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Lisa Marie Ladd

Age: 49 years young
FIT Member since: 8/22/07

Goal: Ski with children, hoping to be on the slopes by winter of 2009

Results: Increased strength, specifically muscles surrounding knees. Increased muscular endurance and cardiovascular conditioning. Lost a total of 10 inches around body since starting at FIT.

Likes: Her trainer (Karen); the best and the friendly, encouraging nature of FIT

Dislikes: Stepping up onto the small box, a challenge, and sweating.

Elliptical Strides: 20 min PR – 3203

Push-Ups #7: 14

Keys to Success: Dedication and determination

Major Accomplishments: (straight from Lisa herself)

There are so many for me:

1) I made the commitment to come to work out with Karen three days a week. I believe I have only missed a handful of times-under 10, since then.

2) Since I had a tibial osteotomy in 1993, I have forgot how to walk up and down the stairs with both legs. Now I can!

3) I made a commitment to lose 100 pounds before I turn 50. I have a good start and I actually feel like I can accomplish it. I don't know about how many pounds but I have been able to wear a pair of jeans for the first time in 9 years. Now they are too big! I have lost 39 inches all around, 25% at FIT.

4) I can "stride" on the elliptical for more than 4000 at level 9 and at an incline of 12!

5) I can do 24 push-ups on level 8.

6) I have muscles! And definition in my arms.

7) My daughter can put her arms around me and hug me tight.

8) The biggest accomplishment is that I am making a lifestyle change and my children are watching me and making changes too.

Fearful that my children would live their lives by my example, I made a leap of faith and I left my marriage of 12 years. I would save them, even if I could not save myself. It was a dark time for me, and I spent a long time punishing myself for a number things. Finally there was a glimmer of sunshine; I forgave myself and gave myself the gift of grace. To be a better mother I had to. It was then I realized that I could not take care of my children if I did not take care of myself.

On a warm day I walked into FIT and I met a petite woman with the marvelous smile and a sparkling mischievous glint in her eyes (Karen Moreno). She has become my Annie Sullivan, walking down this path through the darkness of my journey with me. Enlightening, educating, encouraging, energizing, and working the daylights out of me! I could not do it without her. For that I am eternally grateful.

My small pearls of wisdom...like the Nike ad says, I "just do it." I schedule my time every week at the same time so it has become a routine and I don't think about it. Or worse, try to rationalize skipping it. Karen is waiting for me. I also remind myself of the poem "How To Eat An Elephant...” I can't eat it in just one bite; it’s just too big, but it can be done with just one little bite a day. My biggest cheering squad is my children. My daughter tells everyone about how she can put her arms around me now and she brags how when she goes shopping she has to get me smaller sizes. As a single mom I want to show my daughter and son that despite that all that has happened to us as a family, I am strong enough and determined enough to make this huge change, and lead by example. How do I manage a change in my career, my school, my children, their activities, their schooling and a smidge of a life just for me? I let go of the small things, keep the all the balls in the air of the things that matter most to my kids and I, and as Karen always reminds me every workout… just breathe.

Gary Sheerer

Name: Gary Sheerer
Age: 61
FIT member since: 8/1/05

Goal: Initially, to get in better shape, lose some weight, regain some muscle strength. As of 1/1/06, to see if I could get back into the pool and not drown or ruin my shoulder while joining some old friends to play in the World Masters Water Polo Championships. Since then, building on the success and positive results.

Results: First five months: Gained some strength, didn't lose weight. However, the training to date enabled me to be able to agree to try to play water polo again (which I had no plans whatsoever to do). From January 2006 to now I have lost 25 pounds while gaining strength, and doing so without re-injuring my shoulder (I had surgery 25 years ago due to repeated dislocations). The personal training has been carefully structured to build strength and endurance, while regaining some flexibility. Prior to that, I was unwilling to risk the wrong movements out of concern for my shoulder. Interestingly, a number of my teammates (who started with relatively healthy shoulders) have had shoulder problems in the past year (a relatively common event for that sport). So, my training has been especially helpful!

Likes: The variety and tailor-made workouts; the results of being pushed to do more than I would do on my own.

Dislikes: I'm not saying, since I know you'll make me do it!

PR 500 meter row: 147.1PR chin-ups: Trying to catch up with his wife Ann!

Key to success: The key to Gary's success has been his commitment to his workouts both in and out of FIT. Not only does Gary rarely miss a session, be he always walks thru the doors of FIT ready to give one hundred percent regardless of any aches and pains or bruises from being kicked in water polo practice the night before. Two years ago, when Gary started at FIT, he set a few common goals for himself including basic strength and weight loss. After a couple months of training at FIT, his goals quickly grew to training for the Master's Water Polo tournament at Stanford the following year. Since then, Gary has committed himself to two days a week of training at FIT, multiple nights per week at polo practice with his fellow teammates, as well as swimming and throwing the ball around on his own. Gary and his wife, Ann, have a lot to celebrate as they both just returned from Australia competing in water polo, swimming, and diving. Congratulations to both Gary and Ann on their commitment and dedication to achieving their fitness goals!

In Gary’s Words: I have told many people that the past two years have been among the best in memory for me...quite a statement. This is due to the camaraderie, physical and mental benefits of getting together with old friends, and some new ones, to pursue a love of water polo that I had left long ago. Had I not begun the journey with several months of personal training, I would have had no choice but to turn down the commitment to get back in the water after so long. The weight loss, increased energy and feeling of well-being have been great as well.

I have just returned from the World Masters Aquatics Championships in Perth, Australia, where I competed in two different age groups, and played 13 games in 7 days. Our team won the Gold Medal. Two years ago, I could not have even imagined the possibility of doing this. My personal training at FIT has been the cornerstone of my overall regimen. My wife, Ann (also a FIT client), won two medals in Perth also (in swimming and diving), and we are both looking forward to continuing our journey at the 2010 World Masters in Sweden.

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Ximena Pavlik

Age: 35
Member since: 9/11/07

Goal: Ximena wanted to get "strong" and "fit" to keep up with her 3 kids.

Results: Simena has increased her overall strength, power, and endurance. She has noticed the difference in the way her clothes fit. She is training 4 times per week and gets up to run twice per week with friends.

Likes: Squats, lunges, heavy weights, and working out hard.

Dislikes: Running on the treadmill.

PR 500m Row: 2:05

PR Chin-Ups: 100 in 7 minutes (jumping).

Key to success: Ximena works her tail off. She fits her workouts in between dropping off the kids and other errands when she could be sipping a Starbucks or napping herself. She is coach-able, will try anything, and follows directions closely. She always has a positive attitude, even when I know she is suffering. As of mother of 3 (6 years, 4.5 years, 16 months), she is a prime example of the results women like her can achieve when they make health a priority.

From Ximena: Since I've been working out with Thom at FIT, I've shed the extra pounds I gained during pregnancy, I have toned up, and I feel strong and healthy. I love working with Thom because he makes every workout challenging and pushes me to my limits!

Joe Fusco

Age: 50
FIT Member Since: 7/30/2001

Goal: Stay fit and healthy
Results: Still biking and enjoying life

Likes: Boxing, abs, abs, abs and bans. Also cappuciono and my "sweetie."
Dislikes: The end of the session, traffic, slow cars in the fast lane.

Best 500 Meter Row: 1:43

Best Chin-ups: 12 strict reps

Key to Success, in Joe’s words: Shaun's work on rehabbing my knees has been very helpful. This has allowed me to stay active.

In Shaun’s words: Joe has an amazing attitude. He has worked through ACL surgery three times. He wants to work hard and take on almost anything. I really think his passion for life, friends and family help to keep him focused on staying healthy so he can enjoy it all. Joe works hard at every session and never complains. He is pretty much the ideal client.

Ruth Patterson

Age: 54
FIT member since: February 2004
What are/were your short and long terms goals coming here to FIT?
Have you obtained them?

Short term goals:
* Consistency in exercising 5 days a week-yes
* Better arm definition-yes
*Weight loss - no (but it is the food part that is the problem, not the exercise!)

Long term goals:
*Increase core strength and overall fitness
*More well rounded exercise program than just hiking 3 times per week.
*I think I am obtaining my long term goals.

What do you enjoy about FIT?
”I like the great atmosphere, the positive attitude of the trainers and
the sense of community involvement and service to others; I also love
Saturday mornings - I marvel at the weightlifting group and like their
background noise! I've also enjoyed the interaction with other clients.”

