NC UpGrade Lifestyle
Success Stories

Libby Becker


I learned about Upgrade Lifestyle from the Endurance magazine article which highlighted Sarah’s career and program.  I thought that this program might be helpful for me. The whole objective of joining Upgrade Lifestyle was to become a better cyclist.  At first I was a little hesitant to even join because I was very active, I cycled 3-4 times a week and worked out at home, but I just wasn’t improving to the level that I felt I should be able to reach. I was very frustrated in my cycling performance.

I started working with Kelly Fillnow in August 2007 and it has been a new way of life and a change in perspective. Working with Kelly has been a real treat.  Kelly is a fantastic coach, a positive role mode and very patient.

 

I am very happy to say that this program has propelled me to a higher level of fitness and health.  Now I confidently participate in many road bike events.  I love to ride in the mountains and I recently completed my first 60 mile ride in just three months after joining the program.  Before I joined Upgrade, I struggled to complete 18 miles! I still cannot believe it!  I could not have done this without Kelly’s support, intense training sessions and nutritional advice.

Another really nice UpGrade Lifestyle feature is the sense of community which is strongly nurtured.  I was always a sporty child, but never had the opportunity to participate seriously in school team events.  With Upgrade, I have that sense of “being part of a team”, which is one characteristic that makes Upgrade so unique. Often, in the community I run into other Team Upgrade members and it is fantastic to see how they are progressing; each person reaching their goals, losing weight and feeling great about themselves.  Sarah and Kelly take pride in the team and in every team member’s accomplishments.

My confidence level is much higher.  Physically, I have more energy, and endurance.  At 36 years, I am in the best shape of my life.  I am cross training with running and swimming.  With Kelly’s guidance I plan to complete my first triathlon this spring.  UpGrade Lifestyle has provided that extra push of motivation and structure to keep me reaching my goals. - Libby Becker

Jason Davis
   
Before UpGrade Program


Currently living an UpGraded Lifestyle

I have had mild success working out on my own.  What I needed was proper guidance and encouragement.  I found out about UpGrade Lifestyle from seeing Sarah around HFFA and an article in the newspaper.  When I met Sarah, she had a positive attitude as she explained the program.  She showed me the right things to eat and put a training program together that was designed just for me. 

The first workout I could barely run 4 minutes and I weighed 274 pounds.  Through Sarah's guidance,  I am running 60 minutes regularly and have dropped over 50 lbs.  On a recent trip home, I went for a run.  My mother saw someone running and didn't recognize the person running.  It was not until I went up and said hello that she knew it was me. - Jason Davis

Bridget Sprinkle


As a person that had been working out on my own, I had fallen into a routine - I did the same things each week.  While I was working out at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics one day, I noticed an UpGrade Lifestyle Trainer working with a client - they both looked so fit.  I started asking questions and made an appointment with Kelly Fillnow.  When I first met with her, we talked about my short term and long term goals.  No other trainer that I had ever had before haad even asked these questions. 
Once we set our goals, Kelly gave me healthy eating choices and specific workouts for the month - each day doing something different and of course some well deserved time off! 

During the course of my program, I kept close contact with Kelly - she monitored my hydration, nutrition, fitness and energy levels.  Having her as a constant reminder was great and a positive reinforcement.  UpGrade Lifestyle and working with Kelly has been an eye opening experience.  I have accomplished things that I never thought I would and look forward to more accomplishments - like running my first 5k to a 10k and on to a half marathon!  The program had a positive, motivating and educational impact on my life. - Bridget Sprinkle

Susie Abernethy


Working with Sarah has been an awesome experience.  I have learned that it is very important to include exercise, hydration, and healthy nutrition in your everyday lifestyle.  I found out about Sarah and UpGrade Lifestyle through a co-worker.  I have had two back surgeries and foot surgery.  Needless to say, I had back pain constantly.  I also began to gain weight at age 50.  I joined Weight Watchers numerous times and regained the weight each time.  My middle just kept getting larger and I really didn't realize how I looked , but knew how I felt - really tired all the time and constant back and leg pain. 

I am thrilled to report that my leg pain is gone and the back pain is much less severe.  I met the goals that Sarah prescribed for me and actually look forward to the wonderful, energized feeling I have after my workout.  I am also happier with the shape of my body.  Sarah customized a program that works just for me.  My only regret is that I had discovered Sarah and the UpGrade Lifestyle program sooner.  Thank you, Sarah! - Susie Abernethy

Christie Spinks
When I began my program with Sarah Hart, I just wanted to become healthier and find a small amount of balance in my seemingly chaotic world!  Sarah jumped right on board and set up a program made especially for me and my personal needs.  I started seeing results immediately.

I did have one condition at the consultation - that would be no running under any circumstances!  You see I always wanted to run but I did not have the faith in myself to accomplish such a feat - Sarah, on the other hand, had other ideas for me... she added slow one minute jogs into my schedule - the minutes increased and I felt great, physically and mentally.  I have successfully finished three 5ks to date and I am so proud of myself.

