I’m a ginormous fan of fitness and exercise (probably because I’m a ginormous fan of eating lots of good food—and by “good” I mean “greasy and delicious”). I got into sprint triathlons last summer and have quickly become addicted to yoga and Pilates thanks to our local rec center.

One thing I don’t love, even after one marathon and two half marathons, is running. I’ve never enjoyed it, probably because I’ve trained badly in the past and am not very good at it. That’s why I’m super excited to tell you about a new retreat for runners of all levels, even mediocre runners who would rather swim a mile than run a mile (that would be me).

The Run Like a Girl retreat will take place at the Zermatt Resort in Midway from August 11-13 (the main part of the event is Friday and Saturday). Here’s a bit about the event:

This year, our women’s-only running retreat will be hosted by the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Nestled in the mountains, it provides a sweet escape from the bustle of everyday life with ideal routes for runners. Participants will learn to train smarter at the feet of local running elite. You’ll walk (or run) away with a personal regimen designed to help you take your fitness to the next level. Then you can put your learning to the test by running the race on Saturday! Whether you have just started running, or you have been running for years, this event is for ALL skill levels!

You can choose to attend the full weekend or just participate in the run Saturday morning. So. Much. Fun! Here’s a sample schedule:

Thursday
3:00-6:00 – Check-In
8:00 – Evening run/jog

Friday
7:00 – Pilates or Fun Run
9:00 – Seminar
9:45 – Success Story
10:00 – Seminar
10:30 – Zumba!
11:00 — Seminar
12:00 – Lunch
1:30 – Keynote Speaker
2:30 – Shoe fitting/Gate analysis
4:30 – Jog/Run

Saturday
7:00 – RLAG 10K Start
7:15 – RLAG 5K Start

Registration for the full Run Like a Girl retreat (does NOT include lodging) is $175 and includes entry into Saturday morning’s women’s-only 5k or 10k. It also includes:

• Access to all day event Friday & Saturday.
• Opportunity to learn from the best on how to increase performance.
• Training on how to run faster and more efficiently.
• Group runs during the day Friday.
• Entry to 5k or 10k race (plus race t-shirt).
• Free entry into the yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes.
• Retreat T-shirt (Totally stylish! You’ll have a hard time NOT wearing this around!)
• Snacks & one meal during the event.
• Run Like a Girl charm.
• KILLER swag bag.
• Most importantly, a girls’ weekend out doing what you love with friends!

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RLAG has negotiated some discounted prices for lodging during the event. You can find info on discounted rates on their event website.

I AM SO GOING TO BE THERE and already have plans to room with my friend Lori. (Yay for fun roommates!) I would so love to see other “sassy” ladies there—who’s with me?!?!

I know one of you will be running with me because Run Like a Girl is giving away a full event pass to one lucky SassyScoops.com reader! YAY!

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us your favorite way to exercise. Is it running? Swimming? Spin class? Or is chasing after your kids exercise enough?

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ “Like” Run Like a Girl Retreat and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 22nd, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

I will admit, pole fitness classes have a certain stigma attached to them, but after trying out a beginner pole fitness class at PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness in Midvale, I say throw all stigmas out the window. (And you could easily do just that with the upper body strength those classes require!)

Of course some of the apparel might lead you to believe there’s quite a bit of sexy involved, but I’m okay with that—I think a little (tasteful) sexy makes for a big boost in self-confidence!

I’m a huge fan of a good, sweat-inducing workout and PEARL’s class did not disappoint. How can you not break a sweat when you try a new spin over and over again and still can’t get it right? (I apologize if the thumbnail image on the video is the original, totally unattractive one. I did change it but it takes a while for YouTube to update. Just hurry and click “play”!)

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I have a very serious lack of coordination, believe you me.

Aly was a super fabulous instructor and extremely patient. I loved the guided stretching at the beginning and end and the one-on-one instruction whenever we needed it (and I needed it A LOT).

