I have been going to Able Body for three years. In my mid forties I started going to a gym fairly regularly, but never seemed to feel better or get stronger.
I started with a ball class and after that finished, I joined Able Body's group weight training class. It was amazing, it gave me motivation to improve and I learned that a lot of the exercises I was doing on my own, I was not doing correctly. With Able Body's trainers help and encouragement, I got stronger and started to have more confidence in myself. I was able to quit smoking, a habit I couldn’t seem to get kick, even though I knew it was killing me.
Even though I was getting stronger and getting lots of exercise, I wasn’t losing any weight, in fact I was gaining weight. I figured as long as I exercised a lot, I could eat whatever I wanted.
My friend did the challenge last year and won. She decided to do it again and talked me into doing it with her. She did so well, I thought why not, maybe it would work for me too. I finally figured it out; I couldn’t eat junk food and expect to lose weight no matter how much I exercised. I followed the plan as best I could, given that I travel to Victoria for 3 days a week for my job. I stopped eating fast food and started planning meals to ensure I had food at home, so that I wouldn’t run out for fried chicken or pizza. I take breakfast and lunch with me for the days I am in Victoria and go to restaurants for a balanced supper. Once I got into the habit, it was easy and I am never hungry and rarely “cheat”. My clothes fit better, I have more energy and am totally motivated to lose the rest of the weight I would like to lose.
I have learned that you need a balanced life style, exercise and a proper diet to succeed and there is no such thing as instant gratification, its hard work and the results as so worth it.
I want to thank the trainers at Able Body Consulting for all your help and encouragement over these last three years; you have all helped me turn my life around.
Thank you all so much!!!
Carol Myers
June 2009 Client of the Month
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My name is Brian Chatwin. I am 61 years old and 6’4” tall, 220 pounds.
I just entered my first body-building contest on April 25, 2009 in Phoenix in an INBF Competition called “Best of the West”. My trainer is Joey Palladini and he accompanied me to that event.
When I was 59 years old I decided that I wanted to try to get my body in shape for a competitive body building contest. Why did I want to do this? For years I followed a number of yoyo diets where I would attempt to lose body fat and maintain lean muscle mass. I could never get this to work. When I reduced calories it appeared that my body went into a famine mode and I lost lean body mass and maintained my fat. When I was 30 and got married I decided that I wanted to get rid of all my fat, so I started jogging and dieting. I brought my weight down to 205 pounds, but I still had significant visible body fat. This didn’t work.
It occurred to me that I needed to find someone to help me accomplish my goal of losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time. It was then that I realized that the people that held the secret to this were the body builders. They had to accomplish this because there was no forgiveness visually when they were on stage.
When I was 59 years old I decided that I needed a trainer who actually competed in body building and could, hopefully, transfer that information to me. I didn’t think that I could get this in Nanaimo and thought I would have to travel to Victoria or Vancouver on a weekly basis to work with a trainer. But I thought I would give Nanaimo a chance. I went through the yellow page and started phoning the list of trainers. The first one on the list was Able Body Consulting. I phoned and asked the person on the phone if he was a trainer and he said yes he was. I asked if he was a body builder and he started to laugh. I asked him what he was so funny and he said that he had been in about 20 competitions. I had to meet this guy. That was my first contact with Joey Palladini.
Joey worked with me when I was 59 and we got the fat levels down, but not to competition ready. In the Spring of that year I decided to take some time off and give it a run next Fall, which would allow me to enter a Super Grand Masters Competition in the Fall and Spring.
That September, one day before my 60th birthday, I was told by my doctor that I had prostate cancer. This sent me into a different journey that resulted in an operation that removed my prostate in January of 2008. The operation was a success and the cancer was beat, but I still had my dream.
In the following September, I reconnected with Joey and we started the program. When I started I was 27% body fat and I was 244 pounds. Of that 244 pounds, 67 pounds was fat. 177 pounds was lean body mass. I insisted that we do a body composition measurement every 2 weeks so that I could see that, in fact, we were winning the battle of gaining lean body mass and losing body fat. The first 3 months were very difficult, as 80% of this whole program was diet. Joey had just completed a contest last year and I insisted on knowing exactly what his diet regime was to get a competitive body building fat content. Joey gave me the diet regime and I attempted to follow it religiously. The first 3 months, I kept having major cravings and falling off the wagon, but I persevered and after 3 months my body re-programmed and it was not at all difficult for me to stay on my diet. I even incorporated a trip to Japan to see my son’s movie premier, in which I steadfastly stayed on my diet regime, by bringing food for the air flight etc.