UpGrade has given me an attitude that nothing is impossible and I have the ability to do whatever I put my mind to.  My family, inspired by my enthusiasm, are enjoying the family activities we now do together to stay healthy.  as for the balance in my life, I am accomplishing more now than ever and I am no longer overwhelmed.  I have UpGrade Lifestyle to thank for that! - Christie Spinks

Wendy Larsson

All I can say is…WOW! Where would I be today if it weren’t for Sarah and UpGrade? Signing up with UpGrade has been the best experience of my life (next to giving birth) to date!

I have had my share of "personal trainers” and "fitness programs made especially for me”. It seemed I was always looking for improvement but not really getting the right combination of exercise and nutrition facts my mind and body needed. Until, by chance, I hooked up with Sarah.

My UpGrade program was designed just for me and what I needed and wanted out of my new lifestyle. She helped me through injury issues as well as mental issues. It is all a puzzle and each piece needs to fit together to work effectively. I have learned so much from this program and continue to learn, as life has a tendency to throw the curve balls now and then.

I was recently at a Christmas party for some of my husband’s clients and one client stated to my husband seated next to me…”you better watch out, she’s packin’ guns”! He was referring to my very toned and muscular arms. I was on cloud nine…still am!  Thank you Sarah from the bottom of my heart - Wendy Larsson (pictured with her youngest son, Max)

Corrine Lewis

I was so grateful for being introduced to (Sarah) by my best friend, Wendy Larsson.  UpGrade has changed my lifestyle forever.  At the time I started with UpGrade, I was missing a piece of my personal puzzle for success.  (Sarah) showed me and pushed me to be confident and successful within myself.  I love exercising and am more addicted now than ever.  Even my husband and two sons have begun to UpGrade their lifestyles as well.  Our oldest son, Jake, has completed the UpGrade Lifestyle Youth Program and is on the road to self confidence and success.  I look forward to sharing UpGrade with everyone. I wish UpGrade continued success - Corrine Lewis

Bill Moore
    
My family's experience with UpGrade Lifestyle and Sarah Hart in general has been fun and very rewarding! From the very start Sarah instilled the interest, the education and the overall motivation for me to stay dedicated to my program. I feel that I have developed a renewed approach and commitment to my workout program, as well as a discipline to eat the right things. Despite only 16 weeks in working with Sarah, I truly feel that I can continue on with a dedication to take better care of my body, while feeling and looking better. I would whole heartedly refer Sarah to anyone who is interested in improving their overall lifestyle. Sarah is a knowledgeable, and wonderful lifestyle trainer - Bill Moore

Dawn Chuprevich
    
I'm finally living the healthy lifestyle I've always wanted. Sarah listened to my goals and customized a program to get me there. She's a great coach who has helped me transform my day-to-day activities including eating habits, rest and exercise. In 3 months time, I significantly changed my body composition and dropped over 13% of my body fat. I'm more active, energetic and focused - Dawn Chuprevich

Bethany Davis
    
Working with Sarah has been an incredible experience for me. She gave me the education that I needed to make healthy choices about nutrition and fitness. She designed a nutrition and fitness program that was just for me and fit into my schedule. She gave me individual attention and helped me reach my goals. Sarah is a very energetic, motivating, and supportive person. Sarah believed in me when I doubted myself. She is always supportive and encouraging. I was able to accomplish fitness goals that I didn’t know I was capable of and surprised myself along the way. In three short months she has changed my life and I am so glad that she is a part of it. I continue to practice all that Sarah taught me and I look forward to living a long and healthy life - Bethany Davis

Kay Filar
When my husband and I opened a tennis store in 2006, I was determined to get back into playing regularly and really improving my game.  I took some lessons and clinics, but realized that my excess weight and lack of strength were hindering my speed and endurance.  I also had spent many holiday seasons lamenting my usual 5-pound weight gain, and finally decided it was time to do something proactive.  With my husband's support and encouragement, I met with Kelly Fillnow of Upgrade Lifestyle in early November 2007.  I was impressed with Kelly's expertise and thoroughness as she did my initial assessment, which included the typical numbers and percents (weight, fat, BMI, muscle, water, bone mass, etc.) and everything from my preferences for interaction to concrete goals that were challenging but reachable.  After my first training session with Kelly, she provided me with a weekly fitness routine that incorporated cardio (on elliptical and treadmill, as well as walking and running outdoors), circuit weight training, strength and core work I could do at home with free weights, and tennis-specific drills I did on the court.  This was the varied routine I needed to make fitness training become a daily habit.  Most of the time I woke up early to do a 6:30 am work-out before going to work, often fitting cardio into my after-work hours as a brisk walk with my dog or a tennis match.  As my body adapted to the exercises, Kelly worked with me to upgrade my work-outs so that they remained challenging and helped me to continue to grow stronger and faster. 