What exercises do you like? dislike?
Likes: rowing, pushups, dead lifts, most arm exercises
Dislikes: kettle bell swings, abdominal exercises, exercises involving balance

What is the key to your success from training here at FIT?
”Corny as it sounds, Danielle is a real inspiration. She is always at the gym, she loves what she does and she doesn't laugh at me when I lose my balance doing things! She has the right balance of making me want to push myself without making me feel like I can't do something. She brings out my competitive nature (for example, getting rowing times) in a positive way to make me do things I didn't think I could.”

Celebrations:
100m Row = 22.3 seconds (2/12/08)
Push Ups (strict) = 15 x 4
Pull Ups (neutral grip w/ assistance) = hole 9/4 x 3
Back Squat =115lbs
Deadlift = 115lbs

Key to the Ruth’s success (from Danielle):
“Ruth began training with me in June of 2007. Prior to working out with me, she trained with Josie. Ruth was eager to get back into the gym and start accomplishing the goals that she wanted to achieve. Ruth is a very hard worker who has been consistent coming in for her training and it shows. She trains with me once a week, hikes two to three times a week, and is at FIT almost every Saturday. Ruth has increased her muscular strength and endurance. She is executing strict push ups, back squatting 115lbs, dead lifting 115 lbs, and has an impressive time completing the 100m sprint on the rower. Ruth is a joy to be around and is on her way to a healthier lifestyle. Congratulations Ruth!”

Aurora Dreyer

Age: 34
Member Since: April 2007

Goal: Initially, to lose 40 more pounds in addition to the 60 I had already lost.

Result: After starting at FIT and then gradually adding in some Crossfit workouts, I met my goal of losing 100 pounds in October 2007! I am now well on my way to losing 120 pounds total.

Likes: Rowing, wall ball, med ball slams, pull-ups, and learning Olympic lifting

Dislikes: Push-ups, bruises on my collar bones from cleans, burpees

500 Meter Row (best time): 1:46

Chin-up: 5 Kipping

Key to Client's Success: The keys to Aurora’s success have been her consistent attendance, intense attitude, and desire to learn and get better. She is always looking to improve her technique regardless of the exercise and push herself outside her comfort zone to improve work capacity. She has maintained a sense of humor and an open mind which help during the wee hours of the morning when the last thing anybody wants to do is 100 pull-ups, push-ups, or squats!

In Aurora's Words: I started coming to FIT and seeing Jimmy with my friend Clydene in the spring of 2007 in order to supplement my ongoing weight loss with strength training. I began by coming just once per week. The results were so remarkable that I added in a second day with Danielle and as of January 08; I am coming in 3-5 days per week for training and Crossfit.

I have now lost a total of 108 pounds (with about 12 more to go…I think…or until my butt looks like Analisa's.:), dropped 6 sizes and can routinely beat my male co-workers in arm wrestling. The physical changes brought about with FIT's help have literally made me unrecognizable, as well as made me feel years younger. I have become stronger and capable of pushing myself to levels that I never imagined were possible. It has also unearthed an apparent borderline obsessive competitive streak, as many of my training partners and Crossfit buddies can attest to. :) I am now setting new goals for myself such as competing in the Crossfit games and running a ½ marathon this year. It's been an amazing journey and one I couldn't have completed without all of the wonderful and supportive staff at FIT and all of the awesome and inspiring training friends. Looking forward to 2008!

Pilar Parducci

Age: 40
FIT member since: 10/02/2006

Goals:

When Pilar joined FIT, she wanted to get into a consistent exercise routine to alleviate her back and neck pain. She was very intimidated at first by a gym environment, but as soon as she conquered the initial apprehension, she realized that she can do everything everybody else can do. Now she is a regular twice per week client at FIT!

New goals:

Continuing to become stronger and increase her aerobic capacity. Getting her husband in to FIT on a regular basis is also a goal!

Celebrations:

-She now works out twice per week….and MISSES it when she isn’t here!
-PR of 25kg Clean and Jerk for a double (2 reps) -30 consecutive straight legged sit-ups….struggled with 5 when she started
-PR of 35kg Deadlift for a double (2 reps)
-PR of 1 pull-ups on level 9…couldn’t reach over her head when she started!

Likes:

-How good she feels after she works out! -Any type of boxing conditioning because hitting and kicking Analisa is so much fun!
-The rower (really?! Yes, really!)
-She also likes to watch and admire the perseverance and progress of some of the other women that train at the same time we do. She really enjoys the camaraderie.

Dislikes:

When that trainer of mine (Analisa) says, 25 more! You can do it! Actually, I don’t have any dislikes about FIT or working out. Some days are better than others, but that’s going to always hold true, oh wait…I forgot, I really, really, really dislike burpees!

Keys to Pilar’s success:

Pilar came to us at FIT very apprehensive and not real excited to workout. But she approached each day with an open mind and willingness to try. She has been an excellent communicator and even on the days that I know she has wished she was anywhere but here, puts in the effort required to improve. She has worked diligently to stick to regular exercise, try movements and activities that are intimidating or simply a little out of the ordinary (i.e. Running across the gym with a weight vest and two fire-hoses in her hands). But what has made Pilar ultimately successful has been both her determination and her modesty. That sense of humor has been a huge help too!

In Pilar’s words:

“Yup. I stuck with it and I feel good about it and I like it and it is close to home and therefore MUCH easier to fit into my life. I have also accomplished more than I though possible but that just makes me want to continue to strive for even more. Olympic athlete I will never be, but I’m having fun and feeling stronger and more physically aware and capable. Now that I’m getting older, I’m REALLY glad that I have a formal workout schedule for my overall cardio and bone health etc., even though it is the emotional well being that I notice the most. Clearly there are some weeks, it would be good if I had a workout scheduled every day as it would make me a nicer/better/more relaxed person (and Mommy.) My trainer, what’s her name again….oh, Analisa, I love her – in a trainee/trainer kind of way of course. She makes me feel like anything is possible, and I enjoy vicariously reliving some of my youth!”

Motto: “Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!”

Joseph Van Valen

Age: 23

What were your short- and long-term goals coming here to FIT? Have you obtained them?

My primary goal when I started at FIT was to prepare myself physically for my new career as an Air Force pilot. I specifically wanted to work on bringing my run time down, improving my upper body strength, and learning physical training techniques that I can use in the military.

I have obtained these goals and exceeded my own expectations: my 1.5 mile run time is consistently under 11 minutes, I’ve more than doubled the number of push-ups and sit-ups I can do in a minute to 46 and 56 respectively, and I can do 10 strict pull-ups from the hang with no break (an improvement from not being able to do even a single pull-up).

In addition to these improvements, I have a newfound interest in Olympic-style weightlifting, and I’ve made significant progress in it. I’ve set another goal of competing in the Golden West Open hosted here at FIT.

I placed third at the Golden West Open in the 69kg weight class with a total of 128!

Joseph’s PRs:
Snatch: 62.5kg (137 lbs.)
Clean and Jerk: 80kg (176 lbs.)
Front Squat: 90kg (198 lbs.)
Back Squat: 100kg (220 lbs.)

What do you enjoy about FIT?

The vibrant atmosphere makes for a very motivating training environment. Danielle’s creative workouts always keep me on my toes, and I continue to be challenged with each one.

What exercises do you like and dislike?
Likes: Olympic-style weightlifting, and the sound of weights hitting the floor.

Dislikes: The Fight Gone Bad workout, and anything like it.

What is the key to your success from training here at FIT?
Showing up consistently and giving each workout 100% have been the number-one driving factor in my fitness success. For the Olympic-style lifts, watching and listening to the advice of the trainers and other lifters have helped immensely.

Keys to the client’s success (from Danielle):

Joseph began his first training session at FIT in a CrossFit class wanting to prepare himself physically for the Air Force. He realized the class was not for him and decided to start personal training sessions three times a week. Joseph was very committed and consistent with his training. He would train three days a week at FIT and two to three days on his own. While training at FIT, Joseph has learned how to do strict push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, Olympic-style weightlifting, and much more. He has excelled immensely in weightlifting and will most likely continue his training in the future. Joseph’s hard work and dedication prepared him for the Air Force and has taken him to an improved level of fitness. Joseph is heading to Alabama to start his new career and will be missed by everyone at FIT. Congratulations and good luck!

