Before

After

Kelly Andrews

As a twenty-five year old I was in a critical car accident that mangled my legs and led to twenty surgeries in two years.  The last surgery was a below the knee amputation.  As a thirty-five year old I decided it was time to claim my body back, after gaining weight from what became a sedentary lifestyle.  I chose Fitness Together not only because of the personal training but the privacy provided by the structure of the gym.  I was paired with my trainer Mike who has provided multiple challenges and exercises that have allowed me to lose 58 pounds and 52 inches in eight months.  Over half way to my goal of obtaining a healthy body Mike continues to provide support and structure that I take with me daily, as I have made a lifestyle change.  Mike has been more than considerate of my handicap needs along the way.   As my body shrank do to weight loss, my prosthetic needed an adjustment that took a month.  During this time Mike made adjustments to my training that allowed me to continue to be challenged and loose the unwanted inches and pounds.  I am grateful that I found a place where the entire staff is friendly and supportive, while working with a trainer who has encouraged me and consciously thought about my physical needs.  

Kelly Andrews

Jim Papineau

I wanted to share this personal testimonial with you concerning my experience with the team at Fitness Together.  During my most recent executive evaluation this past October, I was introduced to Mark Carrier who shared with me his companies approach to physical fitness training and nutrition.  I have often been somewhat skeptical of the one on one training studios that seem to be popping up all over in the last five years.  I have also been reluctant to consider a personal trainer as a somewhat stubborn retired SEAL.  Nevertheless, after putting on several unwanted pounds and inches and a sincere desire to improve my blood chemistry and blood pressure, I agreed to give the team at Fitness Together a try.  

Due to the fact that I live two hours out of Norfolk I have only been able to workout with the trainer at Fitness Together two days a week for the past two months.  Nevertheless, I am excited to report that the experience has been fantastic and the results are already very compelling.  From the first day I walked in the door I had a very positive experience with their team of professionals as they were not only experienced but also sincerely dedicated to helping me to achieve my physical training goals and objectives. They have also remained flexible with their ability to adjust to my ever changing schedule which is very important to individuals like myself that are sincerely trying to prioritize improving their health with the realities of a very hectic and dynamic professional career.  

In two short months I have not only improved my overall cardiovascular conditioning but have also significantly improved my strength and flexibility.  I received further confirmation today after receiving a phone call from Dr. Lesner with the results of my most recent blood work.  My overall cholesterol level hasdecreased while my HDL number has gone up.  I expect this trend to continue as I increase my workout schedule and will be monitoring my progress with my trainer. 

I want to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to meet Mark and his team at Fitness Together.  Their professionalism and expertise is a great match and compliments the overall superior level of care and dedication that I have come to expect and enjoy from the Executive Evaluation Center. 

My sincere appreciation,

Jim Papineau

Susan Eilberg

Donna White Kearney

Thanks for your patience through my computer woes. While my past assessments have shown minor improvements, it is really encouraging for me to see significant results on paper and, more importantly, to see the visible results and to have people who are normally oblivious about people’s appearances to notice the changes!!!! 

FT has worked for me.  Even when I was working out on a regular basis, I did not see the results that I now see.  I know that I would never have accomplished these results on my own.  Having someone tell me what to do (so that I do not have to think or keep track of what I should be doing—particularly so early in the AM) is a huge benefit, as is having someone push me beyond what I would ever do on my own.  Unlike you, Marti, and your trainers (and probably many of your clients like Kevin), exercise will never be one of my favorite things to do; however, the FT approach is one that I am comfortable with and one that has yielded results.  My thanks to you and the FT team! 

Donna White Kearney
Attorney at Law                             

Kim

Mark and Marti

As a 39-year-old mother of 4, I had become sedentary in life. I was living life through my children from the sidelines of their sporting events. I was suffering from high cholesterol, anemia, pain in my knees, and constant pain and swelling in my left leg from a surgery I had to repair a broken fibula two years prior.  At my last physical, my doctor told me that my weight classified me as obese and that I needed to get my weight in check. 

