Success Stories
We are known internationally for helping our members experience incredible, life-changing results. Read the following successes and be inspired by their stories. If you take action today, you could be one of our success stories too!
Featured Client: Consistency - Nicole's consistency is paying off!
Nicole Peveler
"
I was a client at NWPT several years ago but ended up taking some time off. I came back to NWPT the Fall of 2018 and asked Molly to be my trainer again. She made me feel so comfortable in the studio. I always hated going to the gym alone and working out with the weights. With her help, I gained the confidence I needed and it made the workouts fly by because we talked the entire time.
I have definitely noticed a difference in how I look and how strong I am. I told Molly at the beginn... ing that I want to be able to do a pull-up. Seems simple enough, but I never concentrated on my upper body strength. It's amazing how much weight I can now lift and I also stand up straighter. My go-to comfortable work-out shirts in an XL are baggy on me and now I am in a small. I still keep those shirts because they are still so comfortable.
When I first started at NWPT I was looking to change things up with my workouts because I wasn't seeing any changes to my body or weight. Running, walking, and cycling wasn't enough. It was like I had plateaued. Just after two months of consistent workouts and a training schedule that Molly put together, I was like, "Wow" I did it. My family definitely noticed a difference when I visited them for the holidays. My mom and daughter are my biggest supporters. They both encourage me and keep me going.
I love it when my daughter wants to join me on the many 5k fun runs here in Vancouver. I can almost keep up with her when she sprints. That first mile when you start a race was always a struggle, but now it has gotten easier and I no longer struggle. I love it when my daughter and I cross the finish lines together. If I go out on a long distance during a race, she is at the finish line waiting for me. She texts me during the race seeing where I am and how I am doing. My endurance and health have improved these past few months." Read more and be inspired
"It's amazing how much weight I can now lift and I also stand up straighter. My go-to comfortable work-out shirts in an XL are baggy on me and now I am in a small."
MAY 01, 2019
Featured Client: Energy - Ying always has a smile on her face and we love her Energetic spirit!
Ying Jacobs
"
I have been coming to NWPT since we moved from Seattle in 2016. It is truly a gem in downtown Vancouver. I quite enjoy the variety of classes provided each day. All the trainers carefully design and plan their classes. They make the classes fun, engaging, and challenging.
Sometimes, I might cheat a little and not push myself hard enough in a group class setting occasionally. However, when I am training with Derrick in a one on one setting, I appreciate the focused attention that mak... es it really hard not to push or challenge myself. It is super rewarding to see incremental improvement over time. I can lift heavier, hold a plank longer and ride further. Every time when I leave NWPT, I feel happier, stronger, more energetic, and more productive." Read more and be inspired
"It is super rewarding to see incremental improvement over time. I can lift heavier, hold a plank longer and ride further."
APRIL 01, 2019
Commitment, Tyler has really committed himself to his workouts at NWPT.
Tyler Brinkman
"
Commitment.
This is what I was hoping to find at NWPT. I started coming to NWPT a little over 7 months ago. I work nearby and was aware that there was some sort of fitness center nearby because occasionally a group of sweaty(but happy looking) folks would run by. I had been a "member" at a couple other gyms in the area on and off for the last 10 years. My waist measurement was a reflection of my attendance and motivation levels at those gyms.
A coworker told me about on... e of the free trial periods at NWPT, along with a nice recommendation, and I decided I would give it a try. I didn't know much about NWPT but did have my preconceived notions. I assumed it was going to be pushy and expensive, like buying a used car (everybody else knows what you need more than you do). WRONG!
All throughout my trial period (and still to this day), the trainers (and everybody who works there) are very welcoming and able to provide motivation or guidance almost intuitively. Even though I felt VERY out of shape and a little out of sync at first, my comfort has continuously risen because of the energetic environment and the ability to exercise at whatever pace worked best for me. By the time my trial ended, I could feel the athlete in me starting to show up again and knew that this was a place I could reach my goals.
I have lost more than 20lbs and over 4" from off my waist. My clothes fit better, at least the ones that I haven't replaced because they are just too big now. I haven't felt this fit or strong in over 15 years. I will continue to schedule myself in a group class 5 days a week because I want to see how far I can go with NWPT. I encourage anyone looking for something new in their fitness routine to give NWPT a try. I'll see you there!" Read more and be inspired
"I haven't felt this fit or strong in over 15 years."
