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.

“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 have been going to Irv at STEPS for almost 31 years. During that time I have had cancer surgery of the brain and two knee replacement surgeries. Because of going to Irv or one of the other trainers at STEPS I was able to handle all of the surgeries. This was a strong side benefit. I highly recommend Irv and the trainers at STEPS. Contact me if you would like to talk about it. Luke S., 80-something

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.

“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 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!

“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.”

“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!”

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.

“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!”