And get fit they did. While they’re still working hard on their fitness fortitude, these three individuals have made a healthy amount of progress.

Check out their success below, and then get inspired by their trainer, Mark Fuller.

BRENT FOX, 38
Company Wahoo Studios, Orem
Pounds Lost 31
Body Fat Lost 8 percent
Blood Pressure 130/79 (previously 143/80)
Heart Rate 82 (formerly 79)

How have you enjoyed the program? Getting in shape has felt really good. A bunch of us at work signed up for gym memberships at the same time. We all go to the gym together, and it is much more enjoyable to go with a group than it would be to go alone. For some reason, knowing that someone else is feeling the same fatigue and having to occasionally stop and rest to avoid losing their breakfast makes me feel better. When I hit that same wall, I know I’m not alone. Without this support group, it would be easy to look around the gym and feel like you’re the only one who’s not in great shape.

How has it affected other areas of your life? The changes have come slowly as I have gradually lost weight and gotten in better shape. I haven’t been mistaken for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s younger brother yet, but I still see the results in many areas. I sleep better. I experience less fatigue as I walk around convention shows. I need a little less sleep. I also have two sets of growing twins. I often have to carry the youngest set, and despite the fact they are getting bigger fast, I’m still able to keep up.

What’s been the “high”? The further along I go, the more results I see. It’s always rewarding when other people notice and comment on the fact I’m loosing weight. The changes are more apparent to those I don’t see on a regular basis. Although my real goal is to get in better shape so I feel better and have better health, it certainly helps to know others can actually see a difference.

What’s been the “low”? I had to go on a couple of business trips since I began. I try to find places to workout, but that isn’t always possible. I also have to eat out on these trips and often the food is really good. When I do this for an extended period of time I can feel my progress slipping. The good news is while it takes a long time to get in shape, it also takes a long time to get out of shape. As long as I don’t make a consistent habit of eating poorly and missing workouts, I can only do so much damage in a week or two.

Did you hit your goal? I’m happy with my results, but I was hoping for more. However, I don’t think I’m done. I still could do better at watching what I eat and push my workouts a little more. Even with my current efforts I continue to make progress, so I expect to be in even better shape in another six months.

TERRI LAWRENCE, 32
Company Utah County Attorney’s Office, Provo
Pounds Lost 5.8
Body Fat Lost 1.8 percent
Blood Pressure 112/79 (previously 115/81)
Heart Rate 68 (formerly 65)

How have you enjoyed the program? I really enjoyed the program. It was fun to see what Gold’s Gym had to offer.

What’s been the “high”? The best thing that has come out of this opportunity was to see the options available through the gym membership.

What’s been the “low”? I would have to say the migraine headaches and symptoms that exhibited themselves when I exercised more strenuously on the suggested workout program. But with a few modifications, it was great.

Did you hit your goal? I was able to achieve my goals and feel comfortable in a swimming suit during the summer. I’m now able to find things in my closet to wear without feeling worried about the way it would fit. I would like to continue to tone up and lose a few more pounds, but I’m feeling great.

NORM WILKINSON, 36
Company American Classifieds, Lindon
Pounds Lost 18.4
Body Fat Lost 1.1 percent
Blood Pressure 121/64 (previously 135/80)
Heart Rate 68 (formerly 65)

How have you enjoyed the program? I enjoyed it! It was especially nice that Mark spent some time with me to explain the basics of this program. The thought of “working out” was always somewhat intimidating because I had no idea what to do, where to start or how to track my progress. I am definitely not a fitness expert now, but I do understand some of the basics. I am thrilled with the results that 30 minutes a day has brought.

How has it affected other areas of your life? I can’t say the program has drastically changed my life, but it has made my life better. The biggest area that has improved is my energy level when playing with my four girls. I don’t get winded like I used to, and if I do, then I know how to push through for a few minutes so that my body will adjust to the situation.

What’s been the “high”? The biggest high that came from being in better shape actually came while being lazy. My wife and I were cuddling on the couch watching a movie and she noticed that my belly was no longer a mountain. Another high was when I took my 12-year-old out on the motorcycle and she said, “It is getting easier to reach around you!”

What’s been the “low”? The low wasn’t where I expected. I thought that would be in the physical challenge of working out. In reality, it wasn’t so much a low but a challenge — finding (or making) the time to work out. With four kids, a wife and a loaded schedule, this was the toughest.

Did you hit your goal? While most goals are specific and measurable, in this case mine were vague: Be skinnier and know more. I have definitely become more educated on fitness in general. I definitely hit my goals!

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In our Winter 2008 issue of BusinessQ, Gold’s Gym offered our readers a chance to shape up with a complimentary three-month membership and priceless guidance from the gym’s trainers. Nineteen people excitedly got on board, and BusinessQ will chart the progress of three of the participants.
Meet local executives Brent Fox, Terri Lawrence and Norm Wilkinson — and see their transformations in the upcoming Summer 2009 issue.

BRENT FOX
Company Wahoo Studios, Orem
Title Art Director
Age 38

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I have several heath issues the doctors tell me would improve if I got into better shape. I also would like to feel better about the way I look. Being tracked will provide that extra motivation to go to the gym on days I don’t feel like going.

What’s your fitness history?
It’s been well over 10 years since I’ve spent time in a gym for any significant period of time. I recently lost some weight by watching my diet and riding my bike, but I gained a lot of the weight back. I’m hoping that a combination of cardio exercise and strength training will provide even better results.

What’s your three-month goal?
I want to lose around 25 pounds. However, the exact amount of weight I lose isn’t as important to me as my overall level of fitness. If I miss my goal because I’ve gained muscle, I will be just as happy.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
When we first started working out I was really sore. It was obvious how out of shape I was. I don’t think there is much visible difference yet, but I can already do a lot more and I feel like I’m over the initial pain of starting. I now look forward to working out.

TERRI LAWRENCE
Company Utah County Attorney’s Office, Provo
Title Paralegal
Age 32

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I have been working out at home and haven’t seen results for more than a year. I wanted to see if going to a gym would make the difference.

What’s your fitness history?
I’m active at home, but I do have a very sedentary profession where I sit 90 percent of the time at a computer. I am able to get at least 10,000 steps a day, walk/jog on the treadmill at home and workout to fitness videos. But as for being a big gym-goer? I had never been in a Gold’s Gym before my assessment day.

What’s your three-month goal?
To look good and feel comfortable wearing a swimming suit.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
I haven’t seen any results in the past two weeks and my weight is still the same. I have tried to eat healthier also, but the drastic changes in my diet are not going well. I think cutting portion sizes and introducing smaller changes in nutrition is a better way to start. I have had stomach and leg cramps as well as headaches since I’ve started. My weight workouts seem to be great. I’ll just keep it up!

NORM WILKINSON
Company American Classifieds, Lindon
Title Publisher
Age 36

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I wanted some idea of how in the world to get in shape. I used to be a skinny guy, but after 14 years of marriage and four little girls, I fell out of the right habits. It got to the point where I had no idea where to start — and I knew I needed some direction.

What’s your fitness history?
I haven’t ever really been a gym-goer. I ran cross country in high school and used to swim, but I haven’t really done anything active since high school.

What’s your three-month goal?
To lose a whole heck of a lot of weight, and be on track to lose more weight. I also want to understand physical fitness better and build a foundation for a healthier life.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
It’s been great. I’ve been going to the gym every day, and Mark Fuller at Gold’s Gym has walked me through a few workouts. I typically alternate between the weights and cardio. The hardest part is coming up with the time — between business and my girls, I usually end up going at 11 at night. The good news is I’ve already lost 10 pounds!

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