Client Of The Month: Bob & Janet Ilko

What is a quote you live by? 

Bob’s quote 
”Work hard and do what is right.” 
Janet’s quote 
”If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.” –Emile Zola

What brought you into Fitness Quest 10?

We have been part of the Scripps Ranch community for over 20 years. We both joined other gyms, but realized we wanted something more. Bob started at Fitness Quest 10 first, and after seeing the connection he formed with the people, I wanted to be part of that as well. Our kids are both in college now, but when they are in town they come back and work out with us. “Burn the Bird” and “K.T.” type work outs, and “Yeah Glutes!” from Janet are part of how our kids rank other gyms in their college area. We have never looked back, and seriously, it has changed our health and fitness for life.

What do you enjoy most about Fitness Quest 10?

Bob and I have been part of the Fitness Quest 10 family for a few years now. 
The people who work and train there are the best. Having personal relationships with everyone makes the workouts more fun and challenging. They care about you not just as a client, but as a person. Bob has a fitness class family, and my 5:30 am girls and recently my Little Black Dress ladies make us feel like we are part of something more than just our own goals. We help support each other. 
Some days are tough, but after working out we realized we made the right decision to tough it out and keep on working at it.

What are some health and fitness goals you have achieved since training here?

When we first arrived at Fitness Quest 10, Bob and I each had our own fitness routines at the gym. We had great trainers and each found our own space and time to work out. Then in 2011, my father had a stroke. Our lives changed in taking care of him and maintaining our own family. We kept at it, fitting in fitness when we could. Not once did anyone judge or make us feel like we didn’t belong. There was just this constant current of support, especially from my morning fitness group. I couldn’t have made it through that without them. In August of 2012, we lost my dad. We kept on coming to the gym, and I can’t tell you the amount of support and continuity that provided at a very difficult time.

But in 2013 we knew we had to up our game, and get back to our own health for our sake and the sake of our kids. Bob and I wanted to figure out a way to create a healthy lifestyle together. We started with the idea of  #healthynewyear2013, and made a commitment to eating not only healthy, but to make the changes necessary to make fitness and health a priority for a lifetime. This wasn’t just our usual new year’s resolution, we wanted to change our lifestyle for good.

Bob signed up for 10-Day Fit Camp in January 2013 to lose 53 pounds. He has almost reached that goal! His triglyceride levels dropped 300 points in 6 months. That happened with hard work, permanent changes, and the on-going support and coaching and encouragement of our Fitness Quest 10 family. His 6 am cardio class, the coaches, and that constant support and encouragement has been such a support to our reaching our goals.

I have a wonderful workout group of ladies with trainers K.T. and Natalie, and my girls Jean, Lynne, Tracey, Roxanne and Mary that keep me motivated and accountable. They inspire me and support through not only fitness but all of our life events. They encouraged me to try the Little Black Dress workout these past six weeks. We are always pushing each other to be better, and try new things.

That is what makes the difference, the relationships you have with everyone at the gym, from the front desk, to other clients, to every coach and trainer. It is a great place to be. We both are turning 50 in 2014, and we can’t wait to enter a new decade healthier, stronger, and better than ever before.

A Note From A Few Of Janet & Bob’s Trainers–

“Janet shows up every Monday morning at 5:30 am ready to WORK! She is the glue of our early morning group and is known for the amazing homemade themed workout gifts that help keep the ladies inspired. I love seeing her each Monday and then seeing Bob arriving just 30 minutes later for the 6 am cardio class. They truly are a committed couple!”– Natalie Peterson, FQ10 Trainer

“Janet and Bob Ilko are two of the hardest working individuals that I know. They have made great strides in not only their physical accomplishments, but they have taken great effort to change their eating habits. They have realized that when the two components work together, their success and hard work will pay off. Congratulations on your lifestyle change!”—Karen Turcot, FQ10 Trainer

“Rob and Janet, you two are amazing! Your support for each other and your consistent eye on the fitness goal is so inspiring-it’s one of my morning highlights! Keep it up!!”—Heather Williams, FQ10 Director of First Impression