Client Spotlight: Stacey Stillwell

This month we are celebrating a major milestone with our Client Spotlight on Stacey Stillwell, who has just reached her 100-pound weight loss goal. A full-time working wife and mother of three kids, Stacey began her journey this February, seven months after having her third baby and being completely stagnant for about six years. “The only movement I was doing was putting food into my mouth,” she jokes, “so I majorly went from 0 to 60.” Not only did she begin immediately working out twice a day but she also dropped her calorie intake to 1200-1500 a day after years of “eating everything I wanted. I don’t even want to know the amount of calories I was consuming,” she says. But with striking dedication and the support of fellow Fusionistas, she was determined to improve her life--and did so in a big way.

Madelyn, Stacey, Jackson, Stacey, and Jakey

I sat down with Stacey at one morning at Starbucks and listened to her animated, humble tale in awe of her commitment and shoulder-shrugging attitude about conquering her cravings and making herself get out of bed at 4:30 each morning. “I just did what I had to do—no excuses,” she says, crediting her attitude and accomplishments to the women who helped her. “The support I have received is just unbelievable. I almost get embarrassed talking about it, how amazing all of these women have been,” she gushes. With constant laughter and excitement, her warm presence and devotion to her goal inspires not only weight-loss journeys, but her faithful persistence can be applied to any uphill climb in life. Read on for a story of complete determination and her revelation that “our bodies and our minds are capable of so much more than what we think—it’s all possible.”

Losing 100 pounds is incredible. Losing 100 pounds while working full time, being a wife and mother to three kids (Jackson, 8, Madelyn, 3, and Jakey, 15 months), and doing it basically on your own accord is just jaw-dropping. What motivated you to create this goal?
Honestly, I was at a breaking point. I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, and I was just plain and simply miserable with my weight. I was overwhelmed too—I had no idea where to start or what to do, and each day I would say okay this is it, today’s the day. But without direction I couldn’t do it and it was a cycle. Over the years I had lost 10 pounds here, gained 10 pounds there, but this was the first time in my life I was 100 pounds overweight. I knew I wanted to do something but I was lost on what it was.

"One of the two 'before' pics I had..."

Then one day I was at the salon with my friend Maureen Blount and I just broke down crying. I sobbed about being so uncomfortable in my own skin, never going out, never wanting to see anyone. I knew Maureen had recently lost 60 pounds after her third baby, and I wanted to know how she did it. (Maureen was an inaugural client of Shawna Wright and her successful WLBC/AmpCamps.) She said to me, “let’s start tomorrow,” and I was like, okay!

What was your plan?
Maureen was going to help me based on what she had learned at WLBC, so I was going into twelve workouts a week and drastically cutting down the calories I was consuming. We had a twelve week goal, and after that planned for me to join the next WLBC. We met every morning at her husband’s KC Sports Club, and she was also there for me anytime I needed support through texts and phone calls. I hadn’t worked out for over six years, but I saw her transformation and accomplishments, and I wanted that too. She also turned me onto the Lose It App and I started logging everything that went into my mouth. That thing has been a HUGE help for me.

So you literally changed your eating and exercise habits overnight. How did that feel?
Oh I was exhausted. And starving. And so sore. It was the biggest adjustment I had ever made, for sure. That first month was crazy and by far the toughest, trying to conform physically and mentally to this new lifestyle. I really think if it wasn’t for Maureen, I wouldn’t have kept at it. I was overwhelmed and didn’t believe I could do it—but she did. She had faith that I had this inside of me, and I truly didn’t believe that about myself then.

How did you cope with your unbelief in yourself--how did you manage your fear of failing?
You know, I didn’t think I could do it when I looked at it like, I have ONE HUNDRED POUNDS to lose. That number is so enormous and overwhelming, and I would say to myself, how is this even possible on top of my already busy schedule with the kids and husband and work? But Maureen really taught me to look at it one day at a time, one pound at a time, or one workout at a time. Some days I would even take it one hour at a time—give myself a pat on the back for lasting an hour and not caving to my junk food cravings. Because I was so used to eating all that crap I was craving it a lot in the beginning. But it was nice to celebrate my little victories, like lasting an hour without eating crap, or lasting an hour in the gym, or whatever. It was so helpful to acknowledge the little things that I was doing right. Because this huge goal that I accomplished was a combination of a lot of little things, a lot of baby steps.