FEBRUARY 01, 2019
Featured Client - Talk about commitment!
Mike Taylor
"
Late in 2011, I was declared obese by my doctor. At first, I was shocked, then disgusted with myself. I'd always been pretty athletic. Football, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, fly fishing but as I got older and focused on my career and business those things sort of lost priority in my life. I gained the weight and lost the fitness.
Over the pre-NWPT years, I tried every diet in the book and promised myself that I was going to get more exercise and be more physically fit. I even tried making... appointments with myself to workout. It didn't work. I lost weight and gained it back, consistently canceled my self-appointed workouts. Finally, I realized I needed the accountability of having an appointment with someone else, I needed discipline and encouragement.
NWPT came highly recommended so ultimately I made a New Year's resolution and signed up for my first session in early 2012. NWPT immediately started living up to its reputation. Over the past 7 years, I've had several trainers. All have been excellent and extremely professional. They consistently put together creative, engaging workouts that make me feel better and motivate me to keep working out. Plus, they're very patient and consistently providing gentle coaching. I found what I needed at NWPT.
It worked! Within a couple of years I had lost 40lbs and have kept it off, my fitness level and balance are much improved!
Then my wife and I bought a vacation home outside a small Central Oregon town. We started spending a lot of time there. There were no reasonable personal training options within reach.
The weight started to creep back on, my stamina decreased, etc. etc.
While cruising the internet I stumbled across the idea of "remote workouts", basically your trainer would come into your home on your computer via live Skype video. I suggested the idea to my trainers Marijka & Judith and although it hadn't been tried before at NWPT (at least as far as we knew) they agreed to try it.
By now we've been regularly working out over Skype for a year now. It's working great for me. Several times a week I fire up Skype and start up our virtual workout... it's the best thing to being in the studio! My weight is stable, I'm more fit, and my balance is better.
When I'm in Vancouver, it's fantastic to be able to work in person with Marijka and Judith, when I'm in Central Oregon we do Skype and it's a great option. I'm very grateful to all the excellent people at NWPT who have helped me reach and maintain my goals, become healthier, and get off the obesity scale!" Read more and be inspired
"It worked! Within a couple of years I had lost 40lbs and have kept it off, my fitness level and balance are much improved!"
JANUARY 01, 2019
Featured Client
Tawni Delanoy
"
I have been a member of Northwest Personal Training for 12 years now. Throughout my journey here I have been trained and pushed by many trainers. This training has shown me that my limits are higher than I thought they were. My endurance has increased, my body has shown results and my health has improved with the trainers' influence. Each trainer here at NWPT has their own set of skills that I admire. They have meant a lot to me in my health journey by understanding my goals and helping me achie... ve them.
The reason I am sharing this is not to only tell you how great this gym is but to share with you a challenge I have faced and how NWPT has helped me overcome it. I have been an athlete all my life. Fitness has truly been a part of who I am. My greatest athletic achievements include riding six times in the Seattle to Portland bike race (200 miles per race), 5ks, 10ks, and even completing two marathons. A few years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I started noticing small things in my workouts where it started to affect my body. I would easily get hurt (sprained ankle a few times) and it would be hard to complete some of my workouts because of pain. My mom passed away a few years ago as well and knew how my osteoporosis. I started to affect my health. She struggled with her health and I saw that she always wanted to be healthier. I love my mom truly and seeing her fight for her own health encouraged me to keep fighting for my health too.
This year I started working with Nathan Southmayd. I reached out to him and stated that because of my osteoporosis I felt that my workouts had plateaued and was really ready to take on a challenge. Nathan set up a 24-week program for me that included reaching for PRs on deadlifts(which I have never done), a change in my food intake and meeting with him 3 times a week for strength training and cardio workouts. This was a new challenge for me and I wanted to see if this would really improve my endurance once again and increase my overall health. After these 24 weeks, I went to my doctor to have my yearly bone density test. It has always been negative since being diagnosed, constantly reminding me my body is slowly failing me and my bones are getting weaker. Even though my results still came back showing that I have osteoporosis, my doctor praised me for the steps I have taken to delay this disease. However, he stated that this is now related to genetics and not something I can change. I refuse to let that stop me from fighting for my health. I will continue these workouts because it has made me feel healthier overall. Nathan believed in me and encouraged me to keep working out.