After 8 months, my body fat was reduced to 10½%. I had lost 44 pounds of fat and gained 18 pounds of muscle.
Joey is a great trainer and a great friend and not only do I thank him for the journey, but in showing me how to maintain a healthy body for the second half of my life.
May 2009 Client of the Month
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I started with Able Body almost 2 years ago. My motivation for going was two fold:
(1) to get back into an exercise routine and
(2) to get in shape for my upcoming wedding.
A few years before I had lost 60lbs and had kept most of it off but had noticed that the weight was slowly coming back on. I knew it was time to do something different. A family friend, Adeline, recommended Joey and Able Body so I thought I would give it a go. Not being a natural athlete I have always found it intimidating going to a gym. I was so happy to find a supportive team that encouraged you to push yourself to new limits and actually see results from all the hard work. It was just what I needed and wished I had done it much earlier.
Our wedding was a fabulous event and I was happy with the results of my training but I knew I had more to gain by sticking with the gym and continuing to work out. The more I trained the more confidence I had in myself and was less afraid to try something new for fear of not being perfect at it. I felt stronger and more confident than I had in years. For me that is reward enough in itself.
In September 2008 my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child. I was so excited but must admit the prospect of gaining 50lbs during pregnancy was daunting. Joey assured me that with good eating and exercising that wouldn't happen. As tired as I was on some days going to the gym was one of the best things I could have done. It gave me some much needed energy and motivation to get me through the rest of the day. In February I found out I had gestational diabetes and that really forced me to be more vigilant about the food I ate and the amount of exercise I got. So Joey you were right...I have been eating well and exercising every day and I haven't gained 50lbs! All of the exercise and food advice I have received has been invaluable.
The support and motivation that Joey offers is something special. He pushes you to levels you didn't think you had in you and you leave the gym feeling better than when you came in. I am truly glad that I made the decision to come to Able Body. No matter what kind of day I have had, I always look forward to my sessions.
Joey you truly make working out fun for me and I thank you for all of your support. I look forward to whatever challenge you have for me after the baby arrives in May!
Laura Mercer
April 2009 Client of the Month
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I came to see Joey 14 months ago. I was 44 years old and had always been a big kid, having grown to my full height of 6' 3" by the time I was 15 years old. I had been suffering with back and shoulder pain for years. Though I was active, I was never able to find my ideal healthy weight. I started running about 10 years ago, which jumped my thyroid into high gear.
About 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism). I weighed under 200 lbs and was weak. Friends and family would remark on how skinny I looked; a comment I had never heard before. I thought I was finally getting a handle on my weight, but I still didn't feel healthy. I had radiation treatment to kill my thyroid and that was the start of a 6 month weight gain to 250 lbs. This was the point where I said, "I need to go see someone that can help me get into shape and create a personal healthy lifestyle for me".
Over the last 14 months with Joey I have brought my weight down from 250 to 223 lbs and more importantly, reduced my body fat by 10%!
Today, I'm in the best shape of my life and I need tothank Joey, for giving me the knowledge and the tools that I need to stay on that path. Joey is a great motivator who's influence is like a coach as well as a friend.I have so much more strength and energy. I feel clean and proud of my accomplishments.
Thanks Joey!
Tim Sangha
March 2009 Client of the Month
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I came to Able Body Fitness at 55 years old because I was experiencing such pain stiffness in my hips that I was beginning to loose my ability to function on a day to day basis. My doctor had 2 solutions - heavy medication or hip replacement surgery. Putting on my socks tying my shoes were becoming my own Olympic event. I am an avid golfer and I had seen my average tee shot go from 230 yds down to 190 over the past 18 months.
I needed someone to develop a training program for me and more importantly help me get the motivation to stick to the program. Germana has been a treat to work with over these past 9 months. She has kept my program challenging enough that I can see the benefits on a daily basis and varied enough to keep me motivated to keep improving my overall fitness. My strength and flexibility have improved to the point where I am back golfing on a weekly basis and I am enjoying life again.
The facility itself, the other staff members and especially the other clients have kept me coming back week after week. It is the friendly atmosphere at Able Body Fitness that is allowing me to succeed in my goal of overall fitness. I have a long way to go but I know I am on the right track with Germana and Joey..
Paul Pickles
February 2009 Client of the Month
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Having "dabbled" with getting fit at several local fitness centers over the past six years, and having given up because the routines were boring, the exercises were the source of several chronic aches and pains and the staff couldn't care less if we succeeded or failed, it is a relief to find a real alternative: Able Body! Since joining several short months ago, we have come to look forward (as much as one can) to our twice weekly visits with Sue and Joey. Our workouts are exactly the right combination of work, sweat, giggling and work!