Did you give yourself rewards for certain increments of this process?
Other than feeling good about myself and receiving the pride I was gaining from sticking to my plan, I decided that after I lost the first 20 pounds I would buy myself some cute workout pants to replace my sweats. I bought new workout stuff a lot as a reward because it was getting easier to shop for clothes and it motivated me to keep going on my goals. In the last few years, I rarely ever shopped for clothes. When I made the switch to the plus size section, I would quickly get in and get out, grabbing whatever I grabbed. I had like five outfits in rotation because I was so uncomfortable. Now I love shopping. I have dropped 7 dress sizes; even my feet have shrunk!


"...here's the other one--I hated being in pictures."

You said you had never been 100 pounds overweight—what do you think led you to that point?
Ah…it was just me gradually not taking time for myself and not really caring about what I ate. I used to love working out, in fact, I met my husband (also named Stacey) at 24 Hour Fitness where he worked and I was a client. I used to take all kinds of classes and genuinely enjoyed being active. Ten years ago I was probably in the best shape of my life. But then, you know, the years went by, we got married, we had three children, and I just got comfortable. Plus, when we had our first son Jackson, as a new mom I felt guilty if I would choose to leave him so I could workout, like I didn’t have the right to do that or something. I didn’t want to be away from him. So the pounds just slowly started coming. Then two more kids and the fact that it wasn’t just baby weight I had during my pregnancies--I wasn’t losing the original baby weight so it all kept adding up.  Plus, it just felt easier to do what I was doing. I was eating crap, not moving, not doing anything for myself, and putting everyone else’s needs in front of my own. So it all kept stacking on.

Was your family on board with your decision to set this major goal?
Oh yes. My husband is a cardio kick-boxing teacher at Ringside and has his black belt in Karate, so its helpful that his lifestyle involves fitness. He was also all for our food changes at home, and would do his best to “sneak” his junk food from me so he wouldn’t tempt me. (Like a lot of men, he can splurge whenever he wants and still keep his six pack..not fair!) He has been extremely supportive and loving through all of this, from the weight gain to that first day of working out, to now. The great thing is he has never been pushy or made me feel bad about myself. He knew I was gaining the weight, obviously, and knew that I was unhappy. But he also knows fitness is a personal journey for everyone, and we each have to get the point of choosing to do something different.

Did you ever workout with him?
I’ve been to some of his classes, and he actually came to a Fusion class with me which was fun. But working out with your husband can get a little heated at times, like “don’t tell me to go faster!” “I know what I’m doing!” etc. So we don’t do it regularly. It’s funny because Sadie and Darby push me all the time in classes, and I was literally afraid of Maureen (in a good way) when we first started, but with Stacey, it’s like, I don’t think so!




Kristin Brinkman, Maureen, and Stacey

Two of your kids are too young to know what’s going on, but what about Jackson (8)? Has he noticed any changes in mom?
Actually, he was another huge reason that I knew I needed to make a change. Not that he would ever point it out to me in a negative way, but as he grew older I realized that he was beginning to notice more physical things, like that I was bigger than most of the other moms. That didn’t hurt my feelings for myself so much, but hurt me in the understanding that the choices I was making affected him in a way I hadn’t quite realized. One of my greatest moments in this was watching his face as I passed by him when I was running through the finish line in my first 5K. My husband brought the kids out to watch me do this amazing thing, something I NEVER thought I would do eight months ago. Ever. And I saw the look of awe and pride on Jackson’s face as he watched his mom do this big race with all these people, and it just made me realize how happy I am to not only do this for my health, but to show my kids the importance of living a healthy life. Their eating habits have changed along with mine, and I love teaching them to reach for a fruit or veggie before they go for chips or cookies. I mean, everything in moderation, but they know now to look for the healthy thing first.

Yes, aside from your workouts, your diet also had a major overhaul. What is your nutrition philosophy now?
Along with the WLBC guidelines, I started counting my calories and aimed for 1200-1500 a day. In the beginning it was all I could do to stay under 1500, and I felt starving all the time. I was just so used to eating whenever and whatever I wanted before. There were many nights I would go to bed with my stomach growling. But as with anything, I became accustomed to it and now I feel like I’m eating all the time and still hitting my goal, and feeling satisfied. The biggest change I’ve made regarding my eating has been learning to plan. If I can plan ahead, I feel way more in control and on top of my day, so I can relax and just eat what’s on my list.

