Gold’s Gym West Covina Member Spotlight: Maribel Contreras

Gold’s Gym Fullerton Member Profile: Q&A Interview with Darna Magpayo

On a hot summer day in 2013, Darna was sitting at friend’s wedding with a sweater on to hide her arms. Watching everyone else dance and have fun, Darna’s feet hurt. On medication for several weight-related health problems, Darna cringed as her husband introduced “his beautiful wife.” She didn’t feel beautiful, and she hated feeling like she couldn’t enjoy life with her family.

After being challenged by a friend to make a change, she visited Gold’s Gym Fullerton. A trainer offered her a free session. Figuring she had nothing to lose but weight, Darna got started on her fitness journey. She won the 2016 Gold’s Challenge, trimming down to the healthy 120 pounds she never thought she could reach.

Today Darna proudly wears a size 4 and her kids call her a “beast” instead of “obese.” She shared these insights from her journey.

Q: What role has Gold’s Gym Fullerton played in your fitness journey and why do you love it?

Darna: I love how nice and friendly the staff is. I love how all the trainers are happy to help and share their knowledge. Gold's Gym Fullerton plays a huge role in my fitness. Most weekday mornings you can find me at the gym. I schedule workouts like doctor’s appointments. They are not optional, they are for my health.

The support I feel from the staff and the trainers is amazing. My trainer keeps me accountable and makes sure I show up. My friends that I brought there and the friends that I've made there are so much fun to be with. It's totally part of my life now and I love my Gold's Gym Family!

Q: Why did you take the Gold’s Challenge? What was the hardest and best part of the 12 week program?

Darna: I took the Gold's Gym Challenge for the free t-shirt and two free training sessions!  Who knew it would lead to all this!?!? I love the Gold's Gym Challenge because it's twelve weeks...short enough so you can stay committed and give it your all because it's just twelve short weeks, but long enough to make the changes you made during The Challenge a part of your lifestyle.

I remember there were two separate weekends during the challenge where I came back on Monday and I had gained weight. I remember walking through the doors and my trainer seeing me and knowing right away that I didn't stay on track over the weekend. During those times I was totally grateful that I had the challenge to keep me on track.

The best part of The Challenge are the results that I got from it. I feel strong and healthy now. I feel like I can be the "beautiful wife" that my husband introduces me as. I feel like I can be the best mom to my kids as I run around and stay active with them.

Q: What motivates you? What are your favorite workouts or exercises?

Darna: I really enjoy working out with my trainer. I love that I can just check out of all the busy things that are going on around me and after an hour, feel refreshed and stronger. The same goes for the group exercise classes. I really like Strength PiYo right now because I feel like I have a strong core and I'm becoming more flexible. I also started boxing recently. I love boxing.

There are always things that I think I could improve on. My new trainer is trying to teach me how to be more aware of which muscles are being worked on and how many pounds I'm using. I also keep my before and after pictures with me wherever I go to remind myself that every choice I make can pull me back towards my before or keep me happily in my after.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their fitness or take the Gold’s Challenge?

Darna: I think it's very important to figure out your goal, and most importantly, figure out your WHY. A goal is important because it gives you direction and something to work towards. The goal should be measurable and attainable. And then you have to figure out your WHY. You need a reason to be going after your goal. There are going to be days that are tough. During those times, you have to remember your WHY. 

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