I have been going to Irv at STEPS for almost 31 years. During that time I have had cancer surgery of the brain and two knee replacement surgeries. Because of going to Irv or one of the other trainers at STEPS I was able to handle all of the surgeries. This was a strong side benefit. I highly recommend Irv and the trainers at STEPS. Contact me if you would like to talk about it. Luke S., 80-something

My mom is 81 and in generally good health with an excellent mind. But, I could see that she was slowing down. I suggested to her that she should see Irv, who has helped me develop an effective exercise program that has allowed me to be a very active 57-year-old. She said “why do I need to do that?”. I asked her how she felt about using a walker. She got the point and we scheduled an appointment with Irv. By the end of the meeting, she saw the potential for Irv’s program and said she would do what he suggested on a daily basis and meet with him once a week. She’s been following the program with great discipline and is feeling better, walking up stairs with energy and is generally just a happier person. She said it would been great if she had known Irv and her therapist when she was 35. So, here is my suggestion for you…whether you are 35, 57 or 81. Start a regular exercise program. If you know what to do to maximize your return for the time you spend exercising, just do it. But, if you need some help structuring your program or a little help sticking with it, Irv is a great resource. Invest in yourself!

“The training with Latina was great!! With her training I discovered what areas need the most focus and how to be effective in my workouts. We also discussed nutrition and my diet and eating habits as well. Latina has provided me with the necessary tools to work out on my own from home with the equipment that I have. She checks in with me once in a while just to keep me on track with my workouts. I had a very positive experience with STEPS and Latina!”

In response to a follow up survey:

I’m dedicated to getting to my meetings w Kelsey and that is extremely motivating. I’m still working to get my regular conditioning in, but that will come as my school routine continues to unfold.

-Kelsey is great. Responsive. Easy to schedule with and prompt. She also comes prepared.

-Yes, as I said above, my goal is to get my conditioning more regular, but the regular strength training is really helping.

I want to thank you for all your advice and encouragement for my upcoming knee surgery. I have done the “Irvies” exercises faithfully, and I definitely feel stronger. Maybe that’s why my jeans keep getting baggier, especially in the seat. You could say the exercises benefit all 3 knees — left knee, right knee, and hi-ney. I am looking forward to getting the op over with, get back on my feet and start kicking a$$ again!

“When I think of how my life has changed in the few months since the first time I met with Irv at STEPS, I am amazed and grateful. The results are significant … physically and mentally. Irv’s encouragement and enthusiasm, coupled with his considerable expertise, are powerful motivating factors. Irv is a gem … a plum …a terrific ‘coach’!”

STEPS holds a special place in my heart. I nearly destroyed my body with an eating disorder; I lost bone, muscle, and most of all myself.  Through strength training, I have made my bones denser, my muscles stronger, and my spirit brighter.  I have a second chance at life, and I owe a large part of that to STEPS and my trainer, Irv.

Many personal trainers are not qualified to train older bodies.  Maintaining a healthy, strong body is a unique science in older adults. Irv Rubenstein has the education and the experience to effectively strengthen older bodies.  My health and well-being is enhanced thanks to my twice weekly sessions with Irv.

“Dear Irv, It is amazing how the program takes me no time compared to previous ones, and I am completely muscle fatigued. I am also amazed at the strength I have gained… the other day I went to do a bench press and lifted the bar like it was a feather–that’s progress. You are amazing.”

When I started at STEPS, I had recently learned that I have Parkinson’s Disease, and I was spending a lot of time just sitting and worrying about the future.  At STEPS, I started moving and was given great encouragement to try new ways to limber up and to stretch my muscles.  If Dr. Irv said it once, he said it 100 times—“Hold your shoulders back!”   I started to feel better and began to look forward to my exercise routines.  Today I feel stronger and more energetic than I have felt in some time. My trainer is highly professional and always positive.  STEPS is giving me a new and healthy way of dealing with this disease.