When asked why women were interested in pole fitness classes, Aly told us there were two main reasons: one, they wanted to shake up their fitness routine, get in better shape and/or lose weight; and two, it was a fabulous confidence booster. After one hour with Aly, I could see how both of those would be true. I was SO sore the next day, bruises and all (of course, I wore them with pride) and teaching your body to move in a different way was rather liberating. (Not a lot of sexy in spin class…)

Check out a tandem try at one of our favorite spins from the evening:

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Yeah, I won’t be quitting my day job any time soon. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the pole fitness workout, even better was watching some of the gals working out on the aerial silks. I would have loved to have seen this gal in action!

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Here’s a snapshot of Aly and Shae, the owners of PEARL, on the aerial hoop. I’m pretty sure they’ve practiced this a few times:

And I couldn’t resist sharing this photo of Aly, our patient (and beautiful) instructor. Holy crap, that girl has some serious core strength!

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I’ve always wanted to strengthen my core and improve my flexibility, and while our local rec center’s yoga and pilates classes are helping, I’d kinda like to throw in a few of these aerial fitness classes, bruises and all. By the end of class, I did discover I can pull off a “bow and arrow” headstand, so I’m not totally inept! (I’m sure it looks a lot more fluid when Aly does it, but it was my first, you know.)

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PEARL also does private parties—birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers and girls’ nights out. I think an aerial silks party (a la Cirque du Soleil) would be so much fun for a girls’ night out! Bring in your own food and drink and take to the sky on those aerial silks!

Now it’s time for you to get your aerial (or pole) fitness on!

PEARL is giving away a one-week pass to their studio (classes included)
to one lucky SassyScoops reader!

Honestly, you must give it a try. The intro class is free to first-time students, so you could bring a girlfriend along and have her try it too! (For more on pricing, click here. I will tell you now, it’s not as budget-friendly as your local Gold’s or 24 hours, but does your local gym have sky-high silks, an aerial hoop or trapeze dangling from the ceiling? I thought not!)

To be eligible for this giveaway, leave a comment telling us what workout you’d most like to try.

Additional entries:

1 entry ~ Follow @SassyScoops on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” SassyScoops on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.

1 entry ~ “Like” PEARL on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did. (Check out the awesome photos while you’re at it!)

1 entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway with @SassyScoops and a link to this post and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

1 entry ~ Update your Facebook status with a link to this giveaway and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway ends Friday, July 15th, at midnight.

All SassyScoops winners are notified via email.

So what did the Sassies think of PEARL by Adult Dance & Fitness in Midvale, Utah? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Honestly, I was a little apprehensive to be a part of this review, thinking I’d be taking part in a pole dancing performance. But I was impressed in realizing that it was just another fitness/aerobic class, only with a pole, instead of weights, to strengthen the body!
Emily: I had no idea what to expect, and the studio is tucked away in a commercial strip mall in Midvale, but it was cool to walk in and see these super fit women doing moves I’ve seen in Cirque du Soleil!
Jenny: My first impression of participating was that I was skeptical to even do so. But I wanted to learn, and I’m up for a different kind of workout, so I committed to go. The store-front items for sale didn’t make me think the entire concept wasn’t about being excessively sexual, but once we began the workout, I didn’t feel like I was bound to go outside my comfort zone if I didn’t want to: this was going to be a great workout.
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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Camille: Aly (the instructor) was very patient with all of us and worked one-on-one to make sure we were getting it right. What I also liked was I really WAS getting a work out and using muscles I never thought I had…but still proved they needed to be developed!
Emily: How hard the workout was–oh my gosh! I was so sore (and bruised) the next few days. But I love a really good workout. I also loved how fabulous Aly was and her telling us how much pole fitness classes help improve self-confidence, flexibility and strength. I love that! I also found it fabulous that women of all body types enjoy the classes at PEARL.
Jenny: What an outstanding workout! Truly, I was sore in all the right places the next day (with one teeny bruise and one significant bruise), and found myself wanting to go back and do more. The instructor was very encouraging and helpful in leading a very thorough stretch and warmup, as well as getting the tricky moves down. Small class size helped with instruction, too, I think. I also liked that there were women of all shapes and sizes in attendance at Pearl that evening.
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: The bruising on my shins and inner thighs for the next couple of days! But that’s to be expected, apparently.
Emily: It was pretty dang warm upstairs where the pole fitness class was held—a little cool air would have been lovely! Oh, and the location is in a not-so-nifty part of Midvale, but there is a Holiday Oil on the corner—the perfect place for a #PDR (proper drink run)!
Jenny: My right hand ended up swollen from my own ‘death grip’ on the pole. I also wish we would have had more class time.
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QUESTION