To those of you that are on your own health journey, don't be discouraged. I encourage you to work out for strength, confidence, happiness and the feeling of not giving up. That's why I am doing it, and I can honestly say it has not only helped my body but my mental health as well.
To my trainer, Nathan, thank you for working hard and giving me the support and knowledge needed to reach my goals. For pushing me when I couldn't push myself. Today I feel so much more energized and filled with strength. Also, thank you for helping me hit my Deadlift PR of 135lbs!
Thank you Northwest Personal Training!" Read more and be inspired
"This training has shown me that my limits are higher than I thought they were. My endurance has increased, my body has shown results and my health has improved with the trainers' influence."
DECEMBER 01, 2018
Featured Client - What an Inspiration!
Joe Markee
"
There are three things I am passionate about:
My Family
The work that our family and friends have done in Haiti for the past 35 years
What NW Personal Training has done for me
I started coming to NW Personal Training a long time ago. It was a fit for me from my first visit. Still is. My daughter Taryn and I really enjoy working out together on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 am. It is a great way to start the day!
I think I have worked out with about every... instructor. They are all friendly and encourage (but definitely don't cut us any slack). But best of all, for all the time I have been coming, what I really love is that I have never had the same workout repeated!
Next year, hopefully, I will become an octogenarian. I can't wait to see what kind of workouts NWPT will have in store for me!" Read more and be inspired
"My daughter Taryn and I really enjoy working out together on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 am. It is a great way to start the day!"
NOVEMBER 01, 2018
New Attitude for Life!
Kevin Roberts
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Less than a year ago I was overweight with dangerously high blood pressure and a depressed attitude. I have been on and off workout programs for many years. These self-directed training sessions and weight loss regimens lasted a short period of time before going back to old bad habits - habits that exhibited an unbalanced life that negatively impacted my physical and mental health.
I'm very fortunate to have a wife (also a client of NWPT!) who booted my rear into Northwest Personal ... Training's Salmon Creek facility in December of 2017. We started doing weekly Partner Training, and I also added Personal Training twice a week with Scott Campbell. Scott listened to my goals and designed a plan to take me from a current poor state of health to a new level of fitness. The time committed to training with Scott was only three half-hour sessions per week, but by doing this consistently, the weight started dropping, energy level began increasing, and my attitude towards life improved greatly. During each workout, I felt being pushed to new levels. The training program struck the right balance between getting positive results and not injuring myself - something that had not been possible trying to do this on my own many times before.
Seeing and feeling the improvement, everyday activities like walking up stairs, traveling for work, and keeping up with the kids became easier and were now enjoyable. Eating healthy became more of a priority. I started adding activities back into my life and felt the motivation to start new ones.
This summer I went water skiing for the first time in 20 years and surfing for the first time ever! Bike riding with this new level of fitness makes each ride fun while at the same time improving health and fitness. My blood pressure is back into a healthy range. I've lost 60lbs and have good reason to get rid of old clothes and splurge a little on new ones.
In a matter of months, my outlook on life has changed dramatically and I'm much more of part of it! Northwest Personal Training has been a key factor in getting my life back. Thanks so much to Scott and everyone at NWPT!" Read more and be inspired
"This summer I went water skiing for the first time in 20 years and surfing for the first time ever"
OCTOBER 01, 2018
Featured Client -
Pam Floyd
"
Five months ago, in March 2018, I was in so much chronic pain, I had to use a cane or shopping cart to walk more than 10 minutes. I had a ruptured disk, a back injury from 25 years ago, arthritis, congestive heart failure, depression, anxiety disorder, plus I was pre-diabetic and 190 pounds.
I had to use a back strap support to do chores in 10-minute intervals until the pain became too much. I had daily chronic pain all over my body that hurt so much when I moved, that I just sat on... the couch or lay in bed all day. I couldn't take any pain medications or anti-inflammatories because of congestive heart failure. I couldn't even take Advil or Aleve.
