When I joined Sirens I had no idea what I was getting into. Even though I jumped in with both feet, it never crossed my mind that I would lose one pound, let alone 40 pounds! However, it was not overnight night thing. Looking back I can see that my 100% commitment really paid off. I joined simply to get in good physical condition, but I slowly started losing the weight. For me, the nutritional component has been key. Knowing which foods are bad always makes me think twice when reaching out for them. However, sometimes I am weak and I splurge, but then I know I have to work harder on my next work out.
I don’t let myself starve because I know that I am not on a diet. I try to make wiser food choices. Sometimes it’s not easy to eat as I should; there are always “good” excuses for that, like attending a birthday party or some social event. When I do eat bad I don’t let myself get discouraged. Instead, I re- commit to being healthy and I start all over again. I remind myself that every day is a new day. The beauty of the program is knowing that when I make those bad turns, I know exactly what I need to do to get back where I should be. This is why the program is a sustainable lifestyle and it could not get any easier. I have been a member for about six months now and I love it. Only half an hour twice per week made the miracle for me.
I am now attending 3-4 times per week in order to tone my muscles and reach my desired weight. This has been a really fun journey. I feel better, healthier, happier and stronger. One of the things that I love is the support and encouragement from other ladies in the group and from the instructors. This program really works! I’ve learned that if one is REALLY committed to one’s health the eating habits have to be changed. I am no longer a sedentary person and I am on my way to being a size 8, no more size 16 jeans for me. Yay!!
-Cristina Alfaro-
I began training at Sirens in September, 2011. Having watched many of my friends go through a transformation during the summer, I knew I wanted in on the “secret.” I have been an athlete my entire life and have really focused on my sport of swimming since the mid 1980’s. I have also had weight and diet issues for most of my life. I exercise a lot but I love to eat and my body loves to bulk up and put on muscle. I was skeptical that Jacques’s plan of heavy weights, low reps, and intense cardio would work for my body. My goals were to reach my goal weight and improve my swimming. This was going to be a challenge for many reasons. I wasn’t willing to go hungry on a low calorie eating plan. I also tend to swim faster when I am heavier and have more muscle. To be both thin and strong had not been achievable in my past.
Now I have five months of Sirens under my belt. I have lost 14 pounds and weigh 4 pounds less than I did in high school. I am very satisfied with the amount of food I am eating. My body is responding well to the high fat and protein menu; when I overdo it on carbs, I wake up feeling hung over. Three days ago, I attended a party in which I wore a dress from my Junior Prom. My prom was 27 years ago. So I’ve achieved the thin goal. The other piece is my swimming. This morning with my lane mates, we set out to complete the hardest swim set I remembered from high school. We were hoping to do 6 x 200 on the 2:30 which was going to be a huge jump in the speed of our normal interval. The three men and I completed the set successfully, and then I had the energy to propose that we follow with 6 x 100 on the 1:15. We achieved that also. One of my New Year’s Resolutions has been to make my swim interval base a 1:15. It has been a resolution for ten years. This morning I not only did it, I smashed it. My “boys” said they have never seen me in better shape or swimming faster. They all want to know my secret. The only change I have had in my lifestyle and training regime has been following Jacques’s food and fitness protocol at Sirens. Unbelievable.
Thank you to Jacques for helping me to reach goals I thought were behind me. Jacques sees me as an individual and has been able to coach my swimming from inside a gym. He keeps me accountable when I slip up and motivates me when I can push harder.
Feeling (and looking) this good at this point in my life is truly a gift.
~Marcie Kjoller
Cristina Alfaro
The Siren’s training has completely changed my life. I have been training for a little over four months now and have lost 30 pounds! I still can’t believe that an intense 30-minute workout only twice per week has been so beneficial for me. In addition to the endurance training, the nutritional counseling has been key for my weight loss. I’ve learned that both are equally important to reach my desired goal.
I have to confess that most of my life I have been a sedentary person. I had my son two years ago and went from size 12 to size 16! After I had him, I would go on short stroller walks with him and would sometimes run for 15-20 minutes on my treadmill. At size 12 I was not as happy and confident as I wished to be and when I woke up to size 16 jeans my self-esteem went even lower on the measuring chart. Luckily, my boss invited me to the Siren’s training and the rest is history. Her example, motivation and encouragement have helped me enormously. I have discovered that I am actually strong and that if I REALLY want it, I can do something about the two “life savers” around my waist.