What’s a typical day of eating like for you?  
Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, or plain oatmeal with PB2, or egg whites scrambled with veggies
Snack: string cheese or EAS protein shake
Lunch: turkey wrap on Flat-Out’s wraps with low-cal cheese, or grilled chicken, with a piece of fruit
Snack: almonds, Dt. Coke (although I have been continually encouraged to give up Dt. Coke, I’m like no way! I’ve given up everything else, I’m keeping this!)
Dinner: grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or fish. Tons of veggies. Noodles or rice for the kids, but I try to avoid them because carbs are a big trigger for me…once I pop I can’t stop, lol.

So you pre-pack your meals and snacks for work?
Yes. I get a little overwhelmed if I have too much freedom with food, so it’s easy, quick, and satisfying for me to have yummy, healthy choices with me. I mean, I still live in the real world and go out to eat at times, but I can always stay on track by planning ahead. If I’m going out to lunch with clients, I check the restaurant’s online menu before I go so I know what I can eat, and then I can relax and enjoy myself. And like last week, we had a pizza party at my son’s school. So I came prepared by ordering their light pizza and knowing exactly the amount I could eat. It’s not like I can bring my little lunch box everywhere. 



"At my 100-pound goal--who needs junkfood?!"

Do you ever have days where you just want to say F* it and pull through McDonald’s?
Well ya, some days are harder than others, but I am happy to say I have not once gone to McDonald’s. Really, I look at whatever I’m craving and I ask myself, is that brownie really worth the two minutes of enjoyment? Did I get up at 4:45am to sweat my butt off and ruin it with this? Most of the time the answer is no way. I have come so far from how I felt less than a year ago. I do not ever, I will never, go back to feeling that way. Sometimes I’m terrified of feeling that way again, and I know myself that if I give in here and there, my old habits are ready and waiting to take over and I’m not having it. It was harder in the beginning, but once I started hitting certain milestones, like running for a full minute, doing regular pushups, etc., it gave me something to lean on and know I was making progress. Those mile-markers were huge for me, and all the new mile-markers I'm hitting continue to keep me motivated in the face of temptation.

What about the mornings when it’s dark outside, you’re tired, you’re sore, and the last thing you want to do is get up and go to the gym. What do you tell yourself?
I listen to the days when my body just says no, but for the most part once I’m up and running I feel so much better, my mind gets cleared, and it helps me start the day in a good mood. But the biggest source of motivation for me has been the amazing women I workout with. Both in the gym and at Fusion I’ve found this community of women dedicated to being healthy, so we all keep each other in check and knowing they’ll be calling me if I don’t show up gets me out of bed on those mornings. We call it our “love fest” of us all in different stages of weight-loss, inspiring each other to keep pushing, motivating each other with our accomplishments, and spending fun, healthy time together. If it was just me doing it alone, I really don’t know if I would have done all this. If I could have. And the way Maureen intimidated me in the beginning, I don’t know if she would have let me!

Speaking of Fusion, when did you start coming to classes?
For the first three months of this journey I was doing my 2-a-day-workouts at the gym, and the plan Maureen and I had was for me to join the next WLBC at Fusion starting in April. However, right about that time I had been diagnosed with stress fractures in both legs, and my orthopedic doc said if I went ahead with the camp I would be back to him in a month getting casts on both of my legs. (Like I said, I went from 0 to 60 and my legs were taking the brunt of the hard work!) I was a woman on a mission, and it was really disappointing that I couldn’t follow the plan I had been set on since February. But I was allowed to do alternatives, like swimming, the elliptical, and modified Fusion classes. I swear if Fusion hadn’t been there for me during that time, I probably would have given up from pure boredom. Fusion kept me having fun, and I was still able to sweat my ass off while I nursed my legs back to health for about two months. Now at least one of my daily workouts is a Fusion class, if not both.

What keeps you coming to Fusion?
Well I’ll tell you, I was very intimidated when I first walked in in my sweats and baggie t-shirt. I saw all these cute little bods in these cute little clothes, and it was hard at first. But I had Maureen with me, and after being introduced to a lot of the instructors and other clients, I was blown away by how welcoming and positive everyone was. People here are all about being healthy, and they are excited to do what they can to help anyone who comes through the doors. Plus the classes are fun, always challenging, and motivating. I had done all types of group exercise and had never experienced anything like it. It took me a second to get used to the constant pace and no-break deal, but now I love it. I told Darby once that I wish I could get to the point of making it through one class without stopping, and she was like “well I hope not because then you won’t want to come here anymore!”