Would you refer PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness to a friend?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: If this friend were looking to build her self-confidence, or a way to change up a fitness routine, I would refer it!
Emily: Totally! I’ve already shown off my bruises told a few friends about how awesome the class was. I’d love to take a class together with some girlfriends! (Any takers?)
Jenny: Yes, but discreetly so. Like it or not, there is a stigma about spinning on a pole, so in order to recommend it, I would have to be in sincere conversation with someone who would be open to the idea, not just assume that people who do this are freaks (they’re absolutely NOT).
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: When was the last time u did a headstand? Challenge your body strength and sign up for a Pole Fitness class with Pearl in #Utah!
Emily: Ready to switch up your fitness routine w/ a serious workout? Check out #PEARL for awesome pole, aerial & acrobatic classes! #Midvale #Utah
Jenny: PEARL (by Adult Dance & Fitness) in Midvale will give you one of the best workouts you’ve ever had. On a pole? Yes. #DontJudge
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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for PEARL by Adult Dance and Fitness.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on PEARL.

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Disclaimer: The Sassies were treated to a the beginner pole fitness class at PEARL—and a few sore muscles the next day—in exchange for a review on SassyScoops.com. But it was totally worth it!

So what did the Sassies and Jill, our guest Sassy, think of our mini hula-hooping class courtesy of Sheryl from Live and Thrive? Did we break a sweat while swiveling our hips? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?
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THE SCOOP

Camille: Sheryl seems to be perfect in this position because she had a high energy that she maintained throughout the entire time with us!
Emily: Sheryl’s energy and all the fitness-related activities in which she’s involved. I hope I have that much energy when I’m her age!
Jill: I found Sheryl to be very energetic and fun to listen to, but was slightly intimidated by all the hula hoops.
Kalli: Hula Hooping: not just for the coordinated.
Michelle: I laughed, a lot at the idea of a hula hoop class and it did not disappoint!
Quinn: Hmmm… what is this all about?
Stephanie: Sheryl had so much energy. She obviously is passionate about and loves what she is doing.
Vanessa: She has a lot of fun and passion teaching people in all ways: how they exercise, how they take care of themselves, how they eat, how they garden, how to live and thrive!
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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: I’ll be honest. At first I was skeptical, but after hooping for even 5 minutes I really could feel the strain on my abs! She wasn’t kidding!
Emily: Though the hula-hooping itself was fun, the best part was watching everyone else give it a try. We seriously laughed our hoops off! And I was impressed the hula hoops had water inside for added resistance. Kind of cool!
Jill: Once I remembered how to hula hoop, the exercising part was actually quite enjoyable. The hooping itself made my brain forget that my body was exercising, and before I knew it, I was sweating like a pig in my skinny jeans.
Kalli: The big, weighted hoops made it pretty easy. I liked those.
Michelle: We had a lot of fun and burned calories from the workout and the laughing. I loved watching everyone freestyle. {I have to admit, freestylin’ it was the best part!}
Quinn: Loved watching everyone hula hoop!
Stephanie: Watching the ladies hula hoop. I didn’t actually take the plunge but it was so much fun watching the other gals.
Vanessa: Her energy, enthusiasm, friendliness and love for what she teaches!
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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: That I pewtered out before the end. I thought I was in better shape.
Emily: Thought it got me movin’ and groovin’ it didn’t make me sweat nearly as much as a seriously hard workout at the gym. Perhaps if we’d thrown in some 10-pound weights and done a few hammer curls I’d have enjoyed it more.
Jill: It would be more of a difficult exercise for people who can’t hula hoop because they would spend most of the time trying to figure that part out.
Kalli: The hoops could also get a little heavy… Also, I haven’t used those muscles like ever.
Michelle: The bruises. I literally looked like I had been beaten on my ribs and hips. {That’s what happens when you have no body fat, Michelle.}
Quinn: I felt like Sheryl’s talk of her other endeavors went on too long; wish there would have just been a handout with her web address and a list of the other classes/activities she teaches we could take with us if we were interested in hearing more.
Stephanie: How much room it takes to hula hoop. You would need a fairly large, open space to do it indoors.
Vanessa: I would have loved to learn the pros of what we working on, a more focused and educational “lecture” to go along with the class.
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QUESTION

