Personal Training Success Stories

Scott Kuczmarski

I was at my all-time high in terms of weight (270+) and at a low in terms of health (high blood pressure, consistently fatigued). I knew I had to do something, but had serious doubts that I could actually do what was needed. Then I walked into Fitness Together in East Greenwich and met the owner, Robin Ball. 

What I noticed immediately was her passion for what she did, her caring attitude towards her clients and her sense of humor. I was convinced immediately that if there was a way for me to succeed, it would be at Fitness together with Robin and her crew, so I signed on.

6 months later I have lost almost 50 pounds and have transformed my body. I have energy that I never thought was possible and have a more positive outlook on every facet of my life. But the true test is I am actually starting to look in a mirror and like what I see.

Thank you Robin, Fermin, Mary and Matt!!

Scott K 

Marissa Tafuri

My Testimonial....

Fitness together is the type of place that does not change your life for the time being but it is the type of place that changes your life forever.  The tools and skills that I have learned while being at Fitness Together have given me ability to be able to maintain a healthy life style.

I lost 40 lbs at FT and there were definitely times that I lost confidence and became frustrated.  I would turn to Robin and Fermin to express my frustration and they always gave me motivation to keep going.

They promised me if I kept at it I would get the results I wanted. They were right!  As we all know losing weight takes a lot of patience and determination.  It doesn't happen overnight.

If you take the tools they give you at FT there is no way you will not succeed!  The trainers at FT are extremely knowledgeable and they create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable, everyone is welcomed and they want you to succeed.  I can't say enough good things about FT and what it has done to change my life for the better!

Marissa Tafuri

Rick Nester

I became a client of Fitness Together in November of 2009.  Under the direction of Robin Ball and her staff at the East Greenwich studio I under took my journey.  A runner all my adult life some 35 years (now 59 years old), I felt I was in pretty good shape.  But I always wanted to add weights to my regime but could never stay motivated enough to stick with it.  My goals were to get my non running muscles in shape, lose weight and tone up my body.

My initial assessment indicated that I was in pretty good cardio shape – not surprised with the running I do.  My body fat measured at 17.7% and lean weight was 148.1 lbs.  Over the next two years, Robin and her Team (Fermin, Mary and Matt) worked with me and produced a better overall athlete.  My entire fitness has improved, maybe not by the numbers, but certainly in the way I feel.  Little jobs around the house come much easier now.  I related to Robin that even trimming around my yard with my power trimmer is easier.  I can now hold the trimmer steady enough for the 180 ft. frontage I have without shacking erratically for the last 40 feet and now make a perfect edge.  Also, being an avid golfer, I’ve found my flexibility is the best it’s been ever.  My Handicap Index is at its lowest point (4.7) and my ability to make a good turn to the golf ball has made my golf swing much more consistent.

My latest assessment, done this past November, indicated that my body fat was at 15.2% with a lean weight of 152.1 lbs.  As I said the numbers may not look good but I feel great.  I just need to work on my eating habits something that Fitness Together can’t do.  Robin and her Team are very supportive, but they can’t sit on my hands and prevent me from putting chocolate in my mouth!  But they are very reassuring in my endeavor and they continue to stress good eating habits, the importance of keeping an accountability journal and their continued encouragement to stay on course.

Thanks to Robin, Fermin, Mary and Matt – well done!!

Charlene Giza

Before joining Fitness Together I was starting to feel challenged to lift things that I used to be able to and felt a general weakness in my arms and I was always asking my kids to help with many physical tasks.  I was really surprised that in just 4 weeks of attending two Pack sessions each week, I noticed a big improvement in my physical strength and the look of my arms as well.  I also have to say the PACK sessions are challenging, fun and most of all not intimidating. I look forward to going and have met some really nice people.

Charlene G. 

LEE ELLIS

I have been coming to Fitness Together for almost seven years. I have seen ownership change and trainers come and go but one thing that has always been consistent is the commitment to helping their clients reach their true potential both physically and nutritionally.  In addition, they make it fun and are always encouraging.  Anyone can go to the gym but when I come to FT, it is like family.  In fact, my husband and I were commenting recently that we spend more time with Robin and Fermin then with our own families.