OK…So losing weight was nothing I was a stranger to. I had done it several times through diet only to put the weight back on a few months later.  So I set out to lose some weight. I dropped the first 25 lbs or so effortlessly and then hit that same brick wall I had always hit. I was eating right and briskly walking 4 miles a day on a treadmill.  The thought of increasing my exercise seemed impossible since I was still having constant leg and knee pain. So I went back to my doctor and she strongly suggested that I seek the help of a personal trainer to help lose the weight and build up the muscles in my leg. 

I had been seeing the ads for FT for many months only to read them and throw them away. So I decided to give FT a try. I was paired with a trainer, Angela Montoya.  I don’t really think that I truly expected much because other things I had tried sure didn’t work or help for long.  I expected this would just be another phase in my life. Looking back now, the doubts I had were in myself and I am proud to admit I couldn’t have been more wrong. 

What I have come to realize is that I am capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit for. Since the day I began FT I have lost 30 lbs and over 33 inches total. Since I began my weight loss from day one, which is just over a year now, I have lost a total of 58 lbs and 62 inches total. Angela and the FT team have helped me to become an active participant in life again and not just an observer as it passes me by.  Through much sweat and hard work with the encouragement of FT I feel stronger and more capable than I ever have. I no longer have any pain or swelling in my leg and my knees feel a lot better. I have dropped my body fat by almost 10% and increased my physical endurance and capabilities in tremendous amounts. Every day that I show up to a workout, I receive the guidance that I need to succeed but also a sounding board for any frustrations that I may be experiencing, Every trainer I have encountered at FT truly cares about helping each client succeed by reaching their full potential.  I am extremely grateful to the FT team and my trainer for unlocking the potential in me and for helping me to get back into the game. I will never again doubt the power of “One Client, One Trainer, One Goal.” Thanks a million! 

Kim

Kimberly Zivkovich

After years and years of yo-yo dieting and excuses, I knew there had to be a better way.  Fitness Together and its entire staff not only works with you to reach your goals and provides an environment where you can succeed, but makes you want to keep coming back with their enthusiasm and positivity.  The one-on-one training is geared toward my level, yet challenging, and takes the guesswork out of figuring out if you doing the exercises properly.  Going to the gym is not something I dread anymore, but now an essential part of my day and something I look forward to.  I am now stronger, healthier, and happier from "1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal".    

Kimberly Zivkovich

Randy and Kathy

We have been extremely encouraged and challenged to a higher level in our health and fitness as a result of our relationship with Fitness Together and the staff at the Norfolk location. Thank you for making a difference in our lives…

Diane

I absolutely love EVERYTHING about Fitness Together. The entire staff always makes me feel very welcome whenever I come in. The staff is always interested in finding out more about me as a person as well as making me feel more positive about my physical well being. I never thought I would actually look forward to exercising. With the expertise of the staff at Fitness Together, not only do I feel much better but my body looks more fit then when I was much younger. In other words to be quite honest, Fitness Together has changed my life style for the better not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

Jerry Pattenaude

Dear Mark & Marti,

I wanted to thank you and your staff for helping me achieve what I was not able to do on my very own and that is to get this 50+ year body of mine whipped back into shape. I have been training with Mike Cheeseman for about six months and I am truly happy, actually amazed, with the results. I have more energy than a lot of 20 year olds I know. You have made me believe in Fitness Together 1 Client 1 Trainer 1 Goal. Keep up the good work and I wish you continued success. See ya next week!

Goody

If I weren't coming to Fitness Together I would not follow a regular strength training regime. Since I have been coming to FT, almost 2 years, I see a big improvement in my core and upper body strength.

Kevin

I think my FT experience has added great variety to my physical fitness endeavors. I am in great physical shape. I enjoy the exercise regimen. I highly recommend the process to all. And first and foremost I am thrilled with my wife's accomplishments at FT -- her success has been my overarching goal from the onset.