Carol Eder

Age: 48
FIT member since: January, 2003

Goals:

-When Carol started thinking about joining FIT, she was unhappy with her body and energy level. She was intrigued by the thought of a personal trainer and looked at it as a way to “have no excuses.” When she started, she was working a ton and playing mom, so without any specific fitness goals, her first trainer suggested she aim for “Madonna arms.” She wanted to improve her upper body strength, so that was her starting point. Over the past few years, she took a leave of absence from work, and refreshed her fitness goals. She wanted to be able to run around her block without stopping, and to do 1 full pull-up. Within three months, the running goal was met! Where does that leave her? Complete a full Ironman and still do 1 full pull-up.

Celebration:

Completed her first ½ Ironman in August, 2007 with a sub-7 hour time.

What Carol loves about FIT:

Josie- because she transformed my attitude about weight lifting and achieving goals and because she gave me nuts and chews on my birthday.

Analisa- because she is so good with me and my children, teaching us new skills, and also because of the way she says “you’re awesome dude” in that throaty, basketball coach voice.

Gabe- because he started Crossfit and because he’s like those palace guards in England who are not supposed to smile on the job. My FIT workout partner Julie and I enjoyed trying “break” him.

Johnny- because he is so encouraging and because he also gave me chocolate on my birthday. [This was to guarantee that you'll be here for a long while! - JN]

Manny- because he is so patient!! … And such a good teacher.

Kris- because, even though he's not a morning person, he teaches Crossfit at 5:30am, and he always has creative solutions for keeping my knees out during squats.

Joe- because he taught me to keep my foot pointed in kick boxing, and he is always happy.

Scott- because he told me all the good food I can eat during a race! And I forgive him for wanting to take me hunting after he discovered I’m a vegetarian.

Thom- because he is so obviously passionately devoted to fitness.

Tracy- because she is the definition of determination.

Serena- because she smiles all the time!

Jenn- she is the epitome of cheerfulness at 5:30am. (I forgive her for deciding last year on my birthday that my age was too high of a goal for exercise reps for the Crossfit group.)

Shaun- he is just so funny.

Kevin- because he lived in Tennessee and he’s fun to talk to.

And Frank, Rob and Karen for being so friendly!

Working out - because it makes me feel good….emotionally and physically.

Keys to Carol’s success (from Analisa):

"When I met Carol a couple of years ago, she was training with a personal trainer and seemed to be very happy working out. She worked hard, but there was a little something missing. Then, Carol started showing up to early morning and mid-afternoon CrossFIT sessions. She was suddenly working out harder than I’d ever seen. When she approached me and asked me to help her prepare for her ½ Ironman in August, I was pumped! She was like a whole new person! She wanted to push herself and find her limits. She wanted to be exhausted at the end of every workout knowing she gave everything she had to all of her movements. She wanted to figure out what she was really made of. Along with her training at FIT, Carol diligently stuck to her triathlon training outside of FIT which is a perfect illustration of her guts and determination! Let’s go get that pull-up! Congrats on making such positive changes in your life! And…thank you for letting us have a hand in it!”

In Carol’s words:

“This may sound dramatic, but I believe my experience at FIT changed my life—or at least my attitude about fitness and weightlifting. I don’t know if I’ll be good at explaining this, but I’ll try. There’s a positive, reinforcing cycle that occurs with a good trainer. As a client, you are asked to do things with your body that you have never tried or weren’t sure you could do. Then you do it and you are asked to do it 10 more times in a row! Then you do it again and you are asked to do it 50 to 100 times in a row!! And over time, you find yourself laughing at the thought that you couldn’t even do it once at one time in your life! Then, you look back and you are darn proud of yourself! You find yourself encouraging others to take positive steps towards fitness and health. You really start to enjoy watching others meet their goals as well. I am still working on setting new goals and achieving them by believing I CAN. I believe if you tell the trainers at FIT that you want to run faster than a speeding bullet and leap buildings in single bound, they wouldn’t blink an eye. However, they might suggest that it may take a bit of training and time.”

Quote From Carol’s Husband

“Carol has always been a very determined person. I’ve never met anyone in my life who once they’ve set a goal is as focused and dedicated to achieving it. This is one of many attributes that I admire and love about my wife. FIT helped Carol achieve her goal of preparing for a Triathlon in an incredibly short time. Although she had been doing some mid-distance running for a year and a half, Carol bought her first road bike in February 2007, began distance swimming in March, and in May competed in her first Triathlon. In August she completed her first ½ Iron Man and came in sixth in her age group. The overall conditioning that came from FIT training put Carol in a position to be able succeed in these endurance events much faster than I dreamed possible. She has also inspired me challenge myself and I will be running my first half marathon in November (at the age of 52), and a Triathlon next May.”

Judy Boltz

Age: 62

FIT Member since: 4/9/2007

Goals:
1) To climb stairs unassisted by cane
2) walk at a sustained, faster pace
3) to squat down and get up with grace while working in her rose garden.

Results:
1) Judy accomplished her first goal within a few weeks of training at FIT and is now able to move efficiently up and down stairs without the aid of cane or orthopedic shoes.
2) Judy was comfortable walking at slow speeds of 2.0 - 2.5 on the treadmill, however faster pace walking was a challenge. She is currently walking comfortable pace at 3.1 for 30 minutes at an incline of 1.5 with intervals of 3.4 - 3.5 for 10+ minutes. 3) Very recently Judy was able to squat down to work in her rose garden without falling over for increments of 5-minute, and she was able to stand up with only one hand on the ground for support. She repeated this sequence for the full hour she spent gardening.

New Goals:
1) increase strength.
2) increase confidence in movement ability after experiencing physical and psychological limitations following orthopedic surgery.

Likes: Judy enjoys her training sessions and looks forward to coming to FIT.

Dislikes: She does not have any dislikes.

Keys to success: Judy chooses to train and comes to her sessions ready to participate. She openly asks questions about how new movement patterns can be developed and what physiological responses are taking place. She is honest about her concerns and frustrations when faced with movement challenges, however her willingness to improve pushes her to understand the benefits of the movement and strive for success.

Quote from Judy: "After only a short time my trainer Karen Kieffer has helped me to move into areas that were beyond my idea of accomplishment!"

Kathleen Erdmann

Age: 59
FIT member since: 10/23/2006

Goals:
-Due to concern about balance and sedentary lifestyle, Kathleen decided that losing some weight and increasing activity levels on a regular basis would decrease her back pain and help her feel better overall!

Celebrations:
-Have lost 12+ lbs
-500m Row 2:24:40 (3:01:04 last November)
-Push-Ups: 13 in a row! Toes and all! *Couldn’t manage one on her knees when she started!
-Walking Lunges: Can complete 3 sets of 20 with 10# DB now when 5 on each leg at body weight only used to be horrific!
-Pull-Ups: Asssit#11/1 rep (started at 19/3)
-Sit-Ups: 23 straight leg in 60”
*In the beginning, any more than 5 were a struggle!

Likes:
-Sit-Ups with the weighted bar
-The atmosphere at FIT!
-The way her arms now look and feel! “A woman at work said that I look toned and I knew it was true because I admired them myself!”

Dislikes:
-Box Jumps
-People that whine!

Keys to Kathleen’s success:
"Kathleen has been a hard worker from the day she stepped into the gym. She started with big goals and has never looked back. She does her homework (workouts outside of her appointments at FIT) regularly, enters her food on www.fitday.com so that we can continually track her nutrition habits, and regardless of what else has gone on that day, checks it at the door and focuses on her workout. Kath enjoys hard work and new movements. She is open to any type of exercises and will always give 100% in the workout I’ve written for the day.”

In the clients words:
"Keys to success are pretty simple... I like my
workouts and I keep coming and I keep seeing results.
The food journal is good too and when we share food
info, that is helpful... like yogurts with too much sugar and how to dilute with plain etc. I am starting to have a little more confidence in working out on my own so that has given me a little more of a boost. I also find that I have a lot more energy on a regular basis!"

Nancy Gray

Age: 43

FIT member since: 1/1/2007

Goal: When I started at FIT, I was sold on the crossfit program for the overall benefit of not only endurance, but strength and conditioning. I had been training for a marathon for about six months and while I could do the 26 miles, I was not getting stronger as I was not doing any weight training. I also wanted to focus on losing weight as I was holding on to an extra 15 – 20 after the birth of my twins (15 months prior).

