Ambassador Of The Month
January 2016
Dawn Polson
Hi, my name is Dawn Lynn Polson. I’m married with 3 kids, twin boys age 12, and a daughter, age 6.
Born in Portland, Oregon, I needed a change of pace so I transferred with my Job to Las Vegas, and am now owner of a convention service company. My hobbies are: boating, camping, movies, and being active in my kid’s lives. I enjoy water skiing and riding quads, and my favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens.
My favorite place is… anywhere hot! I love to relax on a white sandy beach and warm ocean water.
The main inspiration in my life are my kids and my hubby.
Though I’d love to retire now with lots of money, I’d also like to pay it forward and open a fitness/nutrition facility for overweight kids.
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life since I was little. My parents were active. I would say that I am the fittest that I have ever been in my life right now. My favorite class is, of course, Beat it out! And I love strength training.
I show a good example for my kids by eating good and working out. My boys have ran several 5k’s and have been awarded with medals and I am proud that I continue to be a good role model for them.
Beat It Out Workout keeps me coming back because the instructor is amazing! She’s energetic, which is absolutely important, and the class itself is fun.
Ambassador Of The Month
July 2015
Debi Amerson
I have two beautiful girls. Taylor is 21 and Torre is 19. I have been a single mom since they were 3 and 5. Life was not very easy for them growing up without two parents, but I had to provide a safe and stable home for them. I decided to go back to college in 1995 to become a teacher. I graduated from UNLV in 1999 and I have been a 2nd grade teacher for 16 years. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world. My girls are the best two things that ever happened to me! They are my life and I’m proud to say that they are also both my best friends! We are a super close little family of 3… and Bailey our doggy makes 4! We have had Bailey for 10 years and she is very much like another child to me. I love her with all my heart!!
My girls say sometimes that I love Bailey more than them!! Maybe on some days because Bailey doesn’t leave clothes all over the house, dishes in the sink and she doesn’t talk back!! Haha!
I was born in Van Nuys California on January 1st, 1964. I moved to Las Vegas with my mom, dad and older sister when I was 2. My dad came to Vegas to be a police officer and my mom came to be a teacher.
Being a teacher is a 24/7 kind of job so my career keeps me very busy. I love long walks with Bailey and just hanging out with my girls. Also during the summer my favorite show is Big Brother!! I actually tape the live feed from 12-3 am so when I get up in the morning during summer break I watch 3 hours of Big Brother every day. I also love to sleep. My girls always ask why I don’t go out and meet people… they ask “Would you rather go on a date or take a nap?” Napping wins every time.
My favorite sport is football and I like to watch the Dallas Cowboys.
My favorite place to travel to is Disneyland. The girls and I usually go once a year. This year in January, Torre and I actually got to go to Disneyworld in Florida. My daughter Taylor had a dance competition in Disneyworld, so we got to go as a family and we spent time in the parks there. It was a great trip and it was so special that we all got to go together.
My mom is my role model. She was a teacher for 24 years and she is why I am a teacher today. She is so wise and such a strong women. I lost my dad in May of 2004, and then my mom had a heart attack in October that same year. It was actually from a “broken heart” because my parents would have been married for almost 50 years. My mom pulled through surgery with flying colors because she had to keep our family together and strong!
My children are a big inspiration!! Their passion for life is breath taking. They live life to the fullest everyday, and as I get older, I wish I had that same passion for life as they do. I am realizing that life is too short and you have to give it all you’ve got, everyday!
If I could have one wish, it would it be that I live forever! As I’m getting older, I think of my girls when they were babies. They are now 21 and 19… where has the time gone… I want to be around when they get married and have babies. We have so much love and life to still share.
I would love to help homeless people or homeless animals. I have been blessed with a great support system within my family and I have everything I need. I can’t imagine being on the side of the road with a sign begging for food or living out in the elements of LV. Also, I can’t get over all the homeless dogs and cats that nobody wants. My Bailey is my world; can’t imagine life without her. She brings so much love to our family XOXO.
