personal training studio
Apple Valley
Shopps On Galaxie
15322 Galaxie Ave
Suite 112
Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 891-4413
Hours of Operation
By Appointment Only
Mon-Fri 6AM-9PM
Sat 6AM-3PM
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success stories
Personal Training Success Stories
Niki Rudolph
After 4 pregnancies in 8 years, and a "busy" life I found myself tired, with a lack of energy and an excess of 25 lbs. It really hit me when my husband surprised me with an amazing trip to the Grand Canyon for my birthday. Having 60-70 year old men and women pass me on a steep hike out of the canyon was my wake up call. When we got home from the trip this past April, I decided it was now or never and went in search of a new gym membership. By chance I walked into FT, and was impressed with the fact that the trainers thought it was realistic for me to reach my goal in 6 months. I thought that would be awesome! In actuality, after joining FT, I reached my goal in only 12 weeks!! In addition to that, I sleep better at night, have a ton more energy and feel great! Joining FT was a significant time and financial commitment for my family, but definitely worth it. The trainers are professional, give an extra push when it's needed, vary the routine which keeps it interesting, and have equipped me with skills that will help me maintain my new healthy lifestyle! I'm blessed to have been a part of it all, and look forward to returning to the Grand Canyon when I'm 60, full of energy and strength!
Faith Amdahl
In August, 2006, I made the decision to change my lifestyle. I wanted to get back into good physical shape for mid-life. I was tired of being tired, flabby, and exhausted from walking a couple of flights of stairs. It was scary to see myself in shorts and sleeveless shirts. Wear a bathing suit? Not for 5 years, at least! Clothes seemed to 'shrunk' in my closet, downsize in the dressing room, and there are just some months you can't wear tights. I was pouring money down the drain by buying ever-larger clothes. A good friend's wedding was coming up, and I didn't want to be "the fat girl in the corner." Dramatic measures were needed.
After discussing my problems with a family member, she suggested that I should do what had worked in the past: hire a personal trainer. The ladies' circuit club wasn't giving me the personal attention or results I wanted, and I hated going to the gym. I had noticed the new sign on the FT club for a while, and one night, I just stopped in. I met owners Clinton and Cindy, who were more than happy to tell me what FT offered. Right away, I felt comfortable. I knew that they would give me the personal attention I needed to meet my goal. We set up a complementary workout the next day, and I began my first assessment and training session in two days.
I trained 3 to 4 times per week at Fitness Together for twelve months. Today, I meet with Fitness Together once per week to stay on track and remain accountable. I am 35 pounds lighter and 28 inches smaller. My eating has improved dramatically. The staff continues to challenge me in each workout, but respects my limits. I feel great! Favorite old clothes now fit, and I am returning unworn clothes that are too big. Tights are optional. Each week there is a new highlight to share and the staff is always eager to hear it, and encouraging my progress. I'm looking forward to riding my new bike this spring and summer, and continuing my fitness journey.
Thank you, FT, for helping me to make such a profoundly positive lifestyle change!
Cindy McMeekin
I have been having the best time of my life for the past 5 years. Would you like to know why? It isn't a secret...it is simple: Personal Training!
In March of 2004 I finally admitted to myself that if, at age 50, I was ever going to get back into shape again, I was not going to do it by myself. I needed accountability. I didn't know that when I started, but I can tell you that that is a big part of the "secret".
I met Clinton Helget at Bally's Total Fitness in Eagan for my first meeting. At age 50, feeling as out of shape as I had ever been, I was none to comfortable talking to this "kid" about the things that I needed. Not to worry...he told me! In a very nice way he let me know what I already knew...that I needed help and that I probably wasn't going to accomplish what I needed to alone. I already knew that too.
So, on March 1st, 2004 I made the decision that changed my life and the way that I live my life. I sold my house to pay for my 48 sessions and the rest is history. Just kidding! I did purchase 48 sessions however, and at the time it seemed impossible that I would need them.
I didn't know what I was getting into because I was instantly hooked. Clinton was so good at making me feel comfortable with every thing I did. I would sometimes say that I couldn't do something or that I was "too old". He quickly dismissed that either were a proper excuse. He would say "you're just going to have to man-up". That became the saying. "MAN-UP"!
