Personal Training Success Stories

Steve V., Des Moines, IA

I was introduced to Fitness Together by Todd Townsend. He is not only a client, but the owner of golfTEC, located just two doors away from Fitness Together. When I commented on his weight loss and overall fit appearance, he said I had to meet Steve Reese. Todd could not stop raving Fitness Together and their way of working with clients – which is very similar to golfTEC: personalized instruction, in a private setting, tailored to your individual needs and goals. Much like with golf, my workouts had always been self-directed. I would try various exercises I’d read about or seen someone else do and attained moderate success. My wife and I had dropped our health club membership that we just were not using and my weight climbed to an all-time high. Something had to be done and since I was a believer in the personalized instruction model experienced at golfTEC, my wife and I both became clients of Fitness Together. We couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve dropped 30 pounds and well over 12 inches of “circumference”. I’m stronger and more physically confident than ever. The trainers are wonderful, the varying workouts are challenging and produce results. My wife and I love comparing which new exercises we did in each session. The accountability to each other, as well as the Fitness Together staff has made all the difference. We highly recommend Fitness Together to anyone who’s serious about taking control of their physical well-being. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make in yourself. Steve V., Business Consultant

Craig M., Clive, IA

I joined Fitness Together in June 2005, shortly after my wife began working out with Steve and his staff. I'd just finished an exhausting 15-month assignment traveling to the New York City area on a weekly basis and was ripe for some new personal focus. I'd gradually been gaining weight for much of my adult career. I travel frequently for business and my eating and drinking habits on the road were not being offset by any form of exercise, much less a regular routine. It wasn't until I saw pictures of myself from a 2001 reunion in Colorado that the reality of my weight hit me. I immediately began following a focused and regimented Slim-fast program and dropped about 30 pounds. I felt good about what I had accomplished, but really hadn't made a significant change in my eating or exercise habits. The New York engagement added back 15 pounds. That's when my wife and I found Fitness Together. Why did I choose Fitness Together? I knew I didn't want to continue gaining weight back.  I also knew that I felt much older than the 45-year-old I wanted to be. What really resonated though, was how Steve and his team focused on me and what i wanted to accomplish. We concentrated on changing my eating and drinking habits. We found weight routines that continually challenged my body and my mind. We incorporated progressive cardio routines where I competed against myself on a dailiy basis. Steve and his team helped me find my compass; then it was up to me to follow its course with their guidance. I reached my original goals in about 12 months. We then targeted a new set of 12 month goals. My current goals are focused on strength, endurance, and toning. Looking back, there are times when I lost motivation and questioned my ability to succeed. Steve's team and I stayed with it, and I'm pround of the results. I've lost a total of 50 pounds. I don't remember the last time I ate fast food. I reach for a bottle of water when I am thirsty. I snack on fresh fruit everyday. I love the treadmill and some days can't wait to get up and run 5-6 miles. And it all works with my travel schedule, which seems even busier now than when I started. Steve's team will remind you that is all comes down to you. The change will be brought about by your confidence and commitment, by celebrating milestones with you, and by guiding you to realizing the goals you set to achieve. For me, my wife and kids were worth it; my life and energy were worth it.... I'm worth it.

Cindy B., West Des Moines, IA

There is no comparison between a typical exercise club or gym, and the experience at Fitness Together. The one-on-one approach at FT is helping me achieve my goals. I could never have accomplished this level without the FT trainers! I have been a client since October 2008 and I've been challenged, gotten more toned, stronger and thinner since coming. With such a hectic schedule filled with travel, the opportunity of the accountability and being challenged in a private setting led me and keeps me with FT. I have worked with almost all of the trainers at FT and each one of them has found a way to challenge me to my maximum capacity, provide a variety of exercises, and keep me accountable to meeting my goals. I'm in the best shape I've been in 20 years! I can now even see muscle definition! It is a small investment to keep you healthy in strength, flexibility, tone and cardiovascular endurance. I look forward to more challenges and meeting my next goals! Cindy B. West Des Moines

Barb R., West Des Moines, IA

I hoped to lose 20 lbs and tone more.  I didn't know if the weight goal was realistic.  I had been exercising prior to joining so I wasn't averse to workouts.  I just hadn't worked much with weights.  I thoroughly enjoy the workouts.   Each trainer has a unique focus and approach-  this keeps variety.  The change up in workouts continues the challenge to the muscles.  The workouts are my time for me.  We deserve our own "me time".  I look forward to my workouts.  They take priority on my schedule.  As a result, scheduled workouts are not very negotiable with other conflicts.  I lost more weight than I planned.  Now my cholesterol and other tests look good.  I not only look great, but the tangible benefits of feeling good about yourself and your life are priceless.  I hope to live for many more years!  This one-on-one training is what works for me.  For that I thank all the trainers for their time and continued positive reinforcement! Barb R. Veterinarian 