Our primary interest, outside of complaining about how hard the fitness routine is on any given day, centers around golf. Our focus, when we first came to Able Body, was to play harder, hit longer and be able to walk 18 holes without aching for a day afterward. Joey assures us that our commitment to fitness for golf this year has nothing to do with the record snowfalls and winter conditions preventing us from even hitting balls on the range. We're not sure we believe him. . .
Feeling the effects of aging when crawling out of bed, or limping off of the golf course are signals that it was time to make a choice between staying active (after sixty for one of us) and giving in to the effects of mistakes in our youth and damage from more current mistakes in our diet and fitness routines. We chose staying active, and Joey and Sue make us believe that was the right choice - from light-hearted challenges to sneaking five more pounds onto the machine - they challenge our bodies and energize our brains. And for that, we are forever grateful.
Writing a testimonial is not easy. . . we don't believe any of them on TV. But we don't care if this one is believed or not - less clients taking up trainers' time means more time for us to achieve the goals we've worked out with them! So non-members can drop in across the street for the smorgasbord - we're quite happy to be doing that work, sweat, giggle, work routine each and every week.
Thanks to all at Able Body.
Keith & Kathleen
2009 Client of the Month
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I started with Joey in a group class with Able Body about a year ago after hearing how much a friend was addicted to her classes there. I struggled through for about 9 months, always going twice weekly and feeling stronger all the time but not super-enthused and not seeing or feeling any wondrous changes. Well, you get out of it what
you put into it.
It took about a month after seeing the posters for the Lifestyle Challenge to convince myself to do it. I was really afraid to commit - it would mean I might have to DO something. All the girls in my class joined in and we pulled together for each other during the 12-week program. I continued with my twice weekly class and in addition, had a personal training session weekly with Joey.
I attended all of the workshops. I followed the eating plan. I kept a diary of food and exercise and worked on some of my own goals - one being bumping up my cardio. (A quick note here on food - trying new things is marvelous! Elizabeth has some tasty ideas - try the Mustard Dill Asparagus.)
Obviously showing up to class 3 times a week and planning, planning and more planning is work but nothing I have ever tried has ever been pulled together so quickly, so easily and so successfully. Germana talks about mind-body-spirit and that kind of thing usually goes over my head but at the end of 12 weeks I can tell you that my mind, my body and my spirit are working together to achieve optimum health and fitness.
The quiet, strong support that Joey gives so freely is incredible - when someone has more faith in your ability than you, it's amazing how hard you're willing to push. The help and guidance from all the trainers at Able Body has been crucial to my recent success of winning the 2008 Lifestyle Challenge.
Thank you so much!
Cindy-lou Akins
May 2008 Client of the Month
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In July 2007, I walked through the doors of Able Body Consulting looking for a quick fix in getting into shape for our upcoming wedding. Being an instant gratification kind of girl, and with good old reality TV leading the way with shows such as Biggest Loser, I thought that joining up with a personal trainer was going to assist me in dropping the weight quickly. Boy, was I mistaken. Joey has taught me that weight loss is more to do with balanced nutrition, exercise and a change in lifestyle. I am learning that a healthy lifestyle is a process that doesn't just happen overnight but with the encouragement and guidance from Joey, I am confident that I am heading in the right direction.
In March of 2007, our life took a drastic turn when we were told Barry had Brain Cancer. Three months after surgery, and part way through the radiation therapy, Barry found himself 50 lbs heavier (due to the medications) and having difficulty making it up the stairs in our home. In August, 9 days before we were to marry, Barry landed in the hospital again, this time just as serious, diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung. In November, we signed up for couples training in order for Barry to rebuild his strength. We found that with couples training, it allowed us to give each other the support of getting healthy together, as well as giving each other that little push to make us work just a little bit harder ... or at least me ... right Joey?!?! Being in such a physical job, we knew that Barry was going to need some help in getting his body back to the strength he had before. Joey took the time to find out exactly what Barry had been through, what he needed to do to get back to work, and customized a program that would work for what we needed.
We are very pleased to report, that treatment has now come to an end, and we have come through two check-ups with clear results (no cancer left). Needless to say, it has been a very long road over this last year, and we still have a ways to go, however, we know we have the support and encouragement of each other and a great team of trainers at Able Body Consulting!
P.S. And the wedding is back on for August 2008!