Darby is full of inspiration. How has she helped you through the journey?
She is just such an amazing person, so dedicated to what she does. She (and the other instructors) are always in a good mood, ready to have fun and make us sweat like maniacs, so we just naturally emulate the excitement as students. I was hitting a plateau near the end of my weight loss when I had like ten more pounds to go, and Darby really helped me stay positive. She told me if I get stressed out and negative about the struggle, my body will internalize it and make it even harder. She helped me play with my daily calorie count and workout intensity levels to kind of trick my body into shedding those last ten pounds. And it worked!

Aside from the weight-loss, what happened to your high blood pressure and other health problems you faced just eight months ago?
They have completely disappeared! I have absolutely NONE of the dangerous levels I had before. My doctor is so happy with me. I know it sounds cliché but before, I was living to eat, and I truly am eating to live now. Such a drastic difference, but it is definitely mirrored in the changes I’ve seen and felt in my body.

"My 'after' pic, in my HARD EARNED reward--my Lulu outfit :)"

So besides your major physical health improvements, what has changed about your mental health?
In general I just feel so much happier. Not only because I lost weight or I look different now, but I feel different. I have energy, inspiration, goals. One of the big things I’ve noticed about myself is that I’m now much more assertive with my feelings and what I want to accomplish. My confidence has grown. I truly don’t even recognize myself back then. My body was telling me I needed to change, and I feel proud that I listened to it. I feel forever grateful to Maureen for pushing me because I would probably still be the same had she not taken me under her wing and believed in me.

Now that you have turned the tables in a way, you are able to offer your guidance to others the way Maureen helped you. What would you say to a woman in similar shoes to yours 8 months ago?
First of all, I would say call me, I will meet you for a workout. I would tell her it’s completely possible to reach your goals even though it feels so overwhelming. You’re talking about making life-changing habits out of what once was foreign--it’s scary--but if you have a support system and you take it one day at a time, even one minute at a time, you can really do anything. You have to make your life about taking care of you. Making time for yourself. Putting fitness and nutrition at the top of your priority list, and making your health non-negotiable. And remember it’s all a series of baby steps. Don’t get discouraged in thinking you have to make this drastic leap—you can look back when it’s all over to see the distance you’ve covered, but you have got to focus now on putting one foot in front of the other.

In all the Spotlights, I like to ask women about how they retain their confidence in a culture consumed with seeking physical perfection. You have an especially interesting view because you have recently gone through a major change, inside and out—how do you feel about positive self-esteem?
I think there is a huge amount of competition out there, but a ton of it is coming from within ourselves! So that’s half the battle, realizing the way you talk to yourself and compare yourself with others. I compare myself with her, she compares herself to me—on our outfits, the cars we drive, the jobs we have. I have to decide who the best ME is, and then be comfortable with that. You can always strive to want more. Be skinnier, make more money, be the best mom. But you will drive yourself crazy, because there’s always going to be someone more something than you. It’s comparing apples to oranges. You just have to find where you are most confident and comfortable, and accept it and ROCK IT.

After this major accomplishment, do you think you’ll stay on the same fitness and nutrition regime?
Well, I still have about 20 pounds I want to lose, and honestly, I enjoy the way I workout and eat now. It was a complete lifestyle change, so there’s no going back to where I was. Will I continue to workout 12 times a week? Ya,  probably somewhere between 8 and 12. Where I’m at right now is working really well for me—I have more energy and am really enjoying it more than anything. Once I get to my final goal I’m willing to tailor it down a little bit. But this is me now, it's not like well I've reached this goal now back to what I was doing. No--what I was doing did not work so I changed my entire lifestyle. This is my lifestyle now. I love it!

The Fun 5

Favorite Restaurant: MNS Grill--love their salmon. Also a big fan of Mr. Gyros and their grilled chicken plate.

Favorite place to drink glass of wine: I’m not a big drinker, but I will say my absolute fave place for a cup of coffee is Starbucks—I’m a total junkie. But, rather than what I used to get every single day (a total calorie bomb), I now allow myself one healthier drink per week so it’s still my little treat. (On our Starbucks date Stacey stayed impressively dedicated, sipping on an ice water, completely at ease surrounded by all the other people drinking their treats.) 

