Gym Testimonials and Success Stories from Our Clients

I am so thankful to Fitworks for caring about my personal goals and fears. Over several weeks (Fitworks) worked with me…..eventually, I was able to do the exercises on my own." Being a single parent of an active 13-year-old boy is difficult enough, but when you're overweight, you deal with issues other moms wouldn't even think of.

When my son wanted me to play outside with him and his friends, I'd tell him I was too tired. When he'd ask me if I thought he'd be fat some day, too, I'd tell him of course not - but I remember actually having to force him to eat because he was so afraid of gaining weight... like me. I eventually found out that his school friends had been saying things to him about me, and I can't imagine how a young teenager is supposed to respond to that. I knew I had to change my lifestyle, and a friend encouraged me to exercise, but my health issues always seemed to be an easy excuse. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease 13 years ago... one of my discs had slipped out and was lying on a nerve - the pain was unbearable. My condition was so bad that a chiropractor refused to work on me, and, instead, sent me to the hospital. Since then, I have been extremely cautious to never do anything again that would bring that pain back. Now, watching my son have to deal with MY weight issues seemed just as painful. I contacted Fitworks and told the instructor, Mike about my back problems and my fear of aggravating my condition. He asked me all about my back... where it hurts, what activities seem to aggravate it more than others, etc. He was truly concerned about making sure I would not be doing anything that would cause me pain. After his assessment, he suggested different pieces of equipment that he thought I might be able to work with. He assured me that if any particular exercise caused me pain, we'd just try something else. I appreciated that he didn't seem like he would give up on me. Over several weeks, he worked with me to make sure I took it slow and I did each exercise correctly, and, eventually, I was able to do the exercises on my own. It's been 4 months now. I workout for 1 hour, 4 days a week and have already lost 37 pounds - almost half my goal of 80 pounds. I have so much energy, and it feels great to dig way back into my closet for the clothes I always hoped I'd be able to wear again! I'm actually enjoying life now instead of watching it pass by. The staff at Fitworks always greets me with a smile and a hello, and I often see groups of members and staff talking and laughing together. It's definitely a great way to start out or end my day, and I am so thankful to the Fitworks staff for caring about my personal goals and fears. Thank you, Mike, Randy, and the Fitworks staff for all your encouragement!
~Robin B.

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"I had always been fit and enjoyed an athletic lifestyle until I had my first baby at age 31. At the end of nine months I gained a beautiful baby girl, 50 pounds and hypothyroidism, a condition causing my metabolism to slow. I was eventually able to return to normal by eating healthy, working out regularly and taking proper medication. About a year later I became pregnant again. This time I gained another beautiful baby girl, the 50 pounds were back and the thyroid condition worsened. I was fatigued, weak and tired all the time. The extra weight was affecting my self-esteem and I was unable to be the active, vivacious mom I had always pictured myself to be. With two small children, getting consistent workouts at home became impossible. My sister-in-law suggested joining a gym.Fitworks helped to change my life. I joined in January of 2004 and began working out 6 days per week, and with extremely healthy eating and the proper thyroid medication I lost the 50 pounds in five months and kept it off. Fitworks' staff is supportive and knowledgeable, always taking time to answer any questions. The manager, John has a smile and a positive word every day. The group fitness instructors are highly experienced and extremely inspirational. The childcare staff is very attentive. Tony at Body of Change helped to put the pieces of the fitness puzzle together by combining weight training, cardio, nutrition, and recovery time. The facility is excellent and the members are friendly too. I recommend Fitworks to everyone.

Now I have two active girls and can chase them around all day and still have energy for the vivacious lifestyle I had been missing. This year I ran the Turkey Trot 5 mile, climbed 42 flights of stairs when I tackled the Terminal Tower (placing 5th in my age bracket), ran the St. Malachi 2 mile (placing 7th in the women's division), took up indoor rock climbing, and you can find me at the beach this summer. I'll be the one in the bikini chasing the two beautiful little girls. The doors to health and fitness are open, you must choose to walk through. Thank you Fitworks staff."
~Christine Gron