Barry and Shauna
March 2008 Client of the Month
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In November 2007 I walked throught the doors of Able Body a very sick man. At only 40 years old I had uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and coronary artery disease not to mention being severely obese. I had spent most of my life a victim of modern medicine, one pill after another and every one making me sick in its own way. It was a seemingly never ending circle that I was starting to think was going to kill me in a very quick way. Being still a young guy and having a wife and 2 teenage daughters I knew in my heart I had to do something but didn't know what or where to make this very needed change in my life. Then after a long search of local gyms and running into the people that didn't want to deal with "people as sick as me" and with the help of my Mom's neverending support and time searching the internet we found Able Body.
A short sit and chat with Germana later I knew this was the place for me. The very next day I met Joey and my world changed. I now have the tools and motivation to acheive my goals, and with Joey's expert guidance, endless knowledge and sense of humor I am turning my life around. For the first time in the 8 years I've had diabetes it is 100% under control with just diet and exercise. Also my blood pressure is normal, I'm losing weight and my doctors are shocked. Gone is the feeling of being trapped in my body and the choking prescription bills -- YAA!! I still have a long road ahead of me to reach my goals but with Joey, Germana and Elizabeth behind me cheering me on and giving that little push when needed, I now know that I'm going to acheive my goals and more. The warm surroundings of Able Body are now a highlight of my week and I can't wait for my next session to start.
THE RED SERGE WILL BE MINE, JOEY !!!
Thanks for the support Joey,
Terry Lonsberry
February 2008 Client of the Month
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It has been six months since I began my journey with Able Body Consulting. During that time I have enjoyed an experience that has kept me coming back week after week. Elizabeth has been my trainer and along with Joey’s expert input I have successfully been able to turn the tide on a body that was breaking down at a rapid rate. I am 54 years old and with the onset of age, being tied to a desk, and an overall lack of activity I was experiencing pains and discomfort that was leaving me feeling depressed and sorry for myself. I had been very involved in sports in my younger days and have always be a bit of a gym rat, but when I started going back to the gym on my own I found that I was always hurting myself. I would then be forced to take time off to heal, the body would deteriorate further and the cycle would start all over again.
It was at this time that I heard about Able Body Consulting and decided it was time to try something different. From the time I walked into the Able Body studio I knew I was making the right decision. The staff is consistent in their message and pushes you as hard as you can safely be pushed. I can guarantee that the majority of people that go to the gym do not push them selves as hard as you push your self with the help of Able Body trainers.
I do not hurt myself any more!!
I had a shoulder problem that prevented me from enjoying my current passion … golf.
Elizabeth and Joey have shown me how to work with weights and incorporate stretching
techniques that have improved my shoulder to almost 100%. I also have major problems with my knees and again with patience and perseverance Elizabeth and Joey have helped me to improve this problem and increase my overall leg strength.
I find myself looking forward to my three sessions a week. I find it invigorating, my energy level is higher and I feel better as well as a lot stronger. I have been given expert
guidance with regards to diet and as a result of all of this I am losing body fat but gaining lean muscle.
To sum it up, being part of the Able Body family has been a very positive move for me. I look at my training as preventative maintenance for my future as well as an improved quality of life for today.
As Elizabeth pointed out the day I joined the Studio, “Most of us do not hesitate to invest in the material things in our life, we have car payments, mortgages, etc., but we hesitate to invest in our selves.”
I have invested in myself and I see it paying long term dividends.
Yours truly,
Patrick Shannon
January 2008 Client of the Month
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In January 2006, after a day of skiing, I woke at Mount Washington unable to get out of bed without extreme back pain. Having recently turned 50 and wishing to maintain an active lifestyle, I sought treatment from a chiropractor. Originally I was receiving treatment twice a week. After he stabilized my back I decided that my flexibility and core strength needed work. My two passions are golf and adult tee ball (slow pitch). Both of these sports require flexibility to perform at a reasonable level. I good friend of mine trained with Joey and recommended that I see him to improve my flexibility. So, I started working out with Joey in July 2006. Within six weeks I could see a remarkable difference in my golf game. My stamina improved immensely. I was finishing a round of golf with strength instead of fading as I tried. I can feel and understand my golf swing and I am striking the ball better than I did in my twenties when I was a three handicap. At slow pitch my shoulder no longer hurts after a game and the outfielders no longer play me as shallow as they used to do. Life is good. I only visit the chiropractor once a month not out of necessity but more of a social meeting. The other side benefits have been a reduction in my waist size and a slight weight loss. Without Joey and the other staff members' encouragement at Able Body Fitness, I doubt that I would have changed my exercise routine. I have three goals over the next year and with Joey's help I know I will achieve them. They are as follows and not necessarily in listed in order of importance:
1. Lower my body fat (solution: drink less beer)
2. Learn how to putt (solution: mental)
3. Decrease the effects of working hard (that one is for you, Joey).
Thank you, Joey and Able Body,
John Hough
October 2007 Client of the Month
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As I reflect on my last five years at Able Body Consulting I am filled with gratitiude. Over the years I have trained with Germana and I now work with Elizabeth. I was so excited to be chosen client of the month. Thank you Elizabeth, Germana and Joey.