I have always worked out when I was younger, but then you get married, have babies, and the excuses start. I have been single for about 10 years now and turning 50 (I hate saying that number) makes me sick inside. When I think of the age 50 I think no, that’s my moms age. No silly, my mom is pushing 80 and I’m the 50 year old… yuk!! I don’t want to look or feel 50 and guess what… I feel that I don’t!! I also met this crazy lady named Debbie Mizrahi at one of the classes that I took. I think the first class I took of hers (over a year ago) was “Booty Blast Bar”. It was a great class. Then she created “Beat it Out”, and I was hooked!! As I attended those workout classes I met some great people and even made some new friends. Now I come to classes 3 to 4 times a week and even do personal training with Debbie too. She kicks my butt every Thursday!!
I’ve always enjoyed the “classes” at the gym. Never really felt comfortable doing the machines on my own. And always so busy and full of people to deal with.
Beat it Out Workout is a full body workout. You work out every part of your body from head to toe. Debbie is such an inspiration and a joy to be around and I thank her for being “my person” when it comes to fitness!! She keeps me wanting to come back and I am actually seeing changes in my body. I feel healthier and stronger than ever!!
Ambassador Of The Month
June 2015
Maria Stewart
Hi! My name is Maria Stewart, and I’ve been married to a great husband for 24 years. We have three sons, a daughter who’s turning the big 3-0, and six grandchildren!
Originally born in LA, we moved all the way to Baltimore, MD because of the big quake in the early 70’s . Then we moved again to Vegas when I was 15 to escape from thunderstorm country, the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe to pen his tales of dark intrigue.
I come from a very close knit family, the eldest of three, and have the most loving & silly parents that oftentimes show that true love has no bounds.
I am very passionate in my career as an aesthetician & massage therapist where I can help my guests not only feel beautiful, but also help them feel better too. It’s a blessing that I have a career helping others in a positive way.
Since I’m constantly on the go, I love outdoorsy stuff such as jogging along the beach (only in California; no real beach in Vegas!), hiking & camping. San Clemente is my favorite place to go as it’s so pretty, and the jogging path is breathtaking; that ocean air is so relaxing. I’d love to go back to Hawaii as that was fun when we went with the whole clan! I also enjoy doing crafty activities such as making wreaths, jewelry, and photo books. I’m an avid filmgoer, and enjoy many genres, including action, comedy, military, and scary movies (with my hands over my eyes but just enough to peek!). I also love boxing, which I picked up from my father’s interest in the sport.
I’m totally a gym rat, and love high intensity cardio classes. The more challenging, the more hyper I get! That’s why my favorite cardio class is Beat it Out Workout. It’s always fun and challenging, and I look forward to this class every week! Definitely tops boot-camp any day!
I remember as a young kid, around age 9 or so, I would save some allowance and buy the younger kids in the neighborhood ice cream from the ice cream truck. Just to see the joy in their faces made it worthwhile. Seeing how generosity played a big part in my family has definitely been instilled in me. I believe if everyone can do just that, this world would be a much better place.
If I had one wish, it would be to eradicate all forms of crime so kids can roam freely.
Ambassador Of The Month
May 2015
Anthony Milson
In a long term relationship for the past 28 years, we have daughter Raven, age 24, and a 4 month old grandson! I’m now 48, originally from Brooklyn, NY, traveled around in the Marine Corps until honorably discharged in San Diego where we lived for approximately ten years until we moved to Las Vegas.
Status now is retired military, and currently LVAC and fitness are my work, hobby, and passion along with my family and friends.
I fell off the wagon years ago with baseball but still love to go to a good game every now and again. A big Chargers fan for 18 years, and support them despite some of their seasons.
Traveled to various places, but what stands out is Puerto Rico, which was really nice and allowed for much needed slept and rest.
There have been quite a few people who have inspired me throughout the years, starting with my mother who was a very strong and intelligent woman. My dad was a good man, who retired from the military and worked for the post office until he died in 1979. I still have fond memories and a few not so fond from not listening.
If I could have one wish, I’m not sure what that would be at this point, but I certainly know of two; world peace and an awesome metabolism!