Would you visit again? (In other words, would you attend one of Sheryl’s classes?)

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Yes, in fact, I debated purchasing one of her hula hoops to secretly continue it at home.
Emily: Probably not only because I’m a gym rat at heart and prefer weight machines to water-filled hula hoops.
Jill: I probably would. It would be a good time.
Kalli: Sure, I think she has a great passion and it is very fun.
Michelle: Since I am not much of a gym person this could be a fun option for me, once I get past the bruising.
Quinn: Probably not, but I am pregnant and it’s probably not advisable to hula hoop for the next few months.
Stephanie: Yes. I think the hula hooping looked like a blast. I definitely want to try it next time.
Vanessa: I am really interested in her trampoline exercise class and learning to feed a family on a healthy diet for under $140 a month.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Trim down your waistline with a hula hoop! Beyonce and Michelle Obama have done it. www.liveandthrive.com
Emily: Need a little more hip action (and exercise) in your life? Check out Sheryl’s rockin’ hula hoop class at www.liveandthrive.com
Jill: Lose weight while having fun in a high-energy hula-hooping workout taught by the one and only “Crazy Sheryl!” www.liveandthrive.com
Kalli: Bored with Yoga? Try the hula hoop lady! www.liveandthrive.com
Michelle: Have a hoopin’ good time and laugh your way through your workout with a hula hooping class from www.liveandthrive.com
Quinn: For a fun, crazy exercise program check out Shery’s hula hooping class at www.liveandthrive.com
Stephanie: Hula hooping isn’t just for kids anymore. Live and Thrive will have you spinning circles around your younger self.
Vanessa: Be sure to hit up one of Sheryl’s Live & Thrive Classes so you can learn how to have a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Sheryl’s hula-hooping class.
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Atmosphere n/a	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on Sheryl from Live and Thrive! We’ll have some great video of the Sassies swiveling their hips while trying to keep their hoops from dropping!

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Here’s the scoop on our guest Sassy Jill. We’d consider it a real treat if you’d visit her super sweet blog!
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Jill

Jill is a twenty-something mother of two who runs the blog Jill Can Blog—a site full of deliciously random thoughts and happenings. When she’s not engaging in bloggery, wifery, and mothering, she practices full-time studentry at Utah Valley University studying Public Relations. She loves Mexican food, Diet Coke, watching her neighbor treat his cat like a human child, and dance parties. You can learn more about Jill and her dance parties by visiting Jill Can Blog.

Every year around this time, as the weather starts warming up, we begin to think about the summer and swimsuit season.  Then we pull out our suits from last year and realize the holidays and weekends hibernating in the home got the best of us!  Better put together a plan to get that body back in shape soon!  Or maybe you have been exercising but just aren’t seeing results, or need a change from the regular routine.