When I say five years, this is really very admirable for me. I had the personality of one who would get all excited about a new journey, new activity, etc., however, I lacked the determination to continue. I thought it was more challenging or exciting to try different things. Because of the positive support and encouragement, I perservered and today I am so thrilled.
I know I tested Germana and now Elizabeth's patience when they have to model (more than once) the routines of an exercise. Thank-you for being patient and recongnizing my needs. Today I am more gentle with myself when I accept myself and know I am accepted just as I am.
When I began exercising, I totally lacked flexibility. In order to turn my head I had to turn my entire body. Recently I have been working on my posture and strengthening my core. Today when I hear dialogue such as, 'Drop you shoulders, chin down, elongate your neck,' I know these are words of encouragement because they are followed by, "Wow! Look at that muscle! See how your top is hanging off you! What a tight bum! You've lost so much weight!" A great feeling.
It was while I participated in three Life Style Challenges with Germana and Joey that I became more cognizant that all parts of my life must be balanced in order to be healthy. I became serious about nutrition, excercise, sleep, water: a connection of mind, body and spirit. I accepted the role and responsibility and I accepted that the change does present challenges and hard work. I actually came in 4th place in this challenge and the before and after pictures were amazing. Thank-you for challenging and believing in me.
I feel great today, for the most, much healthier and more energized. I am so grateful for the continued support, encouragement and positive affirmations I hear whenever I enter the studio. As well, I am so appreciative for the love and compassion I receive as we listen and share together during our workouts.
Hugs, Faye
Faye Lutze
August 2007 Client of the Month
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Having been a huge supporter of the Golf Channel, I have probably watched more infomercials about useless golf paraphernalia than most people want to see in a life time! All these “amazing products” have people giving testimonials about how great the product is. For this reason, I have never been one to put a lot of stock into someone’s opinion, whether paid to say it or not, for a product or service. This is why I find it odd to be writing the same form of an endorsement, that I mock on a regular basis.
Having said that, it is with much admiration and respect that I bring you my story of success with Able body Consulting. I have been training with Elizabeth for two months and have never felt better. I have tried for years to go to a gym, or go on some useless diet that worked for a while until I gained even more weight than I lost! The accountability and support I receive from not only Elizabeth but the whole staff at Able Body, has given me the confidence I need to achieve my fitness and weight loss goals. It’s not easy, it’s not a quick fix, but it has become an enjoyable part of my weekly routine and I look forward to each session. I have increased my stamina, lost weight, and more importantly, have increased my driving distance by twenty yards. Look out Tiger! Thank you Able Body
Clayton Hoy
June 2007 Client of the Month
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Wow, couple of the month. Who knew! Steve and I started this journey with a gift certificate from our daughter. We already knew all about Germana through the admiration our daughter has for her, but as fate would have it, when the guilt of not honoring the caring behind the gift overcame our lack of ambition to join, Germana was away and we ended up with the infallible Joey! How does one describe Joey? I guess the best way is to start by describing the challenge – us. 50+, Steve was basically allergic to gyms, I was in grieving mode re a disability and the thought of “doing it together” was a dream memory from decades past. We were not what you might consider “eager beavers” for the fitness road. Certainly not a task for the faint hearted to take on. Fast forward 8 months. We both have more energy, flexibility, and strength. Steve’s found his muscles and lost weight and my clothes are feeling a lot more comfy, dare I say it - even loose. Joey’s ability to gauge the needs of his clients is phenomenal and although he watches closely re your limits, he continuously adds challenges without a person realizing it. Before you know it you are balancing on one knee on a Bosu, or you can’t quite put a finger on it but you know something’s different, then you glance at the weights you just finished with and you’re up 10 lbs. without a hitch. Later he’ll casually throw in a balance board and there you are – balancing like you’re a kid again. He is a fantastic motivator and, as Steve says, good at talking you through challenges. The gym’s motto “Believe in Self” has become easy to adopt, and Steve and I are not only looking forward to retirement possibilities, but most importantly looking forward to life in general. In addition, Joey’s patient persistence has given us a life style that we can continue to build on for life. He has a subtle knack of educating you as he guides you through the exercises. Incredibly you begin reading the label of every grocery item you grab, look for protein snacks and drink lots of water to enhance the feeling of health that you’ve gained. And as for the “togetherness route”, working together on the fitness road we have re-establish our team of two (something that can go off base when so many years are spent focusing on raising kids and basic survival). And as an added bonus those days when the honeymoon stage is negotiable, Joey has an answer for that called “the medicine ball” (something that you need to experience to relate to the benefits). So, at this point the “not so eager beavers” are now focused and “eager for our training days”. Joey and Able Body Fitness Training have given us the greatest gift of all - Hope for a healthy, mobile, fun-filled elder hood. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… Steve and Darlene Pierce
May 2007 Clients of the Month
