Ann Burford:

A couple of years ago, I started working with a trainer. Then, my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because I was completely focused on caring for him, I quit work and stopped working out. During his illness and passing, I gained twenty-six pounds. My husband and I had been married for 30 years, 7 months, 4 days, and 14 hours; we had enjoyed an incredible love affair and I was so devastated by my loss that I didn't leave my house for a month after his funeral.

Before his death, my husband made me promise not to return to work. He said it was time; I had logged many years of hard work, and he wanted me to to enjoy life and care for myself. He had even bought me a membership to a large gym, but when I got my first look (and smell!) at this national chain's facility, I knew that it wasn't the right environment for me. I shopped around at other gyms, but none felt like a good fit.

A friend and work colleague referred me to her trainer, Justin, at Fitness Together. The cost of a Fitness Together trainer was significantly more than other gyms—could I justify paying a few thousand dollars for fitness training? I took a big gulp and remembered that I just paid $1400 for obituaries; surely a life-enhancing service was worth more than that!

I can now affirm that this was money well-spent. My time with Fitness Together has been such an incredibly positive experience: I dropped from a size 14 to a size 8, and promptly signed up for another 48-session package. Training at Fitness Together not only helped me get in shape, it also helped me through the first stages of the grieving process. My trainer motivated me and helped get me going again, and the exercise provided both a physical and an emotional release from my stress. I was getting back in shape (mentally and physically) while focusing on 'me'.

My trainer, Justin, is such a wonderful young man. He is always prepared and ready to go. His positive attitude and his great sense of humor ensure that I always feel comfortable. From the beginning, Justin determined my strengths and weaknesses, developing a plan to target the parts of my body where I wanted to see results.

The environment at Fitness Together has made a world of difference for me. I never have to wait for equipment; the trainers track everything I do to monitor my progress; they help with all of the stretching; and everyone on the training team is aware of my personal workout plan. I also enjoy the extra services that make me feel pampered and special. I don't have to worry about bringing water or towels; those things are always waiting for me. I can even grab an apple on the way out the door after my workout.

Recently, I was traveling by plane and had to literally run from Terminal E to Terminal B in the Charlotte airport in order to catch my next flight. I made it to the gate on time, and I wasn't even out of breath. It's just one of the many benefits I'm enjoying as a result of my training. I feel healthy again and I feel good about myself—even my children have remarked on my transformation. I promised my husband that I would not return to work, but that I would instead spend the next chapter of my life learning how to play and have fun. I'm grateful that I was led to the perfect fitness facility and the perfect trainer to help me achieve that goal. Thanks to Fitness Together, I'm healthier, I'm happier, and I'm looking forward to what's next! - Ann Burford

Renée Jones:

As a business owner, fitting workouts into my hectic schedule is tricky. Although I'm not a morning person, I used to work with a personal trainer at 7:30 a.m. It was the only time when I was sure that I could squeeze in a workout without scheduling conflicts. Then, my trainer announced that she no longer wanted to get up that early in the morning to train me; I had to find a new trainer. I had heard wonderful things about Fitness Together via business networking groups, so I contacted them for an initial assessment. Even though the cost of training at Fitness Together was three times the price I was paying my ex-trainer, I was willing to give it a try.

After my second session with Fitness Together, I knew that my ex-trainer's decision to quit had been a blessing in disguise. For the year-and-a-half I had worked with my ex-trainer, the scale had never budged and I hadn't lost any inches. We had followed the same exact routine during every training session. But, at Fitness Together, the trainers custom-design workouts that change regularly. I don't get bored and my body doesn't get used to a routine.

My regular trainer, Justin, has such a positive attitude, and it's evident that he genuinely cares about my overall well-being. For me, working out is about making my body move and keeping active, but sometimes I want to kick and scream all the way there. For example, I initially resisted the elliptical machine. But Justin has challenged and motivated me to a point where the elliptical machine is now one of my default options for a good cardio workout. Fitness Together even offers cardio incentives for all of its members. Every time you complete a cardio workout, your name goes into a fishbowl for regular drawings to win free sessions, massages, and other prizes. The facility is top notch - clean, and private, truly a one-on-one training experience. I appreciate knowing - that I'm not in a fishbowl, even if my name goes into one!

