“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.

I look forward to my workouts with Scott knowing that he will customize my workout to help me be able to continue, as I age, doing the activities I enjoy such as backpacking, cycling and swimming.  He also offers helpful hints on bike maintenance at no additional charge.

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.

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.  

“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.”

“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.”

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!

A friend of mine recommended STEPS to improve my core strength and level of fitness.  I have just finished my 12th workout at this facility and I must say that my experience has exceeded my expectations.  My trainer, Stephanie Kemp, varies the workouts to keep them from getting stale and pushes me just enough.  After six weeks my flexibility increased noticeably.  STEPS has all the equipment, weights, bands, etc. that one could want in a gym, but the typical gym atmosphere is noticeably absent.  I would recommend STEPS to anyone.

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.

“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!”