“From FSD to PBA
It’s been 1.5 years since I started working out at Procore Fitness and training with Kasia. The picture on the left is me a couple months prior to that. It was taken at a horse show where my youngest daughter was riding. It was a crazy summer with Covid and I had begun working out on my own while we traveled to horse shows. While not shown above, that picture was taken of Mya on her horse with me and my Dad. There were several good pictures of my Dad and I and Mya gave those framed pictures to us for Christmas. I was feeling pretty good about myself till I saw those and thought “holy shit, I’m fat!” Yes I was wearing beer goggles, that just got removed. Well right before Christmas that year, Mya convinced me to come work out with Kasia. She had been working out with her and encouraged me to start working out. She was worried about my health but didn’t really say it. The first workout was hard and I was sweating and out of breath. But I decided to keep at it especially after taking a hard look at that picture. I started training with a Kasia 1 day a week and working out on my own 3 to 4 more days. I found the gym to be an encouraging place. Especially Kasia. She was and is direct, honest, and caring. She doesn’t mix words but she cares. I was getting more fit and feeling better, but not quite there yet. This past Christmas it was a year. And while I was better, I was still resisting. The January challenge was coming up and Kasia looked at me and said “you’re doing the challenge. I signed you up already!” There was no more room for excuses. Even when Covid put me out for almost the first 2 weeks. I followed the plan. It’s been several months since then and I’m continuing the journey. The pic on the right is me now. I’m down 6 inches in my waist, feeling great and now showing horses myself. The horse is thankful for the weight loss as well. My advice, don’t hesitate like I did. Tell Kasia how you’re feeling and your goals. Then shut up, listen and do. You won’t regret it. That’s my journey so far. I’ve gone from Fat Suburban Dad (FSD) to Potential Bad Ass (PBA). Next stop BA.” - Erik "My life changed when I decided to do a ProCore challenge in 2018. When I walked into ProCore I knew this was not your typical gym, it was a gym where people really cared and supported you. My one day a week training session turned into competing for the first time at age 46. This journey has allowed me to take control of my own body while being supported by the BEST of the BEST! Kasia pushed, supported, and taught me that anything is possible with the right support, hard work and determination." - Colleen I started working out at ProCoreFitness in December of 2022. At the time I was training MMA twice a week but was otherwise relatively inactive. Not long after I began, Kasia kept gradually pushing me harder to achieve my goals and help me attain greater levels of strength. Kasia was also very helpful in fixing my diet and keeping me energized and motivated throughout the day. When I started, I was at my heaviest, weighing around 265 pounds. Now, just a little over 8 short months later, thanks to the training regimen and support provided by Kasia and everyone else at ProCoreFitness I’ve managed to lose over 40 pounds and now sit around 223 pounds. My MMA sparring ability has also increased substantially thanks to my increased dexterity and stamina. ProCoreFitness is a great gym with a great community and owner. - Ryan "I started this journey about 15 months ago. I can’t say there was a specific reason, I just didn’t like how I looked or feeling tired all the time. I saw that one picture and thought if that is how people saw me, I couldn’t only imagine what they thought. I tried one gym for a couple months but decided to leave because the people there talked around me or just said nothing. It wasn’t a place I felt I wanted to stay.
My husband found ProCore and told me to give it a try. I could try it out for two weeks with no financial commitment, so why not. I worked with Kasia one day a week and started to come in other days on my own. I tried a few classes, got to know a few people that were there the same time I would go and started to look forward to going to the gym. I lost some weight, dropped some sizes in my clothes, but overall, just felt better. I never had a target number I wanted to hit but I knew what size I did not want my jeans to be. I did a food challenge and lost 16 pounds in six weeks by retraining myself on how to eat. My food scale is part of my daily meal prep and I now enjoy different ways to enjoy my greens. My journey is not done, I still go to the gym 4-5 days a week but 40 pounds in 15 months is a great start. I am thankful to those that helped me reach this milestone. I can say this is something I did for myself, and I deserved it." - Michelle “Where should I start?!?! ProCore became a household name when our daughter asked to join a gym after an injury. I felt she needed a personal trainer to help her get through recovery both physically AND mentally. Thanks to my friend Harthe, then a client of Kasia’s, the ProCore door opened up and has made a huge difference in our lives!