I hated that saying sometimes.
Well, like I said, I was hooked. I continued to work with Clinton for two years. The energy I gained was almost instant. I was truly amazed at how quickly I could jump out of bed in the morning and be ready to face the day. I gained strength and a great deal of muscle tone as well.
I still train with Clinton today, but more than that, we became partners, opening a Fitness Together in our quest to help other people understand what we learned: you have to "man-up" and be accountable! Clinton is still that "great trainer" and I would recommend him to any one ready to make a change in their life.
Mary Domagalski
It is my complete pleasure to write this letter to you. After two full months together (40 sessions) I have done more than sweat. Let me explain. Working out is personal. Why someone begins to work out is stemmed from all different reasons and why someone continues to work out is motivated by many more. Why I came to you was for various reasons. First of all, I wanted to get to know my neighbors. I figured that since we are both going to be here for some time, we might as well get to know each other. (And may I add that this has been a total pleasure!) I feel fortunate to have you next door.
The second reason was to find out if there was any potential for any cross-referring of clients/customers to benefit both of our businesses. Were there any opportunities to work together on any marketing ideas? And then there is the third reason…
The third reason is personal- I needed to get my life back. At the age of 31 I lost it, or more exact, it was taken from me in an instant by someone being reckless. Making the choice to take “it” back was a huge decision, knowing that I would battle the anger of once losing “it” in the first place. But with your tender invitation to “give it a try” and with your high level of understanding, I did it!
What happened though was so much more. The personal decision to work out with you became an internal personal revelation. I conquered fear. Fear of pain and passing out, fear of being stuck in the downward spiral that I was on. I was out of control and it felt as if that instance on June 19, 2001 was going to haunt me forever. The decision to work out with you was the day I decided to stop letting the accident take from me anymore.
Your philosophy behind the job you do works. You took the concept of personal to the level that I needed. I feel you pushed me in the area I needed because you saw my desire to be liberated from the burden. You gave me the opportunity to not only get back what was lost but also a renewed confidence to stand taller and walk with my head held high. (Of course with my back arched… (Hahaha!) Owning a business can be tough and the long hours can be unforgiving, but know that for me your time spent has paid off greatly.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dave McMeekin
I would like to sincerely thank the Apple Valley Fitness Together team of Cindy, Clinton and Michael for their active participation in altering my health lifestyle.
In January of 2006 I went to an orthopedic surgeon suffering from a case of “tennis elbow”. Upon examination the Doctor informed me that I had lost close to 40% of my flexibility and I should research the services of a chiropractor or personal trainer. Although I was a member of Bally’s, I have always been apprehensive about working out in gyms as I needed “one on one” attention in a personalized atmosphere.
When Fitness together opened in the summer of 2006 they were the exact fit for my requirements, offering “one on one” personal training in a fully equipped room and by appointment only.
Since that decision, my health has improved dramatically as my blood cholesterol has fallen from 230 to 196 and best of all I am better physically toned with greatly enhanced flexibility. Being a 59 year old male and a Minnesota summer golfer, in the past the best golf drives I could muster were in the 190 yard range. After working with the Fitness Together team I am consistently driving the golf ball in the 235 yard range. Simply said: “Fitness Together and their results accountable approach to a healthy lifestyle works”.
Tracey McMeekin
Like every bride I vowed to get in shape for my wedding, but the pressures of work and school (and now wedding planning) gave me ample excuses for not going to the gym. I knew I needed someone to hold me accountable and to help me achieve results in a fairly short amount of time. So, I got in touch with the expert staff at Fitness Together and purchased enough sessions to last until my wedding week.
Over the next four months, my body began to change and I gradually became tighter and more toned. I’ve always had an athletic figure, but to actually see cuts in my biceps, triceps and back was incredibly rewarding! I’ve also lowered my heart rate by ten beats per minute and have increased my flexibility. Having multiple trainers kept the routines fresh and interesting every session. They pushed me to be my best and helped me to achieve things I never thought possible.