But I have to say that the greatest thing Fitness Together has given me is a healthy husband.  I spent many years worrying about Bill's high blood pressure.  Since consistently going to FT and NT he has stabilized his blood pressure and brought down his resting heart rate.  We get up early and head to the gym together, we work hard, we laugh and we compete with each other. FT has helped our family become a more health conscious one.  This Christmas we were able to bring our 3 daughters with us for a pack class, not sure we are forgiven yet.

Thanks for all you do FT!

 Lee Ellis  

After

Rick Antonelli

FT Client Rick Antonelli finishes half marathon!

Robin & Fermin, Thought you would get a kick out of this very recent photo. I absolutely could not have done this without the fantastic training/instruction I have received over the years as a client of Fitness Together. It was a great feeling of accomplishment and a great start to what I hope will be a great year for us all. Thanks for all you do!!!

Until Soon, Rick Antonelli

Bill Ellis

Nutrition Together Testimony – Bill Ellis

Taking the 6-week Nutrition Together program with FT was one of the best decisions I’ve made.  It taught me the importance of an overall nutrition plan versus the current popular fads of eliminating just one food type or another, such as carbohydrates or glutens.   The learning of what to eat, how much, and how often; the discipline to journal daily; the coupling with a consistent fitness routine; and the accountability of weekly follow-ups were all essential parts of a complete program that changed my eating and fitness  habits permanently, and resulted in the gain of lean muscle while shedding pounds of fat.  My waist was reduced by two inches during the course of the program, Blood Pressure dropped to normal range and my resting and recovery heart rates improved dramatically.  The course made me self-sufficient in continuing these habits for a lifetime and I’m confident the benefits will continue.  I’d recommend the program to anyone looking to improve their health, no matter what their current condition may be. 

After

Dodi Spontak - Client of the month - December 2011

In recognition of her tremendous progress toward her health & fitness goals, Dodi Spontak has been selected Client of the Month for the month of December 2011 and is entitled to all honors , rights and privileges as such title warrants.

Dodi is a busy working woman and an avid golfer. Dodi knows what it takes to be a devoted golfer and has brought that same committed mentality to FT. Dodi knows the value of keeping appointments and never misses a session. In fact, one time when she knew she would be out of town she has actually trained two sessions in the same day! She also frequents another FT when traveling to her getaway home. That’s hard work and dedication!

By keeping all of her appointments, cutting back on portions and putting 100% into each workout Dodi has changed her body composition from 30% to 24%, increased her VO2 from 22.1mkm to 29.6mkm, improved her partial curl up test by 70% and shaved 3 inches off her waist! She has more than tripled the amount of pushups she can do, lowered her resting heart rate and increased her flexibility. Dodi has made a conscious effort to watch calories, eat breakfast and make time for lunch, all things her hectic work schedule make it difficult to do.

Dodi is the perfect example of consistency being the key to improving health. She has made health and fitness a priority and is now enjoying the benefits of her hard work.

CONGRATULATIONS DODI!!

FAVORITE EXERCISE: Any hamstring and ab exercises

FAVORITE SPORT: Golf

FAVORITE FOOD: Healthy homemade whole wheat pizza with artichokes and fresh basil

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Greg Erickson

July 2011 / CLient of the Month

In recognition of his tremendous growth toward health and fitness, Greg Erickson has been selected as Client of the month for the month of July 2011.

Greg joined Fitness Together in February, 2011 with goals to lose weight and feel better.  Greg has redefined his overall fitness in the four months that he has been with us.  His commitment  has earned him a weight loss of 30 lbs.  His body composition revealed a drop of 19 lbs. in body fat.  Greg has shown a significant body transformation due to the 18.75 inches lost over his entire body.  His diligence  with his eating habits, keeping a daily food journal, and staying committed to doing his suggested cardio, have certainly been the reasons for his success. 

Greg’s motivation was partially due to the pressure of paying for his sessions up front.  He knew that he would show up.

Greg has proved that when you implement strength training, nutrition and cardio program, success is inevitable!  Congratulations to Greg for his success in changing his lifestyle!

