This was sent from Judge Linda Hopper in Allen to The Wellness coordinator for the City of Allen

Kevin, I will complete the six week program for the City of Allen Boot Camp on Friday, March 16. This is the program held from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with Chris Sider as coach. I am very pleased with the program and can honestly tell you that it is the first exercise program I have ever followed through with. Activities consist of aerobics, strength and endurance training, as well as sessions devoted to nutrition, supplements, massage therapy, and equipment.

Over the six-week period, I reduced my body fat composition by three per cent, and lost several inches in several areas of my body. My energy level and overall health is great, and I believe I will finally commit to a healthier way of life.

I recommend this course to anyone who has similar goals, and encourage everyone, regardless of their present level of fitness, to try this program. If you have any questions, please let me know.

"There's nothing like the smell of concrete in the morning!"

Are you a FAT MOM? I was.

As a stay-at-home mom - and running a full-time business from home - I found my weight growing out of control. I was dangerously close to hitting the big 200. I was probably depressed too and didn't know it - I wore my pajamas and sweats all day and continued to eat and work at my desk all day with little to no exercise.

At my son's birthday party in July 2007 a picture was taken that showed me just how out of control I was. I knew right then that I needed a complete lifestyle change. I needed someone or something to hold me accountable, to encourage me and to positively motivate me without humiliation. I sincerely found that in City Boot Camp.

Honestly, it wasn't easy rolling out of bed and being ready to work out at 5:30 a.m. The first two weeks were painful as I rediscovered muscles I hadn't flexed since high school - but I did it and I'm glad I stuck with it. I've lost 20 pounds and several inches since starting boot camp in August. I was growing out of size 16's and I'm back (comfortably) into 12's. I'll be in boot camp until I reach my reasonable goal of size 8 jeans again...but who know's. I'm addicted now to the early morning workouts and the energy that I have all day long. I may be a boot camper for life!!! If you hate being a fat mom like I did, then do something about it right now!

***UPDATE***
August 2008

Since my testimonial last year, I have now lost over 40 pounds and feeling better than I have in a long, long time! I've just celebrated my one year anniversary in boot camp and plan to reach my goal weight/size by October!

I just wanted to thank you so much for the past six weeks. Boot Camp has been a lot of hard work – and even though on some days I just knew I would not live through the hour, you always encouraged me to do my best . Being a working mom with two small children I had little time to work out. I always used the excuse that I couldn't get up early and at night I was to tired. As you have said from the beginning the hardest part is getting out of bed, but once you make the commitment to yourself it is wonderful! You made me look forward to working out with you and everyone in the class. You create a "Fun Team" atmosphere, it kept me motivated to do my best. I feel and look so much better. This has been a very rewarding experience for me. You have encouraged us and taught us that we are much stronger than we could even imagine! I look forward to the next six weeks with you! Thanks again!

I just want to thank you for offering City Boot Camp in Allen. When I challenged my co-workers to join me last June, I never thought it would be such a life changing experience. I knew that I did not want to be forty and unhealthy and you helped me change not only the way I looked at exercising but my diet and overall health. I know now that I have changed my lifestyle and I have you to thank for that. 5:30 am doesn't seem so bad anymore!!

I know I look good when my teenagers tell me I don't look old anymore!!

Since that picture was taken I have lost about 50 lbs!!!

Thanks!!!

You have been so instrumental in changing the lives of so many people...not only in Allen but those you meet every day. You are a very gifted person who is so willing to help others be the best that they can be! I appreciate our Boot Camps together...as that was the "start" of my change over. I've lost about 15 pounds since starting your program and have kept it off. I've still got a ways to go...and plan to do so in the New Year....

I just wanted to thank you so much for the past six weeks. Boot Camp has been a lot of hard work – and, even though on some days I just knew I would not live through the hour – it has been such a positive experience for me. I had reached a point at age 49 that I thought I was destined to be out of shape, overweight and lethargic. Even though I exercised on a regular basis for years, I was seeing very little improvement Little did I know that not only was I overweight, but not in shape at all. You encouraged us and taught us that we are much stronger than we could even imagine! I now realize that I can continue to make improvements in my body and, most importantly, in my overall health. My self esteem has also been greatly improved! I will definitely see you again in a future Boot Camp and will highly recommend you. Thanks again.

Words are not enough to express how much grateful we are to you all I can say is THANK YOU VERY MUCH 🙂 I will just give you an example :- Before I always use to beg Sathya to work out at least 5 min a day for 3 times a week. He use to do once in a while. Now without me saying anything he gets ready by himself for 1 hr work out on his off days. Next week he is travelling for a day to NewYork, he was so happy that he will be back on Thursday for his session with you. He cannot miss a day without workout. Yes, I do see lot of improvement especially those hanging ones, biceps, running, abs etc. All I need to do is stop whining stay on track 🙂

Apartment Manager
Lansbrook Apartments
505 Benton Drive Allen, TX 75013

RE: Letter of Support for Personal Trainer Service/Amenity

This is a letter of support and appreciation for the Personal Trainers here at our apartment facility. Chris and Linda provide an hour long exercise class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every-other weekend to a group approximately 5-10 residents ranging in age from 7-60. It is important to note that the group of residents change due to their individual participant level and willingness to participate in a fitness program. Our typical classes involve indoor and outdoor activities and are designed to accommodate different ability levels. Our regularly participating group prefers to work with a trainer for the purposes of motivation, variety, exercise design, and to work toward a specific goal. The trainers bring equipment and skill to teach us how to do each exercise properly allowing for maximum benefit. They have a great program and even more important – have a great attitude. It is beneficial to have support for motivation, accountability, variety, and to ensure consistent progress in our work out classes. I would hope that when programs are evaluated that the Personal Trainer service is continued. I would also encourage the office staff to participate in some of these excellent classes to extend outreach into the community.

Thanks,
Brian H.

Apartment Manager
Lansbrook Apartments
505 Benton Drive Allen, TX 75013

Dear Management,

I am writing this letter to commend Chris Sider, the personal trainer on staff at your apartment complex. I have had the pleasure of working out with Chris at the on site facility for a little over six months now. What a great perk to living in Lansbrook! He is definitely an asset to your staff! Chris is very knowledgeable, personable and a joy to work with! He has given me inspiration to better my health and helped me develop a personal exercise and diet program. He has also motivated me to make it a part of my everyday life. One of my major goals when beginning the personal training program with Chris was to lose weight for my upcoming wedding next April. To date, I have lost over 60 pounds and am more fit that I have been in years. I look forward to continuing with this personal program and I would recommend him highly to anyone who is looking to better their lives. Thank you for going the extra mile and providing his services!

Sincerely,