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"There comes a time when you say to yourself "I cannot live like this anymore. It's time for a change." I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 3 years ago. I would fall a lot and it kept on getting harder and harder to pick my 400+ pound body off of the floor. So I made the decision to lose the weight. In July 2000, I had gastric bypass surgery. By January 2001, I had lost enough weight to feel confident enough to go to a gym. I didn't want a gym that was filled with hardbodies in spandex. At Fitworks there are all kinds of people, all shapes, all sizes. Don't get me wrong, they do have hardbodies in spandex, but there are a lot more of us overweight people in sweats. I am comfortable working out at Fitwork. I have now LOST 170 POUNDS and am still losing. I exercise 4 times a week. It's not easy. I won't lie, sometimes it even hurts, but I look better, feel better, and I am much more healthy. Do this for you. Don't do it for a boyfriend or girlfriend. Lose the weight for you, because you're worth it!"
~Heather K.

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"I would like to take this chance to thank the staff of the West Chester FitWorks for the better quality of life that you have assisted me in achieving. When I came to FitWorks on February 28, 2002 I weighed 280 pounds and was in very bad health. I had bad back and leg pain for which I took medication and physical therapy at FitWorks. With the help I received at FitWorks, eating right, drinking the proper amount of water, and increasing my daily activity the following changes are in my life:

• Today, August 28, 2002 I now weigh 192 pounds.
• Lost 88 pounds in 6 month. sMy waist is 35 inches, down from 48 inches
• I no longer have back or leg pain
• It is getting to the point that medication is not needed
• My total cholesterol is 150, down from 280
• My blood pressure is normal for the first time in 8 years
• I feel great
• Some people tell me I look great
• I can go out in public without being embarrassed
• I can find cloths that fit
• I hate to say it; people treat me a lot better than when I was heavy
• Most important, I am so much happier

Thanks FitWorks for helping take my first steps towards a new happier life. I start my next steps with my Personal Trainer Pat here at FitWorks today. Everyone feel free to talk to me on the floor if you have any questions or just want to say hi."
~Tim Hampton

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"Thanks for all you've done. When I arrived at Fitworks in May of 2002, I was 285 pounds of fat and weakness. My blood pressure averaged about 140/96 and one time peaked at 147/100. I knew I had to do something and Fitworks was it. I formerly had a membership to Fitworks in 1998 but hurt my shoulder bench-pressing 185 lbs. So I was leery to get back into weight lifting again. But the guys at the Parma Fitworks were amazing. They worked with me helped me lose 70 lbs. Now I need to wear a belt since I dropped from a 40-inch waist to a 34. It felt so good to get in jeans I hadn't wore in years. Also it was even nicer that people notice how solid and muscular I've become.

I ran a marathon in Dublin back in 2000, but nothing is as amazing as the total body transformation I gained at Fitworks. It took six and a half hours to run 26.2 miles, next year I hope to do it in four. My endurance has increased and my strength is growing. My bench is up to 295 lbs, my squats above 400 lbs and I've never felt so great or looked so well. I am physically better today than I was at 20 years old. The greatest feeling that I have now is being physically fit and incredibly healthy. My life has totally changed, now that for the first time in my life I feel good about my body. When I see other 40-year-old men, many of them think I'm in my late twenties or early thirties.

I've made Fitworks a part of my daily life and it has rewarded me with feeling great. Everyone I know ask if I'm working out, I tell them I'm working better at Fitworks.

God Bless you guys and thanks for the new me."
~Eric Jackson

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"As a senior citizen, I try to work out 5 to 6 times per week. I joined the summer of 1995 shortly after I retired. That proved to be one of my better choices. I feel great, in fact, better than I did in my 40's. My doctor agrees that exercise is a great benefit for the aging process.

I find the staff friendly and helpful, and enough equipment to make it easy to use the ones you prefer. Also have met some nice people while "sweating". I hope this encourages other seniors to keep moving."
~Mitzi Bugie

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"Hi! My name is Jean. I'm 5'7" tall and 46 years old. I used to weigh 252 pounds (as of Dec. 2001). I started walking at Kent State Stadium and began working out at Fitworks in Aug. 2001. After many attempts to diet, along with exercise, I found a diet program to incorporate with riding the recumbant bike and using the weight machines. I started off riding the bike for 10 minutes, and then increased the time up to 30-35 minutes 4-5 times a week. I have lost approximately 70 pounds and have at least 20 pounds to loose as of September, 2002. I used to wear a size 22 jeans. Now I wear size 14 Levi's. I feel 23 years old again and look forward to my next 23 years with great joy."
~Jean

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"Hi! My name is Denise, and I live in Mentor. I have had a membership with the Mentor FITWORKS since July of 2000. During a recent visit to the Richmond Heights FITWORKS, where I was attending a multiple step class, I was approached by one of the staff to "tell my story". You see...we got to talking about the differences in some of the machines at their facility, as compared to the ones in Mentor, and I told him about how much I loved FITWORKS, and what it had done for me personally...and as a health facility.