Inspiring book: Honestly, I have been looking to my friends for inspiration on this journey. Maureen, of course, the girls at Fusion, and the WLBC’ers. Shawna, the original WLBC'er, has been behind me this whole time, and without her none of this ever would have happened, from me to Maureen to all the other women. What she did with her own weight loss journey, and now spreading the love and belief to all of us is truly amazing. She genuinely wants people to be healthy and be the best versions of themselves--she is a huge inspiration to me. Allison Arbuckle Taylor started WLBC about two weeks before me, so watching her and her 60-pound loss has always kept me pushing harder too. I could go on and on...it's a huge love fest, like I said!

Beauty advice you like: (Laughing) I grew up in a house with four brothers, so you can pretty much mark this on the calendar that I’m wearing makeup. But the thing that comes to mind is drinking lots of water. I keep a jug at my desk and fill it up continually throughout the day…it helps with bloating, food choices, and just a healthy look overall.

I find my confidence in…: Getting stronger every day.



Stacey (second from right) and the other proud, dedicated WLBC'ers after one of their hard-core workouts this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client Spotlight: Jen Greenstreet

With the weather (finally) cooling off, laying in bed for a little longer may sound more appealing than gearing up for the gym. Luckily, with Fusion’s Dream BodyDVD, you can get the best of both worlds and do your workout from home after a relaxing morning. (You’ll even see some of the regulars in the video!) This month our Client Spotlight is on the woman behind Dream Body and fellow fusionista,
Jen Greenstreet.

Jen has been a client at Fusion for over three years now, loving the “dedicated community of clients, the inspiration, the positivity, the cute clothes, the amazing teachers, the style, the pumpin’ music and the absolutely explosive energy. And of course, results, results, results! I originally came with two of my friends whom I admire, Emily Eckles and Natalie Hartman, and I was hooked.”

How did you get involved with the Dream Body Workout?

As I became more and more addicted to Fusion, Darby and I began to get to know each other and chat about my various projects and her idea to do a video. I worked with her to develop the base concept of bringing the Fusion experience that she has created to the screen and into people’s homes; the style, community, intensity, results, philosophy, and FUN that keep us all coming back for more. I scripted it, helped put together the cast and crew, directed the shoots, and helped edit it. It was a blast! Darby and I have been friends for a few years now, and her dedication to her business is truly inspiring. Plus, she is such an amazing woman, great friend and mom, and I was honored to be a part of expanding her already booming business.

Your other “various projects” include being CEO of the NonProfit Corporation, Just Like You. Tell us about it.

After eight years as an attorney at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, I decided to shift my career focus to filmmaking and found myself working on short films for kids with unique circumstances such as burn injuries, cancer, and Down Syndrome. I write, direct, and produce films for Just Like You, and I’ve also worked on an Emmy Award winning short comedy web series, an action film, and two feature length screen plays. I did Dream Body with my production company, Waking Up Films.

So as a wife, mother of three (Whitney, 16, Collin, 15, and Tiernan, 6), and CEO, you definitely stay busy. What’s a typical day like for you?

Aside from keeping tabs on my kids, depending on where I’m at in a project my time is usually spent writing, planning or directing shoots, or editing footage. I also love tennis and golf, and of course working out at Fusion. Which, by the way, helps me a lot when I’m playing sports because of the endurance I’ve learned in class. Recently, my USTA tennis team advanced all the way to the National Tournament in Tucson, AZ. I really think I was able to mentally and physically hang in on some tough singles matches because of my work in Fusion. When I was hot and tired and reaching for the will to serve one more ball, I just thought to myself...this is just like doing 10 more pushups in Fusion. If I can do it there, I can do it here. So inspiring!

What’s something you enjoy about being a mom?

There are so many things I love. I guess my favorite is whenever we can find completely relaxed time to hang out together, usually on weekends or vacation. When there are no “have-tos” and we can just be together and enjoy each other. It’s so nice.

With your busy schedule and all of your “have-tos”, you still find the time for fitness. Why is it important to you?

Feeling fit elevates every part of my life. It gives me more energy and confidence. It makes me a happier person, which makes my relationships with my family, friends, my work…everything better. I don’t know if this is a proven fact or what, but I definitely feel like I don’t get sick as often and I am just overall healthier when I work out.

Do you stick to a healthy diet also?

I try to eat as cleanly as possible, focusing on organic and locally grown foods. I also try to eat only as much as I need to feel satisfied, and just say no seconds, desserts, fried foods, and carbs as much as I can. But it’s SO hard!! Sometimes I’ll use the Lose It! App, not so much to count calories but to hold myself accountable for what I’m putting in my mouth.