The training has been painfully wonderful and I have gained the strength and self-confidence that was missing in my life. I am on my way to being a size 8 and I can’t wait until I buy my first dress!
I will forever be thankful to my boss, Sharon Fay, and to Jacques for truly caring and helping me on my journey to a better life. If I could do it, anyone can do it!
Tina Takaya
I began the Sirens Fitness Program after a friend recommended it to me. I thought originally that playing tennis 4-5 times a week was enough exercise.
I thought to myself, “It’s an 8-week program, I run two businesses, I am working on my house, I play tennis 4-5 times a week etc..do I really need one more thing to do?” But when I was evaluating whether to start the program, I realized that my problem areas were: I became very tired and achy after playing a hard game of tennis; my midriff area was flabby and my thighs were as they always were all my life, bigger than I like.
I turned 50 last March and decided that I would need to strengthen my core so that all of the above would go away. I could hope anyway. So I decided to try it. I had no idea what to expect other than committing to working out…
The workout program, as in all programs, comes down to how hard you want to work. It’s not easy if you really push yourself but then it’s only 30 minutes, which seems to go by really fast. For me, it was the perfect program. I was willing to push myself to my limits for that short amount of time. It worked all of my areas and made me stronger in a very short time-frame.
I no longer have the flabby midriff, fat thighs and achy-tired body and now I am also educated about Carbohydrates, which I never thought about or understood before. I am the type that eats what I want and doesn’t believe in diets. I was fairly healthy but could never quite feel like I was where I wanted to be. It was not that difficult to dramatically lower my carbs because I was able to feel very satisfied by the protein and fats. Sometimes I felt like I was eating too much but still the inches fell off.
The workout program coupled with the lower carb intake made a dramatic change in my body fitness and awareness for the quality of life I want to continue living.
NOW, I am so excited to understand more of what my body needs to stay strong and fit. In addition, I look way better in my clothes!
Thank you Jacques and the Siren’s Fitness Program!
Joey Hernandez
By far the most amazing workout regimen I have done. I loved being pushed to the limit. Knowing it was only 30 minutes of “pain” a day made it bearable. Working out in a smaller group made it more intimate and really made us bond together if only for 30 minutes. We fed off each other’s energy and were able to support each other on a more personal level. Having Jacques behind me and cheering/yelling for me to go harder pushed me to my best.
The workouts were different each time, never repetitive. One day focused on lifting hard and another day on intervals which made it key to see results. Switching things up allowed for muscles to recover and work other muscles in a way I have never worked out. The nutrition is absolutely vital to this program. Fortunately, because of health reasons I had already started a restricted diet, stricter than what Jacques recommended. But I am now 15 pounds lighter and can climb a 3,500ft hill on my road bike faster than I have in the ten years I have been riding. My rock-climbing ability has increased; climbing a 5.9 seems so easy now. Paddling with my outrigger team has been amazing. I feel the strength and power in my lats and my abs and am able to give a hard 100% at each practice.
I had been doing this program for eight weeks. Twice a week I did Sirens, I paddled twice a week with my outrigger team, and I biked once or twice a week. I also kayaked once or twice a week. All in all I would only workout 4 to 6 times a week. Training for an Ironman and adventure races gave me a skewed idea of how training should be. I always thought that I should go for 1.5-2 hour run three times a week along with doing a 3-6 hour bike ride three times a week and on my days “off” I would swim for an hour or two. I was always getting injured and hurting. I was constantly hungry and I ate unhealthy because I was so desperate for calories that I didn’t care what I put in my mouth. Having a strict, well-thought out regimen like Sirens I was able to stop and asses my diet and my workouts. It was not about the hours put in but rather the quality of the workout that mattered. A hard, all you can give 30 minute session was enough to feel like I got a great work-out and having Jacques tell me to rest and let my muscles recover for the day let me see results I have never seen before. I am as lean as I was in my cross-country running days in high school eleven years ago! For that I am super stoked. I would absolutely recommend Sirens and Jacques to my friends and everyone. All I would have to say is look at me; I am the result of Jacques. I cannot wait to keep this up and see what else I can do.
