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Personal Training Testimonials
My name is Steve Baldassano and I wanted to encourage those who wish to wait no longer to begin a training program I offer the follow true story and evidence that training works and will make a dramatic difference in your life.
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"I have experienced a fair amount of recent success in improving my overall health and fitness and this is especially true over the past 17 months. Four Seasons has been a critical component to my progress. Like many people, I had a laundry list of excuses to explain away why I wasn’t more fit: (four kids, multiple youth coaching roles, busy job, etc.) but the reality was I was just too lazy and I was setting a bad example for my children. As such, I devised what I call the 3% program in January of 2009.
The plan looks like this. There are 168 hours in any given week. I felt like carving out 3% of each week to improve my health was both feasible but more importantly necessary if change was in fact going to happen. 3% each week is 43 minutes a day on average. At least 95% of my 3% plan is completed at Four Seasons Sports Complex either playing racquetball, in the cardio room, weight training, attending classes like Yoga or Spin, swimming, etc. Variety is a key element. I was quickly able to realize that I was exceeding the weekly time goal with ease once I got into a groove. I concentrated on drinking more water, getting more sleep, and eating more sensibly as part of the program as well.
I have set short term personal goals for myself along the way and the results now that I’m reflecting back on them are impressive.Here are the last few races that I’ve run since embarking on the 3% plan in January 2009:
· Baltimore Half Marathon- Oct 2009- 2 hrs 19 min (23 min improvement, no walking, 10 min 40 second pace per mile!)
· New Orleans Half Marathon- Feb 2010- 2 hours 5 min (9 min 34 second pace)
· Frederick Half Marathon- May 2010- 2 hours 3 min
· Parks Half Marathon (Rockville, MD)- September 2010- goal to finish under 2 hours
Additionally- I finished 3rd in the Biggest Loser Challenge at Four Seasons from October 2009 to January 2010 where I lost 26 pounds. I am currently competing in the latest Four Seasons Weight Loss/Fitness challenge that is running from March 2010-June 2010. Although I don’t utilize the personal trainers specifically, the entire staff is very supportive and provides constant encouragement which is great.
Here are a few other stats to share:
· I have lost 20% of my body weight since January 2009 and counting….
· I have lost 65 pounds since January 2009 and counting….
· I have dropped 4 pant sizes since January 2009 and counting….
Here are a few tips in case people are curious as to how I’ve accomplished this:
· I force myself to get up in the morning for workouts now since finding time after work was tricky and difficult with a big family. It is worth noting that my spouse is an awesome supporter of my lifestyle change. She has been motivated herself by my efforts but she’s always been open-minded about me sticking with the plan and that has been a great asset for me.
· I drink 1-2 liters of water a day now and I drop a propel package into each liter to give it some flavor.
· I have a neighbor (Rob Huddler) who’s been attending the gym as well in the morning. You are less likely to hit the snooze button if you are driving someone else or vice versa so get a buddy to help you achieve your goals. The gym is less crowded in the morning and I never considered myself a morning person but they say if you can stick with something for 21 straight days it becomes a habit.
· Don’t sweat the small stuff- everyone has a bad day now and again- just don’t make it a bad week/month…get back on your program as quickly as possible.
I’ve actually now convinced a couple family members and friends to also work towards completing half marathons in the past year. They all felt like it was unrealistic at first but like me they did it and felt a great sense of accomplishment after doing so. I like scheduling another race every 6 months or so because it keeps me working towards a specific goal as the year moves along. Good luck everyone…see you at the gym!" -Kyle Wade
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I’d like to share with the other members of Four Seasons how and why exercise has helped me. Last February I got my membership to the club, and by March I starting to do personal training with Mrs. Vinnie. Little by little, I began to lose weight. Weight loss was a great perk, but I also began to find myself. Mrs. Vinnie was so encouraging, and she pushed me when I needed to be pushed. There would be days when I didn't want to come in at all, but I made a promise to myself to see this through. Exercise has helped me in so many areas of my life. I became more spiritual, and developed a much more positive attitude. Both Mrs. Vinnie and Mr. Joe were very motivational, and contributed to my success. I would be up stairs talking to Dana Pickett and Kathy, and Joe would say “Go exercise!!” He can be scary sometimes, but underneath his rough exterior, he has a heart of Gold.
