“Irv, This morning, I noticed the big improvement in physical conditioning I had made over the last year – thanks to STEPS. What a change from a year ago! Then I was hefting heavy stuff in the garage (carefully) and was surprised at how easy it was. Steps is important in my life. I have seen other facilities and cannot imagine working out elsewhere. And you are fun to be around as well as adding a note of reassurance with your knowledge and diligence. I realize how difficult it must be, at some points, to do what you do. But you truly make a difference in many people’s lives, whether or not they stop and think about it.”

“STEPS seems to be a place where a variety of folks can find people and a program that works for them. Your understanding that one size doesn’t fit all worked well for me, and I will continue to be an advocate of you and your team. As important as the technical weights training were the small, but effective lifestyle changes you suggested. I feel fortunate to have created a balanced running and weights routine which is measured by reasonable expectations. The practice over the year has delivered more energy, better sleep, fewer aches and pains, and more strength and stability.”

“It was so nice to go to a “not gym” to workout – people are there to do one thing – work out and enhance their health and well being. That is the best kind of atmosphere – no judgment. Osa is a quiet enforcer – he does not say a lot – but he very effectively PUSHES you in a good way. I see why people speak so complimentary of you and your facility – you are all highly credible and kind. I am so glad I have started a relationship with STEPS!”

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.

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 could not have climbed these steps without Colleen and Dawn!” Margaret Ann’s dedication to training enabled her to scale the ruins at Machu Picchu, along with the help of her trainers, Colleen Bridges and Dawn Denny.

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.

“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’!”

In response to a follow up survey: Thanks for checking. I am very happy working with Stephanie, and feel my weaker shoulder is getting stronger already – whereas, all my training and exercise has focused on getting my body stronger without hurting that shoulder, till now.  She has linked me with an app where I can ask questions, request instruction, etc. and we have talked about her sending me some YouTube videos of some of the exercises with which I’m just getting familiar (having not used TRX or resistance bands much before.) It is now up to me to input that request…  She also says she can advise me on best ways to round out my fitness plan as I recount what I’m doing daily through the app, if I want.  Right now I’m plenty satisfied with communication and instruction.  I trust her level of expertise, and appreciate her attention to my challenges, and my potential.I enjoy her personality, and we know a lot of people in common through family, church, and my kids’ school associations. She has shown a willingness to alter our training time if needed, to help me build a schedule that supports daily workouts.  My YMCA partner(s) are working out on Tuesdays, and that’s the same day I work with Stephanie, so I’ve gone to half-hour individual sessions at the Y now to add time in the gym another day.  I miss working with a partner, but I also hope to increase my time at STEPS in the future. Best of all, I have NO PAIN in my shoulder right now, and my knee and feet are happy! I feel better now than I have in years.  This is what I wanted to achieve and it appears I am on the right path.  

“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!”