Dee I., Urbandale, IA

I first became aware of Fitness Together from one of their clients.  I kept running into her.  Every time I saw her, she looked even more strikingly athletic than the last time I saw her.  She was energetic, fit and had nicely defined arms.  I finally had to ask her what she was doing as far as exercise, and she told me about Fitness Together.  I was intrigued and wanted to begin workouts there, too.  Here is some background about me.  I am an experienced "exerciser."  I've always loved my workouts and felt invigorated by them.  I knew how to handle the aerobics.  But I knew that this was not enough as my figure was turning "matronly" on me.  Therefore, I had to implement weight training.  I also knew that, because of my age and occasional joint problems I had to be certain that I dealt with an expert.  I had to be certain that I maintained proper alignment and technique while lifting.  I have no time for injury.

When I first began at Fitness Together, I started working with Steve.  Steve immediately impressed me and won me over with his extensive knowledge base about the entire musculoskeletal system.   His assessment and attention to my current fitness level was straightforward and professional.  I knew I was in the right place.  Three years after starting at FT, I fell into the love of my life- competitive ballroom dancing (or dancesport).  My improving fitness level accelerated my progress in dancesport.  My upper and lower body strength, core strength, and flexibility were the specific areas we had been working on and they all tied into dancesport beautifully.

Who would have ever thought, least of all me, that at the age of 60, after raising a family of 6 children I would be having the time of my life!  I've competed for 2 years throughout the U.S. winning championships in both my own age group and one age group younger!

Thank you Steve and Jay, for all your dedication to my goals!  Your attention to detail and your tailoring my workouts to further enhance my dance abilities are a genuine endorsement of your professionalism! Dee I. RN, MSN, Urbandale

Randy R. West Des Moines

We wanted to lose weight, tone up and get back into shape for sports. We also wanted to learn about and change our eating habits. Fitness Together is fun. They always encourage you and make you feel good. The staff holds you accountable to continue your workouts and to achieve your goals. We feel we have achieved our goals, not only physical, but mental changes also. We really like the one-on-one private workouts. Some of the workouts we wouldn't do in large groups. Some hings we wouldn't do without the accountability. We really look forward to our workouts. The encouragement really keeps you motivated to stay on track!

Todd B., Clive, IA

"I started in October of 2006. I was an overweight, middle-aged couch potato. I always felt tired. I wanted to lose weight and feel better about myself. I also wanted to be able to keep up with my 2 daughters!  The staff has done an excellent job in guiding me and motivating me to keep going.  I've lost about 10 pounds, but the real story for me is in the other changes to my body. I've lost 2 inches from my waist, and the increase in my strength still amazes me. I also, don't feel tired all of the time.  Physically, I think that I have more energy that I used to. I was a member of a gym a couple of years back and even tried working with a personal trainer there for a while. That only lasted about a month. I think there are a couple of reasons that I'm sticking with it now and didn't then. I believe that the trainers at Fitness Together take a vested interest in their clients and help them achieve their goals. They continuously motivate me to keep coming back. Also, there is a great variety with all the trainers so things don't get boring.  Going to a gym is so impersonal and I like the friendly atmosphere at Fitness Together.  Fitness Together combines the benefits of working out in a gym (complete set of equipment), working out at home (privacy) and throwing in knowledgeable personal trainers that help motivate you to achieve your goals."

Doug M., Clive, IA

I came to fitness together in early May with the specific goal of getting ready for RAGBRAI.    I was like most I think when I walked through the door.  I knew that I needed the assistance but struggled with the concept of "paying for training" when I could just "workout myself".  After an introductory session explaining the Fitness Together system and method...I committed.  With my first 20 sessions ahead of me, the first step was to asses my current fitness level.  Calling the results disappointing would be an understatement.  They were awful.   I had a long way to go but Steve Reese, the owner of Fitness Together encouraged me and ensured me that results were just around the corner." Steve designed a program for me that maximized my core strength, endurance, and overall fitness.  What really blew me away was how much variety there could be in building fitness.  Between free weights, machines, bands, and balls...I have never been bored with my routine.  When paired with additional cardio training, I began to see results that I had NEVER seen working out on my own.  That personal relationship between trainer and client is the key component in the Fitness Together formula of One Client - One Trainer - One Goal.  The team at Fitness Together has always taken special care to analyze my response to certain exercises too.  I have a bad knee and a sensitive lower back.  Each trainer knows my limitations and helps me find alternative exercises that achieve the desired result without injury or irritation. The results I've seen over the last 10 weeks at Fitness Together are nothing short of amazing.  The personalized...private approach with trainer and client in individual suites is very conducive to optimum results.  My strength and endurance are up...and my weight is down.  That's a winning combination.  Without hesitation I highly endorse the entire Fitness Together staff and leadership.  Every trainer on staff shares the mission and passion to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Lori B., Clive