Jessani Johnson
Training with Jacques this summer in his sirens program has been a great experience. I thought I was in relatively good shape (at least cardiovascularly) and after the 1st 30 minute workout I realized how wrong I was. I woke up the next morning barely able to walk… Who knew only a half hour of exercise could be that effective! Over the days the soreness faded, it was never that bad again, but after every workout I still felt what I like to call “good sore” where I know I’m accomplishing something but I’m not in pain. Every workout was slightly unique, always extremely challenging, and always fun! Even though I have been to different trainers over the years I still learned something new in every session. The nutritional component of the program was a completely new way of eating for me. Jacques was supportive, extremely knowledgeable, and I was amazed by the personal, individual help he gave each participant.
As far as my fitness level I feel like I saw results almost immediately and felt stronger each week. I was pushed to levels I know I never would have even tried if I was working out on my own. Even though I drastically changed my diet, I never felt hungry or deprived. I feel like they are changes I will adopt for life. I felt my clothes fit looser after the first week and noticed in general that I felt less puffy…for lack of a better word. I haven’t reached my weight loss goals but definitely feel like I have the tools to reach my goals from what I have learned from Jacques.
I worked out for 30 minutes 3 times per week. I was amazed by how much can be accomplished in so little time. For a busy mother of 4…timesaving workouts are a must! I highly recommend this program to anyone regardless of your current fitness level going in, I am confident Jacques program can help anyone reach their fitness goals!
I have truly enjoyed the experience, learned a ton and am so glad to have had the chance to participate!
Lenora Bradley
I originally signed up for Sirens at my daughter’s encouragement. I was not sure I would remain committed to the program but after 1 week all that changed!
I feel more energetic, much stronger and more flexible than I have in a long time.
Jacques stresses diet and strength training along with interval cardio training. He is an excellent instructor and keeps one motivated to achieve greater results.
I have also lost 8 lbs in 6 weeks and will definitely continue to take his training classes. I will say the time I have spent was both motivating, informative and result oriented.
Shannon Dutter
I just spent six weeks committing to Sirens and I went full force with what was expected of me. The results were inspiring, but the best part was that it was fun! Years ago, I learned for myself that it takes a village to keep this girl on track, especially when it comes to exercise! I was never a consistent exerciser until ten years ago when I began training for my first triathlon. I was hooked! Now I’m so spoiled that I don’t want to work out unless I’m with my tribe! Sirens provides that for me.
The best part about Sirens is that it provides the same support with regard to nutrition between the workouts, which is a critical piece to the puzzle of staying fit and feeling my best.
The exercise portion of the program is efficient, intense and fun. I am pushed to work my hardest, yet it’s in a very positive and supportive environment, where all levels of fitness are in the same room. Jacques is able to meet each woman where she is at in her abilities and pull out the best from everybody. As a busy mom I have to weigh each hour in the day to make it all fit, and Sirens allows me to get a wonderful workout in, in a limited amount of time which is priceless. I participated in two workouts per week at Sirens, then continued with my regular exercise regime but not quite as often, which really freed up my time. I felt like I could have more recreational fun and not worry about getting “another workout” in, since I was getting so much accomplished at the Siren workouts.
The nutritional component is where Sirens sets itself apart. I learned how to track what I put in my body which was eye opening! I signed up for the blog and received great recipes, and interesting information about health and fitness, which continued to inspire me to stay the course. I never felt alone in this journey to my best self.
Within a couple of weeks, my strength increased significantly, my clothes fit better than they had in years, and my energy throughout the day was more steady. I have continued following the nutritional suggestions of Sirens and it has become second nature.
I would highly recommend Sirens to any woman who is ready to participate in feeling her best. Every woman in those rooms had a different goal, which was inspiring. Some were trying to avoid bypass surgery, and others were looking to just feel their best. The playing field was leveled at Sirens but we all had our fitness needs met.
Julie Robinson
I love the Sirens workouts. Thirty minutes of an interesting, challenging workout planned specifically for my success – there’s really nothing like it! In addition, accountability regarding what I’m putting in my mouth is key. Knowing that I have to keep track of what I’m eating and that someone else will be giving me feedback helps keep my eating in check. I have learned a lot, specifically about my carb intake, using fitday.com.
