Vive Health & Fitness | October Issue 2016

MY
VIVE
MARIE WARREN,
MUSCLES AND MASCARA
PARTICIPANT
In 2012, I joined VIVE Health & Fitness because not only was it close to my home, but it was new, very clean and the positive, warm
atmosphere was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I couldn’t believe how the front desk people would greet you by name and how
phenomenal the instructors and trainers were (and still are). Not to mention, I noticed people of all fitness levels were accepted. Before
VIVE, I had been a member of other local gyms, but none of them ever had the effect on me like VIVE.
When I first started at VIVE, I only did group classes. I loved the variety, and I never veered from them because I felt like I didn’t have
the self-confidence to workout on my own, especially in the weight area. My reasoning for this was two-fold: one, I told myself I didn’t
know how to use the equipment, and two, I felt slightly intimidated by the men – always thinking, “I can’t do what they do.”
Last spring, I decided to learn how to properly use the weights and machines in the weight area and get stronger. I still loved doing
classes, but I wanted to broaden my horizons and challenge myself. I approached VIVE’s general manager, Heather, and one of VIVE’s
female trainers, Dana, asking how I could achieve this. They told me about VIVE’s strength training program for women called Muscles
and Mascara – I was immediately sold.
Since starting Muscles and Mascara with Dana, there has been a total increase in my confidence, and I feel stronger than ever before.
I’m 59 years old, and I recently deadlifted 110 pounds! I never thought I would be able to do that, and I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t
for Dana’s support and encouragement; she pushes me in such a positive way. “When Marie started Muscles and Mascara, I had no
expectation of the weight she should lift. My number one priority was to guide and educate Marie, along with showing her what she
was capable of achieving,” said Dana Barley, Marie’s trainer and Muscles and Mascara co-creator. “During the program’s initial four
weeks, I witnessed Marie’s progress and she continues to get stronger with each training session. I love that Marie now feels strong and
confident. I like that she took the chance and went outside her comfort zone because often times if something scares you, you should
do it.” I’ve also learned that when a woman strength trains, it doesn’t mean big muscles or looking less feminine. In fact, it’s quite the
opposite. I’ve never felt this good about myself. I feel stronger, fitter and my eating habits have also improved as a result. Now that I lift
weights (thanks to Muscles and Mascara and Dana) and feel the way I do, one of my favorite quotes is, “I used to just want to be skinny
until I discovered what it felt like to be strong.”
MY VIVE IS MY VERY BEST, STRONG AND HEALTHY SELF – AT AN AGE IN WHICH I DIDN’T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE.
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