I recently starting taking classes at the community college, and because I have been so positively influenced by exercise, I enrolled in Health 101. I am definitely more conscious of my health and my body because of one thing; joining 4 Seasons!! Exercise has enabled me to do things in my life I thought I could never do. I’m able to manage my stress levels, work 50 hours a week, attend college 2 days a week, all the while being a single parent. I know I have a full schedule, but I will never stop exercising.
The Staff at 4 seasons is so helpful and kind!! Terri, the group fitness director, is so funny, and she makes the classes very entertaining and enjoyable. Kathy, the front Desk manager, is a wonderful young lady and has become a good friend of mine. I have told so many people about this Health Club and how the Staff really care about you, not to mention how much I love to exercise and what effect it has on me. I just want to say Mr. Joe and Mrs. Vinnie, thank you for helping me change my life!! ~Gina Simpkins
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"I have been working out with Joe Bowers for about a year now, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my progress. When I started, I weighed in at the doctor’s office at 283 lbs (5/2009). In June, I started with Joe, and I measured in at 278 lbs, 25.5% body fat, and 34.4 BMI. Also before I started, I was beginning to have knee pains and low back pains. Since I work on car interiors for a living, the crouching and crawling through cars were exacerbating the knee and back pains.
I have had a complete turnaround since that point. I currently measure in at 200lbs (5.14.2010), 16% body fat, 29.7 BMI, I am now able to do 25+ push ups in a row, 10 pull ups, and bench 225. Not only have the numbers improved, but my entire life outlook has gotten better. Before working out, I was always tired, run down, and felt like I was in a mental funk; Now I go out and I feel good about myself and I am always smiling. Now my only problem is that none of my clothes fit. With feeling better about myself, I find myself being more social and outgoing around people (I’m a chick magnet.)
I couldn’t be happier with my results, and I don’t know where I would be without all the help and encouragement I got at Four Seasons" -Kory Trudo Kory's Before and After
 
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"I have been a member at Four Seasons for years now, and I feel great for my age! My dedication to health and fitness has allowed me to reach several goals.
Here are a few of my accomplishments:
I did do 2 half marathons last year- In May I completed the Frederick half at 2:28, and in October, I completed the Baltimore half in 2:31. Doing both of them is called the “Maryland Double” and it was a GREAT experience, over all. I try to do 5K’s a couple of times a year- I did the bypass run in Hampstead last year, and I typically do the Jingle Bell Run in December to benefit arthritis sufferers. I’m not stopping anytime soon! This summer I plan to do the SURVIVOR 7 around Baltimore’s inner harbor and most likely participate in the Baltimore Marathon Relay in October." -Renee Gallagher |
"A year ago I was lazy, out of shape, and 100 pounds heavier. Also my lifestyle choices were self-sabotaging and unhealthy. I found myself tired all the time and very unhappy with life in general. I was hitting rock bottom and was finding myself having problems in every area of life. I decided that I would feel better about myself and my life, if I lost some weight. But I had no idea how to do it. At first, I tried to starve myself as well as increase my activity level and didn’t get many results. That’s when I met Ken from Four Seasons, and my life changed forever.
I met Ken through my mother’s business. The first thing he told me “We’ll see how long you’ll make it.” Because I’m stubborn, I decided I was going to prove him wrong. The first couple of weeks were very intense, and I didn’t think I was going to make it. But as time went on, and I stayed consistent, I started gaining a new confidence in myself. The weight started to come off, and I started to want to come instead of having to make myself.
Over the months, we went through several different workout routines. At first I didn’t think a lot of them would work. But Ken proved to me that he knew what he was talking about, and I have learned not to question him anymore. As time progressed, I improved my cardio and strength training abilities, and I started to burn belly fat and gain muscle.
