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.

“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!”

“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’!”

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.

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.

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!

My experience with Steps has been very rewarding.  Thanks to Irv, I stand taller and sit straighter.  He knows the very muscles to target that strengthen my neck and back and allow me to the get the most of my workouts.

I’m someone who likes to exercise but hates to work out:  gym class as a kid scarred me for life!  But Scott Kinney makes it fun, interesting, and—most importantly—an effective use of my limited time.  I like the friendly, low-key STEPS vibe with everybody there to do their thing.  I feel much stronger and healthier than I used to.  Thanks, Scott, and thanks, STEPS. Couldn’t recommend the experience more highly.

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!