Do you have a weakness to splurging on anything?

I LOVE a great bottle of wine or a fun cocktail on a girl’s night out. Which inevitably leads to my other favorite splurge the next day...onion rings! But then I just get back to my staples; Fusion, Lose It!, and only eating when I’m hungry and stopping when I’m full.

Jen, Bill, Whitney and Collin

You said working out helps you feel confident and healthy; how do you remain strong when our culture frequently focuses on outer appearances rather than who we really are?  

In my profession I’m well aware of how images can be manipulated to look smoother, flatter, younger. Because of that, when I’m looking at “beauty” images, I concentrate more on the clothes and hair, etc., rather than the body images. Mentally, I focus a lot on the power of my intention when I’m feeling a little shaky in the confidence department. I try to be as present as possible, feel my feet on the ground and the love in my heart and remind myself that all I can do every day is send my love out to the world and that’s enough. “Send the love” is the mantra I seem to always fall back on. With my kids, I like to remind them that we love them for who they are on the inside, not for what they do or how they look. I love them for just being. My husband Bill is also an amazing source of inspiration to me and is so supportive in everything I do, which of course helps me be free to be me.

You guys love to travel together. Where do you like to go?

I am addicted to traveling. I feel like there is just so much beauty in the world, and it’s so inspiring to see the places, meet the people, and just experience it. We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and went with our best friends Robb and Amber Heineman, to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, and Paris. It was like a fairy tale. We also love vacationing where we can surf…we aren’t very good at it but we love it. Our latest surfing adventure was on the Oregon coast at Cannon Beach. It was cold but awesome!

Do you do any other exercise when traveling?

I always try to work out, but sometimes there are just too many sights to see. I love taking Dream Body with me and doing it on my computer…Emily Eckles and I recently did it on a pier in the British Virgin Islands. So Fun!

What are some of your favorite things to do around Kansas City?  

KC has an amazing tennis community with teams and leagues through Tencap and USTA that are fun and competitive. Our city is also full of beautiful golf courses. I love to hit the links with my girls or my hubby. My oldest daughter is also really fun to play golf with, too. Other than that, my husband, friends, and I enjoy Sporting KC games.

 

What would you do with a day all to yourself?

I would get a work out in, and probably try to meditate. Massage. Pedi. I'd love unfettered writing time…the list goes on and on....

The Fun Five

Favorite Restaurant: Urban Table. I love their breakfast and lunch...they have great lattes and turkey bacon (well done). The Jax salad is my favorite lunch!

Favorite place to drink a glass of wine: Capital Grille, especially on cold snowy days.

Inspiring book: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

Beauty advice you’d recommend: I like to remember that real beauty is in your expression...what is coming from the inside makes the outside radiate. The one I probably end up skipping the most is getting my beauty sleep J

I find my confidence in… sending my love, being present, and trying my best in everything I do.

 

 

 

 

Client Spotlight: Emily Baldwin

This month we’re focusing our attention on Emily Baldwin. You may recognize her from her red hair or her bright blue pants she sports once in a while, and if you’ve worked on your Dream Body, you have seen her in that sweat-tastic video. Pop into a Standard Style and you may see her there too, as she and her husband Matt opened the boutiques in 2003.This busy mama of three is a regular here at Fusion, and we sat down with her to get the deets on how she manages her fitness and nutrition on top of everything else.

You have three kids, Henley 7, Rogan 5, and Rivington 2. What’s one thing you enjoy about being their mom?
I love every stage. I love to watch how unique they each are and understand how we can parent, teach them, and grow them individually.

What is a typical day like for you? 
I either start with a run or Fusion to set myself up for a successful day. Then precious moments with the babies in some capacity. And then on to work which for me includes managing public relations, events, marketing, buying for all women’s products, designing our magazine, planning sales/buying plans, and creative directing. I also still love working with clients on the floor and in their own closets…my time is split doing a variety of projects.

Tell us about the boutique your husband and you own, Standard Style.
We had an opportunity to move to Kansas City in the summer of 2003, and opened our first location at Town Center Plaza that October. It was perfect because after going to KU and then living in Breckenridge, LA, San Diego, and Vail, we knew we wanted to raise our kids in the Midwest. I have always been interested in fashion and worked around clothing, and Matt attended FIDM in LA for Apparel Manufacturing. We were so excited to open the first men’s and women’s boutique in Kansas City. After TCP proved successful, our next store opened on the Country Club Plaza in 2006.