My doctor said I could take Tylenol, but it wouldn't help. She was right. I was 61 years old and finally retired after saving for years, but hurt too much to enjoy it. My husband has been traveling alone for 2 years because I hurt too much to even get on an airplane. He felt like I had given up on myself. It felt terrible. So I reached out to my old trainer Rob Cloke.
I have lost 23lbs in the past 5 months with Rob. After a 5 year absence, I went back to Rob for personal training because my back hurt so bad, I wanted him to help me lose weight so my doctor would give me a steroid shot to help with my back pain. Rob put me on a food plan eliminating a lot of the sugar I had been eating and after 3 weeks my daily chronic pain disappeared. It wasn't arthritis, it was inflammation from all of the sugar I had been eating! My back pain has decreased so much I no longer need my cane and I only have to use my back strap for strenuous activities. I am hopeful things can only get better from here!
I now also take yoga and barre classes and have made so many new friends at NWPT. I also meditate every morning thanks to a meditation app Derrick recommended, and my constant nightmares have stopped. (I still can't believe this, even as I am writing it.)
I want to give a heartfelt shout out to Rob. I initially began training with Rob, in September of 2000 because I was worried about my health. I went from 170lbs to 146lbs in my first year with him. Then due to work stress, I suffered a number of illnesses and started to stress eat. This lead to weight gain and congestive heart failure in 2007. During all of my surgeries and illnesses Rob constantly checked in on me and when I was ready he welcomed me back to the gym. (He called so much my grandson even knew who he was.) He'll give you as much support as you want, I never felt like I was just a client to him. Seeing Rob 3x/week during this stressful time was the only thing keeping me above water, NWPT was an oasis of calm for me.
Once I retired I stopped seeing Rob because I felt I couldn't afford it. Now I realize that I can't afford not to. Some people can do it alone, but I need professional help. I know this sounds over the top, but after what I've been through, this has truly been a life changing experience for me. I'm not a religious person anymore, but Northwest Personal Training is now my church.
Gratefully,
Pam Floyd" Read more and be inspired
"I now also take yoga and barre classes and have made so many new friends at NWPT. I also meditate every morning."
SEPTEMBER 01, 2018
Featured Client - Reaching Towards Success
Becky Rogerson
"
I wasn't your typical "big girl." Oh, I certainly qualified for that title at 300 pounds for at least a decade... but I didn't see myself as that big. I felt like I took up a lot of physical space but I didn't see a big girl in the mirror. I didn't hate myself. I was reasonably active, ate reasonably well, but couldn't seem to lose the weight.
I spent a ton of time at the gym swimming, biking, running, and on the elliptical but not doing a lot of strength training. It was boring to ... me. My goal at the time was to do a 5k on the elliptical at a 10 min/mile pace. I never reached that goal.
At 44, the extra weight wasn't affecting my health or quality of life but I knew it would eventually. So, I put some focused efforts towards losing weight. I tracked everything that went in my mouth, every workout I did, and actually started seeing the number on the scales start to move! It was a commitment, to be honest with myself every time I logged my food but it was paying off.
In about 18 months, I was able to drop 115 pounds. Once I lost the weight, I ran my very first 5k race, at a 10:30 min/mile pace. Not quite my 10 min/mile goal from when I was heavy, but I was happy with it.
And then the dreaded plateau hit, hard! When I couldn't stop the weight from coming back on, I started to get complacent and ended up gaining 30 pounds of my hard earned loss back. When my clothes started to get snug I knew I needed to haul myself back on the wagon and get back on track.
I hit the pavement and started running again. My first 10k was a study in insurmountable walls. At mile 3, I was seriously wondering, what I was thinking, running 6.2 miles. I ended up walking most of the way back to the finish line and was happy I was able to finish. I've run several races since then. My Couve Clover Lucky 7 mile race pace was 10:19. With each race, I am getting closer to my 10 min/mile pace goal!
Since working with Nathan and Jamie, I've lost 10 pounds, and have the mobility to enjoy my future grandkids, and am training for my first half marathon in October. My weight loss has been slow but it is going back in the right direction. I have gained strength and mobility that I didn't know was missing and I have learned to enjoy the journey and feel success in my training towards my goals. Most importantly, while working with Nathan and Jamie I have learned that success is in the attempt... not perfection." Read more and be inspired
"I've gained strength and mobility I didn't know was missing."