Results: Well, six months into (3 days consistently sometimes 4) of making it to the 5:30AM FIT class, I am not only significantly stronger, I am also 22 pounds lighter!!! All the trainers have been so motivating. The FIT classes also keep me interested and challenged since they are different everyday. I am getting better at pull ups but definitely my least favorite along with the clean and jerks but I assume these will move out of that category as I continue to improve.

Likes:One of the biggest contributors to reaching my goals, has really been the other clients at FIT. Each person inspires everyone else to reach their goals, increase their times, hang in there when the going gets tough all while adding some good humor to a tough workout. So, thank you to all of you in the early morning class that get me out of bed everyday to keep my promise of being there.

Dislikes: Pullups followed strongly by Burpees

PR Pull-ups: 10 - Assisted Plate #10

PR 500m Row: 1:59

"I remember the first day I came to fit and Ben was the trainer. I walked in to the clean and jerk and walked out ready to cry. I was determined to learn the moves and get up to speed as quick as possible. I don’t think I could do more than one pull up or to get my bottom down to the ball on the squats!!! Thanks to FIT for bringing a great exercise program to Los Altos!"

Rich Burnley

Age: 60

FIT member since: (mm/dd/yyyy) 11/2006

Goal:
-Increase overall strength, endurance and lose weight

Results:
-Have lost 30 lbs
-PR of 110kg dead lift
-Can do 30 straight leg sit-ups; originally couldn't even do 1
-PR of 1:52.4 for 500m rowing
-My wife, Debbie, now works out 2 days a week

Likes:
-Work outs with weights
-Anything that increases endurance (even Tabata occasionally)
-Giving away old clothes that are too big

Dislikes:
-Kettle ball swings
-Sore quads

Keys to your clients success:
"Rich is very consistent. He trains three days a week, rain or shine, and has missed only one session of training since he started in November 06. He pushes himself every training session. He maximizes effort for the entire hour he trains at FIT. His work ethic directly affects the rate at which he is losing weight, gaining lean muscle mass and learning the more advanced Olympic lifts. It also makes my job easier. Last, Rich is inspired and challenged by his trainng partners every session. He partner trains all three sessions a week."

In the clients words:
"Last fall, I decided that I was tired of being overweight and out of shape, so I stopped by FIT on a Saturday morning and scheduled my first workout. Jimmy was (and continues) to be an excellent trainer and about halfway through the first workout, he asked if this was what I expected; my answer was "Exactly".

I look forward to my workouts 3 days per week and have only missed 1 workout (overslept) in over 6 months. Jimmy keeps the routines varied from "Fight Gone Bad" to Tabata to sessions with heavy weights, and I appreciate his easy going nature and his gentle but firm encouragement to complete the required number of reps."

Rachel Yorke

Age: 28

Goal: To Win the Indio Grand Prix

Results: 30,000$ Grand Prix Champion 2007

Likes: Reading, Riding, Working-out

Dislikes:Falling off her horse, negative people

Client Comments:

I reflect back on July 20, 2005 and it was a day that I am not likely to forget for the rest of my life. I was in Pebble Beach showing in a 1.30m open class. I remember thinking, “I work at a great barn, Maple Leaf Farm. I work for two amazing people, Cathy and Alex Mendez and I am doing something I love, ride and train horses.”

In a split second, I came off the horse, fell to the ground, and had my skull pierced with an inch and a half metal stud that had been inserted into the horses shoe for better traction. I laid on the ground for what seemed like an eternity, was heavily sedated, taken to Monterey Hospital, and the 1st person I saw when I awoke was my mum who had flown in from NZ that night. I incurred 6 large skull fractures and 4 smaller ones; I broke all 4-ear bones, shattered my eardrum, had breaks in my chin and cheek, and bruised nerves in my skull. The right side of my face was paralyzed and lost hearing and my balance was disrupted.

I think life is hard but you kind of have to make the most out of the cards you are dealt. I had a lot of work to do to get back on my feet and more importantly back in the tack. Twelve weeks after the accident Cathy encouraged me to go and visit Thom and Tracey at FIT.

Thom set about assigning me endless tasks to complete and I was working out 5 days a week for a couple of months as I went about trying to achieve what Thom had challenged me to do. The accident made it very difficult to balance and so I started off with a lot of coordination work, both hand and eye and also trying to put one foot in front of the other without falling over. Training followed with a lot of rep work: lunges and back squats and stepping up on boxes. Thom introduced me to my new “best friend”, the rower, for strength training chased by the UBE machine and bike. I moved into Olympic weights and unassisted pull-ups which was pretty cool. I still can’t jump up and down too much, which is funny because I jump horses for a living, but that will come in time.

Coming off an injury is hard but it has made me stronger. Working out has made me a better rider because everything I have learned at FIT is useful in the show ring. Prior to the accident I was a not a strong rider. Many times coming off of a big jump I would collapse in my upper body and it would take me a stride or two to get back in the saddle. Now I can land off of a 5’ x 5’3 Oxer and be back in the saddle! The bigger the courses are the more technical, tighter and harder to ride, and being strong both physically and mentally allows you to work at full capacity.

So as I look back, 5 surgeries, 5 plates, 12 screws and 1 rod, I think I may just about be put back together. Over the last 16 months I have made FIT part of my life and routine. I want to thank Thom, Tracey, Frank, Manny and the Dougherty brothers and everyone else at FIT for helping me back on my feet, helping me back into the tack! July 20, 2005 was a day to remember!

Kate Corbin

Age: 16

Goal: To Win 2007 Schoolage National Championships.
Qualify for 2008 Junior World Team.

Results: 3rd place Schoolage Nationals '06,
3rd place Junior Nationals '07

Likes: Back Squats, drama, knitting
Dislikes: Moving fast in between sets.

PR Clean: 87kg (191lbs)
PR Snatch: 63kg (138lbs)
PR Back Squat: 130kg (286lbs)!
PR Front Squat: 113kg (249lbs)!

KATE CORBIN, WEIGHTLIFTER
By Julia Duperrault - Staff Writer for Los Altos High School

Men and women in workout clothes call greetings to sophomore Kate Corbin as the door to FIT gym in Rancho Shopping Center swings closed behind her. She stows her bag in a locker in the back and begins warming up for her nightly two-hour training session.
It was the summer of 2004 when Kate decided to get in better shape and joined the children’s aerobics and lifting program at FIT, the gym where her mom worked out. She soon grew interested in weightlifting, and within a few months, she left the children’s program and instead joined FIT’s Barbell Club, a group of about a dozen adults and teens who spend several evenings a week practicing [Olympic-style] weightlifting together.

But that was more than two years ago. Kate is now ranked fifth in the nation in the women’s school-age category, for lifters under age 17. Among school-age lifters in her weight class, she is the U.S. champion. Her record for the snatch, in which the lifter must pick up the weight and raise it over her head in a single continuous motion, is 63 kilograms (139 pounds). Eighty five kilograms (187 pounds) is her record for her favorite event, the clean-and-jerk, in which the weight is raised from the floor to shoulder height, held there briefly, and then pushed overhead.

“The best part is making a personal record,” Kate said. “You’re just happy for a week, because it takes a long time to work up to your old records and to beat them, and you have to be completely on top of it. Everything has to come together at the right moment.”

Kate competes in meets every couple of months, mostly within the Bay Area.

“In the competitions I get really freaked out because I want her to be successful and so I worry about it,” said Kate’s dad, Dave Corbin. “She doesn’t have this problem, but I do.”

Kate has none of her father’s nerves, however. After about 15 meets, she has the process down pat.

“You have an hour period, and you can weigh in as many times as you want, if you’re the wrong weight,” Kate said. “Then you eat something afterwards, because you’ve probably been starving yourself.”

Competitors then warm up and are first allowed three attempts at the snatch, and then three attempts at the clean-and jerk.

“You go out and you try to lift something, and if you make it, you put more weight on the bar. If you don’t make it, you take it again,” Kate said. “Afterwards they hand out medals, and you collapse on the floor,” she added with a laugh.

Last summer, Kate won a bronze medal in the School Age Nationals in Detroit. The experience was her most memorable in two years of competing.

“There aren’t a lot of people around here who do [weightlifting],” Kate said. “It was amazing to see so many girls involved, and boys as well. There were more people than I could have imagined. It was awesome.”