Sheryl McGlochin, the owner of Live and Thrive, has discovered the new way to slim down the waistline and strengthen ab muscles through hula-hooping!  Using a weighted hula hoop (which she makes herself), she instructs classes in the Salt Lake community to people of all ages.  The repetitive hip motion used to keep the hula hoop moving, combined with other exercises, provides a workout for different muscle groups including abs, arms, legs, back, and hips.

In January, Sheryl visited Studio 5 to demonstrate her hula hooping skills, as well as instructions on homemade hula hoops.

Sheryl refers to herself as “Crazy Sheryl” for her high energy and productivity with her time, which is mostly spent outdoors, and with people.  She also organizes local groups to go hiking, kayaking, camping, trampoline jumping, just to name a few.

On a snowy, cold evening, Sheryl brought her homemade, weighted hoops to Vanessa’s house and invited the Sassies to spend an hour benefiting from her instruction.  She promised an energetic, fun, and easy workout – so fun, she says, that “you’ll forget you’re even working out!”

Did the Sassies think she lived up to her promise?

Come back on Wednesday and Friday to read about our review of Sheryl’s hula-hooping madness.

So what did our Sassies and our fabulous guest Sassy Kristina think of Transformation Training with Laura Butters? Is it worth giving up your Ho Hos habit and bustin’ a move in the weight room? Read on to find out!
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QUESTION

What was your first impression?
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THE SCOOP

Camille: Of course her personal success story of losing 160 pounds and completely transforming her life! Pretty remarkable!
Emily: Her energy and her sincerity was palpable in that room. You can tell she loves what she does and truly wants others to succeed.
Evonne: Spunky and fun lady to work with!
Kristina: Honestly, I hated her the minute I saw her. Because she looks so damn (can I say damn?) good and is completely adorable!
Michelle: I thought Laura had a really fun positive attitude. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and I like that.
Quinn: Laura is so sweet, friendly and down-to-earth! She’s so kind and easy to relate to.
Stephanie: Laura was very friendly and so passionate.
Vanessa: I have been working with Laura for a few months; one of the first things she told me was her story about losing 162 lbs so I would have to say I was in awe of her when I first met her.

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QUESTION

What did you like the most?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Her energy and passion for physical fitness and overall health. I think Laura is one who would keep you committed to your goals because she helps you understand the importance behind it and I can’t imagine a workout session with her being “boring!”
Emily: I think I said it above, but I loved her passion for her job and the people she helps train. And I love that she’s a walking success story.
Evonne: How much knowledge she has of not only exercise but living healthier.
Kristina: I liked that she was clearly very knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition. I especially liked that she didn’t tell me I was a Fatty McFatty and could stand to lose a few pounds.
Michelle: I liked that Laura really knew what she was talking about and had the science to explain why things work and/or don’t work. I also liked that she really tailored our session to each person. She took the time to answer questions and help each person on things they were wondering about or struggling with. And yes, Laura, I am trying to get more fiber in my diet
Quinn: Laura’s story is just amazing. I’m so impressed that she took a big weakness and turned it into a super-strength by not only losing weight and being healthier, but also becoming a personal trainer to help others.
Stephanie: Laura’s story. She is extremely inspirational. Truly amazing.
Vanessa: Her passion for what she loves and how she truly wants to help others become happier through exercise and healthy living. She has the highest certification you can get as a personal trainer so she knows everything to a “T”.

