February 11, 2013
Before 
After 
Growing up, I honestly believed that I was not athletic, and that I never could be athletic, or anything of the sort. Working out was definitely not for me and my body was just not built that way. I held firmly to that belief growing up and all the way through college. After graduation, I had a job that I enjoyed but I was still unsatisfied. I concluded that I wanted to play trombone in a military band – a dream that I had since I was young but I lack the courage to even audition. In fact, I was a very shy person, no confidence, and unsure of myself. I knew that if I was going to even attempt to go for military that I had to get in shape. Even if I didn’t, I knew it had to be a priority because a girl in her 20s should not be winded walking up a flight of stairs. I started working out on my own but I really didn’t know what I was doing. My mom had a trainer and she recommended that get one as well, so I did. I met Coach Dan little over a year ago. I love working with him! He had me do things I didn’t even know I could do! He is so encouraging and caring; if I ever had trouble doing something he is always there telling me “You are doing an unbelievably great job. You have done so much already and have so much more you can do.” Before I knew it, I was doing things I didn’t think was possible for me. I was having so much fun! All of the sudden, I couldn’t get enough of it and sometimes I would workout too much.Eventually I auditioned for the United States Marine Corps band (got in on my 1st try), enlisted and joined D1 – which Dan had suggested I do. Now I am a training maniac! I see Dan once a week for personal training, try to go to at least 2-3 D1 Boot Camps and train with the Marines in Green Bay to get ready for Marine Corps boot camp. Looking back this year at all that I have accomplished has made me so proud and confident! I can only imagine what I’m going to feel like when I become a Marine!! I lost about 40 lbs, I feel beautiful and most importantly, healthy – I wish I had started this sooner. I leave for Marine Corps boot camp within a matter of hours as I write this and I am so thankful that I had this opportunity to work with Dan and be apart of D1. Thank you so much Coach Dan, Coach Alyssa and everyone at D1 for all your encouraging support!
~Aria Glielmi