While Kate loves weightlifting, she sometimes finds it challenging to be one of few females in the area who take part in the traditionally male sport.

“It’s not so much the actual people who participate in the sport, as the people who have the image associated with weightlifting,” Kate said. “When I started lifting, probably most of the people I knew assumed that weightlifters looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

Though she often feels frustrated, Kate stands by her approach of surrounding herself with supportive people and waiting for the stereotype to fade away.

“Actually meeting the people, it’s surprising how normal these women [in Barbell Club] are,” Kate said.

In the 10 hours each week that she spends training at FIT, Kate has become close with many of the other lifters in Barbell Club.

“I like hanging out with everyone there. There’s some really wonderful people, cool people to hang out with,” Kate said.

Kate feels it is her strenuous training regime at FIT that has allowed her to become a champion.

“She works hard all the time,” said Rob Earwicker, Kate’s coach.
Before moving to the United States from England, Earwicker trained as a full-time weightlifter at the British Olympic Training Center.

“Rob is really supportive and he really cares about his lifters and the sport,” Kate said. “He’s really dedicated.”

With Rob’s help, Kate hopes to qualify for Junior Worlds, a world championship event for weightlifters under age 20. A chance to compete would be “amazing,” Kate said. To achieve her goal, she needs to continue training hard over the few years.

“The qualifying totals are ridiculously high,” Kate said.

But with hard work, both Kate and her coach believe she has a good chance of making it.

“She just keeps going, and keeps getting better at it,” Dave Corbin said. “It’s the most amazing thing, I think.”

Dede Huffman

Age: 47

FIT member since: May 8, 2001

Goal:

-Lose excess weight and improve health
-Increase overall strength and fitness level
-Wants to be able to do unassisted chin ups

Results:

-lost 60+ pounds over the last six months!
-can do toe push ups now

Likes:

-seeing the results of all that hard work
-group workouts with Kris (and clients Bonnie and Julia)
-throwing down the bar after performing a jerk

Dislikes:

-Burpees
-running on the treadmill

PR 500 meter row: 2:10

PR chin-ups: 8 reps at #11 on the Assisted Pull-Up machine

Key to success: "Added a third workout per week to my schedule plus cardio on the other days, getting weighed in once a week, keeping track of what I eat and being encouraged by everyone at FIT."

Dede has shown a tremendous amount of perseverance and progress these past 6 months (started in September of 2006). Not only has she been transforming her body and coming into FIT more often, but she has also done these things while battling a deteriorating knee injury. She could have blamed her knee as a reason for being idle, or stopping working out all together, but she chose not to. In fact, she actually increased her sessions at FIT by joining some small group classes. Dede's maintained her focus on her weight loss goal through the holidays while maintaining her strength in her clean and jerk (42.5 kg), improving her pull-ups (from #19 on the assisted pull-up machine for 8 reps to #11 for 8 reps) and push-ups (now done on her toes, no more knees). Unfortunately, her knee injury has resulted in her having to get surgery. Even during her 8 week recovery, she is continuing to lose weight and she is now down 65 pounds…and counting! She looks forward to being able to continue her weight loss progress and enjoying her physique through this summer. Way to go, Dede!

Ronald "Ron" Schmidt

Age: 61

FIT Member since: November 17, 2005

Goal: Offset the losses associated with a recent Parkinson's Disease diagnosis, Increase total body strength and improve upper body flexibility

Results: Ron has improved from doing sets of 12 assisted pull-ups to
sets of 8 pull-ups with no assistance. He has also learned to jump
rope, deadlift (75# for 2 x 12) and set a personal record for the rope
climb with 4 consecutive climbs!

Likes: TRAINS! TRAINS! TRAINS! Ron also likes cars, spending time with
his daughter (and future 1st grandbaby), his wife, and did we mention he
loves trains?!

Dislikes: Rowing, burpees (although he does them with a smile), and
injuries.

PR 500 meter row: 2:18.5

PR Pull-ups: 5 strict consecutive

PR Rope Climbs: 4 Climbs to the bell consecutive

Keys to success: Ron is determined and dedicated to his workouts.
Although he does travel a bit, he always makes time to exercise. He is
on time, hard-working, and manages to complete even the movements he
finds difficult with a smile and a sense of humor!

Ron has Parkinson disease and has decided that rather than let it reduce
his quality of life and level of activity, it has increased his body
awareness, physical activity, and improved his outlook on life. Ron is
able to find humor in the exercises that he struggles with and instead
of giving up he learns the movement, practices, and puts up with both
Thom and Analisa's order's to complete each set regardless of how long
it takes to execute optimal form. Ron is refreshing and hard-working,
two qualities that couldn't be more ideal for a person striving to
improve their physical well-being with each workout.

Quote from client:

"I have found my trainers at FIT have a high level of professionalism. They push me hard to improve my performance but are careful to keep the excersise routines within my capabilities. I also enjoy Analisa's and Thom's humor which makes even the hardest of routines fun. I am really grateful that friend and FIT director, Andy Ludwick, introduced me to FIT when I told him I had PD."

Betty Tight

Age: 80

FIT Member since: May 2001 when FIT opened its doors!

Goal: “to stay as fit as I can, and to work on better posture”

Results: “I have made new friends, maintained my body weight and I
Have improved overall strength and balance.”

Likes: Hiking, playing tennis, Traveling and Tailgating at Stanford Football Games. (Betty is a Stanford Alum)

Dislikes: “being lazy and box step-ups”

Goals: Betty new goal is jumping rope. “The last time I jumped rope was when I was 12 years old”

Keys to success: “Perseverance-just keep going and fight laziness.”

Betty has been working out consistently two times per week for the last 8 years. Her main goal was to maintain what she already had and to stay as fit as possible. She tries to play tennis once a week and she enjoys hiking as well, sometimes going on hikes up to 10 miles long. Betty works hard every time she is in the gym and is a pleasure to work with. She sets a great example for all of us, and is very inspirational.

According to Betty....:

“I feel very grateful and lucky to have found F.I.T. and it has rewarded me all along the way. What a welcoming, friendly and encouraging place it is. Everyone here makes me feel 20 years younger and not like their grandmother! That’s a neat feeling! I give a lot of credit to my tough trainer, Kris, who will hardly ever let me get away with anything. I have been often impressed by his knowledge of this business and I expect him to go far in whatever he attempts in the future. Although I haven’t managed to improve my posture completely the way I would like, I definitely know that it would be worse if it were not for my time here at FIT. Most of it is up to me, I know, but I now have the tools to improve it.”

Jeff Cox

Age: 40

FIT Member since: April of 2001

Goal: Lose weight and get stronger

Results: As of yesterday he weighs 186lbs... one pound away of his goal of 185, which was what he weighed in high school. He started here at 217lbs. 31 pound weight lose.

Likes: Biking, snow-boarding, golfing, fishing, and classic muscle cars. Having fun outdoors with my wife and three kids.

Dislikes: Disappoinment. Dishonesty. Doing things with a half assed attitude.

PR 500 meter row: 1:30

PR Chin-ups: 9 strict consecutive

Keys to success: Jeff is very driven and disciplined. Jeff knows what he needs to do to reach is goals. He has found a good balance of work, family and healthy lifestyle all while still having some fun.

When Jeff started at F.I.T. he was looking to lose some weight and just generally get in better shape. We were accomplishing this when something very unexpected happened. He had a heart attack, in his thirties. Bypass surgery later he is now having a very healthy life with his family and still enjoying biking and kicking my butt on the golf course.

Quote from client: I've always been athletic, and enjoyed working out, but two years ago I had a serious wake up call with an unexpected heart attack and bypass surgery. I'm a general contractor, building high end homes in this area, and the stress of owning this type of business is pretty intense. After the heart attack, I realized that I needed to find more constructive ways of channeling my stress. Coming to FIT and working out with my trainer is something I really look forward to. I may not be able to enjoy a beer while riding the exercycle here, but I've managed to get back down to my optimum weight, and lower my stress considerably. I think as a result, I'm better at work, and with my family.

Erica Vener

Age: 51
FIT member since: The BEGINNING!

Goals:
-Weight Loss
-Improve aerobic conditioning
-Improve muscular endurance
-Improve overall strength

Results:
-Clean and Jerked 30kg
-Snatched 20kg
-Dead Lifted 45kg
-15 strict push-ups
-Lost 17lbs and 2 dress sizes!