Your line, Baldwin Denim, has blown through the roof recently. How did it begin?
After selling denim day after day Matt realized a niche that wasn’t being met, so we launched Baldwin Denim in 2009. We are now in 54 specialty stores as well as Barney’s and Nordstrom for fall. The Baldwin men’s shop was just named the Best Place to Buy Denim Period by GQ Magazine. It’s doing really well!

What do you guys like to do for fun?
I love spending quality time with my kids and friends and typically have people over several times throughout the week to hang out at our pool. Matt and I love style and culture so for us it’s usually discovering new restaurants or events in all the cities we are in. I am in LA every month and NYC often so I love having the balance of raising my kids in the Midwest and having a slower pace of life to return to. I really appreciate the people here…I have amazing friends and amazing clients.

What are some of your favorites here in KC?
A few of the places we love and frequent are Westport Café & Bar, Harry’s Country Club, Reiger Hotel, Gram & Dun, and Le Fou Frog. We’re also excited about the new Port Fonda restaurant opening where we designed the uniforms. I like taking out of town guests to the Nelson, and giving them a tour of our stores. If there is live music we always plan ahead to get there. We usually end up at someone’s house though, where our kids can run around while we get quality adult time.

Being a wife, mom, and business owner, how do you keep fitness as a top priority?
It’s about my only me-time, plus it gives me energy, endurance, and a better attitude. I was a competitive swimmer and dancer growing up, so I have always liked to work out. I have done yoga, pilates, kickboxing, and cardio classes before I found Fusion, but now it’s either Fusion or running for me. When you hit your mid 30’s you really realize you are entering a season where your body has changed after having kids. I desire to always grow in all aspects of life, so my motivation comes from wanting to be better across the board. I like pushing myself to stay educated, fit, and healthy. I want to live life to the fullest so exercise is just a part of that for me.


How did you get started with Fusion?
When I was 8 months pregnant with Rivington, I heard a couple of people talking about it so I tried it out and have been hooked ever since. I love how different it is every time and that I can get a total body workout in one hour. Plus the instructors are amazing and so are the girls that come here. If I didn’t have Fusion, I’d be driving around to a bunch of different places continually seeking what I get here!

What was your experience like filming the Dream Body DVD?
It was wonderful and exhausting at the same time. I love always having new experiences so this was definitely one I had never participated in. It’s a hard workout!

How do you stay on top of your nutrition?
Just in the past few years have I really started to pay attention to and prioritize my nutrition. At this point I try to avoid gluten, dairy, and sugar. I had an allergy test that showed my specific allergies and it was interesting seeing the impact on our lives of the things we eat regularly. I try to eat a variety of protein and carbs but focus mainly on eating from the source. I eat lots of greens and fish. I juice at least once a day and limit caffeine intake. I drink lots of water throughout the day. I’m not opposed to the occasional cheat though...I’m not that hard on myself.

What do you think is the most important aspect to eating healthy?
Getting in the routine. Once you start eating clean the unclean stuff just doesn’t taste as good. Your palette changes after 21 days so once you get over that hump you can taste a difference. I have splurge days here and there, but I at least try and squeeze in a heftier workout that day. When you have a hectic lifestyle sometimes the greatest reward is to lie around and eat, so I give in once in a while. With three kids, I find planning ahead is key, and I also talk to my friends who eat healthy for ideas of kid-friendly foods. I try not to buy junk food because if it’s not around, we won’t eat it!

The Fun 5

Favorite Restaurant: Westport Cafe & Bar

Best place to drink a glass of wine: Le Fou Frog

Beauty advice I'd like to pass on: I love my Clarisonic!

Inspiring book: The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

I find my confidence in: Who I have become as a woman. Also being content with who I am as an individual and not worrying about others.

If you see Emily around Fusion, give her a big smile and introduce yourself. Fusion is more than just a workout, it's a place to socialize and bond with like-minded women. Happy sweating!

Client Spotlight: Laurie Morrissey

Looking around a typical Fusion class, I'm always wondering about the women around me. We all share the same hard-working, determined bond as we push our way through an hour and congratulate each other as we wipe the sweat from our faces and mats when it's all over. From whatever our daily lives bring us each at home, it's always nice to see the same smiles and feel the support here at Fusion. So we can all get to know each other a little better, we will be featuring Spotlights on Clients too; here's our May gal, Laurie Morrissey. As Director of Sales and Marketing for 435 South Magazine, she is also in charge of Marketing and PR here at Fusion. From spreading the love of her favorite workout to letting loose with her girlfriends, this mother of three is one busy Fusionista.