I added two Sirens workouts a week to an already-full workout schedule. As a triathlete, I was looking to gain strength and power in my swimming, biking, and running – and, okay, maybe lose a few pounds. I’ve lost 4 pounds in 5 weeks, a pretty healthy rate for me I think, and set new personal records in the pool. Overall I feel stronger and leaner, and my clothes fit better!
I would recommend Sirens to any woman who wants to work out in a positive female-friendly environment knowing that your coaches are looking out for your best interests. Exercise form and intensity are strategically planned and guided throughout your workout. You won’t be bored, you’ll be challenged and find success with measurable results!
Kristen Hislop
This program came at a great time for me—right when I was feeling frustrated with my current exercise routine and needed some motivation to improve my nutrition. Though I studied exercise and nutrition in college, all of my knowledge was not leading me to the results I needed. Sirens’ workouts and nutrition counseling have encouraged me revisit the science of nutrition, and re-evaluate all that I thought to be true. When I began the program I followed Jacques nutrition suggestions and supplemented this knowledge with a few highly recommended books that gave my educated understanding of how I should fuel my body a run for its money. After a few weeks I had more energy, was sleeping better and having an easier time waking up in the morning, had fewer stomach issues, and was losing body fat. In addition to the changes I have seen from my diet, the workouts have greatly increased my strength and improved body composition. The workouts are both challenging and fun. Jacques has truly created a cooperative atmosphere that focuses on working as a team and encouraging one another. I have seen impressive gains in the other women’s fitness, which motivates me to encourage them and work harder myself.
During the last seven weeks I worked out with Sirens three times per week for thirty minutes. The strength gains I have made over this short amount of time have exceeded my expectations. I feel stronger, more toned, and healthier all around. Though I have maintained the hours I have usually spend working out each week, the substitution of weights for runs or swims has allowed me to get past a long standing fitness plateau. In seven weeks I have lost 4.5 pounds and 1 ¼” around my waist as a result of my improved nutrition combined with this strength training. My only regret is that I did not get my body composition tested at the beginning to truly gauge my improvements!
The quality of this program is top notch. I have never experienced this level of fitness gain in such a short amount of time. Jacques and his crew are knowledgeable and ensure everyone gets the most out of the workouts. This program is something I would recommend to all women. No matter what your goals are, you will be in an environment that facilitates your success.
Suzanne Weintraub
I really appreciated Jacques’ passion for helping each woman to try to achieve their personal goals of increased fitness. He was always encouraging and highly conscientious about performing exercises correctly for maximum results and safety. Each session was varied which made exercising more interesting. I found the information on nutrition to be helpful as I was given specific goals to focus on and a rationale for lowering my carbohydrate intake. He obviously comes with a lot of expertise in working with a variety of athletes. I worked out twice a week for 6 weeks and would recommend this program to other women, as many of the exercises and machines are not available at most gyms and I went home after each workout feeling like I had gotten to muscles that I normally had not gotten to, despite participating in a regular program of spinning and Pilates. Thank you!
Katya Armistead
I have little experience working out in a gym. I am a runner, play soccer, and enjoy spending time outdoors walking or hiking instead of being stuck in a gym. I decided to give Sirens a try to learn how to be in a gym setting and how to use equipment properly. My experience has been a positive one as I’ve gotten stronger and have increased my endurance. I have learned how to properly lift with my legs and my core has benefitted a lot. I love that the workout is only about 30 minutes and I only attend two days a week. Two days at Sirens and three or four days running have me wearing my clothes more comfortably and I’ve lost 5 pounds! The diet portion has been the most challenging and where I have learned the most. Who knew carbohydrates were so fattening – I didn’t! Although I haven’t completely cut carbs out of my diet, I am now more aware of what I eat and make decisions about my meals that have been beneficial to my health. If I know I am going out to dinner then I’ll be sure to eat super healthy and very few carbs during the day to make up for any splurges at dinner, and there too I make choices and give something up so that I can really enjoy something else. I will take away from this eight week experience a new sense of how to eat healthy and lots of good ideas of how to exercise in a gym and get the most out of it!
Lisa Streett
I liked the short intense workouts. Changing up some of the weight training exercises from week to week was great. Having small group training was important to my success. I like the support from my peers and the individual attention from Jacques. You made sure we were doing the exercises correctly to avoid injury. It was the most weight I have ever lifted with the least amount of reps so that concept was also new to me.