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When I first started at Able Body Germana asked what my objectives were. I said that the reason that I was there was because my wife felt that I need the training for by own health. Within three weeks of starting, my shoulder which had bothered me for nine months was no longer giving me the pain that I was becoming used to. In the first few weeks I would drive to the gym and sit on the bike to warm up. To me that was boring and I did not want to do it so I began to walk the two kilometers to the gym. At first it took me a good 15 minutes to make the trek and found myself huffing and puffing by the time I arrived. Now it takes me less than 10 minutes as I walk part way then run part way and walk again. I now have more energy and feel great. I don't ache when I get out of bed in the morning. As for Joey and his golf training. He told me that he could add another 50 yards to my drives, but all that means is that my drives are 50 yards further into the woods. Thanks to the trainers at Able Body.
David Braithwaite
April 2007 Client of the Month
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I’ve tried weight training in the past only to become bored or injured. It’s so easy to find reasons not to exercise but last year I was turning the big 50 and I knew I needed to do something. I was putting on weight, my clothes were tight and I was forever putting my back out. When my friend David told me how much he enjoyed Able Body I decided to give it a try. I felt at home right away. Germana listened to my goals and developed an exercise plan to achieve them that allowed me to develop core strength without injury. What’s more it was far from boring! Germana is forever changing my routine. When I hear that “evil monkey laugh” I know I’m in for something new and challenging. I now find that exercising isn’t something I’m supposed to do but something I look forward to. I also have the privilege of working with Joey. When I set the goal of doing chin-ups he took me seriously. I’m still working at it but he never lets me doubt myself. Joey has a way of making you push yourself without ever being pushy; a skill very few of us ever master. A year after I began training I’m down to my target weight, I haven’t put my back out in months and as for my clothes…I’ve given most of them away as I’ve gone from a size 10 to a size 6. I’m off to Costa Rica this month and I just have to say thank you Germana and Joey. At 50 you’ve made bathing suit shopping fun! Wendy Smitka
February 2007 Client of the Month
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I was truly honored by Joey and Germana's request to be profiled as January's Client of the Month. I have rediscovered something about myself in the past year or so that was right in front of me all along, that was TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF no matter what. I'm sure many people will agree when I say that when you see physically large younger people being hired at a job position you have been trying to succeed at for the past several years you will begin to lose confidence as well as faith in yourself and think "NO WAY, I DON'T HAVE A CHANCE." That was until I went to the studio. I was introduced to Joey through Germana because she thought it would be a great fit -- she was absolutely right. I needed to train to compete in a Fire Fighters Challenge circuit that could lead to
being hired as a full time fire fighter for the city of Nanaimo. To be honest, this has been MY LIFETIME GOAL AND DREAM. Joey knew exactly what I needed to do and encouraged me to believe in myself. Joey made me train like I never had before: different movements and training methods, nutritional planning, correct supplements. I could feel and see my muscles grow immediately, in fact, I gained close to 15 lbs of hard chiseled muscle in just over year, something I could not achieved without him. I am very proud to say that through all my hard work with Joey we both succeeded at knocking off close to 1 full minute off my time from the previous year at the Fire Fighters Challenge and have been hired to
work full time as a fire fighter for the city of Nanaimo -- a dream come true! Thank you, Joey, for being there for me, being a great Personal Trainer, an awesome coach as well as an inspiration. I am also very proud to call you my good friend. Thank you so much for all my success and look forward to many more incredible workouts with you. Wishing you all the best things,
Jeff Allen
January 2007 Client of the Month
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Joey and Germana always say "the hardest part of working out is getting through the gym door that first time" and they are so right! It took me several weeks to get the courage to get through the door of Able Body Consulting, but once there I have never looked back. I am hitting the big 50 in the next few months and I felt it was now or never. I have never felt or looked better, if I do say so myself. This gym is so open and welcoming particularly to us older gals who are very intimidated by the other gyms. Both Joey and Germana are continually encouraging us all to keep going, even through all the whining (mostly mine!) I highly recommend dropping by Able Body and checking out what they have to offer. You won't regret it! Lori Prokopenko
December 2006 Client of the Month
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To: Able Body Gym
Attention: Ellis and Germana
Subject: Pap-imi Machine Just a note to say how much I appreciate what you and your Pap-imi Machine have done for me. For over ten years I have suffered from High Blood Pressure. Two years ago on a trip to the USA I had an Angina attack and ended up in the hospital having two Stents put into my clogged arteries. Since then I have had various scans done, which confirm I have hardening of the arteries and Calcium build up. This is different from normal Plaque and after much research I found there was little I could do to alleviate this condition. After my second treatment with Ellis and Germana’s Pap-imi Machine I had another scan done, and to the amazement of the operator and me it said that Calcium had been dislodged in my arteries and was now being flushed out. Amazingly my blood pressure has since gone down and I feel great. Many people do not realize that Calcium build up in the arteries is very common and often gets misdiagnosed as just Plaque. Thank you again for the modern technical miracle you performed. Of course I am continuing with more treatments, as I believe this machine is on the cutting edge of reversing the ageing process. Have a magical Day!
