Natick Resident Loses 70 Pounds, Takes Ownership of Local Fitness Center

More than 5 million Americans seek out personal trainers in hopes of achieving their health goals, and 17-year Natick resident Debra Kutok was no different. In September 2010, Kutok was one of the first members to join Get In Shape For Women, a new fitness center that opened in Natick offering small group personal training for women.  In her first year she lost over 40 pounds then in April 2012 she was determined to lose more when she became the manager of the gym. After losing an additional 28 pounds, she decided to dedicate her life to helping other women who are struggling with their weight. In September 2012, she took over ownership of Get In Shape For Women located at 12 Washington St. and hasn’t looked back.

“These days, people are pursuing a more personalized approach to fitness, moving away from the large-box gyms that can be uncomfortable and intimidating,” Kutok said. “I know what it’s like to struggle with your weight – I’ve been there. But I also know how rewarding it is to work hard and accomplish your goals, and that’s what I hope to bring to Get In Shape For Women. I want to inspire other women in the community to become healthier, happier and stronger versions of themselves.” 

At Get In Shape For Women, the premise is simple: One personal trainer works with up to four women at a time during each one-hour session consisting of 30 minutes of weight training, 25 minutes of cardio, plus nutrition coaching for a complete training program. The comprehensive branded four-part transformation model, encompassing weight training, cardio, nutrition support and accountability, is focused entirely on results. Holding clients – the target demographic is women 35 and older – accountable to someone other than themselves is what sets Get In Shape For Women apart from other personal training and fitness programs often costing two or three times as much. Together Kutok and her personal trainers help clients set an achievable goal and then hold them responsible for reaching it, with weight and body-fat percentage checked every week. 

In addition to Kutok, the Get In Shape For Women team includes a head trainer who holds a degree in B.A. in Health Science: Health Promotion and Fitness Option from Keene College as well as two part-time trainers who all have certification in personal trainers as well as in other health training areas. 

Prior to owning Get In Shape, Kutok worked as a lab and grant manager with her husband in a local Boston hospital and raised their three daughters. The career change has helped everyone in the family become healthier and has been a positive influence on the Kutok daughters.

“My girls are all strong, active young women and once they made small changes in their diets, they all became even more fit,” said Kutok. “But what has most impacted our life is that they have a newfound respect and pride for the successful woman their mother is. I think it’s so important to teach your daughters to be strong, confident women both inside and outside your home and this career change has helped me do that.”

 About Get In Shape For Women

 Founded in 2006 by Brian Cook, Get In Shape For Women offers small group, personal training for women in a private, upscale studio. Clients experience weight training, cardio, nutrition support and accountability for a complete fitness program for women. The company currently operates 101 studios in 18 states across the country and expects to add 20-25 additional locations by the end of 2013. Get In Shape For Women plans to grow 25 percent each year toward its eventual goal of 5,000 locations worldwide. The Northeast, particularly New Jersey, is the primary target for growth in 2013. For more information, please visit www.getinshapeforwomen.com.