Being able to eat fat has kept me full and able to be successful keeping my carb intake low.
I only saw a 4 lb weight loss but am happy with the change in my body composition. I wish I would have measured bc I know I lost inches. I definitely have less fat around my belly which was a goal. My waist is smaller and my clothes fit better.
I did the training for six weeks 2x per week, skipping two workouts.
Jaclyn Park
Sirens is half an hour two or three times a week and the workout is individualized just for you. That’s great for someone like me who has not had an exercise routine in 15 years, but the beauty of Sirens is that an athlete can also get a sweat inducing workout right alongside with you. In the initial 6 weeks, I saw myself get stronger and have more energy. I’m proof that anyone can work out with Sirens!”
Lisa Johnson
At 50, I really needed a boost to jump start my lazy, haphazard exercise routine and do something about the extra few pounds that keep adding on each year. I’ve always been pretty active but had never liked gym/weight workouts. I’m completely and pleasantly surprised that with only 1 hour a week (for 6 weeks) of Sirens’ workouts and a new approach to nutrition, I’ve lost the weight I wanted, feel stronger and fitter. I enjoy working out in this small group environment with encouraging and like minded women of all ages. Thank you, Jacques, for motivating and educating me toward my new fitness goals!
Liz Mozingo
I just want you to know what an inspiration you are to me and so many of these women! I have been feeling great! My back is better; I’ve lost weight and gained muscle, and sooooo happy to be out of my exercise rut!! Also, Fitday has really changed my way of eating. I’ve always eaten a fairly healthy diet, but was incorporating or sneaking in too many carbs. I was worried my energy level would go down with fewer carbs, but I actually feel fine, even when I ate only 38 carbs yesterday. Anyway, I continue to quote what you told us at the beginning…….fat mobilizes fat. For someone who knows a lot about the body and helping injured patients get better, this is eye opening for me! Thanks for all the time, energy and interest you have put into this program. I just turned 51 years old and feel better than ever. Hoping to continue with this program because it is also soooo fun!!
Kathy Holland
Sirens is unique because it provides a both an exercise and nutritional component which are designed to work together, and be sustainable. Jacques is completely knowledgeable about the exercise and nutritional science behind the progarm and brings his deep knowlege to the program and provides individual attention and motivation. I exercise regularly, but have never had the intensity of training that received while participating in Sirens. I trained for one hour per week and I noticed fitness results beginning in the second week. I definitely encourage women to participate in Sirens!
Sharon Allen
I have been with the Siren program for 5 weeks so far and I go to 3 training sessions per week. I LOVE IT! I can honestly say it has changed my life. I had been doing basically the same thing for about 10 years and I was experiencing diminishing returns. As I made less progress I thought I had to increase my hours. I sacrificed sleep to get a long run in or for hours at the gym. I can’t believe that my body is actually improving with significantly LESS time training.
As for the nutrition component – I was stuck in the “no fat” mode for years. I ate almost all carbohydrates (fruit, veggies and whole grains) and very little protein or fat. I always read labels, but was looking at the wrong components. Now I don’t pay attention to calories or fat, yet I think I am slowly shrinking.
I have definitely become stronger and thoroughly enjoy working out once again! I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen for a couple of months and she said “Are you doing a lot of push-ups or something – you look buff through the arms and chest.” Yeah!
I referred that friend to the program, and will be telling all my buddies. I had no intention of continuing the program after the focus group, but now I want to continue down the path of improvement!
Tracy Hutton
I have found that Sirens was the kick start I have been searching for. Being an athlete all my life, I was so skeptical about working out 30 minutes in the beginning, I remember asking you “you really think you can get a good workout in 30 mins?” your response was “absolutely!” I have become a firm believer of this! The workouts you have designed have been amazing for my fitness level, and have increased my strength and endurance immensely. After 7 weeks, I have jogged 6 miles and played my first pickup game of soccer yesterday and felt awesome! I dead lifted the most I ever have before (220lbs!) and have lost 8 lbs so far. The changes I have made with my nutritional intake have given me less digestive issues, more strength and an overall feeling of happiness. I never would have thought the higher fat intake I ingest would help me lose weight. You have been amazing and the program you have developed will help so many women as it has me. I feel stronger, healthier and empowered. I want more of that and I absolutely love it! Thank-you and GO SIRENS!!
