Maria McSweeney lives in West Babylon and is a retired NYPD Police Officer. She currently works in the Babylon School District as a Security Guard.
Q: Take us back to what your life was like before joining the TBBC Program?
A: I worked 40 hours per week, plus 35 hours of overtime per month. I commuted into Corona 5 to 6 days per week. I was so focused on work during the last 5 years of my career that I forgot to take care of myself. I constantly ate fast food. Never exercised. I was lethargic and didn’t sleep well.
Q: Why did you end up deciding to join the TBBC program?
A: I retired on 12/31/16 with the intention of devoting my time to getting healthy. I thought I was at my heaviest weight, but I was wrong. My mother entered a hospital on 12/15/16, spent a month there, then made the decision to discontinue with dialysis and she passed away on 1/31/17. I packed on an additional 20 pounds due to emotional eating and then was at my all-time heaviest weight. My clothes no longer fit me. I was physically uncomfortable. I couldn’t stand looking at pictures of my face; it looked so bloated and misshapen.
I hadn’t been inside of a gym since Jack LaLanne gyms were still open! Probably the last time I had formally worked out was in 2000. I was petrified to return to a gym. I went to check out a cross fit place, but didn’t get a good feel for the place.
Q: What was your first impression from the TBBC program?
A: I first noticed TCCB on Facebook and filled out my info. I immediately received a phone call and then set up an appointment. I was so scared! I liked seeing the sign on the front door, “you just did the hard part…” and was put at ease. I was glad to see that it was a small space with a limited amount of people. I was grateful that the first workouts were simplified for me. I had signed up for a trial month and at the end of that month, I was hooked!
Q: What aspects/tools of TBBC have benefited you the most?
A: It’s a small thing, but I love seeing that I made the Perfect 10 monthly list on Facebook. Knowing that I attended at least 10 workout sessions in a month’s time makes me feel great.
Since training at TBBC, I no longer feel winded when walking or climbing up stairs.
I always had neck and shoulder pain & stiffness that I relied on a chiropractor’s help in relieving. Since working out consistently, the pain & stiffness has subsided. I now make my training sessions my priority; I have no problem telling my kids that I can’t do such-and-such at that time because I have a training session. It feels great to make me a priority too!
Q: How is the TBBC program different from other programs you have tried before? What makes TBBC different or unique?
A: I previously tried losing weight through Weight Watchers. I was semi successful in losing, but not in maintaining. I was missing the exercise portion. My body responds to the training provided by TBBC. I love that each session works the entire body. I love that there is a different challenge each month, whether it’s a personal goal challenge or KC’s ab challenge. It’s an additional motivation.
TBBC is unique because of the encouragement from Billy H. and the trainers. It seems that, whenever I start to slack or feel discouraged, I receive support from someone at TBBC. It might be a note in the mail from Billy H. or a positive comment from one of the trainers. When I had a knee injury, the trainers modified the exercises to my personal needs. The trainers also call out any BS, like if I try to work out with a light weight instead of pushing myself for a weight they know I can handle.
I also used my age as an excuse to be lazy, but when I see Bill Powers, who is just slightly older than me, working out like Superman, he becomes an example of how fit & toned I can be.
The people that go to TBBC are wonderful. They are friendly and encouraging. I love that everyone introduces themselves to others.
Q: Walk us through your journey. What results and benefits have you experienced in the TBBC Program?
A: Not only have I lost weight, but I’ve gained some confidence back! Before joining TBBC, I felt like an older, fat invisible person. Now, after losing some weight, I feel attractive and confident again. I fit into old clothes that I had packed away. I tossed clothes that became too big on me.
I definitely have more energy. I do more physical things, like riding on a tube off our boat! My socialization no longer revolves around eating but around doing fun things. I can fit more comfortably in stadium seating. I sleep better. I look better in pictures now! Since my heaviest weight to now, I’ve had a 45-pound loss. This is from October 2017 through July 2018. I’ve also lost many inches. I’m extremely happy with the results.
Q: What would you say to anyone looking at the TBBC program
A: JOIN!! It doesn’t matter how old you are or how physically fit you are. All exercises can be modified to your needs and ability. It is a judgment free zone with loads of encouragement. You will get more fit, stronger and confident after training at TBBC.
If you live or work in Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Babylon, West Islip, West Babylon, Bethpage, or Massapequa, the Farmingdale and Babylon Group Personal Training is just minutes away from you.
Total Body Boot Camp programs include Group Personal Training, 10-4 Challenge, weight loss programs, Corporate wellness plans, nutrition plans, core fitness training, strength training, toning and more. Clients include corporate executives, professionals, weekend warriors, stay at home moms, and anyone looking for results.
Owner, Billy Hofacker and his team have worked with hundreds of clients helping them get fit, tone up, and feel better about themselves. A 20 year veteran of the fitness industry, Billy owns and operates Total Body Boot Camp and Performance Center, which has locations in Farmingdale and Babylon, NY. He is the author of Lose Weight and Feel Great as well as a contributing author to Fuel Your Soul. Billy is considered a thought leader, especially in the areas of habit and behavior change, nutrition coaching and corporate wellness. Outside of his passion for helping busy people lose weight, Billy is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and is active in his local church. Billy and his wife Melissa live on Long Island NY with their two daughters.