Phil Philip Winkelmans Ph.D is the author of the internationally acclaimed book The Art of Purposeful Being: Your Destiny Project. A Keynote/Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, therapist and Intuitive Life Coach who lives in Nanaimo, BC. He can be contacted at 250 755 1099 or phil@toolsforthesoul.com, website at www.toolsforthesoul.com
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More than seven months ago I would of not believed that exercise and resistance training would make such an impact on my life, and relieve me of my chronic back pain caused by osteoarthritis. My daughter in-law Lynn, gave me a gift certificate to see Joey who assured me that by combining correct and safe lifestyle changes that included exercising, eating correctly, adding more water intake with proper supplementation daily, that all this would definitely have a positive effect. Joey was precise in his program and made our workouts together, fun and easy. Every week I could feel and see the difference. Today I am reaping the benefits,my body has been toning up and I feel much stronger. I have dropped a full size in both my Jeans and tops and my skin has been revitalized. I have much more energy and enthusiasm, so much so that I have started a new job a few days a week -- at the young age of 73. I am very eager and pleased to say that I would recommend Joey and the Studio to anyone and everyone. It will make a great difference in their lives. As for me, I will continue to train and progress forever and ever. Thank you so much Joey. Adeline Banks
November 2006 Client of the Month
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I was honoured by Germana’s request to profile me as her client of the month (Oct. 2006). I don’t particularly want to call attention to myself, but this gives me an opportunity to say some things which have been very much on my mind during the past few weeks. The last, what…..eight weeks may have been one of the more important periods of my life. I met Germana several months ago and I guess it was obvious to her that I was in trouble healthwise. Seriously obese, diabetic, arthritic and injured knees…..and pretty much devoid of hope that I could do anything about it. Those of you who know Germana know that she has a deep desire to help people. And somehow…..she gently, compassionately convinced me to make one more attempt to try to save my life. And I wasn’t an easy sell, either. Too late, too far gone, too much false pride to be seen like this…..too afraid. That was the big one. I was too afraid to try, to fail, to look like a fool. But Germana wasn’t having any of that. With her help, I took that first step. And eight weeks later, I am gratified to realize that it’s not too late. I can turn this around. I’ve only just taken the first baby steps, I know. But I’m finally on a road that offers hope, and not oblivion. If I can do that, anyone can. And if any of you who read this are holding back from starting on that road out of fear, I urge you to give Germana a try (and by the way, Joey is pretty terrific too). These folks are amazing and I’m eternally grateful that they came into my life. Jim King
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Hi Germana. I am not saying this so you will be kind to me in the next class (no chance of that!) but I just want to thank you and Joey for all you two have done. This whole "exercise" thing has been wonderful. I never thought I would actually keep going and continue to enjoy it through all the pain! It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and I plan to continue to do this for as long as you will put up with me!!! Thanks to both of you. Lori Prokopenko
I have used many of Germana’s services and my experience has been nothing but beautiful. My body, mind and soul has been hurt and inadequately taken care of over my life. When became injured I decided it was time for a change. I hired Germana to work on some personal training. If anyone knows their body and how too keep in shape it is Germana. (Look at her) Her studio is professionally equipped and the environment is warm and welcoming.Cynthia
"Germana designed a weight lifting program for me and, as well, I have attended her yoga classes. I find Germana highly motivating and positive. Germana's love and dedication to fitness of both the body and mind is evident in her classes. She recognizes the need to have the mind and body perform (workouts) exercises as a single unit. I trust Germana's fitness ability and knowledge . I feel when I am in her classes that she truly cares about her clients. She has the ability to relate to a class as well as to the individual. Germana helped me to get back on the fitness track. Now as I perform my exercises at home I hear Germana's words of instruction and encouragement.