Diane Johnson
I have been very happy with the quality of your program. As you know, this is all pretty new to me!
I am grateful for the time and effort you have put forth for all of us. I appreciate that you never made me feel like a weakling and have encouraged me to work from where I am.
Roberta Issaris
1. I liked how you combined exercise with nutrition, because exercise alone, or nutrition alone, has not been working for me. This worked for me.
2. The exercise training was excellent, and the discussion on carbs was eye-opening. It would be nice to have more nutritional guidance, like a sample menu for a week. (I found myself getting into a bit of a protein “rut” with the nuts & hard-boiled eggs!)
3. I felt stronger, and my clothes fit better. My legs and hips became leaner. I lost 6 pounds.
4. I trained with you for 5 weeks, twice a week, 1 hour/week.
5. I am encouraging my sister Cayce, as well as any woman I know to participate. I liked the short, intense work-outs as I am a busy, single mother on the go! I also appreciated how kind, encouraging and supportive you were. Liked how you watched carefully to make sure our form was correct so we could be injury-free. I was afraid I would hurt my back with the heavy weights, but with your coaching, I felt safe to try it, and as a result, was able to do things I never thought I could do, like dead-lift 70 pounds not including the hex bar!
Stacy Borek
I felt the nutritional awareness and guidance, coupled with the high intensity excercises, provided a unique and different experience than what I have received following other fitness programs. With the Sirens approach, my overall muscle tone, strength, and energy levels have improved greatly over just a few weeks.”
Chin
The dynamics of my life right now demand me to work a lot of hours, but I find myself out of shape and gaining a roll around my middle. A friend recommended joining a new group called “Sirens”, which is a supervised 30-minute intense workout 2 or 3 times a week. There is also a nutritional component involved where you record your intake of food each day. Within this record is a chart of how much protein, fat, carbohydrates and alcohol you consume per day. This pie chart is extremely enlightening and gives one an awareness of what you are putting in your mouth. The work outs are a continual, intense, hard hitting series of strengthening and cardio activities. It kicks your butt while you are doing it, but is over very quickly, because of the constant activity.
If you are looking for something to get you in shape in a short amount of time, then “Sirens” is for you. Jacques has done an excellent job of helping you with your goals, motivating you to improve yourself and making you aware of what is going into your body.
Jennifer Foster
I would highly recommend the Sirens workout program to other women. I participated in Sirens as a way to get back into shape and improve my nutrition after having 3 children. In only 1.5 hours per week for approximately 7 weeks, I was able to greatly improve my fitness and body composition and fit into my old clothes again! Not only that, but my energy level greatly improved. The workouts were varied and challenging – I was amazed with how much of a workout I could get in just 30 minutes per session. The nutritional guidance was helpful and the guidelines are realistic and sustainable beyond the initial trial period of the program. I also liked the team aspect of the workouts. Despite the fact that the women were of varying ages and fitness levels, everyone enthusiastically participated and supported each other during the workouts. Keeping the groups small also provided more individualized coaching.
Laurel O’Connor
Sirens got me off my plateau and took me to the next level of fitness. I started Sirens being fit and eating well. Six weeks later I am fitter and healthier than I have ever been. That is quite an accomplishment at 46! The fitday food log made me accountable for everything I ate, and as a result I cut out all the junk I don’t need. My energy level is more stable than ever. I no longer crash at 2 in the afternoon and crave empty carbs. The workouts are smart and efficient with a maximum workout in minimum time! I love the whole body approach of considering both exercise and nutrition as necessary for optimal health and fitness. It’s small group fitness which makes it affordable, yet highly individualized. Each of us is pushed to reach our personal best, whatever that may be. It’s a great approach for women looking to lose weight and get in shape for the first time, as well as for fit, healthy women wanting to take it to the next level, and every woman in between.
Karyn Schoen
I first heard about this program from a friend that was highly skeptical about losing weight when only having to have to work out 2 or 3 days a week. It sounded interesting so I signed up for the program too. I was also excited to have someone to attend the session with. I found women who were in far better shape than myself and yet, older than me. I was slightly intimidated by the first workout to see what we could “handle” on the machines and weights. I was very surprised that I tested on an “average level” with being this out of shape.