Greg’s Philosophy:  Commit to Be Fit

Favorite Cardio Machine:  Elliptical

Favorite Food Fix:  Vanilla Latte’

Favorite Exercise:  Hanging Abs

Favorite Vacation Spot:  New York City

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Ingrid Tolentino

Client Of The Month: October 2010

Ingrid Tolentino is our client of the month for October 2010 due to her constant dedication to her workout program and her willingness to go above and beyond during both her strength training and cardio sessions every day. She began her journey with Fitness Together in December of 2009 and has already seen some amazing results. Ingrid has lost over 55 pounds and nearly 20 inches off her frame. She comes closer to meeting her health and fitness goals every week with consistent week to week progress not only on the scale but in strength gains and better eating habits as well. She has committed to 3 strength training sessions per week and also pushes herself on the eliptical a little harder each cardio session several times per week as well. Ingrid feels that being held accountable by her trainers as well as being challenged to do things she never thought possible has gotten her to where she is today. Ingrid is one of the hardest working clients at Fitness Together in East Greenwich and should be seen as an image of what hardwork and dedication can help you achieve.

Ingrid's Philosophy: "Fitness Together compliments whatever I already know about healthy living with expertise and brings something to the table that I couldnt possibly do on my own, and they hold me accountable in a way that helps me get out of my own way and achieve my goals."

Favorite Cardio Machine: Eliptical (Burning nearly 800 calories per session!)

Favorite Food Fix: French Fries

Favorite Exercise: Stiff Leg Deadlifts

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Vickie Cummings

Client of the Month - September 2010

In recognition of her tremendous growth toward health and fitness, Vickie Cummings has been selected as Client of the month for the month of September 2010.

Vickie joined Fitness Together on June 15, 2009 with goals to lose weight, look better, feel better, improve diet and increase muscular strength. For the months to follow Vickie challenged worked hard to maintain a healthy diet, kept her commitment to train at Fitness Together 3x / week, and worked diligently on her cardio training 3-4 times a week. In just eight weeks Vickie was able to meet and exceed all her initial goals. Vickie improved her overall fitness score by over 20 points, lost 21lbs of body fat and gained 4lbs of lean body mass. Since then she has increased her cardiovascular health, has significantly improved her upper body and abdominal strength and loss 21 inches overall from her body frame.

Vickie’s success comes from her motivation, enthusiasm and eagerness to set and achieve her goals. Way to go Vickie!

Vickie’s Philosophy:    “Believe it and you’ll achieve it”

Favorite Cardio Machine: Elliptical with her IPOD turned up and the fan on high

Favorite Food Fix: Reduced fat “Cape Cod” potato chips and a jar of dill pickles

Favorite Exercise: Crunches

Before

Karen Paley of East Greenwich

I have been a member of Fitness Together in East Greenwich since the fall of 2008, about a year and a half ago.  I went there at a time that my health was deteriorating and my conditioning at an all-time low.  One of my sons had said to me, "Mom, don't you even want to get well?"  I joined FT and I was dragging.  I complained constantly about everything.  Yet each trainer I worked with just kept urging me on and my conditioning improved.

About a year later, it was determined that my problems were being caused by a benign cyst on my frontal lobe.  I had surgery (8.5 hours' worth) on November 24, 2009.  I was in the neurosurgical ICU for ten days.  During that stay, whenever the Physical Therapist came to work with me, I couldn't wait to get up and walk.  If she said to do one stair repetition, I said, "Can I do two?" or three or four.  Guess where this determination and drive came from?  Fitness Together.  My stay in the ICU was four days shorter than the average one.

My neurosurgeon, Dr. Petra Klinge, said I could return to exercise 6-8 weeks after surgery. You know I was back at FT six weeks to the day.  Early this June, I summited N.H.'s Mt. Avalon, an elevation gain of 1450' in the pouring rain, only 25 minutes slower than AMC's suggested time.  Not bad for just over 6 months after brain surgery.  This is the kind of conditioning and motivation I received from FT.

The staff are friendly and professional.  The owner, Robin Ball, is even spending extra time consulting with my chiropractor and physical therapist to supplement my particular needs.  

You know what else?  They even let me bring in my own CD's.  Some mornings in the heart of East Greenwich, clients are working out to Motown sounds from the 60's and I love it.

It turns out that I strained a hamstring on the Avalon climb and I almost cancelled my planned trip to hike in Glacier National Park because I had not been able to train for six weeks before.  I decided to go and just do the first hike and, for the rest of the trip, I would ride the luggage van from lodge to lodge while the others in the group hiked.  Turns out I hiked 4 out of the 5 days, 21 miles, with about 2300‘ of elevation gain.  Other than icing my sore legs in some really cold glacial run-off, I think I coasted through on the FT conditioning I received prior to my injury.  If it isn’t already obvious, I’m sold on the place.

Karen Paley