Lee Chait, an occupational therapist and Great Neck resident, joined 30-Minute Fitness in April 2008. Lee was not a newcomer to exercise, but she hadn't worked out for quite some time before joining 30-Minute Fitness.

Lee had always struggled with her weight. "I would gain weight every winter, and then lose it every summer." But for three years, she didn't lose her winter weight. Compounding the situation were her genetics. Lee's cholesterol was at a dangerous level, something she probably inherited from her mom, who passed away while only in her 60s from a diabetes-related heart attack.

Lee's doctor did not want to put her on medication. He preferred she try exercise first. So Lee began working out on her own, but found it easy to put off her workouts for a variety of reasons. Finally, she realized she needed the help of a professional, someone who would push her and make sure she was exercising correctly. "It got to the point where I finally said 'enough was enough.' I wasn't getting anywhere trying to work out on my own. I needed professional help. Friends referred me to 30-Minute Fitness. I knew it was going to be hard, but I needed someone to motivate me. And I've had terrific results."

Those results, however, did not come easily. Lee admits, "When I first started at 30-Minute Fitness, I felt unable to perform the exercises. But within four weeks of joining, I saw positive changes that kept me coming back. Working out can be painful, and at times, you just want to stop. But if your trainer says, 'Five more,' you do it! I would never be able to get these results on my own."

Lee soon realized she also had to change what she ate in order to make a complete transformation. "I learned very quickly exercise on its own was not going to get me all the results I wanted." The next step in Lee's fitness plan was to join Weight Watchers in July 2008. It has played a major role in helping her make healthier food choices. As a result, her good cholesterol went up and the bad cholesterol went down.

Since April of this year, Lee has lost 18 pounds and has gone down three sizes. She still wants to lose more weight, but has already gone shopping for new clothes. And her choice of clothing styles has changed. "Coming to 30-Minute Fitness has helped me lose inches and changed how I fit into my clothes. I am now buying a more fitted, tailored wardrobe, because I no longer feel self-conscious."

This summer Lee wore sleeveless shirts and blouses for the first time in a long time. She even went to a summer wedding in a short sleeveless cocktail dress. "Usually I would wear pants suits and long sleeves. But now I am comfortable with my body and how I look."

Lee has seen other results from her workouts at 30-Minute Fitness, in addition to her weight loss. "I am much stronger and have much more energy."

As an occupational therapist working with children, Lee finds herself on the floor most of the work day. "Before I started working out and losing weight, I would have trouble getting up from the floor. Now I can squat down and get back up easily. My legs are stronger. I feel more flexible, and I have so much more endurance. And having the excess weight off really helps me move more easily."

"One of the main things I like about 30-Minute Fitness is having the structure an appointment gives me. It makes my time here feel important. Since someone is actually waiting for me, I feel guilty if I cancel. I also like the opportunity to work out for just thirty minutes and then do my cardio. By doing all my exercise back-to-back, I save time and get a lot accomplished. Everything at this health club is convenient. I feel very comfortable here."