Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Tue, Jan 24, 2012 @ 02:28 PM
Just over a year ago I made a decision that it was time to join a gym. I had never joined a gym before this was a first for me but with my age creeping up as well as my dress size I knew something had to be done. I have tried the fad diets, the exercise machines and the home workout videos with such high motivation in the beginning which would slowly begin to diminish. I knew I needed something more… something that would support me and keep me motivated to keep up with a routine so that I can achieve results. The decision to sign up for the 7 days for $7 trial at Aurora turned out to be a life changing one for not only myself but for my family as well.
When I first walked into Aurora’s I was immediately impressed with the environment. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating that I knew from that very moment I had made the right choice. Aurora’s gym is very well maintained. Lots of natural sunlight and exceptionally clean. I especially like that this is a women’s gym that is geared to your needs and truly understands the programs needed in order to reach your goal. Aurora offers “Les Mills” which consists of the finest exercise programs you could ask for. Your spirit begins to awaken and you become ready for the challenge that awaits you. I was ready to become a stronger, healthier and confident new “ME”.
The minute I took a class I knew this is what I have been looking for. I realized that I needed someone to encourage me….. to push me to the point of success. The instructor’s at Aurora INSPIRE you. It is like having your own personal instructor whose goal is to help you become the person you desire to be. I quickly made going to the gym a priority. It was so easy to “FIND” the time since the class schedule they offer range with many convenient times. Opening up early in the morning for 5:30am classes that continue well into the evening, I found it was impossible to come up with an excuse to NOT go to the gym.
While I was working on developing a healthier life style for myself I was becoming increasingly concerned regarding my youngest daughter, Amanda (almost 10 years old). She was reaching an age where her height growth was slowing down and she began to gain weight. Her doctor was becoming alarmed and ordered a series of bloodwork to be done which revealed she was developing high cholesterol. Once Amanda started school she began to gain a few pounds each year. Mainly contributing to the lack of exercise during the day, many hours sitting in class learning and then coming home to sit and finish the homework. I inquired around at other gym’s that offered “Children exercise programs” I enrolled Amanda into one of these so called programs but was very disappointed since Amanda’s doctor wanted at least 1 hour EVERYDAY of some type of exercise and they only offered classes 1x a week for an hour, along with the fact that the gyms where these programs were held were at co-ed gyms. This was not a solution to a problem that needed to be addressed before her health became a concern. Most gyms have an age requirement. I found this so frustrating. When I would leave to go to the gym I would feel so bad because my youngest wanted so badly to become fit.
So one day I figured you can’t say you try unless you ask ~ I approached Vito and Melanie and explained my daughter’s dilemma expecting for them to inform me of the age limit requirement as so many other gyms enforce. But honestly that was my first error in judgment since Aurora Gym is not like any other gym out there. They are SPECIAL. They told me they understood and felt the need to help her. They would contact Les Mills and inquire on our behalf the programs that Amanda would be able to participate in due to her age, safety was a great concern. When they told me that Amanda would be able to join the gym I was emotionally touched. They had never met my daughter and yet they went the extra mile when so many others had not to ensure a healthier lifestyle for her. When Amanda first joined the gym her little legs were just reaching the pedals on the bikes for RPM but that just made her work harder. After a year (and a few growing inches) she pounds those pedals as if she is unstoppable. She has met so many amazing people, the instructors as well as the member’s that have supported her to achieve greatness. She is surrounded every day by AWESOME role models. As a mother I could not have asked for anything more. Especially when my now 11 year old turns and tells me how she wants to be an instructor when she gets a (little) bit older. Trust me….this little one is going to be the world’s youngest instructor around one day. A healthier life style is of high importance in our lives now. My oldest daughter, Heather (19 years old), has also begun participating at the gym not only by working out but with her love for children she works in the daycare and at the front desk at Aurora. Always with a SMILE on her face, to work for such a great establishment how can you not smile. My son, Eddie (21 years old) as well as my father (70 years old) have participated in the RPM co-ed classes and are very impressed with the workout they get.
Working out to be the healthiest we can be is a gift that will keep giving for years to come. My children is my GREATEST motivation for when I come home after a long day at work and they are there waiting for me with their exercise clothes on and my water bottle all ready to go I push myself to do the right thing for all of us. To become healthier by working the most important muscle in our bodies “OUR HEARTS” which is filled with pure gratitude to Aurora and the Aurora community for welcoming us as part of their family. If I had to describe Aurora in just one word ~ which as you can see from the above which reflects my heart felt love for this place I would describe it as: “INSPIRING”
Thank you for inspiring my family and myself to become the BEST we can be each and everyday so that we can look forward to a long, healthy life ahead.