 

With Kelly's encouragement, I did all kinds of things I never would have known I could do:  everything from push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and squat thrusts to machine work-outs for biceps, triceps, gluts, and quads; from simulating steep hill climbs on the elliptical to running stairs in the stadium.  In March I really surprised myself by running continuously for a mile on the outdoor track in 13.5 minutes!  At the same time, I began to focus on reading the labels of the foods I bought, eating nutritious and well-balanced meals and snacks, and drinking plenty of water to keep myself well hydrated. 

Now six months later I am seeing amazing results!  I have dropped more that 16 pounds and 2 clothing sizes.  My fat has decreased by 10% and my muscle mass has increased almost the same amount.  My bone mass is significantly up and my visceral fat significantly down.  Best of all, I am feeling much more confident about my appearance and every aspect of my tennis game.  I feel really alive, strong, and full of well-being for the first time in a very long time.  Finally I have realized that my desire to live a long and healthy life is truly within my reach, thanks to the valuable tools I have been given by Kelly and Upgrade Lifestyle! - Kay Filar

PA UpGrade Lifestyle
Success Stories

Laura Karetsos

Working with Liz and the UpGrade Lifestyle program has changed my life.  Since Liz customized a program for me to meet my fitness and nutritional goals, I work out regularly and eat a well balanced diet.  I sleep better and have more energy for my family.  My husband recently joined the program and is experiencing great weight loss success. Now we are exercising together and teaching our children about living a healthy lifestyle.  UpGrade Lifestyle is motivating and rewarding.  The program keeps me focused and helps me to live a better life.

George and Patti Stringer

George (age 72) and Patti (age 64)

 

We have been clients of Liz Moss of Upgrade Lifestyle since last May. At that time we were both overweight and out of shape. Though I (George) had been exercising aerobically since last December and Patti had been watching what we both ate neither one of us seemed to be changing much. Frustrating was the word for our situation. Then we met Liz. We had some decent exercise equipment but did not know how to use it correctly. Liz evaluated us individually, set reasonable goals for us, and taught us how to use our weight machine. We began to see results both from the exercising and learning how to eat the nutritionally correct way. Her customized approach to both of us worked very well. Exercising together keeps us motivated and focused. Her food suggestions changed our diets to keep us fueled for exercise. The results for us are fantastic. We have lost not only weight but “inches”. What a marvelous improvement. We both have more energy than before and have almost met our goals. Liz now meets with us once a month and suggests minor changes as she sees fit. We are delighted. Patti walks a mile or two when the weather cooperates and after 5 years of walking only I have begun to jog again. Liz’s approach, coaching style and genuine interest in us as people has been and is a winner for us!

 
Jim Wackerlin
 
Before UpGrade Program


Currently living an UpGraded Lifestyle

I signed on as an Upgrade Lifestyle client, at age 65, in October, 2007. I had recently retired, was not happy with my physical condition, and decided that I needed to find a program that would “whip” me into shape, which I could sustain, and which would allow me to continue the active lifestyle my wife and I lead (long-distance bicycling, golf, etc.). I have always fought a weight problem, and have tried virtually every diet available. I’ve also utilized personal trainers from time-to-time, and although helpful, never was left with a long-term program I could stay with.

 

The UpGrade Lifestyle program has been phenomenal. The basic results thus far are as follows:

There are definite, specific reasons why the UpGrade Lifestyle program works. These are as follows: 

 

• The program is not a stock, off-the-shelf, offering. It was designed specifically for me.....to meet my needs given my current age, condition and goals.
• Initially, I was given a detailed MAPS assessment, which described certain of my characteristics which would affect my program, indicated the types of exercises I would enjoy (as well as those I would probably never do), and discussed the ways in which my wife could assist and encourage me as I progressed on the program.    
•  I was given a personal program notebook, which included a nutrition plan and sample menus as well as very specific instructions regarding weight training (upper body, lower body, core) as well as cardio programs and stretching exercises.
• The program changed as I progressed.  I felt like my UpGrade Lifestyle consultant (Liz Moss) never left my side - she was always there to offer encouragement and tweaked the program as I progressed.
• Without a doubt, the key to the success of this program is your UpGrade Lifestyle Consultant.....and the fact that each of them is highly trained, skilled and certified in both personal training, as well as nutrition. I have learned that these two things go hand-in-hand, and you can not be successful paying attention to one and not the other.  
• Progress is not just qualitative.....on a planned, consistent basis important readings are taken (ex. % body fat) using sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment, to measure your progress.

In summary, I am absolutely thrilled with the results I and my UpGrade Lifestyle consultant (Liz Moss) have achieved. Better yet, I know that this is a program that will never end....and the knowledge and techniques I have learned, and keep learning, will allow me to lead the active lifestyle I desire. - Jim Wackerlin