Of course, I also appreciate Justin's flexibility in working with my schedule. My business is growing and my life is busier than ever before. These days, I meet Justin three mornings a week for workouts at 6:45 am. If I'm traveling or if I require a session at a different time, Justin works to accommodate me whenever possible. The old adage "you get what you pay for" has certainly proven to be true in my experience of two very different personal trainers. I'll be sticking with Fitness Together from here on out and I know they'll be there for me, no matter what time of day! - R. Renée Jones

Tracey Glendenning

I've always been very active and I've been fortunate to remain the same exact size since college. But, like most people, when it comes to exercise, I'm not always self-motivated. Furthermore, with a busy career, a husband, and a young son, my time is in high demand. If I'm going to spend time away from work or family, then whatever I'm doing better be fun! I use a trainer to help keep me accountable for making fitness a part of my regular routine, and I count on my trainer, Justin, to make my workouts both motivating and enjoyable.

Two years after my son was born, I wanted to get back in really good shape and I knew I was not going to do it alone. That's when I started working with a personal trainer at Fitness Together. I've been a regular client for the past five years, and at the age of 43, I'm in better shape now than I was in college!

I am not a fan of large work out facilities. For me, it's worth the investment to workout in a smaller facility where I have complete privacy. Although there can be a maximum of three clients working with trainers in three separate rooms, usually it's just me and my trainer with the entire facility at my disposal. At Fitness Together, my trainer ensures that everything from the stretch to the weight set-up is just right for my session. Technique and form during any exercise is crucial for maximum benefit (and safety) and there is no way that I could know what is correct without my trainer's constant feedback and reminders during the exercise. I do not have to worry about any of these important factors during my session - the only thing I have to focus on is having a great workout.

Not only do I enjoy my workouts, my trainer Justin is both inspiring and professional. I also enjoy the benefits training brings to my life. I used to think I was in decent shape, but with the help of Fitness Together my whole body is more toned, my clothes fit differently, and I feel better. Best of all, being in great shape gives me more energy for my career and my family. - Tracey Glendenning

Joe McAlear

I was looking to get back in shape and considering a personal trainer when I received a flyer advertising Fitness Together. The promotion offered two free training sessions, so I decided to give it a try. In just two sessions, I could see that working with a trainer in a private studio makes a huge difference. My trainer encouraged me to push myself a harder than I would if exercising on my own; those extra five reps achieve results.

I was motivated to invest in long-term training, but my wife was a bit skeptical. "Couldn't you just go the gym instead?" she asked, thinking of how much money we could save. The financial commitment was substantial, but also motivating. I was not going to waste such a big investment.

At 6'3" and 210 pounds, I didn't need to lose a lot of weight. My goals were to tone up, get in better shape, and "lose the gut." But my workouts were so effective, I lost 20 pounds in just six weeks--the weight was just falling off! When I reached 190 pounds, my trainer and I decided that I actually needed to gain back some weight. Although I slimmed down and toned up, what impressed me most were the benefits I didn't anticipate: my quality of life, self-esteem, and self-image are all greatly improved.

I really appreciate that my trainer cares about my fitness goals even once I'll no longer be a customer. As the end of my package of sessions approached, he suggested slowly tapering off my training sessions from 3 training sessions to just 1 per week. The rest of the week, I work out on my own using the techniques and skills my trainer has taught me. This approach really helps me with my new goal, to manage my own exercise independently.

I've been so pleased with my experience at Fitness Together, I've referred two new clients to my trainer. As for my wife, she's also delighted! — Joe McAlear

Megan Kaplan

Last year, I decided it was time to drop a few pounds and get into better shape. I conducted an online search for personal fitness trainers, and interviewed three different trainers. Fitness Together stood out as the place where I would get a complete customized program tailored to my personal needs and goals. I really appreciated that the focus is not just on private exercise training, but also on nutrition. The extra perks like towels and bottles of water available at every workout didn't hurt either!