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 11:53 AM
Aurora Women’s Fitness? Well where do I begin? I’ve been here even before the doors were officially opened in April 2006…and since then, it’s been a part of who I am.
I’ve grown up here.
It’s kept me balanced. Sane. Happy!
Let’s be honest…staying on track with your fitness goals is not easy. It takes dedication – a commitment to oneself and the willingness to work hard! But stick with it and I guarantee that it will become part of your lifestyle and one day when you least expect it, you will look in the mirror and notice the change.
For me, my crazy workout schedule is more than just for the physical benefits. It’s about:
• managing my stress levels
• being a healthy, positive example for my children
• getting a good score on my annual physical
• surrounding myself with great people (many who’ve become great friends), who share many of the same values as I do
Being fit is not just the motion of lifting a barbell or running on the treadmill; nor is it a one time deal. Being fit is about taking the time to take care of you in all your dimensions - physically, mentally and emotionally!
My Aurora community has kept me strong…balanced. It’s contributed to my energy levels; it’s turned some challenging days into not-so-bad-after-all days; and it’s helped me keep my head in the right place through life’s chaos.
We really do have something special here…and I am so thankful to be a part of it!
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 05:47 PM
I'm not one to brag, but I have abs for the first time in my life! And I'm not just talking about a flat stomach - I'm talking about definition! Even the lower abdominal muscles are now toned - a feat which I thought was impossible for me, until now! The class schedule at Aurora has everything you need to get into the best shape of your life - no matter what your goals are!
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 05:43 PM
I walked into Aurora already knowing what to expect. I knew several of the instructors, and I had already taken several of the Les Mills classes at a previous gym. I was impressed with the class schedule, the friendliness of the staff, and the facility itself - but my expectations were blown away! Aurora isn't just a gym - it is a lifestyle! You don't just make friends, you become part of a community. The instructors not only get your body into shape - they help you break down mental barriers and encourage you to shine - not just in class, but in life! I've only been a member for less than 6 months, and I've found out I have abs, I'm running a faster mile time since high school track, and my energy is through the roof! What I love the most about Aurora is the constant encouragement to step up my game. I'm not only running at the gym, I've completed a 5k with Team Aurora (and came in first place in my age group!) I don't just simple go to the RPM cycling class - I'm training for the New York Gran Fondo, and I don't just take Les Mills classes, I'm training to become a certified instructor. These are goals I would have never even considered if it wasn't for Aurora! Their slogan, "Life is a participation sport," is an understatement! My levels of health and fitness are dramatically different than they were 6 months ago when I first joined Aurora - I can't wait to see what the next 6 months will bring!
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 06:14 PM
What I love about Aurora is the warm, positive Karma you feel everytime you walk through the door. The staff knows you by name and makes you feels sooo welcomed just for showing up.
Walking into Aurora over a year ago has changed my life for the better. (As Vito says - walking in the door is the hardest part and he was right) My life has become so much more positive and balanced due the classes I take there. (Bodyfow and Zumba) I have really come out of my shell (right Melanie) LOL I joined a few gyms in the past, but never stuck with them. The difference this time, I believe is that it is an all womens gym and we are all there for the same reason.I had always wanted to be healthier and in better shape, but never took the time to get there until I joined Aurora. So between the friendly staff and other members, I feel like I am part of a GREAT Community. Everyone truly and genuinely cares about each other, with no judgement passed. I will be a member forever.
I get compliments everyday and I totally give Aurora ALL the credit. I bragg about Aurora and tell everyone, even strangers how it totally changed my life. I can be having the worst day and all I have to do is walk into Aurora and all that changes. My confidence is through the roof!!!!!! I love it , I feel like I have become the person I have always wanted to be Thanks to Aurora.
Aurora is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I joined Aurora just to tone up what I had, but instead I got a whole new body and a great new outlook on life. I have made sooo many new friends and they all have that positive outlook as well, so what does that tell you. It is because we all have Aurora in our lives. It bothers me when I cannot get to the gym, sometimes I am sooo tired, but I go to Aurora just to be around positive people.
