Mimi Stone
2021 Rogers People's Choice Winner
Greetings! My name is Margaret (Mimi) Stone. I’ve lived in Rogers for 31 years – long before we had anything other than Happy Chef and a few gas stations!
I’m part owner in a wholesale beauty supply company. We do all of the distribution for the Great Clips salon chain. I’m married and have 2 awesome daughters.
I have battled my weight all of my life. In 6th grade I started Weight Watchers and continued for 40+ years. I have spent my entire life feeling ashamed of my body and my inability to keep weight off for any length of time. As soon as I’d hit a goal, I’d start the path right back up the scale.
On New Years Eve, my husband was out of town, so I was in bed by 10:30pm. I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post from the mom of my daughters' high school friend, Katie Wald. She asked if anyone wanted to join a fitness challenge with her. Without giving it a second thought, I replied “I will!”. I crossed my fingers that she would accept me because I wasn’t sure she knew who I was!
After I was officially on Katie's team, I went in to Snap a few days later where I met my coach, Karla. With her welcoming, positive attitude I felt like maybe I could do this!
A few days later, when we did my body comp, I was mortified! 40% body fat and just squeaked in under 200 lbs. The fit test nearly killed me, as did my first workout. We had to stop several times because I couldn’t breathe. Karla never made me feel ashamed, she just kept cheering me on! She knew that I hadn’t exercised in about 10 years and she just kept reminding me of my very simple goals. The other coaches there, who didn’t even know me always greeted me with warmth and never failed to offer encouragement!
I have belonged to gyms in the past. The important piece that is missing from them is the sense of belonging. The leadership team at Snap has created something very unique - a place people WANT to be a part of because no matter what size they are, or their fitness level, everyone feels welcome there!
My first challenge was in January. I had no idea what I was doing so I decided it was time to listen to the experts and do exactly what they told me to do. I utilized Luke’s meal plan, went to the gym, worked with a trainer (Karla, who is an angel!) so I could learn the proper way to do things. I also found ways to move my body at home. The combination of all of these things brought results that I could see sooner than I expected. It wasn’t easy at first because I was a nightly ice cream, never exercise person but all of the sudden I felt better than I ever had! I was sleeping better, my stress was lessened, (yes- that effect they talk about with exercise reducing stress was really true!), I got myself off my sugar addiction and most importantly my chronic back pain has significantly lessened. I now find myself craving exercise, even if it’s just a walk. I finally feel proud of myself – and I know it’s going to last this time! So far I’m down nearly 30 pounds and have lost 12% body fat! I even won an award during the Winter Incinerator, 3rd place for Most Improved. I immediately texted my family…actually PROUD of myself!
I can’t go back and change the past but I’m happy to know I can change my future. I will never be a body builder but with this new found joy of fitness, I can hopefully stop a lot of the things that aging brings on. I wish I would have known how easy it would be to find a place where the trainers, owners and even interns genuinely care about helping people discover what works for them.
My advice to people – find a gym buddy. If you don’t have a friend who will join with you, I promise you will meet someone while you’re at Snap FitClub! Also, get involved in the fitness challenges! It’s a great motivator and if you’re competitive like I am it’s a blast!
Thank you for the honor of this nomination. Even if I’m not selected, I can feel pride because everyday when I am working on my strength, diet and moving my body, I know I’m one step closer to my goals and changing my life!
I’m part owner in a wholesale beauty supply company. We do all of the distribution for the Great Clips salon chain. I’m married and have 2 awesome daughters.
I have battled my weight all of my life. In 6th grade I started Weight Watchers and continued for 40+ years. I have spent my entire life feeling ashamed of my body and my inability to keep weight off for any length of time. As soon as I’d hit a goal, I’d start the path right back up the scale.
On New Years Eve, my husband was out of town, so I was in bed by 10:30pm. I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post from the mom of my daughters' high school friend, Katie Wald. She asked if anyone wanted to join a fitness challenge with her. Without giving it a second thought, I replied “I will!”. I crossed my fingers that she would accept me because I wasn’t sure she knew who I was!
After I was officially on Katie's team, I went in to Snap a few days later where I met my coach, Karla. With her welcoming, positive attitude I felt like maybe I could do this!
A few days later, when we did my body comp, I was mortified! 40% body fat and just squeaked in under 200 lbs. The fit test nearly killed me, as did my first workout. We had to stop several times because I couldn’t breathe. Karla never made me feel ashamed, she just kept cheering me on! She knew that I hadn’t exercised in about 10 years and she just kept reminding me of my very simple goals. The other coaches there, who didn’t even know me always greeted me with warmth and never failed to offer encouragement!
I have belonged to gyms in the past. The important piece that is missing from them is the sense of belonging. The leadership team at Snap has created something very unique - a place people WANT to be a part of because no matter what size they are, or their fitness level, everyone feels welcome there!
My first challenge was in January. I had no idea what I was doing so I decided it was time to listen to the experts and do exactly what they told me to do. I utilized Luke’s meal plan, went to the gym, worked with a trainer (Karla, who is an angel!) so I could learn the proper way to do things. I also found ways to move my body at home. The combination of all of these things brought results that I could see sooner than I expected. It wasn’t easy at first because I was a nightly ice cream, never exercise person but all of the sudden I felt better than I ever had! I was sleeping better, my stress was lessened, (yes- that effect they talk about with exercise reducing stress was really true!), I got myself off my sugar addiction and most importantly my chronic back pain has significantly lessened. I now find myself craving exercise, even if it’s just a walk. I finally feel proud of myself – and I know it’s going to last this time! So far I’m down nearly 30 pounds and have lost 12% body fat! I even won an award during the Winter Incinerator, 3rd place for Most Improved. I immediately texted my family…actually PROUD of myself!
I can’t go back and change the past but I’m happy to know I can change my future. I will never be a body builder but with this new found joy of fitness, I can hopefully stop a lot of the things that aging brings on. I wish I would have known how easy it would be to find a place where the trainers, owners and even interns genuinely care about helping people discover what works for them.
My advice to people – find a gym buddy. If you don’t have a friend who will join with you, I promise you will meet someone while you’re at Snap FitClub! Also, get involved in the fitness challenges! It’s a great motivator and if you’re competitive like I am it’s a blast!
Thank you for the honor of this nomination. Even if I’m not selected, I can feel pride because everyday when I am working on my strength, diet and moving my body, I know I’m one step closer to my goals and changing my life!