Likes:
-Dead Lifts
-Lunging Matrix
-Boxing
-Cheese :)

Dislikes:
-Anything that makes her dizzy

PR 500 meter row: 2:06 (improved from 2:45)
PR chin-ups: 11 in a row, Level 14 (improved from level 17)

Key to success: Erica is dedicated and patient with her training, nutrition, and sleep. She follows recommendations regarding healthier choices and ways to fuel her body, aims to get adequate sleep every single night (and slips a nap in here and there), and consistently completes her workouts at FIT and at home.

At the start of our training adventure together, Erica couldn’t perform any real physical activity for longer than 2-3 minutes without her heart rate sky rocketing to 130bpm. This range was very uncomfortable for her and caused her to have to take numerous breaks, sit down, limiting the level at which she could push herself. We decided to implement interval training (both in the weight room and on the rower) in conjunction with her strength training, which allowed us to slowly increase her aerobic threshold. Currently, Erica is able to work within a heart rate range of 140-150bpm for the majority of her workouts. This is an increase of approximately 20bpm! In addition, Erica has been tracking everything she’s eating and hours of sleep she’s gotten per night. This information has helped us to find the optimal types of foods and amount of sleep for Erica’s body. More than anything, it has enabled Erica to learn more about her body while losing approximately 15 pounds and 2 full pants/dress size! Erica’s performance both in and out of her workouts has been balanced, consistent, and outstanding. Thank you for your hard work and congratulations on the beginning of many successes!

Quote from COTM:" First let me tell you how excited I am to be chosen as client of the month. It may not seem like much to you, but I have never been singled out for anything to do with athletic ability. I’m the student who got stuck on the climbing rope and hit myself in the face with a volleyball return. You’ve made fitness accessible to me, and I want to thank you for that.

Even though my workouts at FIT had made me much stronger, I still found myself dizzy and gasping for air too often. After a series of tests with a pulmonary specialist, I found out that my lungs were fine (“for a woman of my age…”), it was my workout that wasn’t. Analisa took me on as a project just a few months ago, and has made a huge difference. With her as a coach/cheerleader, I’ve been able to improve my aerobic fitness, lose some weight, and gain confidence in my abilities. "

Atsushi Kasuya

Age: 48

FIT member since: 4/28/2003

Goal:
-Increase overall strength and fitness level
-Put himself as a priority by focusing on a consistent exercise regimen and exercising at a very high intensity
-Improve his cardiovascular conditioning; he has a mild heart condition

Results:
-Clean and Jerked his body weight
-The only client who performs Pistol Squats (go to www.hyperstrike.com for video demonstration)
-His heart rate now recovers more than 15 beats after a minute break

Likes:
-Olympic Weightlifting
-Kettlebells
-Anything that is challenging

Dislikes:
-Burpees
-Not being able to breathe (i.e. CrossFit workouts)

PR 500 meter row: 1:48

PR chin-ups: 8 Kipping Pull-ups

Key to success: Simply put, consistency.

Atsushi came to FIT 3 years ago without any resistance training background and with a heart rate that was very sensitive to most activities. Many sets of any activity, like the agility ladder, would raise his heart rate quickly and greater than 170 beats/min. This would require long rest periods and short games of ping pong. His prior athletic history was playing league soccer. This did increase his leg strength significantly, but he still lacked upper body strength.

From starting with 2 workouts per week, he increased to 3 workouts per week here and now he’s able to exercise at a higher intensity and his heart rate recovers quicker than previously. He shows up early 2 out-of-3 workouts to do a mile jog prior to his workout. Also, he rarely misses a day except for the occasional business trip. He can do free-body pull ups, Kipping Pull-ups, all of the Olympic lifts and kettlebell lifts. Finally, I do not know of another client here that can clean and jerk their bodyweight and/or do pistol squats. He once remarked that he never would have dreamed the amount of resistance exercises he is capable of doing today.

Even though he may see his heart rate get above 180 beats/min, he continues to push himself during the workout, making few excuses, if any, to stop and take a break; he’s continually progressing. It is this type of effort that not only inspires other clients during the hour he’s in here, but also his trainer. He’s a natural athlete with a lot of drive that allows him to accomplish his next goal of further increasing his upper body strength and continuing to improve his fitness level.

Vicky Hambly

Age: 62

FIT member since: 09/05/03

Goals:
-Increase overall strength and endurance
-Decrease and eliminate low back pain

Results:
-Has no back pain or discomfort
-Has had substantial strength gains in all exercises

Likes:
-Working hard
-Squats
-Snatch
-Pullups(although she intially hated these)

Dislikes:
-Sit ups

PR chin-ups: Level 10 for sets of 8

Keys to success: Vicky has a great attitude everytime she comes to workout. She is dedicated to working hard and enjoys trying new and differnt exercises. Her desire to improve not only her daily activities but her recreational activities is a true testement to vicky's improvements.

Summary:
Vicky has been coming in for 3 years and has made great improvements. When she first came in her main concern was for her back. She had constant back discomfort and was very hesitate to do anything that she thought might aggreviate her back. Vicky comes in 1 time a week but has made the most of that time. She now is performing the snatch and doing box jumps on the medium box. She has gone from level 20 on the assisted pull up machine to doing jump pulls on the rings.

She horseback rides twice a week and plays golf once a week with no concerns with her back. She even has climbed the roof of her house to paint the trim. Besides these activities Vicky can be seen in here doing the rower or on the treadmill, along with running at foothill and doing some lifting at her home. Vicky continues to improve in all exercises and is now up for new challenges without the worry of her back.

In her own words:
"I thoroughly enjoy my appointments at FIT and working with Kevin English, who is always encouraging and supportive. My back has improved so much that I can do many things I thought I had to give up, including pulling weeds in the garden."

Gary Wipfler

Age: 47

FIT Member since: 5/9/05

Goal: Weigh 200lbs by 07

Results: Gary ran track (Decathlon and High Hurdles) at the University of Washington. He placed third in the High Hurdles at Canadian National Championships in 1980. He is currently Vice President, Corporate Treasurer at Apple. His wife Barbara is also a FIT client, an avid runner, ran track at University of Oregon (and in better shape than Gary). They have 4 children, Brian, Nathaniel (Jump campers) and the twins Angela and Bridget (future jump campers).

Gary has lost 15 lbs since he started at FIT (217 to 202). Having virtually not touched a barbell in 20 years, Gary now likes the Olympic lifts (clean and jerk and the snatch) setting recent personal bests of 85kg clean and jerk and 60kg snatch. More recently, Gary has included Crossfit into his workouts.....

Likes: Olympic weightlifting; rowing 500m (personal best of 1:38.5) and golf.

Dislikes: Crossfit

Keys to success: Less mash potatoes during Sunday dinner and making time to work out on the off days too

Quote from client: "I like the way our entire family has embraced fitness and healthier lifestyle choices, and FIT definitely helps foster some of that. The entire staff at FIT is terrific, patient, knowledgeable, and great with the kids!"

Susan Thomas

Age: 49 (50 on July 25)

FIT Member since: Day 0!!

Goal: Be more fit at 50 than I was at 40

Results: I have lost 20 lbs over the last two years; increased strength in all exercises and broadened training regime to increase overall fitness; all my "numbers" are better - percentage of body fat down 5%; cholesterol down 45 points; resting heart rate low 60s. Goal achieved.

Likes: Olympic weightlifting; watching all the trainers sweat with their new cross training obsession

Dislikes: Mint water

Keys to success: Good rapport with Kevin English and motivation! (The clock is ticking to my 50th birthday!)

Quote from client: “Getting fit at FIT is the best thing I’ve ever done that was just for me. It’s a great stress reducer, ego booster and health enhancer.”

Dan Rosenthal

Age: 50
FIT Member since: 02-02-04
Goal: Loose weight; get faster and stronger for Tennis
Results: Lost 15 pounds in 4 months, improved his Tennis, and overall health.
Likes: Variety of Olympic weight lifting and Plyometrics
PR Front squat: 100 kg
PR Clean: 85 kg

Quote from client: “Personal training helps my court speed and my overall movement.”

Dan Rosenthal, a 50-year-old retired research scientist is FIT’s Client of the Month for May. He came to FIT about two years ago, after an ACL surgery and an ankle injury he realized that he needed to do something about his health and fitness. During his ankle rehab he found a love for the jump rope, which got him his reputation at FIT as “The Jump Rope Guy”. Dan started out training one day a week, with workouts consisting of jumping rope and interval training. His initial goal in addition to weight loss was to be able to jump rope for 15 minutes straight. After crushing that goal (while only missing twice in the 15 minutes) he moved on to his next goal of 20 minutes, which was reached two months later.

