriate, so have not lost anymore, but continue to maintain, train and build muscle all the time. JJ has lost another 10 lb., is building muscle daily, and has an entire new wardrobe!! Now it is June 2009….We are headed to Italy in a few weeks to celebrate our 25th Wedding anniversary where we do plan to sip a little extra wine, and have a few more carbs than is best, but we will share many meals to keep our portions reasonable, and walk a lot to burn it off! We have learned that here and there it is OK to stray a little, just know how to move on, and get quickly back on track. We will pack our turkey jerky and power bars in our suitcase, along with our running shoes and weight training bands!! And I can guarantee that while we are sitting in a gondola gliding along the canal that we will raise our glasses to toast the Training Spot and their fabulous team- who thanks to them we both will be stronger and healthier to celebrate the next 25 years together!!! Thanks T-Spot!! "

- Kathy & JJ Krukencamp  

"Dear Paul & Carolyn: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Over the past three months you guys have literally changed my life. The time has passed so quickly and the change in my life so dramatic, it all seems like a blur. In late February of this year my wife finally won a long battle with me to get me involved in your program, The Take Down Challenge. I knew it was the right thing to do, I was just stubborn and working hard at reasons why not to participate. After her continued suggestions, I figured how bad could it be for 6 weeks. The worst would be that I would lose weight and then likely go back to how things used to be. This is how most of the diet programs I have been on work out. After meeting with you guys and getting involved I realized that your program was much more than 6 weeks of weight loss. The total picture, if I was to succeed, was a life changing regimen that at first seemed daunting. However, with the help of my wife, you guys and the endless support of all involved I started out on the journey and quickly found it was pretty easy. Your plan is actually simpler to maintain than my old ways. I now have control and knowledge over my body and how I fuel it. The eating really became easier and easier as I went and the exercise felt great. The endless recipes from Carolyn, the tremendous encouragement from Paul, and the custom workouts from all the trainers at the T-Spot have really made my transformation possible. You guys are so much more than just another gym, or just another weight loss program. It is really hard to put into words the completeness of what you offer. I started at 215 pounds and over the past three months I am down to 184 and feeling great. Not only have I lost weight, I have gained a physical confidence I haven’t had since my teens. I can do things physically now that just three months ago weren’t even possible. I used to say and think that I really didn’t have time for this. I work 12 to 16 hours a day 6.5 days a week. I own two businesses' and run a national association for my industry. Time is not a luxury that I have. After completing the Take Down Challenge I will make time first for my health and that actually gives me more productive energy for my professional endeavors. Financially I was concerned about the cost for all of this. After analyzing the cost of food, training, etc. versus the cost of eating out that we used to do, we save literally hundreds of dollars each month. (Thank You for That!) I would highly recommended The T-Spot and the TalkeDown™ Challenge. No matter their age or health condition I am confident that you can help them. Your genuine encouragement, knowledge, enthusiasm, persistence, and help are only a few of the traits that make all of this come together. Please feel free to use me as a reference at anytime and Thank You ! Thank You! Thank You! "

- JJ Krukencamp

"Over the years I had tried many diets which resulted with some weight loss but left me with no energy to run. In 7 weeks, the AMS Nutrition Program helped me lose the 20 lbs that were “stuck” to my body for the last 10 years. Over the years I had tried many diets which resulted with some weight loss but left me with no energy to run. While on the AMS program, I still had the energy to run 50 miles a week and participate in my weekly track workouts. At the end of the AMS program I completed an “enjoyable” ½ marathon and ran a PR since entering the masters division. The AMS program and training at the TSPOT has so improved my running. Thanks Carolyn and Paul! "

- Bridget O'Callaghan

"After 30 years of dieting, trainers and exercise I finally achieved the results I have been working towards and have MAINTAINED IT. I lost 15 pounds, from a size 8 to size 2 and I eat more then I have ever before. Everywhere I go, I get comments on how good I look and EVERYONE wants to know the secret. The most amazing part is that my husband has seen me eat healthier and he has joined me to lose over 30 lbs. AND HE FEELS BETTER THEN EVER. THANKS!!!!! CAROLYN, PAUL, MIKE AND DIANE I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU"

- Lilly Sierra, June 2009

"I lost 8 pounds or ___% during The TakeDown™ Challenge. I know 8 pounds doesn’t sound like a lot, but it sure made a big difference to me. I look better, feel better and most importantly, have refocused on better eating and exercise habits. I took the fitness challenge for numerous reasons: to “jump start” my summer, to get a good reminder and direction of sensible eating habits, to review my exercise habits and to relook my general health. I’m just now starting to truly realize how important these things are! Among the things I learned was that I hadn’t realized how much I was mindlessly eating, a bad habit. Also, I wasn’t doing enough cardio. The knowledge that I received are tools that I can now use in my everyday life. Having the support and guidance of Carolyn, Paul and Mike with his boot camps and their entire staff made it a sensible and supportive program. I would recommend The TakeDown™ Challenge to anyone who wants to review their eating and exercising habits. Whether you want to lose 30 pounds, or just take a relook at your lifestyle, the program works."

- Barbara Hill, Age 48

"My husband and I are former TD Challengers. We have tried several weight-losing "diets" without very much success. Always gaining back more weight than when we began and not being able to get down passed a certain weight. When my husband and I signed up for our first "T-Spot Take Down Challenge" we reached our goals! Not only was the food great tasting, but, the whole "Challenge" program was perfect for me. I needed the guidance, accountability, recipes and detailed instructions on how to prepare great tasting meals in a "healthy" way. My husband and I are ready to take the next TD Challenge to reach our ultimate goal!"

- Jodell & Steve Merrill

"I lost 18 lbs during the TakeDown™ and 4 more since. I tell everyone that Diet is not a bad 4 letter word. It is the definition of what, when and how much you eat. Now that I am in the habit of eating certain amounts in equal proportions 4 times a day, I don’t look at it as anything different than any other pattern or schedule I follow on a daily basis for work, family, social or otherwise. I had been looking for a way to get back to running and the challenge filled that gap. I feel great and am running faster than when I was 5 years ago. "

- Pat Montoya, Age 40

"Thank you Training Spot for not only helping me lose an incredible 29 pounds in 6 weeks but helping me realize that eating healthy can be something fun and easy. I’ve tried a variety of different diets over the years, your program promotes learning to eat healthy balanced meals instead of some sort of fad diet. The meals were great and more importantly the knowledge I gained allowed me to make healthy choices when I eat on the run. Working out at The Training Spot has really made a difference in my health and energy. I would recommend you guys to anyone ready to make a change."

- Gantry Wilson, age 41

"56 and totally out of shape! Bad! The Training Spot…Fantastic! Love the shared hour format. It has all the benefits of personal training with the added support of a few new friends. The AMS Nutrition program has been so easy to implement in my life. The food is delicious, the recipes and menus inspiring and I feel totally energized throughout the entire day. Thrilled with my results. Lost 25 pounds in 6 weeks! I’ve never been so happy with a program. After years of diets, unused paid memberships to gyms and programs that included pills, shots, and pre-packaged foods full of chemicals, I know I am doing the right thing for my body. No more diets…just proper eating. Paul and Carolyn and are incredibly knowledgeable and the Training Spot is my solution to finally being healthy."

- Jan  Hodgson