Now that this adventure is continuing, I wanted to write this for anybody who has doubts about changing their life. Do not doubt because it can be done, and a personal trainer can help you reach your goal. So remember…as my trainer would say “If you quit, you fail.”" -James Ingram
James's Before and After
 
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"I'm 58, and I've been training with Ricki twice weekly for 2 years. She has a tremendous knowledge of exercise, fitness, and nutrition, and she is an excellent teacher. I am constantly learning from her, and I feel comfortable knowing that my sessions are always safe, yet challenging and balanced. I've lost 6% body fat, and I am amazed at how strong I've gotten, and how much better I feel. I am on the path to better fitness, and Ricki is my partner, coach, and cheerleader on the path!" -Lynn
"Tim's training has helped out in many ways. First, for my lacrosse team we do strength and conditioning testing and thanks to Tim's training I placed fourth out of about sixty players. My explosiveness within my dodges has also improved dramatically. I used to have trouble beating a defender 1 on 1 but that's no problem now. Thanks Tim, it's always fun to train with you." -Kyle Pasta, 17, North Carroll Lacrosse Team
"My personal experience has been life changing to say the least. Joe has not only helped me get into shape, but has also helped me lose twenty-five pounds in only a couple of months. I am very thankful that he has taken the extra steps to helping me reach my goals. He has not only motivated me in the weight room, but he has given me a jump start to the physical aspect of my career. Without Joe I would not be where I am today." -Wyatt
"My eight year old son, Dylan began working with Tim Lienau at the beginning of his wrestling season. Dylan had set himself a goal to become a state champion. After several months of working with Tim, his strength and stamina increased significantly. He was able to get more out of his wrestling practices, being in better shape. Tim pushes him, he often comes home tired and a little sore, but he also can't wait to go back for more. Dylan enjoys his work outs with Tim, and he looks up to him as a role model. Most importantly, Dylan has learned the very valuable lesson that if he works hard he can achieve his goals. He has been undefeated for the last month and a half of the season, and he was the state champion in his age and weight bracket. He is going on to do several national tournaments. We feel his work with Tim has been crucial to his success. Dylan says, 'I like working out with Mr. Tim. He helped me be a state champion. I want to keep working with him until I go to college." -Mother of Dylan Blau, 8, Manchester Wrestling Club
"I received my personal trainer as a Christmas gift this year. My husband tossed the gift certificate in my lap and said, 'Here, you said you wanted this.' No words of support or reassurances that he loved me no matter what I looked like accompanied the gift. You can imagine that I was not pleased! So, with a crappy attitude and a fear that my spouse thought that I was a homely wife, I started my training. Two times per week I met with Vinnie and I try to do 30 minutes of cardio every day. In the first week or two weeks I lost 4 pounds. My greatest challenge is changing my eating habits and learning to like exercise. I have not lost any more weight but here is what I have gained: slimmer and smoother thighs, a tighter butt, more shapely arms, a toned back, no more back aches or aching hips, a fabulous way to deal with stress, and a good friend. I signed up for a second session before the first one was finished! Losing weight and getting a shapely body were my original goals. Now I have a third and much more important one, health. At 47 I am just beginning a new phase of my adult life-menopause. This brings with it all kinds of challenge that I had not considered. Being healthy gives you a sense of well being that cannot be measured in pounds or inches. Eating is still a challenge for me but now, God willing, I am giving myself a much better chance of having a long life in which to correct it." -Bonnie
"For quite a while, my daughters had been bothering me to 'take yoga' and 'take Pilates, do cardio, mom!' So, last March, I went to the health fair here at Four Seasons. I knew I needed something, I wasn't sure I would get it but I signed up for a gym membership anyway. My sister and good friend were with me. We looked at each other and said, 'I bet that guy thinks this was an easy sale and we won't bother coming back. Boy was he wrong. Shortly after that, my daughters gave me a gift certificate for personal training classes. I met Vinnie. I became instantly impressed with her continual interest in my well being. She offered flexible scheduling and has even called me at home to see how I have been feeling after a challenging session. During this time, we set my goals: lose 5 pounds, tone my overall muscles, gain more energy, and decrease my cholesterol. Even now, a year later, Vinnie continues to encourage me with the sessions that are structured for my body, nutritional tips, and bone density increasing exercises. I am happy to say that I have been able to more than meet my goals! So, I have doubled my expectations this year! Overall, I would just like to say that the thing I like the most about this club is the way Joe and Vinnie invest in their clients. They know who I am and call me by my name. They ask how I am doing and really want to know. In a nut shell, they care and it shows! Thank you very much for a good year!" -Edith