Kasia’s training supported her above and beyond just physical strength and healing.... she has gained confidence, mental well-being and is stronger than she will ever know! Since then, our daughter invited us to jump on board for the “ProCore difference”. I’ve gone from attending occasional classes to attending 3+/wk PLUS working w/ my own personal trainer, Harthe, at least 2/wk. I also completed Kasia’s New Year 30-day challenge and lost 16lbs in one month! My husband even lost weight through my participation and he trains w/ Kasia too! With a total of 25#’s lost, I realize I’ve gained more than just strength in return... I have gained friendships, a network of trainers, better health & wellness, and a gym to call “home.” Thank you ProCore!!!” - Missy “Prior to joining Pro-Core, I had a very unhealthy relationship with food for all of my adult life. I would constantly move between binging and restricting. I had tried several different Commercial weight loss programs, but I didn’t actually eat healthier….I just ate less food. I was still eating fast food, processed food and drinking Coke. Additionally, I had never even tried vegetables besides corn and potatoes.
Then, I found Kasia and ProCore Fitness and my life quickly changed. Immediately upon meeting Kasia, I knew I wanted to train with her and join the gym. I joined her 30 day challenge which started right after I joined. Following her diet and exercise plan, I lost 17 lbs and 9.5 inches in a month. More importantly, I was eating REAL, clean, un-processed food for the first time in my life and I wasn’t hungry. I gave up Coke and started eating vegetables (which are actually pretty good). At 40 years old, I have never felt better. Kasia is a master of her craft and an excellent coach. Also, the vibe and culture of her gym make it a place you want to go where you know it will be hard work but the results speak for themselves.” - Megan Liz's story coming soon!
“I joined ProCore in June of 2020. I felt comfortable the minute I walked through the door. I have tried to exercise and lose weight on my own but have thrown in the towel shortly after starting every time. Working out with Harthe has been a blessing. Not only does she push me, she also helps to keep me accountable to my goals. I am so happy I decided to walk through the ProCore door last summer. It has truly changed my life!” - Jen We all have different struggles and goals.
This girl is a new mom of two beautiful little girls, 2 years old and 6 months. (pregnancy during pandemic) She stated training at ProCore in December 2020 and in 2.5 months with good diet plan and exercise program she have lost 19 lbs so far. This is her story...... “I never thought I’d be back in the gym this soon after having my second baby. Getting pregnant back-to-back really took a toll on my body and honestly I didn’t think I’d ever go back. I was insecure and intimated to go back to the gym and didn’t know where to start let alone how I would make the time to work out and eat healthy with 2 kids. I was sabotaging myself before I even started, but I felt awful and I knew I needed a change. It isn’t always the easiest to get to the gym daily or eat healthy or even want to do either of those things LOL but I know I need it and I try my hardest to make it happen! I still have a long way to go to reach my personal goal, but I am that much closer now than I was, and I am glad I made that step that day” - Leslie “Looking back, it took me 7 years and 65 lbs to eat my way through an ongoing battle with depression, recovery from a verbally abusive partner, 10 years of water damage due to a negligent condo association, and a job/boss/friend not paying me half my salary for 6 months. All while retiring from rugby in 2012, a game that I loved – my outlet to expunge all that negativity from my body.
On the 8th year, the rugby gods were kind enough to introduce Kasia and the Procore Fitness family into my life. Dollars to donuts, the dollars I have spent on my physical (and subsequent mental) health has provided way more ROI than the dollars I used to spend on donuts. Down 35 lbs, 15.8 kgs, or 2.5 stones, depending on your preferred system of mass measurement. As we venture into the holiday season, it’s impossible to express the level of gratitude I have for this woman and all that she has created around her. But for sh*ts and giggles, I shall try. Kasia, I am so incredibly grateful to call you my trainer, my friend, and a part of our family; and thank you for including me in yours. To my brother, thank you for not sh*tting the bed on this one. My heart is so full to see you so incredibly happy with this phenomenal woman. 😊“ - Ali "For those who know me, you know I'm not someone who posts a ton on social media. I was asked by a friend to do this, but more importantly, I believe in this program and wanted to share it with others. I've tried many fitness programs over the years and only two have helped me lose weight and feel stronger. I'm always been skeptical when I start a new program, because I go in thinking they're going to try pressuring you into purchasing extra programs or classes. I can tell you that there is no hidden agenda at ProCoreFitness and that they are there to help you succeed. Their trainers/instructors are professional and make you feel like part of the PCF family from day one. While they cater to all fitness levels, I need to tell you that it's not going to be easy and they will push you to better yourself.