"Juggling work, kids and taking care of everything left very little time for me and over the years, it really took its toll.  But, if I can do this, so can you.  I got a letter from the Fitness Together owner, Steve Reese and called him.  I could tell it was going to be different.  After a ten minute site visit, I was sold.  One-on-one coaching.  Accountability.  Someone at my side throughout the entire workout, making sure I was getting the most out of every exercise.   And each client exercises in a private studio.  So there’s none of that gym “on display” feeling. After the first month, I could really feel and see a difference.  Now, 8 months later, I have lost over 70 pounds and feel better than I have in years.  The changes haven’t just been physical.  I have so much more energy and I feel good about myself.  My girls and husband can’t believe the transformation.  Best of all, even with all that weight loss, I am more toned than I’ve been in 20 years! "

Susie R., Clive, IA

"I look and feel better than I have in over 20 years.  I received a letter much like this one and for once, decided to put myself on the front burner. I expected a typical gym.  Sell me the membership and then who cares if I show up or get results.  But as soon as I walked in to Fitness Together, I could see it was a different kind of place.  The trainers there are great people who really care about my progress.  I loved that they met me where I was, at that moment – and I didn’t have to pretend to be a gym rat or exercise expert.  They quickly learned that I thrive on variety so they made sure they worked that into my routine.  For them, it’s personal.  I love that. Eight months later, I’ve dropped 4 dress sizes, my body is toned and my own doctor didn’t recognize me.  Talk about fun!   "

Michelle Z., Urbandale, IA

"I got one of Fitness Together’s mailings and thought I’d check it out as a possible gift for my wife.  It didn’t occur to me that I might be a potential client. What I love about FT is that they’re incredibly knowledgeable, happy to see my progress and there’s no pressure.  The workouts are challenging and stretched my abilities but they are always very careful to keep it safe.  I also travel quite a bit and asked Steve if he could help me design a workout program that would work without equipment or special facilities.  Now, I can take it with me wherever I go. It doesn’t stop with the workouts.  Steve also works with me in terms of nutrition, stretching and just some basic fundamental exercises to improve my health. 

Fitness Together is the best.  Give it a shot.  You owe it to yourself.  Please take Steve up on his offer of a free workout.  You’ll be glad you did!"

Sarah R., Clive, IA

"I joined Fitness Together in early May, 2007.  I was somewhat out of shape when I received a letter regarding "bikini phobia" from Fitness Together.  My immediate goal was to get back in shape for a class reunion and the upcoming boating season.  While I only lost about 7 pounds in two months, I trimmed off several inches from my waist, hips and thighs.  Additionally, my strength and overall fitness level improved substantially based on the before-and-after assessments.  The F.T. staff really motivated me to get started and then helped me keep the momentum to also work out on my own as we started to see results.  The studio is near my home so there were no excuses about dragging myself to a big gym or the time commitment of only 45 minute sessions.  I sincerely appreciate the one on one atmosphere and the results-oriented program at Fitness Together."

Lisa R., Clive, IA

I joined Fitness Together 10 weeks ago.  In April I had my annual physical and my physicians advice, " It's now time to get after it"  really got me into action.  I have struggled with gaining and losing and gaining back even more over the past 15 years.  So when I joined Fitness Together my goals were weight loss and an overall commitment to better health, increased strength and reshaping my body.  The staff has been an amazing support system - not only in their roles as trainers but also offering weight loss advice, encouraging and inspiring me and keeping me accountable to myself -( say, like on Monday morning weigh ins!)  I've lost 20 lbs!  I feel better physically. My energy level is better. I feel stronger. My clothes fit better. I sleep better!!  What more could a girl ask for...  I like the accountability factor and working one on one with a trainer.  Having set appointments requires you to show up, and for me, this keeps me on track.  I would have to say the staff is my favorite component of Fitness Together.  It's important to me to be able to work with all the trainers. Each has their special qualities and style - I've learned who is going to push me a little harder, who is going to concentrate on lower body, who will work more upper body ,try new things, make sure my breathing and form are correct and who will always mix things up and make me laugh.  I'm appreciative of everyone's inspiring spirit and commitment to helping me improve.