success stories

Michele Salters

Dear Ken,

I came to Fitness Together Silver Spring in May of 2008, one month prior to having gastric bypass surgery.  Having made the decision to have weight loss surgery I wanted to develop a habit of exercise to ensure that I would have the best possible results from the procedure.  At my first appointment you talked with me about developing a network of support to get me through the difficult days ahead of me on my journey.  The staff of Fitness Together has become the most important members of my support team.  My appointments have been the #1 factor in helping me to lose 117 pounds total and reaching my goal weight within 9 months of my surgery.  With your help I have improved my life tremendously.  I no longer have high blood pressure, have avoided diabetes and my level of chronic pain from arthritis has been reduced to nearly nonexistent.  I am much stronger both physically and mentally than ever before in my life.  My workouts are never the same and challenge my thinking about what I am physically capable of.  Every time I think I can't do something you and your staff has positively encouraged me to overcome the limitations I set for myself.  Words can't express the gratitude I feel for what you have done for me and what you have shown me that I can do for myself. 

I am looking forward to continuing my sessions and much success with the FT team !

 God Bless You!

Gregory P. Wheeler

A New Lease on Life !

Hello, my name is Gregory Wheeler. Several years ago while getting a routine physical, my physician told me that I needed to see a Nephrologist (kidney specialist). This statement shocked me, due to the fact that I only have one kidney. In 1983, I gave my sister, Lisa a kidney, while attending Kent State University in Ohio. Over the last eight-years, my kidney condition has deteriorated to the point that I was told in 2006, that I might possibly begin dialysis treatments. I was also told that to be eligible for a kidney transplant, I would need to lose over 90 pounds. Also, with the added weight, I have had routine bouts with gout and have been on medication to control hypertension and elevated cholesterol.

Initially, I looked at getting the Gastric Bypass surgery, but after doing extensive research, I decided that the operation was not for me. I decided then to do this the old fashioned way by exercising, being diligent about my eating habits, and taking it off gradually. But I needed help…I joined Fitness Together in September 2006, and since that time I have lost over 80lbs ! I have not had any episodes of gout for months and as of October ’07, I am free of the medication for hypertension.

I still have a lot of work ahead of me to take off the remaining 10 lbs. However, I feel great, I’m in the best shape that I’ve been in years, and the comments from my wife, co-workers and friends are astounding!!!!

I’ve been blessed by God that even though I have had to start dialysis, I am able to continue working out and continue my weight loss. I know that it will only be a matter of time before I meet my goal and receive my much needed kidney transplant.

I would like to thank Ken and all the trainers at Fitness Together for their motivation, encouragement, and support. They have inspired me to make the necessary changes to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Denia Tapscott

www.ptweightloss.com

I would consider myself a fit person who just wanted to tone up for my wedding in April. The rest is history - I have been hooked ever since. Over the years, I have worked out at gyms with trainers in traditional settings, but that never kept my interest. I got bored just lifting the same weights and repeating the program. Working with Ken and his trainers has actually been fun. They are constantly varying the routine so you don’t get bored. The trainers have a sneaky way of working out many muscle groups at the same time without you even knowing it. This means that by the time you’ve finished, you have a whole body workout.

As a physician practicing bariatric (weight loss) medicine, I take care of patients needing to exercise in order to help them lose weight. Unfortunately, they feel uncomfortable working out in a regular gym. The private one on one attention is great for them. My patients also tend to have joint limitations which Ken and his team know how to manage. In fact, when I developed a wrist and knee injury, the trainers created a routine for me that allowed me to keep working out without pain or further injury to the joints.

I can’t say enough about Ken and his trainers. I love how I look and how much energy I have after my workouts. It’s worth every cent - just ask my husband.