“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.”

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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!

“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.”

“The type of training I do with Irv has given me confidence on my feet, through better balance and learning to make quicker directional transitions and sharper turns. My foot slipped out from under me once doing a front cross in a competition, but thanks to my workouts with Irv I stayed on my feet and Dara won the class. Irv grills me really hard and that’s okay because I feel I should work as hard as I ask my dog to work!”

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.