AUGUST 01, 2018
Featured Client - Breaking Barriers & Getting on Track!
Echo Langley
"
I had never been one who enjoyed physical exercise. I never played sports and the only light that saw my face was the light of the refrigerator. When I turned 65, Medicare said they would pay for me to go to the gym so I went to the "big box" gyms they paid for. They had the equipment and the classes. They had pools and peppy music. I never went more than twice.
When I couldn't walk around the block without panting and wheezing, when I was falling on a fairly frequent basis, when I ... had gained 30 pounds on top of my already plump self, when my blood pressure and cholesterol were too high, I knew I had to do something. I did some research and settled on a free assessment at Northwest Personal Training. I came in on a Saturday and met with Alicia Rose. She identified a number of areas that needed a LOT of work and then asked me what NWPT could do for me. I told her, "I need you to care. To really care whether I show up. To care whether I work when I am here. To care whether I meet my goals. When I don't care enough, I need you to care for me." Since that day, the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2017, I have never felt alone on this journey to health. Judith emails me to check if I miss class. Derrick never fails to let me know how much I have improved and always smiles when I whine and then says, "Let's do 5 more reps." And Rob always pushes me to my limits. I love the Barre class and the Cardio-Muscle definitions class. Most importantly, though, somewhere along the line, I learned to care.
The bottom line is that I have lost weight, have become much stronger, have not fallen since that first day and have formed a walking group at my church. The nutrition intern continues to teach me how to eat better. I try things I never thought I could do and I have walked in two 5Ks without having to stop and rest. The staff at NWPT never fails to tell me how hard I work, but in all honesty, I just show up and they work their magic. It is their skill and inspiration that makes me want to push myself to work harder.
That first day, I told Alicia that my goal was to walk the Couve Clover 5k without having to stop and rest in the middle. Now my goal is to walk it in under 45 minutes. I know I can do this because I care and NWPT is there to help me every step of the way." Read more and be inspired
"Since that day, the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2017, I have never felt alone on this journey to health."
JULY 01, 2018
Featured Client -
Ruby Grendahl
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About four years ago, I lost two key people in my life, which made me think about my own mortality. At that time, my grand-daughter encouraged me to join a local gym with her; which I did.
In the Fall of 2017, I felt like I needed additional (professional) help in gaining upper boy and core strength. I had been reading Sherri's weekly column, so I decided to check it out, and join NWPT.
I enjoy coming to NWPT. I always look forward to what is in store for me. I feel stronger ... and have so much more energy than I've had in a long time. I've also lost some weight and inches, which has been a plus! It's amazing what a half hour can accomplish, a couple of times a week! I'm looking forward to the journey-moving forward, and am so thankful for what my body can do.
My goal is to continue to stay healthy and fit, in order to keep up with my grand-kids, and great-grandkids. I'd like to set a good example and inspire them to live healthy lives, as time marches on... To quote Sherri McMillan "Remember, health is a forever thing"." Read more and be inspired
"I feel stronger and have so much more energy than I've had in a long time."
JUNE 01, 2018
Annie Brooks
"
After graduating from college, 30lbs heavier than when I started, I tried out a variety of fitness programs, hoping to lose the extra weight that I had gained. Throughout the process, I experienced a lot of frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately, more weight gain. I found myself with my weight at an all-time high. I was asked to be a bridesmaid in a wedding and I finally decided that I needed some guidance from a professional.
I wanted a more comprehensive approach than what I felt ... a large, corporate chain gym could provide. I wanted insight into how to live a better, healthier life as well as a unique approach. So, I did a good ol' Google search and came across NWPT. I emailed asking for more info. I have to admit that it still took me another 3 months to actually call and make an initial appointment! I was terrified. Terrified of being judged, of wasting money, of failing AGAIN, and of embarrassing myself. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong!
I've been working with Nathan since June 2017, and in the last 10 months I've learned so much about fitness and health, achieved goals I didn't know existed, and have had so much fun while doing so! Admittedly, I didn't end up at my original weight goal for the wedding, but what I have accomplished is SO. MUCH. BETTER. My goals have shifted. I'm stronger than I've ever been. I've got muscles back that I haven't seen since I was 17. I can deadlift 185lbs (humble brag). And now, not only do I know what a kettlebell is... I know how to use one too! My idea of "fitness" has changed - I no longer look at it as a chore with an end goal, but rather an integral part of a normal, healthy life. I have tools to move and move well every day, and actually, ENJOY it! Turns out, it's pretty easy.
