“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’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 am 58 years old and have trained at STEPS off and on since 2011. Irv Rubenstein takes a genuine and knowledgeable interest in making sure you are matched up with the right trainer. Irv and his trainers are aware of my strengths and limitations which allows them to construct workouts which are challenging but not so exhausting that I don’t want to come back. Keeping that balance helps me maintain a long-term motivation to improve my fitness and at least for me, consistent motivation is the key to long-term success.

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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!

“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.