
Success Story – No more pain from Scoliosis

Meet Christine. We started working together in January and she consistently trains with me 2x per week. Look at these healthy improvements she has made in just 5 months – simply from beginning a workout routine. Health is so much more than a number on the scale (that will come too, I’m not worried). Her results are amazing and I am so proud of her! Her testimonial is below:
Christine Howard
70 years old.
Retired nurse
My main goal starting out was to become more limber and gain some balance that i have lost as I have gotten older. I also know that weight bearing exercise is crucial for bone density. So many of my friends were having trouble with osteoporosis or osteopenia. And we all complained about being stiff. I witnessed a big change in my best friend when she started training with Heidi. I wanted that change.
My changes have been significant. I have more body strength. I am still working on my balance but it has also improved. I don’t feel so stiff. In fact, way more limber. That part I love. But I got changes that were just icing on the cake. I have had weight loss and am still working on that but the big thing for me were my lab results from my physical. I have hypertension and high cholesterol in my family. I started on blood pressure meds in my 40’s. Cholesterol meds in my 50’s. I am on 2 high blood pressure meds. The very best BP I could get on those meds was 144/86 on a good day. I have been taking my BP routinely for the last month. It has never been over 126/70 on a bad day. My doctor said I haven’t had a decent BP like that for years. We are now looking to get me off the meds. My cholesterol runs any where from 225-260 on meds. My last reading was 201. It has not been that low for years. I look forward to getting it lower and off that med.
I am most proud of how much better i feel but that people tell me they see such a difference. It makes you feel good about yourself when others notice.
My biggest challenge was just getting there. But it is true that when you are accountable to your trainer and the friends that you have there who are encouraging you, it is like you don’t want to disappoint them. I think that is a great motivator (and of course the results).
My advice to anyone just starting out is to call me. I was encouraged and would love to encourage anyone that is skeptical or afraid to take the leap.
PS: I’m just a message or phone call away if you’d like to chat about changes you can make in your fitness and nutrition plans to help improve your results and your stress levels! Just drop me a message and we can set up a time.
Heidi, I am so glad that I chose to participate in the 2nd Annual NO GAIN CHALLENGE.
I found the weekly newsletters to be very informative and helpful. I loved the D.A.D. tip- choose only one when you go out- drinks, appetizers, or desserts.
I also enjoyed the “Peanut Butter Blossoms ” remake- vegan almond butter cookies. I cheated and made the dough vegan but I used the Hershey Kisses instead of making vegan chocolate chips.
I am planning to keep the newsletters to refer back to throughout this new year. Thanks for helping me to feel good about myself during this challenge.
Emilie
Dear Heidi,
Wow, I’ve learned a lot through the challenge. Thank You so much!! You’re so inspirational and I’m so happy to have met you through my fitness Journey.️ Thank you so much for all you do.
Your passion to help others really shines! I’ve really enjoyed being in the challenge and learning how to not only get healthier, but stronger to. My favorite challenges were sending you the food plan daily, the streaks, and weighing in every week. I think that the fact you had to weigh in every week was really motivating because you could see results fast and keep track of (Ok are you loosing, gaining, or maintaining?)
I’ve really enjoyed reading about the buffet tips. I’ll always keep those in mind because not only are they useful during the holidays but there useful anytime you’re out at a buffet, and there excellent tips to make sure you don’t overeat and gain weight! I love how you say (“Keep the plates”) to keep track of how much you eat. It’s perfect because if you keep them in front of you, you can really see how many plates you’ve had and how much food you’ve ate.
One of favorite challenges was the Streak. That was really good because you knew you were being held accountable and it helped with not only maintaining weight, but loosing weight. I’ve enjoyed the recipes and all the resourceful information you’ve sent out. I can’t wait to make the vision board!! What an amazing idea! I’m super excited about making one!! Thank You!!
Gracie
In my 69 years, I have tried so many times to lose weight without success. I have spent my lifetime battling my body for control over my eating and overall health. I was losing the battle until I met Heidi. She provides the strength, determination, education and support that I need. She is motivation in action – never judging, just always supporting me and encouraging me to get to my best physical and mental shape.