Nathan has changed my life. And he did it with the utmost patience and WITHOUT burpees. For that, I am grateful. I'll always call NWPT my fitness home!" Read more and be inspired
"I was terrified. Terrified of being judged, of wasting money, of failing AGAIN, of embarrassing myself and man, I couldn't have been more wrong!"
MAY 01, 2018
Talk about Dedication!
Cirith Anderson-Sebree
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I've been an NWPT client on-and-off since 2007. I became serious about personal training in 2015 recuperating from a self-inflicted back injury at the gym. The injury was a jarring realization that my current workout routine (same one I used for the last two decades) was not optimized for my then 41-year-old body.
Enter Judith. In tandem with physical therapy, Judith customized stretching and strength programs, which rehabilitated my back and rebalanced my body musculature. After physical... therapy ended, I continued my weekly training sessions with Judith because the results were life changing. Doing so enabled me to return pain-free to my favorite sport, running! I started entering road races again: Race for Warmth, Couve' Clover, Girlfriends Half Marathon, etc. With each completed event my distance increases and times fall. At Judith's encouragement, I will run the Wild Woman Trail Marathon Rely with two other remarkable trainers, Marijka and Jamie.
What humbles me the most about my experiences these past three years are the relationships I've made through NWPT and how it enables me to nourish existing friendships in a frenetically paced world. I cherish the weekly partner training sessions with my friend Kristy Weaver. In addition to accountability and motivation, these sessions keep us personally connected despite our very full work schedules.
Even in my most unmotivated and exhausted states, I transform when I step into the NWPT studio. I enter a world of positivity, levity, and fun! Everyone (clients, staff, and trainers) exude energy, support, and determination. This place inspires me to be better and give more than the previous session. One of my fondest moments occurred when Robe presented me with a T-shirt that reads "Make Yourself Stronger Than Your Excuses". I love that shirt and it personifies my relationship with personal training!
Thank you NWPT team and especially, Judith! I am so grateful for how far I've come because of your tutorage and support. So ecstatic about the future!" Read more and be inspired
"Even in my most unmotivated and exhausted states, I transform when I step into the NWPT studio. I enter a world of positivity, levity, and fun!"
APRIL 01, 2018
Featured Client!
Traci Coleman
"
I'm relatively new to NWPT, working with one of the trainers (Nathan!!!) consistently since around September 2017. I'm someone that has tried several different types of exercise modalities over the recent years, and I have struggled to find something that I felt safe doing and that was a genuinely good fit and sustainable for me and my lifestyle on a long-term basis.
I contacted NWPT and signed up for the personal training sessions for several reasons, the main one being that I... needed to be more focused on recovering my health. I needed help doing this; working through it on my own just wasn't getting results. Being diabetic and carrying extra weight, I recognized the unfortunate situations my future could hold for me - and I recognized that being in-motion and doing something about it is in my hands entirely. (Accountability can be hard sometimes!)
Several months into working with Nathan, I can share with confidence that I have a family and team of people at NWPT that are supporting me and cheering me on every step of the way. High-fives, hugs, smiles and words of encouragement are constant reminders that I'm not in this process alone. I always have someone to celebrate my successes with, and I always have someone to lean on to help me get through challenging moments.
I'm excited to share that I've had amazing ( AMAZING!) results so far, and this is really just the beginning for me. I've experienced a significant amount of weight loss, my diabetes is under the best control it's been since I was diagnosed over 20 years ago, and I've even cut my insulin intake by over half and am still continuing to NWPT has been educational and life-changing, and I'm so very grateful that I made that initial call and took the steps I did to start this new aspect of how I am choosing to live my life.
I cannot say thank you enough to NWPT and Nathan Southmayd for being such a consistent foundation for me. It's made all the difference." Read more and be inspired
"Several months into working with Nathan, I can share with confidence that I have a family and team of people at NWPT that are supporting me and cheering me on every step of the way."