In January of 2000, I was a miserable, unhappy 224lbs, wearing size 3x and size 24 clothes. I had been heavy most of my life...and tried over the years to get rid of the weight. And though I had been on every conceivable diet, nothing seemed to work. And exercise? UNHEARD of where I was concerned. It was a picture of me taken the month before, that really made me look at myself...and at my poor health. I had high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and stiffness in my hips and legs. Just walking up a small flight of stairs had me huffing and puffing. So at the age of 46, I decided that if I wanted to make it to 47, I had better make some changes. So I went to my neighborhood library, and researched different, sensible, HEALTHY ways of eating. I chose a plan that I felt I could follow, thus beginning my journey to better health.

I started walking...just a little bit at a time, every day after work. Before I knew it, I had lost about 30lbs in about seven months. Gone were the size 24's...as I eagerly eased my way into a size 20. But after seven months of sensible eating, and walking...I still felt as if something were missing...that there was more that I could do for myself, to achieve a better physical and mental image. It was at that time, that a new FITWORKS opened up in the Mentor area. A friend at work suggested that I try it out. But as I walked through the doors that day, somehow I just knew that this was the place for me to be. I immediately signed up for a year's membership. The staff there showed me around, showed me how to use the various equipment, then set up an easy to follow program for me to start with. I loved it! I discovered that I loved working out on the circuit weight machines, and after a few months of following the program on a nearly daily basis, I began to notice a difference in how my clothes fit me. That was all the encouragement I needed to move on, and to seek out the benefits of the Icarian weight machines. It was my hope to produce even more changes in my physical appearance. So I approached Bob, one of the always available, courteous, and helpful staff members there, and asked that he restructure my existing program. He put me on a program of alternating days of upper and lower body workouts with weights, with a cardio workout in between. And I loved that, too!!! Again, I began in earnest to push myself to the limit. And as an extra "cardio tool"...I added a Sunday morning step-class to my routine. I can't tell you how much I enjoy that class, and look forward to it each week. For me...exercising seemed to fill a void. A pleasurable necessity that has now become "second nature" to me. In fact, I consider FITWORKS to be my "second home" a place for me to go to destress from the pressures of life and work...a place to feel welcome as I meet with, and workout with the new friends that I have made there. And the best part?...are the results. My cholesterol and blood pressure are down...and my hips and joints are no longer stiff and sore. I feel better, and healthier than I have ever felt in the past fifteen years!!! My self-confidence is at an all-time high...and as of last Sunday, I was FINALLY able to get into a pair of size 14 jeans...a real milestone for me. I can't even remember the last time that I owned, let alone wore a pair of blue jeans. And last but not least...I have lost another 24lbs, for a grand total of 54lbs. It's been a slow, steady process...but one that has reaped magnificent benefits for me! I still consider myself a "work in progress" but I am a very happy one! Also, this lifestyle change of mine has totally been a "group effort". The combined effort and support from family, friends, and the wonderful staff at FITWORKS, have given me the motivation to remain dedicated...dedicated to achieve this level of physical and mental health. Thank you FITWORKS...for helping me to achieve my dream of all-around fitness!!"
~Denise Skrout

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"Hi my name is Jamie and I would like to share my experience with you. Since I have joined Fitworks Fitness Center. I started my work out May 29th of 2001 and I am very happy that I did. Rick had called my house and set up an appointment with me and I almost did not even go. I was scared and did not know what to expect. Something told me to go and I really was not going to join. At first, I thought all I was going to get was a big sales pitch. I was going to sit and listen to whatever he had to say and not return. After Rick actually took me in the work out area, he started asking me questions about my goals, and what my needs were. I know by the time I left out of there, I felt like he really cared about what I needed to do in achieving my goals. I decided to come back the next day and try it out one more time and see what the next day brought when I got there. Rick had put me on a regular routine and I thought, who could go wrong with a free 30 day pass.