The Aurora Community makes me feel special and loved
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 05:35 PM
I have been member of other gyms and I always gave up because there was no motivation given to any member to stay they did not care if I got results. When I came to Aurora It was the opposite. The atmosphere and helpful staff makes for a great environment to workout. I have been a member for at least four years and I have accomplished here what I have never been able to do at any other gym I have lost 80 lbs. The classes are so amazing that keeps me coming back.
Vito talk me into taking my first RPM and under his guidance it gave me the courage to continue take other classes. Thanks to the Aurora Women's Center I am almost at my goal weight I forever be grateful for their personal attention.
When I go to Aurora I feel at home and I am treated like if I was the only member in the gym. This is the personal treatment that every member receives. I always would be a member of the Aurora Family.
I highly recommend all classes but I am addicted to 5:30 a.m RPM....I cannot live without it!!!!
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 03:22 PM
I love Aurora Womens Fitness for everything it has done for me since the very 1st class I took.
The moment I walked in, everyone was welcoming and made me feel comfortable right away. I was surprised that everyone was so welcoming to me and my daughter.
It truly is a community of strong women.
That also includes Vito.. LOL
Aurora and their community has changed my life in many ways. I look at myself in a totally different way now. Besides my confidence, inner and outer strength, belief in myself, health, most of all I am grateful to Aurora for changing my SMILE. When I smile now I really mean it! I'm happy with myself and the person that Aurora and its community have helped me become in 2011.
My favorite thing about Aurora is that even when my day has not gone well, the moment I walk into Aurora, I feel great! I feel like I can run to the ends of the earth and back.
It's a great feeling walking in there. I especially LOVE my Tuesday night Zumba and RPM!
If I had to describe Aurora in one word it would be "Inspirational". I've gotten the results I hoped for and more!
Ally
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 03:20 PM
The definition of the word Aurora is break of day and in my life, this definitely was a new awakening in my life. As I think back about my first day of the fitness center, I remember walking into the lobby and seeing women in shape and athletic and there I was in my loose sweat pants and tshirt.
I figured that all my friends were joining I could not be a wimp so I signed on the dotted line.
My first class was Vito’s RPM, Inspiration Ride, as it sounded nice and easy. After I could not walk the next day.
Now I find myself taking three classes in one night, funny about three years later. I look in the mirror and see a different person and those fat clothes are given away as I continue to work out. No more big sweat pants and tee shirts as I embrace working out as a life style.
Oh and did I mention going to High School and college reunions and people noticing the change sparked a smile too! There is something more to Aurora that needs to be mentioned. Aurora is a lifestyle as we athletes (Vito’s term) embrace each other in life’s ups and downs. We help each other in class and as new people join, we include them into our circle. One may not wimp out in a class without a good excuse. We share births, deaths, and life’s accomplishments as a family. Our Saturday coffee group in the café keeps growing in numbers as we talk about our lives and solve all the problems of the world.
Aurora, another definition is the Goddess of Dawn, everyone of us has become a true goddess in our own sense and we continue to grow in strength, inner and outer and face the world as a group. I have to thank you for this and hope to see our membership grown in this philosophy.
Maureen Gibbs, a member forever
Posted by Mehmet Sukun on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 03:17 PM
I love Aurora because I feel so complete; it is like the gym is my best friend...It accepts me for who I am; it doesn't judge, and when i don't go I feel so guilty and so withdrawn. The instructors and the Advisor are wonderful people that motivate u constantly and also truly care about your well being...
Everybody knows u by your name and they take the time to bond and talk about everyday things.
It changed my life...
Not long ago I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time..This time I had to take chemo for couple of months and was unable to work out due to my immune system. I promised myself as soon as I got better one of the things I would do besides Thanking God for giving another chance would be to join Aurora. I had a very special person that walked with me through this whole ordeal.
She talked so much about the people, the instructors, the feedback, the support, and the kind words of encouragement she always received from friends and from her instructors, she would tell me how this place had changed her life, and I guess just seeing how happy she looked i wanted to be a part of that journey as well, I will always be indebted to her for the introduction to this place. Did I get the results i wanted?
I have always worked out, but I never joined an all woman's gym.. Does it make a difference? DEFINITELY! today I do around 8 classes a week not including the weekends...
I love RPM and I love the way is molding my body..I have muscles i didn't even know.
Although I have to admit one of the classes I love to do the most is Zumba for me is like GIRLS NIGHT OUT...
Millie