Since October Dan has lost 15 pounds and has added Olympic weightlifting into his training. Dan has cleaned 85 kg, and front squatted 100 kg. His new goal is to clean 100 kg. Although jumping rope is not his focus anymore, he jumps 12 minutes everyday before his workout begins.

Other stats:
-Plays tennis 4 times a week
-162 jumps in one minute
-50 consecutive Double Unders
-36-inch Static Box jumps for sets of 5

Meredith Rothrock

Age: 47
FIT Member since: October 2003
Goal: To get stronger and leaner
Results: Meredith has lost 4% body fat and she has continued to increase her strength
Likes: Working out. Meredith currently works out 5 days/week at FIT.
Dislikes: Chin ups.
PR 500 meter row: TBD
PR Chin-ups: 10 Jumping chin-ups
Keys to success: My coaches, Jimmy and Manny

I really enjoy coming to FIT. I love the way the trainers interact with each other and their clients. There is a great deal of camaraderie. The trainers are extremely well educated and continue to develop their knowledge. It's just an all around great place to get in shape.

Karen Owen

Age: 67
FIT Member since: 2003
Goal: Karen has had two aortic valve replacements. She joined FIT to get physically stronger so that she could keep her heart rate down during physical activity and continue to enjoy hiking and biking without getting chest pains.
Results: Karen has had great success with her training. Her strength and endurance have increased considerably. She has taken hiking trips to England and Egypt and will plan more for the future. Karen is currently training to do a century bike ride at the end of March 2006. She has been able accomplish all of this with no chest pain. Her increased leg strength and endurance have allowed her to ride up hills and longer distances than she could have previously imagined.
Likes: Karen enjoys working with her trainer, Josie. She feels that she is pushed to certain levels that she would not do on her own. It’s tough but encouraging!
Dislikes: Sprinting on the rower and lunges!
PR 500 meter row: 2:35
PR Chin-ups: 8 (assisted!)
Keys to success: Always showing up on time. Not missing workouts. Taking on every challenge presented to her and a motivation to live a healthy life with many more hikes and bike rides ahead.

Karen was recommended to FIT by her daughter, Valerie Stitt. Valerie, her husband Gordon and their two children Alex and Maddie also workout at FIT. There are now three generations of the family exercising and living healthier lifestyles.

Karen can deadlift 95lbs, back squat 75lbs, bench press 50lbs – easily! She has also lost 10lbs.

In addition to working out twice a week at FIT, Karen does Pilates twice weekly and hops her Nordic track at home quite regularly also. All of this while training for her centry bike ride. Keep up the great work Karen!

Ron Mester

Age: 42
FIT Member since: 4/31/2002
Goal: Lose weight, lower cholesterol, get stronger
Results: In the last 10 weeks, Ron has lost 15 pounds. He has committed himself to his goals and does cardio now for 30 minutes following each session. He is also playing basketball on Sundays and has seen great improvement in stamina and strength, especially in the low post.
Likes: Sports, CAL sports in particular, basketball, time with daughters ping pong
Dislikes: Losing to Jimmy in ping pong
PR 500 meter row: 2:00
PR Chin-ups: 1 Bodyweight Pull-ups
Key to his success: We started doing more explosive movements (clean and presses with DB) and his cardio after his work outs.

Ron has been here three years and coming in 3 times a week. He is seeing results lately due to the change in his level of commitment. His cardio and the explosive training that we are now doing has helped him lose 15 pounds in 10 weeks, allowed him to be a stronger, if not better basketball player, with more stamina. Unfortunately for Ron, the added strength and speed has not translated into wins on the ping pong table. A side note, Ron and I have been playing Ping Pong for two years. The official tally for our rivalry goes like this:

Jimmy was champion for 2004 by virtue of winning the most 6 game series(number of workouts on each piece of paper in the folder) for the year.

I lead in 05, 5 sheets to four.

Mike Moritz

Age: 51
FIT Member since: Before the beginning
Goal: Get stronger, feel fitter and have a great year on the slopes.
Results: Mike is stronger than he has ever been; he had the best year ever on the slopes and is now more motivated and enthusiastic about working out than ever before.
Likes: Ending his work out
Dislikes: Beginning his work out
PR 500 meter row: I hate the rower!!
PR Chin-ups: 9 Bodyweight Pull-ups
Key to he success: Focus. Motivation.

One year ago Mike’s presence on the weightlifting platform was non-existent. A couple of injuries (back & shoulder) kept him from lifting heavy and from performing many of the classic weightlifting exercises. Steadily progressing through variations of these exercises and strengthening the major muscle groups involved provided Mike with the technique and strength base needed to progress.

Mike eventually made his way over to the weightlifting platform where he learned to “focus” before lifting. This concentration and his motivation to get stronger eventually led to him perform a 200.2lb Dead-Lift. Pull-Ups have also become a favorite of Mikes; 8 months ago Mike started doing pull-ups with 76lbs of assistance, today he has a personal record of 9 bodyweight pull-ups, with the intention of increasing this in 2006. Both of these are outstanding achievements in his training history.

Mike lifts weights and gets in an average of 30 minutes of cardio three times a week. He is disciplined with his nutrition and lifestyle and enjoys life to its fullest.

Congratulations Mike, you’re a Stud!

Mary Bechmann

Age: 48
FIT Member since: April, 2005
Goal: Weight loss and stress relief
Likes: Dumbbell clean & jerk combos, “zoning out” on the treadmill, and getting FIT gift certificates for her birthday.
Dislikes: Doing things halfheartedly, not trying new things, and missing her workouts!
PR 500 meter row: 2:22.4
PR Chin-ups: Level 7 for 2 reps.
Key to her success: Staying focused on my goals while training intensely with Scott and tracking calories; making time for myself.

Mary came to us several months ago after losing 10 pounds on her own through brisk walking for long distances and watching her calories. After reaching a weight loss plateau for approximately 6 weeks, she didn’t know how to continue to lose weight (without starving) and realized that she must need to include weight training.

Before Mary started at FIT, she had never focused on utilizing weight training as a means of weight loss. She had never lifted a weight in her life. She could not do a single sit-up or pushup. Today, she can do three sets of 12 push ups from her toes and 12 sit-ups, and she squats 35 kg for 8 reps. She has learned Olympic weightlifting, kettlebell lifts (loves the bruises!), and various squatting, pressing and pulling movements. Now, she will sometimes come into FIT 30 minutes prior to her session or stay an hour afterwards while walking briskly on the treadmill on an assortment of inclines. Even while traveling she continues her weight training routine.

Through some additional nutritional counseling, she has finally reached her goal of losing another 10 pounds -- and her body has completely changed from a size 8 to a 2/4. As important, she has carved out some time for herself and integrated fitness into her daily life after seeing what a great stress reliever a workout can be.

Recently, Mary went to several reunions in which she was repeatedly complimented on her body transformation and weight loss success. She is an example of weight training as being the missing link for women to achieve their weight loss goals. Keep pumping that iron, Mary!

Alicia Bush

Age: 30
FIT Member since: April, 2005
Goal: Get lean, Get Fit.
Results: 102 pound weight loss
Likes: Running outside, teaching her students, training at FIT.
Dislikes: “chick-flicks”
PR 500 meter row: 1:54.1
PR Chin-ups: Level 12 for 2 reps.
Key to her success: “Being Disciplined, being focused”

Alicia started at FIT from an act of kindness. She was given a gift certificate to FIT from one of the parents at her school. The parent and long time member of FIT wanted to help Alicia get the professional direction and encouragement she would need to reach her goal. Beginning with 10 sessions Alicia was off to a good start. She was walking on the treadmill for up to 30 minutes a night and eating smaller, healthier meals.

Alicia has made tremendous progress over the last eight months and will continue to lose the last 18 pounds of her target weight loss. Alicia follows a very sensible nutrition plan, never letting herself skip a meal. She tries to use “common sense” when eating out and enjoys discovering new, healthy recipes.

Alicia’s transformation has been spectacular. Every week when she walks through the door she seems like a new person.

