At 230 pounds and size 22, Janey Walker was suffering from high cholesterol, high blood pressure and was at risk for diabetes. Now at a healthier size 10, she used her motivation to help others as the owner of Get In Shape For Women at 3822 Roswell Road, Suite 114, in Marietta.

The key to her own personal weight-loss success was how her trainer held her accountable. Walker said, “He gave me that belief that I wasn’t going to go back. I was so inspired that I decided I had to help other people discover the real thing that worked.”

A Mississippi native, Walker earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology and a master’s degree in health education from the Mississippi University for Women. With additional fitness certifications, she began personal training 11 years ago. She moved in Georgia in 2008 and opened up the Marietta fitness facility less than a year ago.

According to information provided by the company, Get In Shape For Women was founded in 2006. There are 94 studios in 18 states nationwide. It targets women who are 45 and older. Workout sessions involve a personal trainer with no more than four other women at a time.

Walker said the components of the franchise — weight training, nutrition, cardio and accountability — are what helped her lose weight and also drew her to the business.

During their initial visit, clients receive an assessment and examine ways to achieve their fitness goals. Training sessions last one hour. Walker goes the extra mile for her clients and texts reminders about meals and snacks in order to reinforce and encourage healthy living. Every two weeks, women are weighed and their body fat measured.

Walker said the camaraderie and peer support are additional components for clients’ success. She said, “You’re getting not just your one hour here — you’re getting our accountability and our level of support outside of here. If I need to call you every night to tell you to stay out of the kitchen, I will do it until you develop that habit.”

Whitney Olliff of Marietta discovered Get In Shape for Women last November. “I had the week off, so I decided to go in for a free session to see what this program was all about,” she said. “After my session, I met with Janey for my consultation. She was very understanding and relatable.”

Olliff’s starting weight was 202 pounds, and she now weights 158. She said the small size and the close-knit atmosphere reduces the intimidation factor that might arise in larger gyms. She also enjoys working out with other mothers and women who have similar struggles living a healthy lifestyle.

“I can be in and out of the gym in less than an hour and feel energized and refreshed,” Olliff said. “The trainers truly care about their clients. Every time I walk into the gym, I am greeted by name. They ask me how my week is going and if I have any nutritional questions or concerns.”

Olliff said her life has been changed for the better because of Get In Shape For Women. She no longer makes excuses for not exercising. In fact, it’s a priority.

“What I want to share with others is that it is not about what the scale says. More importantly, this experience has been about living a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “I used to come home from work and overload with carbs and then take a nap. Today, I eat a healthy snack and head to the gym for a workout. As a result, I have more energy and, more importantly, am setting a good example for my children.”

Walker said clients will always have someone looking out for them.

“It’s the only complete program for getting your results for transforming your body and transforming your life,” she said.