While I still have a ways to go, so far I'm down 30 pounds and feel stronger at 41 than I did at 21. I think the combination behind the success is: 1. Meal Prep 2. Weight Training and 3. A Kick Ass Trainer (Kasia Topor). Give them a try if you're ready to be a healthier version of yourself.” - Julie “From the minute I walked through the door at ProCore, I felt like part of the family! Kasia and her staff are amazing and they truly are rooting for your success! I have been to several gyms and tried many weight loss programs, but I am truly succeeding here! I have changed drastically since starting here in January; both physically and mentally. I have lost over 30lbs and gained confidence; I thought I would never wear shorts again, but after training with Kasia, I am again! The classes are awesome, the trainers are amazing and this program works! I am so thankful and am excited to continue my journey! If you are ready to succeed, come join me and the rest of the Procore Family!” -Harthe #ProCoreSTRONG #PBA "The Best Personal Trainer EVER!
My name is Melissa and I am a runner. Back in April of this year I was beginning my training to run the Chicago marathon for the 2nd time. Last year I had done the training on my own following a running program but was plagued by fatigue and injury. I completed last year's marathon in 4 hrs and 38 minutes. Under the encouragement of my daughter (a gymnast for 8 years) she encouraged (nagged 😉) me to join a gym and work out. After looking at other gyms and their trainers I walked into ProCore and knew that KASIA / ProCore would be the one to help whip me into marathon shape. I started my once a week "torture" sessions the end of April. Within 2 months I noticed the changes. I was getting muscles & finding ones I never knew I had. Kasia through the whole process ALWAYS encouraged, supported and pushed me. Always watching and help keep me injury free. Kasia also helped me with improving my diet with foods I should be eating or adding as well as what vitamins would benefit me as well. At marathon time this past weekend I was ready. I looked good, I felt GREAT and knew I would do well. Kasia kept telling me not to stress and that "Lady - YOU GOT THIS!" I finished the Chicago marathon in 4 hours and 38 seconds. I couldn't have done it without her & am already looking forward to next year and having her train me again. Thank you Kasia!!!" - Melissa "I was size 12 when I started at ProCoreFitness 6 months ago. Since then I've lost 25 pounds and I am now a size 6. I was working out before I joined, but never seen these results before. I'm not only doing their awesome classes but I do take advantage of seeing Kasia, my personal trainer, once a week.. it is very motivating. I am not only losing pounds, but gaining muscle. I actually enjoy picking out my outfits now."
- Tina “I joined ProCoreFitness in June 2015 and it has become “my gym”. Kasia suggested I train with her but I was hesitant and thought “I can do this on my own”. I saw other people who were training with her making noticeable results and wanted the same. In October 2016 I put my pride aside and told Kasia I was ready for a change. I didn’t want to admit it but I needed her help.
I believe you can do anything if you really want it. You just need to put in the time, effort, hard work, dedication, discipline and surround yourself with people who support, encourage, motivate and help you along the way. ProCoreFitness, Kasia, the other trainers and members have done just that for me. No regrets as my journey continues!” - Michelle |
"Speechless is the one word that I can use throughout my training with Kasia. Her energy is electric! The moment I started to train with her she told me that we were going to transform my body along with my mind. I stood there stunned at the big plans she had for me. Kasia is mindful, accommodating, dedicated, knowledgeable, and my rock that I can count on during training. As my personal trainer, she pushes me to give everything I have in and out of the gym. She takes time to plan, adjust, and push forward to continue to see progress and results. I started my journey to compete as a Figure Athlete in 2014 and the day of my first show, I again was speechless. Through proper nutrition planning, weekly lifting sessions, and hard work we transformed my body. Words cannot describe how amazed I felt to accomplish my fitness goals with her as my coach and to look as wonderful as I did. I will be a life long client!"
- Jessica |
"Working with Kasia has been a great and beneficial experience. Without the support from her, I would have had minimal success if any. I walked into ProCoreFitness with hopes of losing some weight. I did not know I was actually starting a new journey in my life. This journey has taught me how to live a better lifestyle through the choices I make in my food, my workouts, and my everyday life decisions. Kasia has been beyond dedicated in helping me strive to be the best person I can be. Just when you think you cannot do something, she reminds you of why you are here. She will not let you fail. I will always push myself one step further because I have learned through her that in order to be successful, it will take hard work, determination, and belief. Kasia leads by example whether it be training with her or through the classes she teaches.
If there is one thing I would change about this journey, I would have started training with Kasia sooner." - Jaime |