Well, as time went by I stuck with this routine every day and stayed devoted to doing this. Rick had explained that it would take about 4 to 6 weeks to see results. About 6 to 7 weeks, I decided to try on a pair of my jeans that I have not been able to wear since January of last year. I could not believe I actually put them on without having a hard time breathing when I sat down. That is when I knew this was not a "crock".

I was at the point that going to Fitworks was something I looked forward to every day. Not only was this helping me physically, I have found out that this had helped with my self esteem. After a while, I started to hit a plateau in my routine and started to get really bored with my routine and slacking off in coming in and working out. About 3 to 4 days after I did not show, Rick had called me at home to see what had happened to me and he explained to me that I should not get discouraged and he had talked me into coming back in. I returned the next day and that is when I had met Tony and talked with him to explain what was going on. Tony had devoted about 3 hours of his time to really listen and help me. He had taken my routine and changed it around. Tony stuck with me every day. Tony educated me on every machine I was working on. He is a very caring person who will really listen to what you want and what your goals are. One thing I can say about Fitworks is that the people who work there are very caring. I know. I have gone to other fitness centers to see what they had to offer and yes, they have tried to get me to join with the cheapest rates but, I could not get the satisfaction of what I was getting out of the interst of the employees of Fitworks.

I know that employees of Fitworks have your needs at heart too. Not only will you get a great work out for self physically, you will learn the benefits of every exercise you could do! I hope to see you soon and enjoy Fitworks as much as I do!"
~Jamie LoQiullano

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"I joined Fitworks a month ago, expecting the same thing I had experience in the past. I would always hear "This is our building, and here are the machines". I was convinced that I would be joining yet another gym I would never attend. When I went to Fitworks I was pleasantly surprised by the personalized service and inviting atmosphere. I had never seen a gym like this before.

After speaking with Daryl and setting up a time to come in and learn about the machines I knew this was a different gym experience. Not only did Daryl help me identify my fitness goals he also showed me how to properly work out. In addition, when I have questions or want to make changes to my workout I feel comfortable asking for help. One of the reasons I have been so pleased with Fitworks is I finally found a gym where I have a great balance between independent exercise and support when I need it.

I guess the biggest endorsement I could give Fitworks is for a person that has joined more gyms than they would like to admit, this is the only one I know I will stick with month after month. The strong customer service I have experienced already has made a huge impact on my workouts and attitude about exercise."
~Stacey Kaim

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"I joined Fitworks in December, 2003 because I wanted to lose 40 pounds before my October, 2004 wedding. As it goes, it's much easier to gain weight than to lose it. But since joining Fitworks, I've lost 12 pounds and I am beginning to feel the benefits of having joined a health club. I never thought I would join a health club, let alone, be going 3-4 times per week. I especially enjoy the cardio cinema room - a good movie and exercise - how fast an hour goes on the treadmill! The staff at the Richmond Heights location are great - they are friendly and always willing to help. I am very glad I joined Fitworks and I am confident with the support of the staff, I will achieve my weight loss goals."
~Brittney Brown

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"I just wanted to thank you for helping me to achieve my goals and supporting me through this whole process. When I first started working out, I wanted it to come off the first day. I soon realized that was not going to happen. The first couple of weeks were the hardest. I had never worked out a day in my life and this was torture for me. But having your great staff there made me want to keep going. They motivated me to continue and let me know that what I was doing will start to show in time. Then it was time for my 30-day measurement and I was very nervous. Come to find out that I lost a total of 8 1/2 inches on my body and went down 2 1/2% on my body fat. I was shocked and elated at the same time. I now love to work out and it has made me feel 20x better than I have felt in a long time. Again, thank you Fitworks for showing me that I can lose weight and still have the motivation to continue."
~Erin Estep