In the interview lecture on the fitday eating I was also very skeptical. When Jacques told us to ”eat more fat” and “don’t count calories”, that was completely unheard of. But I decided to go for it anyway, all other diets I had been trying before were obviously not working out so well.
Motivation is easy in the beginning when you change your diet. You want to do well and see results quickly. This is not that type of program; it takes time to lose the weight. This doesn’t happen overnight. I stuck to the fitday guidelines fairly strictly and attended my regular workouts “on time” (for fear that I would be dropped from the focus group…I’m NEVER on time for anything!). But this time, I had a coach that was cheering me on and I had never had that before. The workouts were very intense and I looked like I had a scorching sunburn at the end of every one of them my face was so red, but they were exactly what I needed. I couldn’t remember when I had a workout this great! I am hooked! On multiple occasions I wondered how I was going to walk to my car afterward; my legs were so wobbly from the workout!
We’re not always exactly motivated to give it our all when going to work out but after a few minutes and seeing people in the room who are 20 years my senior working just as hard, my mood quickly changes. I love the cheerleading of the other women as well as the coach in the room when you’re trying to push through it. Jacques continually encouraged us and reminded us that we would eventually start converting the fat to energy since we were not “spiking” our insulin levels with carbohydrates for energy as in the past.
Eventually, it worked. About 2 pounds a week is what I was told should happen and that is truly what I have lost. Six weeks later and 14 pounds closer to my goal, I feel great and have every intention of going all the way with this! If I can get through the workouts and stick with the fit day with this much weight to lose, anyone can.
This is a great program that has kept me motivated longer than any other exercise program I have ever participated in. The few times I’ve “slipped up’ with the fit day eating, I have quickly gotten back on track due to the accountability from Jacques. I would highly recommend this program to anyone else who is serious about feeling stronger and being in better shape.
Jennifer Loza
My experience with Sirens has been all about challenging myself; challenging myself to try new workouts, to change the way I eat, and to believe that I could succeed. I don’t like change and I was very doubtful that I could stick to a “program”. But the more I tried, the more satisfying it became to realize that I could do it. As a busy mom, I loved that the workouts were only 30 minutes. I also loved that they were 30 minutes of highly efficient and effective exercises. The nutritional advice I received and the support of the women in the group made this experience complete, worthwhile and fun! Thank you Jacques!
Sherri McNary
Being a part of Sirens has been incredibly positive for me. The personal attentions with the workouts and the nutrition aspect have been invaluable. Being a competitive tennis player, I have noticed a big difference on the court. I feel I have become much faster and explosive and my stamina has improved. The thirty minute workouts are very efficient and have been a perfect complement to my tennis. I have enjoyed the comradery of working out with other women. My 24 year old daughter did the program as well. It was fun seeing her progress and working out together. I look forward to continuing with Sirens!
Ashley McNary
Being involved with Sirens for the past 6 weeks has been an amazing experience. My strength and stamina have increased dramatically. The way Jacques has combined an efficient 30 minute workout with an individualized nutrition program has lead to amazing results. Jacques truly cares and will take the time to understand each woman and do what he can to help you succeed. I recommend Sirens to anyone who is looking for exceptional support in surpassing her fitness and health goals.
Annie Battles
Sirens is a holistic, extremely educational class. I learned to build strength through various fast-paced intervals and routines, and can feel the difference in my running. Even more beneficial was the nutritional education we received. I am now much more aware of what foods will keep me energized, sustained, and fit. The experience was so positive and encouraging; I looked forward to the class each week.
Dayna Jordan
I was a carbaholic but in a healthy way! Quinoa, endless fruits, lentils, and the list goes on, 220-240 grams a day. Weight has been steady for years and overal stamina and strength great. Joined Sirens to do something with a group of women and only a 30 minute workout. Jacques has assisted in fine tuning the eating habits and surprise!!! 150 grams of carbs is my set eating plan, still 2000-2200 calories a day. I cut all strength training during the 6 weeks, except for Sirens twice a week just stuck with my running for September marathon.
Great strength gains which have over lapped into speed improvements and fitness overall. Have lost weight without that being a focus. Plain and simple, Sirens has offerred great benefits. I plan to keep it up and see what I can accomplish the rest of the year and keep feeling great. Thanks Jacques!
Jill Hall
I came into Sirens a little hesitant, 1) because I already have a gym membership and go there regularly and 2) I was very comfortable in my workout routine and I thought I was very fit.
