Merrill helps others reach their fitness goals

GREEN BAY - A great workout can put you in a great mood. And that usually that starts with a great instructor.

"I love seeing people dive into and love the process of getting fit," said Kari Merrill of Green Bay.

Kari Merrill is the group fitness director at Western Racquet and Fitness in the Green Bay area.  She's also a personal trainer. For more than a decade she's been helping people reach their fitness goals.

"Everyone wants that end result, but I love creating fun exercises and creating things that people love that actually get them to enjoy the process of getting fit," said Merrill.

This past summer, Merrill received a national award recognizing the impact she is having in the community.

She says her biggest compliment is when people come back to one of her classes or training sessions. 

"She's just been an amazing part of my life, and life changing for me," Marlynn Leslie of Green Bay.

Merrill is certainly making a difference to her clients. These two fitness friends have been working out with her for years. And together have lost almost 250 pounds.

"She's totally changed my life. I love fitness; I love where I'm at in my fitness journey. I've lost a substantial amount of weight; I've gained a lot of strength. I can't say enough," said Karla Hopp of Green Bay.

"I don't think without her I would have made this journey, and lost the weight, and reached the fitness goals that I did, and made the new friends," said Leslie.

The key to a successful workout plan, according to Merrill, is to figure out what works for you.

"Once they find their niche, and find what they love, then that's when they start to see results. And they don't even know it! Because they're having fun in the process," said Merrill.

They will also make sure there's time for that exercise, something that Merrill says is the biggest hurdle for people to get over.

"It does not have to be huge; it could be in your living room. There's tons of resources, and videos and information. And always just finding different ways to move," said Merrill.

Most people tend to overestimate how much they work out, and underestimate how much they eat. She says a regular exercise routine can help you feel better physically and mentally.

"It's 80 percent really healthy and really good choices, and it's 20 percent you need to live. You really do. But I always say, make sure your 20 percent is really a 20 percent!" said Merrill.

Good advice to keep in mind, as we head into the holiday season.

If you have a story idea for our "Making a Difference" segment, email us at  fox11news@wluk.com.

You can also send Michelle a message on Michelle Melby's Facebook page.