Nine months after starting my personalized training program with Fitness Together, I've achieved remarkable results. I've dropped from a size 8 to a size 2-4, losing eighteen inches and nearly twenty pounds. More importantly, I'm stronger and faster than ever before. When I first started exercising at Fitness Together, I struggled to do 7 modified push-ups and it took me more than 13 minutes to run a mile. Today, I can easily do 30 regular push-ups and run a mile in under 8 minutes.

Many people think of exercise as a necessary evil, but thanks to Fitness Together and my trainer, Justin (who is the best trainer I've worked with), I look forward to my workouts and I enjoy the process. In fact, I recently renewed for another 48 sessions. I've also referred two new clients to Fitness Together who are equally thrilled with their own experiences and results.

Personal training isn't something that I will be able to afford forever, and I appreciate that my trainer acknowledges that too. Justin is helping me work toward the goal of independently managing my exercise at a regular gym. Meanwhile, Fitness Together provides me with the sense of accountability and the level of commitment I need to master new skills and completely integrate these new habits into my lifestyle. That's why I can honestly say that Fitness Together has changed my life forever! - Megan Kaplan

Beverly Deluise

I've been a Fitness Together client for the past 8 years. When I started personal training, my goal was to stay fit, something that isn't easy with my lifestyle. My job requires me to travel frequently. Spending so much time in airports and hotels poses challenges when it comes to making healthy eating choices and getting in my daily exercise. I also love to eat, and as I get older, I could feel my body shifting and the food going directly to my waist. My motto is: "If you don't do something, it could get ugly!" So, I work out with a trainer twice a week (whenever I'm in town), and I walk every day that I'm not training at Fitness Together. What I appreciate most about working with a trainer is that I'm held accountable for sticking to a fitness routine. My trainer, Justin, also works to accommodate my hectic, ever-changing schedule.

I'm happy to say that in my eight years with Fitness Together, my weight has remained stable. I feel great: at my last medical checkup, my doctor confirmed that I'm in excellent health and my cholesterol level is "outstanding". Best of all, I'm able to keep up with my very active four-year-old granddaughter! - Beverly Deluise

John Antonelli

I was thinking about getting back in shape, when I received a marketing letter from Fitness Together that offered a complimentary physical fitness assessment and two free personal training sessions. Although I normally toss solicitations with my other junk mail, for some reason I saved that letter.

I ignored the letter for a few weeks, and then, I picked it up and read it one more time. I decided that with a free trial period requiring no commitment from me, I had nothing to lose (except a few pounds). I called and scheduled that free assessment.

At 6'1" and 240 pounds, I wanted to lose about 40 pounds. During the initial physical fitness assessment, I couldn't even finish the one-mile run. Just six weeks later, I was running a mile in 11 minutes with a maximum heart rate of 167. Twelve weeks into my training, I could run a mile in 8 minutes and 50 seconds with a maximum heart rate of 160, but the results didn't end there.

Although I appreciated the personal accountability that a personal trainer provided, what impressed me most was that Fitness Together focuses on more than just working out; nutrition is an important element too. I opted to jump-start my training by participating in a one-week nutritional cleanse that put my body into fat-burning mode. I also followed the low Glycemic Index eating philosophy the trainers recommend. I kept a journal of my eating and my exercise and learned to incorporate healthy foods from a selective list into my diet. This well-balanced approach helped me break old habits and get on the right track.

In fifteen weeks (approximately 48 sessions), I lost 35 pounds and built 16 pounds of lean body mass. By my math, that means I lost 51 pounds of fat! My body fat percentage decreased drastically, but even more importantly, I was in the best shape of my life. I learned to love my cardio workouts, which became an indispensible part of my daily routine (the trainers even nicknamed me “Cardio Man”).

The cost of personal training is quite expensive, and it was something I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain. But, I got what I paid for and then some…. Not only did I achieve my goals, I renewed my interest in physical fitness and created new habits that I can now maintain on my own.