With the help of Brandon, Denise, Rachael and Clinton, I looked and felt fantastic on my wedding day! But even more important, I have learned how to take care of my body much better than I ever did before. I plan on continuing to work with the trainers at FT and have made a lifelong commitment to improving my health. I have never felt sexier or more confident in my body than I do now! Oh, and my husband is pretty happy with the results too!
Tracy Gellman
Being healthy and active has always been an important part of my life, but was not always my main priority. After years of the same boring workout routines, and the disappointment of not seeing results, I had lost the desire to work out, and any confidence I had in believing I could get in better shape. So I decided to give personal training a try. After inquiring about my own personal goals, Clinton set up a program for me. He stressed that he would take training just as seriously as I did, but I would need me to work hard and show dedication in order to see the results that I wanted. During training sessions he pushed me a lot harder and further than I could have on my own, but still managed to keep my spirits up, making sure I had a few laughs along the way! My workouts were never dull, as he would constantly introduce and teach me new exercises to keep my interest. Not only did Clinton help me build muscle and become more physically fit, he also stressed the importance of balance, posture, flexibility, and stretching. He was extremely detailed and made sure no aspect of my training was overlooked. He pushed me past my limits, my breaking points, and everything I thought I couldn't do. After training with Clinton over the past few years, I have a lot more energy, my core strength has improved dramatically, and I have developed muscles I never knew existed! I have also incorporated a much healthier diet into my lifestyle that Clinton helped create for me, in order to stay fit. Working with Clinton ultimately made me more conscious of how I treat my body, and gave me the motivation I needed to take with me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle on my own. Recently I have taken up the sport of triathlon, something I never would have dreamed of, had it not been for Clinton helping me gain more confidence in my abilities and potential. When I first started working out with Clinton, I could barely do more than 5 pushups—literally! But he believed I had the capacity to do 5 times as many, if only I had the confidence. Confidence is the most essential and powerful tool a person can possess. Thanks to Clinton, I now have a lot more of it! Clinton, you have truly enhanced my life, and for that I truly thank you.
Christine Floersch
Motivation, I had none. I was an active person all throughout high school and college and even in my early 20’s. I enjoyed a healthy lifestyle, full of activity and fun. Then life happened. Circumstances ensued and a diagnosis of clinical depression left me feeling worthless and stuck. A place where I stayed for quite some time, until I reached a point where I wasn’t sure where to even begin to start to crawl out. I didn’t treat myself very well at all. I ate crappy foods, smoked cigarettes and didn’t exercise one bit. I knew I had to change and I knew I needed help doing it. The very prospect of walking into a fitness facility of any kind and dealing with people whose habits and routines were leaps and bounds smarter then any of mine, scared me half to death. I was afraid of being judged, maybe even ridiculed….I really didn’t know what to expect. That’s when I discovered Fitness Together.
Looking back now, I really spent a lot of useless time and energy being nervous about making this step. From the moment I walked into Fitness Together I felt welcome. More than that, after my free consultation, I felt hopeful, supported and encouraged. I was never judged, the reality of my situation was simply assessed. I wasn’t ridiculed for not having made bad choices in the past; I was congratulated on my new choice to make changes.
I was loaded to the gills with knowledge and tools and had support systems laid out in front of me to ensure I continued to make good choices. The results began immediately. I quit smoking, learned to eat smart and most of all, gained my self confidence back, maybe even to a level that surpassed the confidence I had before. Clinton, Cindy and the Fitness Together team made this transition fun, educational and most importantly provided “tough love” reinforcement. They wouldn’t let me back down, they wouldn’t let me fail and they made sure I worked my tail off to see me reach my goals.
Today I feel the best I ever have. I incorporate exercise into my life every day now. Not because Clinton is down my neck about it, but because it feels great! It’s liberating to set goals and actually reach them. It feels great to have a whole team of dedicated, positive motivators to surround you and support you. As the saying goes, sometimes it takes a village…with me, I swore it’d take an entire continent! But I assure you, if you have the courage to take the first step yourself, with Fitness Together; it is truly the last step in fitness and wellbeing you ever take alone for the rest of your life.
