This part of our website is dedicated to the people who keep our gym thriving: OUR MEMBERS. We know the commitment it takes to get here daily and work with our trainers as hard as our members do. This is why every month we will have a “MEMBER OF THE MONTH” award spotlighting a specific member who exhibits everything our training center represents. On top of this, to show our appreciation, we will be spotlighting other hard working members with testimonials and those that just want to be in front of the camera!

 

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From left to Right: (Pablo Arroyo 2nd place, Coach Rob Klezun, Mike Sabo (2) 1st place, Desiree Goodwin 3rd place, Jason Sabo 3rd place, Sebby Mangiafico 1st place).

CONGRATULATIONS TO LION’S DEN GRAPPLERS ON THEIR AWESOME PERFORMANCE AT NAGA’S “BATTLE AT THE BEACH” IN WILDWOOD, NJ. THE LION’S DEN CONTINUES THEIR SUCCESS AT NAGA WITH 47 OUT OF 54 GRAPPLERS PLACING SINCE OPENING IN 2008! THE LIONS DEN IS VERY PROUD OF ALL THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IN HELPING TO MAKE THIS TRAINING CENTER THE BEST AROUND!

 

THE LION’S DEN WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE KRISTEN SIGNORE ON BECOMING THE LION’S DEN “MEMBER OF THE MONTH!” KRISTEN IS AN OWNER OF PIZZERIA DA VINCI IN CROMWELL AND ONE OF OUR MEMBERS THAT WE HAVE SEEN COME A LONG WAY.  WE ARE SO PROUD OF KRISTEN’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT WE MADE HER MISS MARCH!!  THIS IS HER STORY.

 

Last March I attended a Hawaiian Luau at my son’s school. Immediately when we entered the event,  they started taking pictures of us.  When I finally saw the pictures, I was MORTIFIED by how I looked and did not want to show anyone.  I fell into a depression, eating uncontrollably and not wanting to leave my house.  Two days later I woke up, fed up and determined to do something.  I called a local gym in Cromwell and made an appointment for 2:00 that day.  After two hours of meeting with a personal trainer I realized it was a sales pitch.  They wanted $7,000 and a one year commitment!  Desperate to do something, I almost did it, but realized something wasn’t right. I told them I wanted to talk to my husband before I committed to that type of financial investment.  I walked outside, got in my car and left.  I went straight to our pizza place (Pizzeria Da Vinci in Cromwell), made myself a large pizza and drank three bottles of soda.  That night I felt even worse and knew I had to something. 

I went online and read about the Lion’s Den.  Again determined to make a change, I called and spoke with personal trainer, Brian Anderson.  He stated that he was a personal trainer and if I came in he would meet with me.  I was fearful this was going to be another sales pitch.  Later that day I went into the Lion’s Den as soon as I walked in I realized this was unlike any other gym.  I met with Brian. I was very emotional and cried a lot.  I explained to him I did not feel good about myself. I felt weak and did not have any body strength.  I wanted to buy personal training sessions, however unlike the first gym, Brian felt if I attended the classes then it would be like having a personal trainer only with friends!  I explained to him that I needed the “one-on-one” with someone to not only show me how to use the weights but to motivate me as well.  I paid for five one hour sessions which was pennies compared to to the $7,000 the first gym wanted.  I made my first appointment with Brian, the next day at the Den, again very emotional but determined to change my life.  Brian went through a series of weight exercises with me and tried to teach me how to do a push-up and I cried throughout the training.  The last 15 minutes he went to his car, got me a pair of hand wraps and boxing gloves, brought me in the boxing ring and explained that if he taught me a few punching combinations I could attend some classes.  Over the next few weeks I met with Brian and began attending classes.  I found Brian to be very patient even when I wasn’t with myself.  I felt my body getting stronger and realized how much I LOVED to punch the bag!  Not only was it good exercise but a great way to relieve stress.  Three weeks later I was able to do a “girl” push-up, I knew I was making progress.   

I also got a chance to work with Sara-Jean Walsh and she consulted me on nutrition.  Although I made a commitment to exercise I did not have the knowledge on how to eat healthy.  She provided me with guidance on how to make healthy choices and introduced me to kale. I love kale!!  I also attend her classes faithfully.  Her Bootcamp, Kick-Boxing, Yoga and Pilates are not easy and there are days that I feel like I’m not gonna make it through but she is always there to motivate me and remind me that I can do it! 

Rob Lester is another trainer who I’ve had the opportunity to work with.  I love going in the ring with Rob.  He puts on the focus-mitts and calls the shots.  It such a great work-out it gives me such a high level of confidence.

Jason Gruczka is another trainer.  He teaches one of my favorite classes, “Seven Round Sunday” which I attend every weekend at 8:30 am and he plays the best music!

So here I am 1 year later and I have lost over 20lbs.  I am in the best shape of my life and believe the Lion’s Den changed my life for the better, not only physically but mentally.  When I see people and they tell me how great I look, I tell them about the Lion’s Den and I encourage them to get in there!  I always tell everyone that this is unlike any other gym and if your determined to get in shape that the Lion’s Den is the best place to do it.

To the entire staff at the Lion’s Den, thank you for changing my lifestyle and helping me.  As I look back now, you guys have really saved my life.

Kristen Signore

 

THE LION’S DEN WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE KYLE LEFLUER OF SPRINGFIELD, MA, ON BECOMING THE FIRST LION’S DEN “MEMBER OF THE MONTH!” KYLE IS CURRENTLY A CHEF WORKING AT SMITH COLLEGE AND TRAVELS FROM SPRINGFIELD, MASSECHUSETTS TO MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT THREE TIMES A WEEK. HE IS LEARNING MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, JIU-JITSU AND BOXING AND HOPES TO COMPETE SOON. KYLE HAS LOST OVER 50 POUNDS SINCE JOINING THE LION’S DEN.

 

October 26th, 2009

              “I never thought I’d actually be into mixed martial arts,” Kyle Lefluer said while training at the Lion’s Den Training center in Middletown, Ct. “But these guys down here (trainers) are the best. They teach at each members level and really know what they’re doing.”

              A year into his membership, Kyle finds it hard to reflect back.

              “I”m a totally different person. I’ve learned so much in such a short period of time. But the best part is the weight loss. I’ve lost 50 pounds and feel so much better. Once you get into this type of workout you won’t stop. This is a different kind of gym that is great for women too. The instructors are the best.”