I knew I had made a great decision during my first workout at Sirens. It was unlike anything I had ever done and the duration (short) of the workout was very appealing. The group atmosphere really made the workout fun. I also really liked the way the nutritional tracking was added into my plan. This was a real eye-opener for me. I think I may have easily been eating 300-400 carbs a day! I was really motivated by the follow up from Jacques, he kept me wanting to achieve higher.
Seeing the improvements that I made with each workout along with my increased levels of energy and strength was very encouraging, and made me want more.
I was still keeping my normal routine of exercise while I was involved with the Sirens workout. Between my classes at the gym, walking the dog and Sirens, I was putting in 12-16 hours a week of training. I feel so much better eating fewer carbs and more protein. My diet had been the complete opposite before Sirens. Although I have not lost too much weight, I have gone down more than one pant size and my arms have much more definition. Yea! I plan to continue with Sirens and truly encourage anyone to try this program.
Kristen Battles
I would like to give two thumbs up for the newly launched Sirens exercise program for women. I found the workouts to be challenging, fun and expertly coached. The classes were individualized toward each participant, they were small (6 women or less) and the coaching was extremely helpful. In addition, I appreciated the encouragement to fill out the Fitday log and turn it in after which we received feedback regarding our diet and how to improve it based on our nutritional goals. Now I am much more conscience of what I eat and how each food makes me feel (good or bad). I believe I have made positive changes to my diet that will last a lifetime.
After 6 weeks in this program, I know that physically I am much stronger, firmer and also running better (my competitive sport). I believe that Sirens would be a great compliment to my training and help to prevent injuries which are so common with runners.
I would definitely recommend Sirens to women of all abilities because of the individualized and knowledgeable coaching. Thank you so much for a great experience!
Dianne Johnson
I have never considered myself an athlete. I had asthma as a child and never really learned to push myself physically. I hadn’t set foot in a gym in more than 10 years. Although I didn’t really have a weight problem since I had always managed my weight through diet, I definitely felt that I needed to increase my strength and stamina so the SIRENS program came along at a perfect time for me. The combination of intense workouts and the additional nutritional education has me able to eat more and I have definitely improved my strength and tone. It amazes me that in only two half hour sessions per week I have seen such results.
I will never be a hard core athlete, but I am proud of the gains I have made, grateful for the expertise, and am excited to continue on. Thank you, Jacques!
Dawn Schroeder
Top Ten Reasons has worked for me!
1. Sirens is a diet and exercise program combined together
2. There is one focus in diet – carbs
3. No counting calories or fat
4. The exercise can be done in 30 mins
5. The exercise is challenging and hard
6. It meets the bone density need for women to lift weights
7. It brought a new level of awareness to me about the foods I was eating.
8. I lost weight without trying!
9. My energy is better than ever! I feel strong!
10. This is not a fad! This is sustainable for life!
Jill Hall
I came into Sirens a little hesitant. 1. Because I already have a gym membership and go there regularly and 2. I was very comfortable in my routine and I thought I was very fit.
I knew I had made a great decision during my first workout at Sirens. It was unlike anything I had ever done and the duration (short) of the workout was very appealing. The group atmosphere really made the workout fun. I also really liked the way the nutritional tracking was added into my plan. This was a real eye-opener for me. I think I may have easily been eating 300-400 carbs a day! I was really motivated by the follow-up from Jacques, he kept me wanting to achieve higher.
Seeing the improvements that I made with each workout along with my increased levels of energy and strength was very encouraging and made me want more. I was still keeping my normal routine of exercise while I was involved with the Sirens workout. Between my classes at the gym, walking the dog, and Sirens, I was putting in 12-16 hours a week of training.
I feel so much better eating fewer carbs and more protein. My diet had been the complete opposite before Sirens. Although I have not lost too much weight, I have gone down more than one pant size and my arms have much more definition. Yea! I plan to continue with Sirens and truly encourage anyone to try this program.
Cathy Conried
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I appreciated your program. Although I have only had the opportunity to participate for a short time I have already noticed the improvement in my strength and body shape. Jacques you are a terrific coach. Your enthusiasm and guidance in our sessions kept me focused and determined. Your staff was always professional and organized. I look forward to participating with Sirens in the future.
Thank you for all your encouragement and expertise.
