Name: Dan Bates

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Age: 39

When Did you first start training at Scorch?

Started training at the beginning of May

Favorite workout:  Deadlift

Least favorite: Deadmill mountain climbers

Tell us about your sports and fitness background.

My sports and fitness background - I grew up playing all different sports and started weight lifting in high school. The sport I played the most was baseball, both growing up and in high school. I also play tennis, flag football, and some volleyball. As far as weightlifting, was never very consistent before SCORCH but when I did it was always traditional gym workouts usually focusing the majority of the time on my upper body with very little lower body or cardio focus.

How did you first hear about SCORCH?

One of my best friends told me about SCORCH. He told me that he found a new style of workout and told me that we were going to go together and get in great shape. Ironically, he still hasn't been to SCORCH yet, despite my continued invitations, lol.

Take us back to your first day of Scorch. How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I have never done group or class workouts before and never had a desire to. I always thought I preferred to just go to the gym, put my headphones on, handle my business and get out. I guess I was a little nervous at first, working out with a group, but now I am extremely comfortable and don't think I could go back to a traditional gym. I attribute a large part of that to the coaches and the 7am group that I work out with, they are all awesome. Everyone is very encouraging, and motivating. As far as compared to workouts today, my workouts are definitely better than when I first started. I can do things I wasn’t able to when I started. For instance, I couldn’t squat without a bench underneath me and now I am lifting more than I ever had with good form. At the same time, the way Liz designs the workouts continues to push me harder each and every week.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Scorch (before/after)

I have noticed incredible changes since I first started. I took pictures before I started as well as every few months and the changes are very noticeable. I am seeing definition that I have never seen before. My waist is smaller, my arms, shoulders and legs are bigger and I have abs now. I am stronger than I was before I started, my range of motion is better and my cardiovascular endurance has greatly improved. That was an area I really struggled with when I first started. Overall, I feel like I am in the best shape of my life.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like Scorch that were totally unexpected?

I guess the biggest thing is how much I enjoy workout out in a group setting. At first I thought I would just try it for a month, but now I am hooked. I have never been much of a morning person, especially early mornings but I find it easier to get up and out of bed early in the morning because I look forward to starting my day at SCORCH.

What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with Scorch or is too afraid to try it?

I would say put your fears and doubts aside and just try it for a month, I promise you that you will get addicted. Also, don't worry about where you are physically, there is no judging or pressure. Everyone, from the owners and coaches to the members are so encouraging. We all push each other to be better, to do more and to have fun doing it! If you want real results, you owe it to yourself to try SCORCH.