Mari Hurd

I really look forward to my sessions at Fitness Together. The staff seems like family to me and our commitment to my good health and well being has paid off for me physically and mentally. Ultimately each individual is responsible for their life choices. Partnering with Fitness Together is one of the best decisions I have ever made! I have improved my cardio, lost inches, gained lean muscle mass and strength along with lowering my LDL cholesterol more than 24%!!!! WINNING!!!!!

Jean Pattenaude

Dear Mark and Marti,

When I started going to Fitness Together 6 months ago my original goal was to lose weight, tone up and then try to maintain at home. The pounds started melting away and each week I noticed myself getting stronger and leaner! My regular personal trainer, Angela, has made the workouts challenging and versatile – no workout is the same as the other! When I have had substitute trainers. I’ve found them to be knowledgeable and personable as well.

Mark and Marti, you have made the atmosphere in the gym very friendly and because of the size of the gym and personal attention, I don’t feel like just a number!

I have been so impressed, that I have revised my original goal and have decided to keep my trainer so that what I have accomplished with the help of Fitness Together will continue.

Jean Pattenaude

W.I.P.

David Dipersio

I joined Fitness Together in September 2009.  My purpose, at the time, was to get into a scheduled routine for fitness. My time is extremely valuable and in short supply. For years I watched infomercials about various products and claims to being fit in 90 days. With a demanding life schedule consisting of work and family I knew this was something I couldn’t do on my own and I questioned how 1 machine could transform an entire body. There would be too many distractions and excuses.

I was teamed with Marieta as my trainer. Mark knows how to match personalities in order to motivate the client. In less than 5 months I’ve noticed a complete transformation of my body, my energy, my spirit, and my attitude. While I did not need to lose pounds, I seriously needed to get into shape. I lost approximately 10 pounds but more importantly I lost almost 4 inches around my stomach and I gained over 2 inches across my shoulders. For the first time in years, make that decades, I’m looking forward to the summer and walking around the yard without a shirt.  I just recently purchased a pair of jeans that are 2” smaller around the waist. My energy level has increased and my self esteem is higher. No longer can my daughter call me “gutboy”!

I should also mention that during the time that I started, I was going through some very difficult times as my father was terminal with cancer. He passed away during the third month of training at Fitness Together. Both Mark and Marieta were very supportive. Marieta could tell when my days were not going well, or if the stress from this issue and work was too much. She would often adjust my training to include boxing gloves or other exercises that helped relieve stress. There were times during this period when the only release I had from stress was a good workout; an hour just for me.

My point is that they truly care about you as an individual at Fitness Together. Your success is theirs, too. They want you to succeed. I came to Fitness Together determined to succeed. The entire staff at Fitness Together made it easy to keep that determination!

David Dipersio

W.I.P.

Mark Warden

Mark,

I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying my membership at Fitness Together.  In just a few months I have experienced very positive and tangible results.  I have lost weight (20lbs), improved my stamina and feel much healthier.  I appreciate the accountability that comes with working with a trainer which has motivated me to exercise consistently.  That said, your flexibility with scheduling has been particularly helpful given my busy and at times unpredictable schedule.  Your friendly and professional staff have been a pleasure to work with and have truly been instrumental in helping me to achieve my fitness goals.  Many thanks to Fitness Together.

Regards,

Mark Warden

Before

After

Diane Scullion

FITNESS TOGETHER (NORFOLK)

For anyone who is interested in feeling better, looking better, becoming healthy again, being more confident, and, of course, losing a lot of weight, Fitness Together is the place to go.  Since beginning my experience with FT in August of 2009, I have lost over 30 inches and 36 pounds.  I increased my Senior citizen fitness ranking from 24 to 68 and feel great. I will never regret my time well spent with this wonderful firm.

The abundance of different equipment, the learning experience of how everything works, especially on your body, and the presence of an accomplished trainer at all times, is much more than I expected.  I've been to other exercise facilities previously, but never one-on-one.  What a difference!  Anyone can show you how a piece of equipment works, but when they exercise along with you, it's so much encouragement for you to keep trying. 