I would like to think that I am already beginning to pay it forward through fitness. There are so many people out there that don’t realize just how much happier they could be if they were in better health. Just teaching a class of 2 to 40+ people and getting them a little fitter and healthier is a great inspiration to me to keep me moving forward and trying to reach one more person every day.
It’s been 10 years ago this November since I started on my fitness journey. I was over 400 lbs and my diabetes and blood pressure were killing me. I was very unhappy and very uncomfortable all the time and chose to be alone more than less. The beginning was very very hard and I started and stopped more times than I could remember. It has been a long journey that I am on and will always be on, but am okay with that.
When I first started, Zumba was my favorite class. I walked on the treadmill 1.5 hours four days a week for months next to the Group X room and decided that if I could lose five more pounds, I would go in and try it. I did! But it didn’t love my knees and back at first! I continued with it until I reached my next goal. Zumba was my first official certification. However, I have tried just about all Group X classes and love them all.
What I like about Beat It Out?!? To me it is very unique, fun, challenging and different. I learned to use equipment that I have never used before and it makes you smile while you are doing it! And, of course, a good calorie burn!!!
Ambassador Of The Month
April 2015
Questions and Answers with:
Melanie Mae Elevado
Q: Your full name?
A: Melanie Mae Elevado
Q: Age?
A: 41
Q: Are you married, any children?
A: Married for 12 years, 2 kids 7 & 4.
Q: Where were you born? If not LV, when and what made you move to Vegas?
A: Flushing, NY. Joe was living in NV when we got engaged. So, in 2001 I moved to NV from CA.
Q: Do you work, have any hobbies?
A: I’m a RN but have been blessed with the opportunity to stay home now. I love taking the Beat It Out Workout class. And I love photography!
Q: Favorite sport?
A: Enjoy watching tennis.
Q: Favorite teams?
A: When I was living in CA, my friends/family loved watching the Lakers. Currently, I don’t have any favorite teams.
Q: If you travel, what is your favorite place?
A: Oahu… we stayed at the Aulani (Disney Resort). Everything we needed was at the resort! We just relaxed & enjoyed every moment!
Q: Was there anything or anyone who made a big positive impact on your life?
A: My Mom! She is generous, kind, thoughtful, loving, selfless, pride-less, compassionate & many more wonderful traits! I’m sure I learned this from her… she’s usually smiling!
A: Hearing testimonies of how God has moved in their lives!
Q: If you could have one wish, what would it be?
A: For every child to be in a happy, healthy & safe home!
Q: If you could pay it forward, what would you do?
A: Secretly pay for someone’s meal.
Q: When did you decide to become fit? Favorite class?
A: We joined LVAC last year. I started off by taking Zumba & Hot Hula!
Q: Have you’ve always been into fitness?
A: In college, I took racquetball & tennis. After that, I was a Polynesian dancer for several years! And I’m proud to say that I participated in the Nike Women’s marathon. I completed 26.2 miles!
Q: What is it about Beat It Out Workout that keeps you coming back?
A: Besides using our drumsticks to beat out any aggression I may have (LOL), I love this class because I’ve seen the most results. It’s high energy & fun! I started taking it because the other girls from church kept raving about it. I finally tried it and fell in love. But mostly, I love how Debbie makes us one big happy, sweaty family! And that’s all because of her leadership!
Thank you Melanie!
Ambassador Of The Month
March 2015
Paula Foschetti
Paula Foschetti
Now that I have two children that play soccer, it has become one of my favorite sports to watch. I even joined my husband’s soccer team and played in my first game yesterday. We also like to watch basketball and football. We are Steeler fans in this house.
Pre-children we used to go on a cruise for each of our anniversaries. Our favorite stop was St. Thomas so we could take the ferry to Trunk Bay in St. Johns. We just think it is the most beautiful beach. Now our family vacations are back east to visit our family and friends in NJ.
Positive, happy, upbeat people inspire me. I am not a negative person. I feel like negativity just wastes energy. The things I enjoy most are spending time with my family, GNO ( girls night out) inspiring 6 and 7 year olds to be life-long-learners and taking classes at the gym that make me feel good.