"Hi my name is Rachel and until Joe 'talked me into' having some training sessions with Vinnie, I had never had a personal trainer. I was in the military and I know how to run and do push-ups (even though I knew what sit-ups were, I had not done one in a long time). I tried to base my work-outs on this strategy and saw no results and was frustrated. My first training session was not pretty. Vinnie asked me about my eating habits, I got weighed and saw how truly out of shape I was. Vinnie put me on a weight room routine and showed me the Stair Monster (all the way in the back, right side. . .beware) and different routines on the treadmill. 6 months later I am toner and have lost and kept off 10 lbs and do not feel like I am missing out on anything. I have already signed up for more sessions, as I have hit a plateau and need the additional help. It is much easier to get started and keep going when you have somebody pushing you, constantly keeping an eye on you and always there for a quick tip. I apologize to the other trainers, but I’m partial to Vinnie. Sign up with her, you will not regret it (you may want to use a false identity, once she knows your name, you are in trouble!!)" -Rachel
"I am really benefiting from and enjoying the program. I have been a member of several different gyms in the past, but I have never been as successful or felt so good about working out. Liz has been very helpful and supportive. I couldn't have asked for a better leader. She really inspires our team on weigh in days, and helps keep us motivated during the week with email updates. I haven’t worked with her yet, but I am sure I will at some point! Working out at Four Seasons over the last four weeks has improved all areas of my life. My energy and confidence level are greater, and I feel healthier and happier overall. I joined for the three month program, but working out at Four Seasons has become such a part of my daily routine that I don't see myself ending my membership. Thank you for putting this program together!" -Jen Cuneo's comments on the Biggest Loser Contest
"I like to let people know that through much of Joe Legge's encouragement, I started working out at Four Seasons almost 3 years ago. I began training with Erica Schneider back then and I am still working with her and have not stopped. I feel my health, mind, and spirit have improved so much it is amazing. I look forward to going up to the gym every day. I work out 5 days a week and whenever I see Erica (Ricki) or workout with her she is always very supportive and positive. She has taught me to stick with it, be consistent, and eat healthy. It has been a long road but it gets easier and easier with time. I really appreciate all she has done for me. She is not only a trainer but I consider her to be a good friend. I feel like I am in the best shape ever and I could not thank Erica and Four Seasons enough." -Betsy
"This past May I decided to work with Joe Bowers to help me rehabilitate from an automobile accident I was in 9-11-2007. When I began with Joe, I was unable to push an empty grocery cart, carry my purse; I had limited range of motion with my arms, and weakness in my legs. After my accident I lost all my muscle, and actually was in pain from not using them. I was a long journey, but when I first started working with Joe he met me where I was physically at the time. He helped me build my strength, stability, endurance, and overall well being. I have to admit without his help I would not have pushed myself or tried to do what he had me do. I was to a place where not only physically, but mentally I didn't think I could do much. Joe challenged me over the summer and helped me reach my goals and actually surpassed what I thought I'd be able to do. It was amazing to see the transformation over time and see how far I had come. This time last year I was walking on the treadmill at a 2.0 pace struggling, and not able to lift any weight. Now I'm running, lifting, and doing what I use to do before my accident. If you've hit a plateau, or just bored with your exercise stop and talk to Joe. He was great to work with and I recommend you give him a chance, you won't be disappointed!" -Lisa
"I train with Ricki 3 times a week. I am pleased with the knowledge and attention which Ricki brings to the profession and I look forward to continuing my training and increased fitness." -Alex Obriecht
"You have kept me motivated with your encouragement and caring attitude. I do not know words that adequately express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the impact that you have had on my life." -Janice Hull, Vinnie Legge's client
"I was very successful. Not only did I lose weight, but I reduced my blood pressure and increased my strength and stamina. Four Seasons is a unique health club. It is truly a family place, filled with a very caring staff." -Kit Holland's comments on the Biggest Loser Contest
"I've recently lost 10 pounds with the help of a super trainer and instructor, Terry. The amazing news is I lost the weight in the areas I wanted to lose weight abs, butt, and thighs. That is a first for me." -Kim Burden
"I started with Ricki as my personal trainer, and she helped me with a cardio and weight program that worked for me. Four Seasons has really helped me stay on track and the numerous things they have to offer make it so that I never get bored with the same old thing." -Kelly Forney
"I have been training with Liz for a month now and for the first time in years I am seeing progress. Liz has a way to motivate and encourage you while getting you the best workout possible. She creates workouts that are tailor fitted for you to get the results that you want." -Colleen Lucas
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