My sessions ended in November--right before the holidays. I completed another nutritional cleanse, and the next week I joined a large, chain gym. While traveling during the holidays, I made it a point to seek out the nearest gym in the national system. Working out is now such an important part of my routine, I actually drove 14 miles while on vacation to get to a gym! Two months later (post Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's), I'm proud to say that I haven't gained a pound. I'm maintaining both my weight and my new fitness habits! - John Antonelli

Angela got leaner, stronger and more flexible!

Body Fat: 21% down to 18%
Inches lost: 6”
Flexibility: improved by 3.5”
Strength: increased up to 35%

Angela says: “I’m more toned, leaner and stronger than I’ve been in over twenty years thanks to my private personal training at Fitness Together!”

Jeff lost 22 pounds!

Body Fat: 14% down to 8%

Waist Size: 35.5” down to 30”

Strength: Increased 48%

Jeff says: “With the guidance of my personal trainer, I’ve reached a level of fitness and health never before possible on my own!”

Results in 90 days:

Push-ups: up from 60 to 112
Crunches: up from 53 to 93 (in 1 min.)
Flexibility: increased by 58%
Resting HR: down 11 bpm to 40bpm
Bench Press: up 49%

Blake says: “The goal setting and accountability that Fitness Together provides has been the key to my results so far. In addition, superior instruction from my trainer has given me much greater gains than simply working out on my own! The total workout and nutrition program has put me on the path to achieve the highest levels of fitness I was aiming for!!”

Results in only 60 days:

Body Fat: down 32%
Push-ups: up from zero to 24
Crunches: increased by 75%
Flexibility: up 57%
1 Mile walk: 2min., 15 sec. faster (12.5% improvement)

Ann says: “I’ve lost nearly 20 pounds in only two months! But more important, I feel great! I have more energy than I’ve had in years! I feel that I’ve reshaped my eating, and enhanced my overall health and sense of well-being. And it’s not been at all hard work, in fact it is fun!”

Patricia Asbell
Wilmington, NC

Best Regards,

Sue Sielecki
Property Manager
Wilmington, NC

"It is my pleasure to write a recommendation for Bob Keil of Fitness Together. I was introduced to Bob at a time when my physical condition had been deteriorating for several years. Like many middle-aged men, my long working hours and family responsibilities made it seem impossible for me to stay in shape.

I had worked with trainers at Gold's Gym and the Spa, but found they had very little background in training and exercise programs. I didn't want to "bulk up" or bench press more weight.

Bob differs markedly from my previous trainers. He has a unique and educated approach. Instead of the same old "three sets of ten", Bob had a variety of exercises to make each workout effective and interesting.

He spends a great deal of time on "core work" - abdominal and back strengthening. He works on my balance and flexibility in a way none of my previous trainers have.

Most of the workouts with Bob have an aerobic component. Not only am I more fit, but my overall endurance has improved. My abdominal and back musculature has never been stronger. I have regained the flexibility and strength of twenty years ago.

Bob is an upbeat person and makes the workouts fun. While he can push as hard as you want to go, he is sensitive to those times when your energy might be lower and alters the workout intensity accordingly.
Workouts with Bob are the best investment of money that I make."

Sincerely,

Kirk A. Howard, M.D.
Wilmington, NC

"I have been training with Bob Keil for about 3 months. During that time I have been very impressed with his level of education and knowledge of not only specific muscle isolation but also anatomy and injury prevention. For any exercise I was unable to do, he was able to modify it and receive the same results. I had been working out previous, but not at the same level. His training had maintained a set pulse level by the use of a heart monitor while working out to make sure I was achieving my peak fitness capabilities. He is also able to give you the extra push to get the "extra repetition" you could not manage on your own... (Not to mention, he isn't bad on the eyes either!!!).

I have over the last 9 months lost 41 lbs. and 15% body fat. His entire staff is quite knowledgeable of everything from nutrition to massage and are always willing to help. I have since referred several friends who have "signed on" and are quite happy with their results."

Karen Agnoff-Lampkin
Vice-President
Orbita Corporation
Wilmington, NC