Laurie with her babies Maddie 8, Bo 5, and Lily Jane 4

When did you start coming to Fusion?
After 7 weeks on bedrest before the birth of my third baby, you can imagine what my body looked and felt like. That was 4 years ago right when I heard about the opening of Fusion, and I have been addicted ever since.

I hear a lot of people speak of the genuine love and in your case, addiction to Fusion. What is it for you that makes it so special here?
It's truly my happy place. I love the music, the energy in a packed class, and pushing myself with all these crazy moves the awesome Fusion ladies come up with for every class. It amazes me that after 4 years they are still making every class different! I love them! Plus I not only get my workout, but my kids and I also appreciate the social time. They have fun going to their "camp" for the day in childcare, and I get to catch up with friends before and after class. Sometimes it may be all the adult interaction I get during the day!

Laurie and her hubby Rob

How did you get started with the Marketing for Fusion?
I quickly hit it off with all things Fusion, and have been helping with Marketing, Branding, Overall PR, and Events ever since. I am proud that I get to help, but really all the credit goes to Darby for creating such an amazing place to make all of our bodies look better than ever! It's easy for me to promote a place that I love so much. I really do believe in it 100% so it's natural for me to want to make Fusion as successful as possible.

So as a wife, mom of three, and full-time Director at a successful magazine, you still find time to create events and promote Fusion. What is a typical day like for you?
(After a chuckle), trying to keep all the wheels on the road most of the time! I'm lucky to work from home and have flexibility, but I do find myself working early mornings or late evenings often.

What is a highlight of motherhood for you?
I had to work hard for my babies--lots of infertility issues--so it helps me be thankful for them every day. Even when they are totally driving me crazy, haha, it keeps me grounded. I love the chaos of lots of kids here playing and running around.

You've said Fusion is your "me-time," has fitness always been important to you?
Always. It just keeps the kinks out and I feel so much better after doing it everyday. It started when I taught aerobics in high school--think headband, shiny leggings, scrunchie and all! My dad is also a big inspiration to me. He is turning 70 next month and is more active than most 20-year-olds! I hope that kind of lifestyle will inspire my kids as much as it does me.

What about those days when you just don't want to work out--how do you motivate yourself?
I just think about that glass of wine, cookie, or whatever I had the night before and know I need to go sweat it out!

What do you do to keep your nutrition in check?
I try to keep healthy choices on hand, because working from home makes it just too easy to jump up and grab a handful of something from my "carb cupboard" as I like to call my kids' cracker/cereal stash. My sister makes fun of me, but I literally write notes to myself and stick them in there to remind me not to mindlessly graze. "Stop! Why are you eating that?!"--stuff like that.

Anything in particular you've adopted as a healthy choice to keep on hand?
I've lately been dashing Frank's hot sauce on hummus; it's super spicy and a great snack with sliced peppers or cucumbers. I also love greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder and Kashi for something sweet. I cannot wait for the Wednesday Farmer's Market to open right next to Fusion so I can just head right out of class and stock up on fresh veggies and fruit.

Fusion, friends, and vodka shots..what a way to ring in 40!

Aside from Fusion, family life, and work, what is another passion of yours?
I live for a fun night out with my friends!

If you had a day to do anything, and time and money were free, where would you be?
Oh, on a beach for sure. I'd start the day with great coffee and a healthy breakfast, then a long walk on the beach. Massage next, then a long nap in the sun, and a relaxing sunset view. Cocktails and dinner with friends and family, then dance the night away...

The Fun Five

Favorite Restaurant: Any new trendy hotspot in NYC! Or here in KC, it's Houston's for food and The Tavern for drinks.
Inspiring Book: I am big on magazines--435 South, Self, Shape, US Weekly, Women's Health, and Cooking Light are a few of my faves.
Best Place to Drink a Glass of Wine: My screened-in porch with friends and Rob, all the windows and doors open with music playing and the sounds of kids laughing on the trampoline in the background.
Beauty Advice I'd Like to Pass On: Lots of water and lots of sleep!
I Find My Confidence In...: Being the best mom, wife, and friend that I can be.

Catch Laurie in your next AM class and let her know you saw her Spotlight! There's something special about all of us Fusionistas...share the love and support one another. :)