Heidi has taught me a great deal about real food, and not to think about calories, but feed your body what it needs. I have lost over 80 pounds and feel the best that I have in many years. My strength and self-confidence continues to grow with coaching from Heidi. I was lost….but now am found!
– Ruth Hamilton
Update on Ruth 1/15/2017
Hi there, it’s cold and snowy here in Denver today. Yesterday was beautiful and sunny, and walked up (and down) a “challenge hill” of 200 steps, climbing 178 feet in elevation. Couldn’t have done it without all your training. Legs are a bit shaky today.
I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Heidi. I’ve been her client for almost 7 years. She’s taught me how to make exercise and healthy food an integral part of my life, and she’s made it fun. She’s very knowledgeable and has been able to adjust workouts to accommodate my chronic back injuries.
She has encouraged me to do things I’d never imagined doing! With her support and guidance I’ve gotten stronger, lost weight, and even run a marathon. If you want to make lasting changes in your health and happiness, Heidi is a great place to start!
– Jill
A few months before my 70th birthday, I discovered Heidi & decided since I had never experienced a personal trainer, it was time to do so.
Weight management is not an issue for me; however, I had never been able to do a regular push up – not even one! Within about a month, Heidi had me doing regular push ups!
I am now much stronger all over, especially in my upper body. Increasing muscle mass at my age is very exciting. Even though my hands are somewhat damaged due to arthritis, working out has even improved my mobility in my hands.
It is an honor to be in my 70’s and to be able to work out with such a great group of ladies, some of them even in their 40ies! Life is Great!
-Peggy C
My journey with Heidi started 5 years ago. My weight at the time I started was 170. I’m excited to say, 5 years later, I’m below my goal weight of 150. My current weight is 144.
It’s been a long challenging road with hard work and dedication. I can honestly say the food challenges have been the hardest for me to conquer. I’m thankful that I found my trainer Heidi.
Heidi has shown me compassion, courage, support and many challenges
– Marchel M
When I started with Heidi, I had limited mobility. I could not get down on the floor unassisted, nor get up from the floor with out something to pull on. I also could not bend over and pick up objects on the floor, or to clean around baseboards in my home.
For all the physical therapy that I have had since my Scoliosis was diagnosed, I still suffered from tightening of my hip flexors and poor spinal support and was therefore unable to stand or to walk erect. While I still do not walk erect, and the doctor has concluded that is a result from my surgery, I can now sit and stand erect.
I also can bend over, and pick up objects from the floor: I can get up and down from the floor using just my arms and legs. I am no longer fearful of falling and being unable to get up. My arm strength continues to amaze me. In addition the two painful spots on my body, in my groin and on my hip are barely noticeable any more. I have tackled and completed a couple of projects recently that I would not have attempted before, thanks to my new found confidence and strength.
In fact, I am giving serious thought to doing my own fall planting this year, and not hiring someone else to do it for me. I am truly grateful and most appreciative to Heidi, for the increased mobility and flexibility their training has provided to my body.
– Vera Jo B
It was such a great experience for me. I feel so much better eating clean and exercising regularly. The plan is so easy, Heidi has done all of the hard work. She tells you what to eat and when to eat and gives you the recipes. My biggest take away from this challenge is that good food doesn’t have to taste bad. Knowing what flavors to put together is key. She had us prepare meals that I was skeptical about. Not one bad meal. I also learned that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. Thank you, Heidi for this incredible experience! So worth it!
Omg! I’m at a loss for words! Thank you so much, Heidi!!! My life has forever been changed for the better!
– Debbie
Heidi is a wonderful trainer. She is encouraging yet firm, always saying you can when you think you can’t. She’s right every time! I can! I am so glad to have her as my motivator to get fit, healthy and strong.
– Naseem
I was new to working out and intimidated by large gyms. Heidi made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. She is a knowledgeable, educated, experienced trainer who is dedicated to her clients. I highly recommend her as a trainer of choice!
– Jennifer A
Heidi is a knowledgeable, caring and very supportive trainer. In my first year with her, I lost 11.5 inches! She is very careful to make sure that each workout fits the needs of each of her clients–accounting for particular strengths, weaknesses and/or injuries. Love Heidi!
– Nan
I began taking the group classes. Heidi was the trainer of the group classes. She has taught me so many things over the past 5 years and continues to teach me things and helps me achieve whatever goal I am working on at the time.