If I had one wish, I think that would have to be to have my grandmother around forever. She means the world to me and has shown me what unconditional love is. Every summer when I go home, I am so thankful to have another year with her. Having to say goodbye to her when I leave is the hardest thing to do because I never know if it will be the last hug and kiss I get from her. I would do anything for her.
Paula and Brian Foschetti Family
HI!
My name is Paula Foschetti. I go by Ms. Price at school. This way when I have heard my name 100 times I can be someone else when I get home. Price is my maiden name. I am 44 years young. I have been married to my husband Brian for 19 years. We met when we were Juniors at Seton Hall University (go Pirates!) . We have two beautiful girls. The fifth member of our family is our yellow lab, Copper. I was born in New Jersey so I am a Jersey girl. I always say you can take the girl out of Jersey but you can’t take the Jersey out of the girl. My husband and I moved here fifteen years ago when the market was low and with the hopes that one day we could buy our own house.
I have been a first grade teacher at for 14 years. Before moving here, I was a counselor for a mental health center for five years. One day I would like to utilize both of my degrees and be a school counselor.
I have been going to the gym since I was 18 but probably not until I turned 39 did I really see results. I told myself that when I turned 40 that I wanted to be in the best shape of my life so I signed up for boot camp and took the class three times a week. I think that is also when I had the realization that I needed to start putting my needs first. I always did what was best for everybody else and put myself last. It was then that I found out how strong I really was. My only regret is that I didn’t know my strengths a lot sooner. I lost 15 pounds that year and felt amazing. Now I am almost 45 and am trying to be in even better shape than I was five years ago. Definitely harder now but I am not going to let that stop me. When I am not working or chauffeuring my children to different practices and classes, I am at the gym. In the last few years I have even participated in a few obstacle races. Those are fun.
I feel like every day I do everything in my power to instill a love for learning. I know many of my students have such a tough life when they walk out my door so I make them feel safe and loved and special every moment I can. I have only taught at one school and I just love when former students come back and visit.
I joined a gym as soon as I started college but I think it was more for the social part of it or to say I exercise. Like I said earlier, I think when I turned 39, I wanted to find out what I was capable of accomplishing. I love who I am in my 40’s. I always tell my friends who turn 40, “welcome to the 40 and Fabulous club!” I have always loved step class. Friday nights, when I am exhausted from the week, I love taking the Shabam class. Beat it Out is honestly my favorite class. I just ran into the person who told me about the Beat It Out Workout class last summer and thanked her for telling me about it and that I am “hooked.”
I loved Beat it Out from the first time I took it. I think there are so many reasons why I do. Number 1, the creator/instructor of the class, Deborah Mizrahi. Her passion and love for what she does comes out when she is teaching in front of the room. The music that she chooses for each track is very uplifting. I love that we are working on different parts of the body. It is a total body workout and you never know what to expect when you walk through the door. The “Beat it Out” family contributes to its success as well. Everyone smiles and says hello when you walk in the room. They really make you feel welcome. –Paula Foschetti
Ambassador Of The Month
February 2015
Ernie Lott
Breckenridge Colorado ski trip
Dinner with the Captain on Crystal cruise ship going to Australia
As a member of the management team at Reynolds Electrical Engineering Co. (now part of Bechtel) I received national recognition for my development of a quality control procedure involving ‘non-destructive’ testing. My wife Vicki completed her doctorate in educational law and her dissertation was the first ever to be included as part of the collection of the Nevada Supreme Court’s law library in Carson City, Nevada. She spent many years as a psychologist in Nevada.
Over the course of many years we have visited more than 35 countries. While Vicki was working toward improving her language skills in French we spent two summers living with two different families in France; one in the north eastern region of the country and the other one in the south western region of France. Almost twenty years ago we started a cruise company called CRUISE DOCTOR. We continue to provide cruises for individuals and groups on all of the major cruise ships worldwide.
I continue to pursue my hobbies including SCUBA and skiing. Many years ago I was certified as a SCUBA instructor. In addition to shipwreck diving in the Americas I have also dived in the North Sea between England and France, the Mediterranean, the waters around Australia and many other areas. For the last 20 years my main interest has been skiing. Recently, I swam with the sharks and stingrays in Tahiti. We spend time each year in Colorado and/or Whistler, B.C. Canada skiing with friends.