Gloria Chen

Gloria, a newer client at FIT, began training with Jen about three months ago and has made huge improvements during her time here. After suffering a midterm pregnancy loss, Gloria was determined to lose the weight she had gained and to improve her overall strength. She started out training twice a week, and after a couple weeks increased to three times a week. In this short period of time, Gloria has reached her goal weight and has significantly increased upper and lower body strength. She went from struggling to perform one push up or sit up to easily handling multiple reps of push ups, sit ups, back lifts, as well as heavy back squats, dead lifts and more. On the weekends, she gets out on the trails at Rancho San Antonio with her husband, John, who is an avid runner.

“I have never been very athletic and rarely enjoyed exercising in the past,” says Gloria. “But working with Jen at FIT has been very motivating, the variety keeps it interesting, and I feel great about accomplishing things I never thought I could do!”

Gloria’s husband has recently started training at FIT, too, and is very impressed with his wife’s accomplishments. She has worked incredibly hard and definitely has earned the client of the month. We are currently altering Gloria’s program to maintain her strength gains as she begins to start a family. FIT wishes Gloria and John the best of luck in the months ahead.

Larry Blum

Larry is a man in his mid 60's who could probably walk on for freshman football at St. Francis in the fall. He started training with Thom about one year ago. This was his first exposure to an organized weight program.. He had run and played tennis during his adult life, but needed something extra that could keep him in shape during his retirement. The byproduct of Thom's initial work was a drop in bodyweight and most importantly a big drop in body fat. He now is a 6'1" 180 lb man with body fat in the teens.

Thom got him ready with all the base strength and mobility, and I now train him and have advanced him towards a program that includes plyometrics and Olympic movements. Larry can now jump on a 36 in box and can power clean 65 kilograms. The offer is on the table for a position on my soph frosh football team as a third down pass rushing specialist fully utilizing his length and explosiveness. Keep up the good work Larry and let's get to a bodyweight clean and jerk.

Brian Cabrera

Brian started at FIT in November of 2004. Brian had always been an accomplished athlete but years of work as a silicon valley executive left him battling extra weight gain. As a new father, Brian made the decision to focus on getting back to his prior form. "I so enjoy being active and I felt that if I didn't get back in shape using the kind of fitness expertise that FIT offers, I'd never be able to keep up with my son, Alexander, during these crucial formative years," Brian explains. Brian committed to working with trainers Kevin English and Mike Greeves three days a week and changed his diet significantly. Ten months later he is celebrating life 70 pounds lighter.

At 5 feet 10 inches, Brian weighs 199 pounds with a Base Metabolic Rate of 2371 calories per day. With a body fat percentage of 14%, Brian's lean body weight totals 169 pounds. To make such an aggressive goal Kevin and Mike created a resistance training program that would preserve Brian's muscle size, increase his absolute strength and potentially increase his metabolic rate.

Classic, full-body movements such as pull-ups, back squats and dead lifts were incorporated into Brian's training plan to address functional strength needs, while medicine ball drills such as the overhead toss, standing rotational throws and backward toss were used to train his core. Overall, Brian has lost 10 inches off his midsection to become a 33 waist.

"Brian came in with the goal of losing weight, increasing his strength and regaining the abilities that would inable him to have a more active lifestyle. With this self motivation, Brian has lost over 70 pounds, can now do 100 push-ups, plays USTA tennis on a weekly basis and takes his boy for 40-mile bike rides," says Mike of his client. Kevin adds, "Brian's dedication, not only here at FIT, but also outside of FIT has allowed him to achieve these goals and he is already setting new goals for himself."

"I can't say enough about what a great program Thom and Tracey have developed at FIT. Mike and Kevin did a fantastic job as trainers in motivating me in the short run session by session, while maintaining a keen focus on the positive long-term results I could achieve. I truly feel like I could not have reached my training goals without their expertise and positive influence," says Brian.

Brian has the attributes that every trainer wants out of their clients and he is truly deserving of FIT's client of the month.

Miss Santa Clara

In January of this year I was crowned Miss Santa Clara 2005, earning a spot in the Miss California competition which is the state final for Miss America. That’s right, I’m a swimsuit-wearing, talent-performing, “world peace”-wanting pageant contestant.

To succeed at State, I knew I needed to work on every phase of competition, but none as much as swimsuit. What I didn’t know was what the safest and most productive method would be. More than anything, I didn’t want to be a crash dieter or exercise-aholic like some of my fellow titleholders. I needed someone to focus my energy, set guidelines, and kick my butt into shape (literally!). Lucky me, I got three “someones,” in Joe Kelso, Ben White, and Scott Kolasinski. Poor guys, they had no idea what they were getting themselves in for!

I’ve always been a little heavy and never overly athletic. Running killed me and weight training was for my male friends. So when Joe put me on a treadmill for the first time and Ben handed me a kettlebell, I was, um . . . a little resistant. Despite some initial skepticism, I now train twice a week, do cardio intervals on my off days, and stick to a personalized nutrition plan Scott created for me.

My experience at FIT has been amazing! I’m still a work in progress (ask Ben about my lifting technique!) but for someone who never ran a full mile but can now jog 30 minutes straight, I think I’m doing pretty well. I’ve never been so challenged, but I’ve never been so supported and encouraged either. The best part is that everyone has taken the time to get to know me and my individual goals, what works for me and what doesn’t. Even though I’m at my lowest competition weight ever, I’m prouder that I am the most physically fit and tone I have ever been, and that I have finally learned nutrition and exercise methodologies I can use for life. Before my time at FIT is done, I’d like to teach the guys a thing or two as well, perhaps the importance of Vaseline and “butt glue” in the swimsuit competition, but that will be a lesson for another day . . .

Despite being Miss Santa Clara for almost half a year and Miss San Jose for a year before that, I still don’t consider myself a “beauty queen.” But after four months at FIT, I finally consider myself an athlete. A HUGE THANKS to everyone here for taking an interest in an atypical competitor and finding the athlete in her!

Lynda Greene

Lynda Green is a 58-year-old client that trains twice a week here at FIT. Troubled by her right hip since 1985 she was active in Yoga, bike riding, and skiing. It was determined that her hip was congenitally displaced, which caused it to wear unevenly. This brought on a lot of pain and deterioration. To make things worse, in 1996 she fractured her sacrum in a skiing accident and then began a long, slow, and painful rehab.

Lynda had worked on and off with personal trainers throughout the years with some success, and then she found Tracey. “Tracey was great and patiently helped me develop more core strength.” But that just delayed the inevitable; she eventually had her
Hip replaced in 2000.

Unlike most hip replacements, she continued to have significant pain following the surgery, along with persistent lower back spasms. For months she couldn’t even lean over to pick something up off the floor, and was still using a walker six weeks after the surgery. Tracey then began training Lynda at home, followed by the pool and ultimately back in the gym. She was encouraged that things were going in the right direction, even though it was a long, slow process. She also credits Dave’s Massage therapy that has helped accelerate her progress.

These days Lynda is looking stronger than ever, and one would never guess that she has had a hip replacement. With her amazing flexibility, she is now able to perform a full squat and has recently started the Olympic lifts. Without any complaints, Lynda comes in and works hard everyday, and it shows.

Dianne Giancarlo

Dianne Giancarlo was a practicing lawyer who was also a co-founder of a successful law firm. Hard work, family, and professional commitment prevented her from taking care of her health and fitness, and the fact that she has never been an active person didn't help. Something had change if she wanted to live a quality and full life, the kind that the grandchildren can happily remember.

So she left the law firm and decided to focus on her family and her health and fitness.

She started a running routine, but realized quickly that she needed strength training as well. So she engaged in a weight training program on her own and she -- as is quite common -- eventually injured herself. Her doctor advised her to seek a personal trainer, from whom she can receive professional instructions. She has been using a personal trainer ever since. Now she is an excellent representative of health and fitness. Not only does she train with weights at FIT, but she also plays tennis extensively in a local club, and she has done several running relays and completed a marathon (the beautiful Big Sur marathon). She has begun training with the Olympic-style lifts, which she commented has helped her tennis performance. She continues to do all these things with relentless passion to stay in shape, maintain a high level of energy, improve performance, increase strength, and enhance vitality. With all these wonderful qualities, she can now proudly and easily stay young like her daughters and live well for the rest of her life.

Those reasons clearly indicate that she, like so many of our clients, represents someone who successfully transcended from a mostly sedentary lifestyle to one that is undeniably healthy and fit.