Heidi is very good at persuading someone that they can do anything they set their mind too.
Two examples:
Run a ½ marathon. In 2012 Heidi asked if anyone wanted to train for the marathon. I excitedly said “yes.” We went through several months of training and in March of 2013 I RAN THE WHOLE 13.1 miles. I was so proud of myself!!!!
Spartan race. In 2016 Heidi asked if anyone wanted to do the Spartan race. As a team, we got through every obstacle (some burpees were involved), but when I crossed the finish line and got my medal I had big tears in my eyes and again so proud of myself!
– Liz M
My training sessions began in September of 2011 because I woke up one day and realized the 2 babies I had been using as an excuse for being overweight were turning 7 and 8 years old and I was turning 40 in November. I said to myself this is where it ends, it is important for me as a mom to be able to play an important role in their lives.
I can’t tell you how much money I have wasted on trainers and big box gyms so I knew that I needed a gym that I could feel comfortable in, an environment that I would want to go even on those days that are really hard to get going, and most importantly a trainer that I respect and am committed to. Once I found out Heidi’s story I knew that she would understand the struggles and the wins I would be dealing with.
For instance, in the beginning I couldn’t do a full sit up because my stomach was so big and in the way, or feeling like “Jabba the Hut” doing jumping jacks. (Still not my favorite) I made a promise to myself that this time would be different; I respected Heidi and was just as committed to her as she was to my weight loss journey. So I said I would never “no show”, cancel, or make some lame excuse up that I gave all those other trainers. I wanted to finish this evolution in my life with all I could give. Heidi pushed me to limits I did not know existed. Every month or so she would ask what my goals were, I would give her some unobtainable goal that in my mind I thought I could accomplish, Heidi would politely smile and have another recommendation, and she was always right on target, darn it! She continued to push me harder and harder, and I would whine, and whine about how awful it was, but I always did what was ask of me and that has gotten me to where I am today.
My biggest challenge right now is accepting myself and my accomplishments. Previously, I never thought I was overweight and the fact that I wouldn’t let anyone take a picture of me worked well. But now I sit and look at myself and realize the people who are important to me are telling me how wonderful I look and I am beginning to see what they are talking about.
When I started this mission I weighed 182lbs and today I weigh 136lbs with my end goal being 125lbs. I feel so much better about myself and have regained that energy I had in my youth. This has been the best journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
My biggest ah-ha moment was on our recent vacation, my previous vacations went like this “ok, I need to sit down for a bit” or “I don’t want to stand in that line, I’ll just sit here and wait for you guys.” Two weeks ago we went on an extended family vacation with my “firefighter-master chief sergeant” sister in law; she has always kicked my butt hands down. This time was different, I paced her while running on the beach, I hung with her during her boot camp, and I out kayaked her in the ocean! It was the best feeling; she was shocked but very proud of how far I had come.
– Jenna B
So Heidi,
We are staying at the (hotel) but the bed makes it absolutely horrible, so my back was in bad shape what did I do? The stuff you taught me and no back pain! I said to myself this stuff (yoga) works!
– Charles C
Heidi structures your personal training based on where you are physically. She is very encouraging and keeps you motivated by switching up the workout each time. She is committed to helping you achieve your physical fitness goals through personal attention and helpful recommendations to keep you on track.
– Kimberly
It is 30 minutes of pure awesomeness. Heidi encourages and corrects posture and technique to make store you get the most from your workout.
– Lizette H
I have to say that I was quite skeptical about Yoga working for me. I am someone who can’t sit still for long and I just knew that it would be too difficult for me to hold one pose for any length of time. I also felt like I just wasn’t the “Yoga type”. Regardless, I scheduled my first Gentle Flow class with Heidi and was relieved to see that I was not the only beginner in the class. That first class was a challenge for me, but after leaving that morning, I just knew that it would become something I would need for my physical, as well as emotional well-being.
-Lizsette W
Omg! I’m at a loss for words! Thank you so much Heidi!!! My life has forever been changed for the better!
The good vibes continue. Down another 1.5 lbs, making for a total of 13.2 since mid January. I know the contest is over, but life is not over, yet, and these new ways are still working for me. Thanks, Heidi!
– Beki S