My classes at LVAC have been integral in helping me maintain and improve my fitness level so that I am able to enjoy SCUBA and skiing as I mature (age). ‘Beat It Out Workout’ has helped me strengthen my upper and lower body in addition to increasing my stamina.
Midwest Dive Trip – the early days!
Ambassador Of The Month
January 2015
Jodi Sobey
Ambassador of the month Jodi Sobey with K-9 friends
I’m 45 years old, with two boys, ages 21 and 19. My husband, John Sobey, and I have been married for 25 years.
Three years after my birth in Omaha, Nebraska (go Cornhuskers!), the family moved to Vegas to get away from the cold weather and snow (and boy am I glad they did!).
I graduated from Chaparral High School in ’87, after which I had a variety of jobs; a courier for a local title company, working in the reservations department at a Best Western Hotel, and receptionist at a radio station. I also
Having fun at Radiator Springs, Disney California Adventure
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worked at a local bank in the loan department, and in admitting/registration at a local hospital until I had my boys.
My Husband and I now run a tree service business that we have owned for about 20 years. We live on a 1/2 acre lot, which I call “my little farm”, where my love for animals takes place with our 4 dogs, 17 chickens, 2 ducks, a variety of birds, guinea pig, 3 desert turtles and a pond with fish & turtles.
I joined LVAC in May of ’06, started training with a trainer, and took cardio classes for about 6 years. Then one day my trainer moved out of town… what was I going to do! I still was coming to the gym doing a few things here and there until one day I decided to take a Tuesday night CxWorxs class that was taught by Debbie Mizrahi. I was impressed on how she made me feel comfortable and not like just another person in her class.
One night Debbie announced that she was also a personal trainer, and I thought hmmm! I talked to her about it and the next week she was my personal trainer. When Debbie introduced Beat It Out Workout to us, I was hooked! I had so much fun, not even realizing that I was working every part of my body. I now go 4 times a week along with a spin class one night a week.
I am now eating healthier, and I feel good about myself. Having Debbie as a Friend & Trainer has been an inspiration to me!
Jodi and John Sobey
Ambassador Of The Month
December 2014
Jennifer Joncich
Introducing our Ambassador of the Month, Jennifer Joncich!
*** Stats ***
Age: 41
Children: 2 boys and 1 girl
Married to: Paul for 16 years (he’s a keeper!)
State of birth: Colorado
Education: A degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Biology
I moved to Arizona with my husband in 1998 to pursue his career as a news anchor. Later, we again moved, this time to Sacramento where we lived for 6 years during which time I began my career as an electrophysiology technician programming pacemakers and defibrillators after they have been implanted.
Once again we moved for another broadcasting job, this time to Ohio. We lived just outside of Cleveland for 6 years, during which I decided to stay home with my three children.
While in Ohio, my daughter and I (she was four at the time) were at a CVS pharmacy and she was playing with the blood pressure machine and wanted to check mine. She saved my life that day, because that’s when I learned that my BP measured 265/130, which was off the charts and high enough to cause a stroke. The doctor was alarmed and informed me that I should go straight to the emergency room. I ended up being hospitalized for three days. I had emergent hypertension and needed to take three meds a day to keep my BP within normal limits.
After about six months, I had enough of taking the meds and was ready to make a change. I changed my diet and made fitness a priority. That’s when I started playing tennis and going to the gym on a regular basis.
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We moved to Las Vegas in 2012, and as of last year, I now only take one med a day for BP and I am feeling great.
Currently, I play tennis three times a week. That’s where I’ve met some of my closest friends. Living away from family as we do, I’ve found that tennis is a great way to meet like-minded people and stay active.
In addition to tennis, I go to Deb’s Beat It Out workout 2-3 days a week. I am so thankful that my friend and tennis teammate Deborah introduced me to Beat It Out. I have been hooked ever since.
Ambassador Of The Month
November 2014
Carisha Thomson
Meet Carisha Thomson, age 37, and a single mother of two young boys for the past five years.