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"I came to my first day of the gym, I was run down, I couldn't hardly walk. But once I started in a daily routine of working out, the staff at Fitworks helped me. They showed me things I needed to do to get going. I am really doing well. I walked thru those doors weighing in at 346. In about 3 months later I am 292. I started the medicine ball therapy and I really do love this equipment. I can't stop. I have so much energy now, I love coming to Fitworks. The gym is a life saver. If I didn't join this gym, I think I wouldn't be here today. God showed me to the doors of Fitworks. The managers and the trainers are marvelous people. I'm not stopping until the job is finished. I believe everyone should join the gym for a staple of daily living. I think people need it to come alive. I myself love working out. I think the General Manager, Bryan is an excellent manager and a supreme person. The other manager Duane is an awesome trainer and an excellent person. He tells you the right things you need to do to get those eating habits down. I am thankful for everyone at the Fitworks facility. I will be a story for the place. I am telling all of my friends to come and join. I just want to say thanks and I am going to finish the job, of life. Thank you"
~Tammy Grigsby

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"Just a quick note to let you guys know...I started at your gym on 7/8/04. I started getting into the gym 4 days a week. I also have had Body of Change help me 2 times a week...When I started they asked me what my goals were and I told them I wanted to gain about 10-15lbs and lose about 10% of my body fat...I started at 18.6% body fat and I have changed my whole diet (about 4 mo's ago too) and have been keeping up with working out. I had Body of Change check my body fat again on 9/8/04, one month later and have gotten my 18.6% body fat down to 13.6% in just one month. I am now only 3.6% away from that goal and am so excited over it...My weight starting was 168lbs at 5'11 and now I am 166 so I know that I am changing body fat to muscle. I just wanted to thank everyone who has helped me so far and I can't wait to see how I am next year at this time."
~Joe

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"Thank you Fitworks! In one month's time, I have lost 8 3/4 inches and 4% body fat. I can't believe it! I am so excited! I knew when I joined that I was the type of person who had to see quick results from my workouts. These results are better than I imagined! I especially want to thank the staff at Fitworks. They have been so supportive, encouraging, and motivating. They make me want to come back for my next workout. I really appreciate all of their help and guidance during my first month. They made me feel comfortable about working out and using the machines. They helped me get over my "phobia" about beginning a workout program. Thanks again for everything! I couldn't have done it without you! I am looking forward to continuing my workouts and reaching my goals in the very near future."
~Peggy Lorenz

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"As you know, I joined Fitworks in March. As a 53-year-old man, who hadn't worked out in a long time, I had my apprehension at beginning a fitness routine. I had grown overweight (265 pounds) and unhealthy through years of overeating with no formal exercise. My trusted personal physician, who is a member here at Fitworks, encouraged me to begin a diet and exercise program to reverse these unhealthy life-style habits. I am pleased to report to you that, through a sensible diet program and continued diligence in working-out at Fitworks three days a week, I have a new weight loss total of 56 pounds!!! I will continue losing weight through diet and exercise. My wardrobe has drastically changed. I have dropped in pants size from 46 to 38. The goal of size 36 is now in sight, as I intend on dropping 24 more pounds to reach 185."
~Don Hunter

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"I am in my forties with a teenage son who relies on me to be there for him. Being in menopause and eating 1/2 of what I used to before menopause, my weight was steadily going up, so was my dress size. I didn't think I would ever lose any weight again. I was in a size 24 and going up. I needed to do something.

I started Fitworks and now I am in a size 18-20 and plan to go down even farther in clothes size.

Thanks to Fitworks. Now I will be around for my son. Thanks Dominic for talking me into joining."
~Laurie Stohlman

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"The Fitworks experience has been a positive one for me and several of my family members. The staff, variety of machines, programs, as well as, the overall environment has been conducive to enthusiastic and improved training/conditioning. Steve, Daryl, and Jeremy are company reps I see about five days of every week in addition to the front desk staff of Julie and Tara. They are doing a great job!

At age 55, I look for a program that combines cardio, stretching, flexibility, muscle tone and strength maintenance. I utilize the treadmills and elliptical machines for cardio. The combination of free weights, Icarian, Strive, and Hammer machines take care of the muscle tone and strength maintenance issues.

Alex and Anna, my daughters, also belong and enjoy the environment as well. They enjoy the aerobics room, especially the Pilates and Yoga programs to supplement their workouts.

Over the years I have belonged to numerous gyms with a variety of clientele. When my daughters came to Fitworks for a visit they remarked, "This is much better than the "man gyms" you used to belong to."

I also appreciate the dollars that are pumped back into the facility for upkeep and improvements."
~Tom Geimeier

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