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QUESTION

What didn’t you like?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: That we didn’t get a chance to see her “in action” as a physical trainer.
Emily: We have a rec center closer to where I live so I wouldn’t make the drive to South Jordan (why burn extra calories?). Plus the South Jordan rec center was a bit hectic and random for my taste.
Evonne: It made me feel guilty for not being better at taking care of myself.
Kristina: I didn’t like that there weren’t some kind of refreshment during the presentation, like donuts or cookies. Nothing with the words “fiber” or “healthy” in it. I think I would have been much more focused after stuffing my face with bad carbs.
Michelle: The rec center was a little confusing for first timers when you first walk in. There was a big empty cupboard area in the front entrance that looked like someone should have been sitting there, but the Rec center employees were on the other side, not visible when first walking in.
Quinn: I wish I could have had LOTS more time listening to her. She gave such great insight on nutrition, helping me understand it better than I ever have before. I just wish I could have had more time with her… hopefully I can have that time with her soon!
Stephanie: Sitting near the indoor swimming pool. Indoor swimming pools are so humid and muggy.
Vanessa: Nothing, I love Laura and her style and training and expertise 100 % I recommend her to everyone.

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QUESTION

Would you visit again?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: If I lived closer to South Jordan, yes, definitely!
Emily: I’ve always been a big fan of exercise and working out and I’ve tried to educate myself as much as I can (though I don’t always put what I learn into practice). I already exercise fairly regularly–cardio, weights and all–but if I were looking for a personal trainer AND Laura was closer to home I’d definitely give her a call!
Evonne: I NEED to go back. I NEED to be healthier for not only myself but my family!
Kristina: I would definitely go back. Especially if she used chocolate as a motivation during her training sessions.
Michelle: I would like to! I think Laura could certainly whip me in to shape!
Quinn: Yes, I would. I felt very comfortable with Laura and think she’d be a terrific help on my journey to be healthier. I just wish she was closer to my home since she’s based out of South Jordan.
Stephanie: Yes. Laura’s enthusiasm for fitness is contagious.
Vanessa: I do four times a week. Sometimes it takes $$ and it always takes TIME to invest in yourself and becoming healthy.
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QUESTION

If you could only send out one tweet about the business, what would you say?

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THE SCOOP

Camille: Burning off that excess weight from the holidays is hard to do alone! Meet with @laura_butters for your overall improved physical fitness!
Emily: @laura_butters will whip your New-Year’s-Resolution butt into shape! Give this fab personal trainer your time & she’ll transform your life.
Evonne: If you want to have fun, while being motivated, and losing weight…you need to hire @laurabutters to be your personal trainer! :)
Kristina: Even though her last name is “Butters” she will teach you to hate anything hydrogenated.
Michelle: Need a little extra motivation and education for your workout? @laura_butters Transformation Training may be the answer!
Quinn: Want to get healthy and trim off some inches? You must check out @laura_butters! Awesome personal trainer with incredible story!
Stephanie: Check out Transformation Training with @laura_butters. Her passion will change your life.
Vanessa: @laura_butters is a lifesend to me. She is helping me become healthy and love exercise. I owe her forever!

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CHECK OUT THEM SCOOPS!

Here is the official SassyScoops.com rating for Transformation Training with Laura Butters.
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Atmosphere	Family friendly	Location
Prices	Quality	Service

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Return to SassyScoops.com on Friday for our follow-up post on Laura Butters and Transformation Training!

We just might have a GIVEAWAY for SassyScoops.com readers!

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Here’s the scoop on our guest Sassy Kristina. We’d consider it a real treat if you’d visit her super sweet blog! We guarantee you’ll laugh your butt off. (Laura would be so proud if you did!)
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Kristina Pulsipher

Kristina lives in Utah with her husband and her well traveled Snuggie. Kristina is a full-time social worker, bringing joy, rainbows, and metaphorical unicorns to all the people she works with, on a daily basis. In her spare time, she can be found reading blogs, knitting blankets for disadvantaged hairless animals, shunning Twilight, and wearing high heels while vacuuming. Kristina’s dream job is to write for Conan O’Brien, or to move to Alaska and work on an oil rig. She’ll take whichever one gives her squeezy cheese for lunch. She blogs at Pulsipher Predilections.