I highly recommend her as a personal trainer as well as an instructor for group sessions."
Barb Glen
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Dear Germana I am pain free at last! After 15 years of chronic low back pain, I had forgotten what pain free living was like. I want to thank you for your guidance and training. The bonus is I have lost 15 pounds of fat and I am still dropping. Thank you Germana from: Gordon Grant 48 years PS I still want to see you once a week maybe forever.
have tried other gyms before but found it really hard to stay motivated...
then tried germana's personal training service and thought "yes, this is the
one for me!" germana makes it work for me... commited to a time....not stuck
in a routine....quiet and personal... no standing in line for equipment...
plus i can get hypnotherapy sessions worked in too! ginny.
In the three months of working with Germana, I have come to feel more knowledgeable and more confident about the way in which I exercise. I now realize that, while I may have put the time in to exercise previously, it was mostly inefficient. Now I can use the little time I have for fitness with a better focus and a deeper consciousness of what I am doing. This has been important for me because I have been recovering from a major back injury and have worked with three physiotherapists, a chiropractor, and two massage practitioners over the last two years and have not gotten better. Now I feel strong, have better alignment, better posture, and am finally nearly healed from my injury. Thank you, Germana!
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November 3, 2001. Dear Germana, I would like to thank you for the transformation in my body and mind. When I started with you in August, just before my 59th birthday, I was 15 lbs. overweight and feeling confused and helpless. I knew I ate healthily and liked exercise and yet each year I seemed to be getting heavier, especially in the `middle' where others really couldn't see. Your gentle, supportive manner has empowered me to recognize my part in this transformation. Your insight and guidance first re my eating habits was essential and the hypnotherapy did not seem like hypnotism so much as a deep sharing with someone I learned to feel safe with and trusted. The complete package for me has been the use of the exercise ball. Your careful instruction and personalized exercises for me specifically as a primary school teacher have improved my posture and overall body tone as well as some body shape definition! I was 155 lbs. in August and now am 145 lbs. and still trimming. I know I will continue to work with you Germana, as you help me weed out negative thought patterns and behaviors and overall `wellness'. I highly recommend your services. Sincerely, Diane Bestwick
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A year and a half ago I managed to put cigarettes behind me and put more food in front of me. I continued to work out, but the pounds crept on. As my 40th birthday approached I began to get depressed. "I'm getting old AND fat I whined”. My desperate husband bought tickets to Mexico to cheer me up for my birthday, so I spent two great weeks in front of a buffet table. I probably should have taken a cargo plane home. When I saw the pictures of our trip I cried and then got angry. A friend hooked me up with Germana at Able Body Consultants and my life did a 360.Within 3 weeks my shape started changing and I was smiling again. Germana showed me how to workout with maximum results with every move. Before, I had been going through the motions and putting in the time but going nowhere-very disheartening. With Germana's patient guidance I did less work but got way more bang for my buck. She encouraged me to change the way I ate too. Cutting down on carbs and fats yet eating more, I graze all day long and I'm never hungry. And unlike the grazing at the buffet table, I was shrinking and I never get heartburn anymore. Germana really knows her stuff; she motivates and builds your self-esteem and confidence and she really cares about her clients. These have been the most progressive 12 weeks of my life. I lost 18 lbs. of fat; I'm now in the excellent range of body fat and I had enough confidence in myself to get a new job. I'm taking a month off for holidays but I'll be back so I can continue this journey of self-discovery that Germana has paved the way for I got way more out of this than I ever imagined thank-you so much
Germana, you are the best!
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Germana and her very capable support staff have provided me with excellent fitness support and guidance. Germana (and Terra) are highly knowledgeable with regard to diet, fitness and health. They both share willingly tips on menus, fitness fitting in your personal life, and most importantly approaching fitness with safety carefully planned into their programs. I had a great deal of fun at my ball class, and if it was not fun, I would not have done it. During my time at the studio, I always felt spoiled with lots of personal attention, and the workout was doable. safe and lots of laughs. Germana supported my fitness goals with hypnosis, and this may well be the extra boost people need to make a change. Since working with Germana, I am back into a regular schedule of fitness in my life, and I am much more conscious of making sure my energy level is supported with the nutrition I need. Thanks Germana
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