Most of my time at FT has been spent with Marti, my trainer.  She is so easy to talk with, makes every new move interesting (even if some are much more fun than others), and gives you something to look forward to on days that you feel like, "Oh, I just don't want to exercise today."   I have so enjoyed my experience with FT.

Thanks, Fitness Together.

Sincerely,

Diane Scullion

Before

After

Rachel Borowski

I had hit a significant plateau for six months after losing the initial 40 lbs on my own. Fitness Together broke that plateau and it really started coming off quickly! I am down 16 dress sizes. I am most proud to carry my "before" pictures (I never am without them) to encourage others and show people it can be done.

Fitness Together Client and Business Woman

Jinx Baggett

"Health and time are two of my top three priorities in life. Fitness Together has helped me improve my health in the most effective use of time. I feel better today than I did 30 years ago.  My dislike for sweating and jumping around have lessened because of the patience and training style of Marieta, my personal trainer extraordinaire. Of course the results are great, too."

Sunny Sonner

I have been at "Fitness Together" for 21 months and have found Gary Pryor, my personal trainer, to be the very best I've ever had. They provide a well balanced workout program plus a well organized overall fitness program.

You truly get personal attention to help you reach your goals. If you are serious about working out with a trainer, Fitness Together is the place to go!! 

Sunny Sonner

Susan Swanson

“As a tri-athlete recovering from a horrific elbow injury and major surgery, I needed help working through my pain and building back the strength in my damaged arm.  I went to Fitness Together and started working out twice a week with Gary.  Gary spent some time talking to me about my goals and then designed a program to meet those goals.  Within 6 weeks I was doing push-ups, pull-ups, and dips--things that my doctor wasn’t sure I’d be able to do again.  Every 3 weeks Gary develops a new program designed to stimulate my muscles in different ways.  During my workouts, we discuss nutrition and other topics important to athletes in training.  I am a huge fan of the concept: 1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal.  I can’t see how someone wouldn’t succeed with a personalized program like this.  The compliments I’ve been getting are also proof that Fitness Together is right for me.”

Susan just complete the Ironman Triathlon “Chesapeake Man up” in Cambridge, MD. She completed a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run in – 13 hours: 25 minutes: 54 seconds. Susan placed 12^th overall out of all the women in the race. She was first in her age group, to receive the “Grand Master” Award! She was the (first woman 50 or over to finish) and she exceeded her expectations by more than an hour.  

Susan chose Fitness Together to be part of her regiment in preparing for the Ironman (1 on 1 personal training). Susan and Gary Pryor (One of our qualified Personal Trainers) work hard over the last 9 months preparing for this Ironman race!

Bjorn Marshall

Fitness Together is the answer to my need to establish and maintain good health and a strong responsive body.  My 2 or 3 days a week regimen is always exhilarating.  From the moment I arrive my trainer (Marieta) is urging me from one exercise to the next.  The best 50 minutes of the day. In 4 months(right through the holidays mind you) I’ve been transformed from a limping old man to a middle aged “cat”.  It’s the core that counts.

Thanks Mark and Marieta.

Lisa Chandler

The experience I have had a Fitness Together has been wonderful.  From the initial assessment to the training sessions there has been no doubt Mark and Marti (Owners of Fitness Together) are committed to my health and well being.  The training sessions with Gary have been some of the most challenging ones I have experienced with a trainer and that is what I was looking for.  His workouts are varied and never boring, he pushed me to levels that he knows I can go (but won’t push myself to), and makes it enjoyable at the same time.

Thank you for coming to Hampton Roads!

Claus Ihlemann

I joined Fitness Together in Late December. I was particularly interested in working in core strength and Balance. Working with my trainer "Nick" twice a week has been particularly rewarding. I have lost about 5 LBS with about 10 LBS to go, taken about 1 inch off my waist and feel great with increased energy. On my recent trip to Florida I had no reservations about putting on my swim trunks and enjoy the pool and sunshine. The One on One workout experience is very effective and challenging, I highly recommend it.