Born in Simi Valley, California, Carisha and her family moved to Las Vegas when she was five. Her parents divorced shortly after, leaving mom to raise her and her brother. Carisha’s mother was killed by a drunk driver in 2006, something she has struggled with since.
Today, Carisha is active in her community, volunteers at school, and teaches Religious Education at her church. Other interests include membership in a book club, and, of course, working out!
Boyfriend Jason and her girlfriends are a huge part of her life. Carisha is a taxi mom to her two boys for their extracurricular activities, basketball and flag football. She’s extremely passionate about helping others and raising her boys into upstanding responsible young men.
Fitness came into her life about five years ago after becoming divorced and not knowing how to not be a full time mom and wife. Just being by herself was difficult, so her therapist suggested she join a gym as an activity and a distraction. When Carisha first joined, she would workout alone in the women’s only gym because she was intimidated and shy, and didn’t know what to do on her own.
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After looking into group fitness classes and their class descriptions, one specific class format caught her eye. She started going to the Tuesday/Thursday class taught by Deborah L. Mizrahi, who is the creator of Beat It Out Workout. She also takes yoga, Pilates, and CxWorx.
Seeing how instructor Mizrahi befriended and made all the members feel comfortable, more than just the typical instructor/member relationship, Carisha was hooked, and became inspired to become fitter, healthier, stronger, and increase her cardiovascular abilities.
Encouraging each other to push harder no matter what challenges trainer Mizrahi doles out, Carisha, drenched in sweat along with her workout cohorts, always manages a good laugh.
Ambassador Of The Month
October 2014
Justice Strawder-Eckerson
The reason Justice was chosen was for her dedication and commitment to her healthy fit lifestyle. Justice shows up to Beat It Out consistently with a HUGE smile and has the BEST attitude. Justice never gives up and works hard every single time.
After reading her story I knew I couldn’t have picked a better person to represent the first of many Beat It Out Workout Ambassadors.
Hello Beat It Out family!
My name is Justice Eckerson. I am incredibly honored to have been chosen for the Ambassador of October! I am 24 years old. I am married to the most amazing man who has ever existed. We have three beautiful children; that keeps me very busy. I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom and love every part of it. But it wasn’t always this way. Which is why Beat It Out workout is so crucial for me.
By the grace of God, I overcame a lifetime of depression and lack of motivation. Though I am not controlled by that anymore, I still faced the temptation to slip back into my old ways. Especially since most of my conversations consist of super heroes, ponies, and Yo Gabba Gabba! It was often difficult to stay motivated for my physical appearance and even my place in society; while living with smashed bananas and Nutella stains on every outfit that I wear. Between all of the homework, cooking, cleaning, extra activities, and clubs, where could I find the energy to focus on my own health?
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That was up until about four months ago when I was introduced to Beat It Out by the most supportive and encouraging group of friends! The workout was different, fun, and just the right amount of challenging. But that’s not what kept me. It was Debbie’s heart for the class! Debbie loves her Beat It Out family and works hard to be personal with everyone, which encouraged me to push in more. But she never made me feel inadequate. She only empowered and inspired me to really search for my potential. Debbie is a one of a kind instructor. For as long as I live, I will never forget her incredible personality. Everyone loves a cheerleader!
It wasn’t long before I started to see results. And we all know those are addicting. I was then encouraged to work on my eating habits and life choices that also contributed to my health and physical appearance. This came a little easier than I anticipated. This was HUGE for me! Beat It Out is more than a workout. Its a safe place of friendship, love, inspiration, and even warfare. Its a place where I can silence all thoughts of defeat and prove to myself that I am an overcomer!
No, I am not the best at this workout. I still whine and complain about the tough parts (particularly abs!). But I could never see myself leaving now. Its everything that I need in a workout and the heart change, motivation, and results prove that. I am eight pounds lighter. More toned than ever before. I have energy for my active children. And most of all I feel good! Which in turn impacts my parenting and even my marriage. I stand now, more confident than I ever could have, trying to fight my issues on my own. Beast Mode fitness is a powerful tool for me!