MARCH 01, 2018
Featured Client
Elizabeth Clarkson
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Several years ago I joined Northwest Personal Training because I realized I wasn't getting the results I wanted from my own self-directed workouts. My body was changing with age and I didn't know how to deal with it. I knew I didn't want to join a franchise health club with paint by the number workout routines. I wanted personal attention. I wanted someone to guide me on how to workout to achieve my personal goals, even help me set those goals. Like most middle-aged women, my expectations o... r ideas about my body image have changed. I wanted to look my best, but more importantly, I wanted to ensure my mobility and overall health. I loved to travel, be physically active, and be independent. I care more about how I feel and maintaining the ability to be physically capable of leading an active life, especially when it comes to traveling, near and far. I believe working out, eating well and managing my stress is key to remaining healthy and viable as I age. NWPT supports that approach, with real life, practical guidance, and support. Every Personal Trainer I partnered with over the years has demonstrated that it's not about the latest fad or striving to look like some unrealistic model, it's about taking care of your body and your mind. I love that I can walk in here week after week with my bedhead and "I haven't had my coffee" morning grumpiness to Jolene's smile and sweet disposition, and walk out with a fresh attitude, feeling that I've just done something really good for myself, and knowing I'm in control of how I age, not controlled by it." Read more and be inspired
"I believe working out, eating well and managing my stress is key to remaining healthy and viable as I age. NWPT supports that approach, with real life, practical guidance, and support."
FEBRUARY 01, 2018
Voted "Most Inspirational Story" in 2017
Tom Hagley
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I checked myself into the E.R. at Legacy Salmon Creek with chest pains, but that wasn’t the only reason I decided to join Northwest Personal Training. Two other self-awakening, rear-end-kicking, and ultimately life-changing experiences motivated me to invest in my health and fitness.
In my late 30s, as a way of coping with stress, I developed a bad habit of eating super-sized lunches in restaurants every single day. They were my refuge, places where I could escape from... work for an hour, read a book, and satisfy my craving for the brain-chemical rush that comes from high-glycemic carbs and caffeinated diet soda. My favorite was a pizza joint, where I justified my over-consumption of pepperoni pie by eating a salad first. One day, I was devouring a giant Mexi-pizza all by myself when a friend and her parents came into the restaurant and stopped at my table to say hello. They were kind enough not to say anything about my lunch, but I was mortified.
Another wake-up call came on a cold and rainy day at Dog Mountain. I had driven up the Gorge for a hike with three friends. They were long-time runners. I was an experienced outdoorsman-turned-couch potato. With the mistaken belief that I could keep up based on my past years of hiking on trails all over the region, I started up the calf-stretching path and soon was red-faced and winded. My friends waited for me at every switchback, probably to make sure that I hadn’t collapsed. We reached the top approximately one week later, or at least it felt that long to me. Right then and there, I realized that my all-you-can-eat, sedentary, stressed-out lifestyle was keeping me from enjoying one of the activities I loved the most.
I went home and told my wife that I was unhappy and that I had to change. She gave me a gift certificate for a trial membership at NWPT. After completing the intake forms and enduring my first measurement of body fat, I took the initial steps of replacing a restaurant food addiction with regular exercise and better nutrition. The process took a while, and I had a few setbacks, including one time when I fueled up for indoor cycling with a drive-thru bacon double-cheeseburger and waffle fries. That never happened again.
At NWPT, I met some wonderful people. The trainers are expert instructors. They’re fun and friendly, too, always greeting me by first name. NWPT staff and clients are close – like a family. As I began to look forward to taking group classes and personal training sessions, I reduced my desire to over-consume food and increased my level of fitness. I began to see and feel the amazing results. I lost 40 pounds of flab and gained strength and flexibility. My blood pressure went down, and my cholesterol ratio improved. I had more energy and a positive outlook.
Now, as a NWPT client for almost 10 years, I’ve achieved many goals directly related to the transformation of my health and fitness. I’ve done the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride and numerous century rides. As an avid runner, I’ve competed in dozens of 5K, 10K and half-marathon races, sometimes finishing in the top three of my age group. I’ve finished several relays, including Hood to Coast, Cascade Lakes and Ragnar NW Passage, and I’ve competed on a team in the Lake Stevens Half-Ironman. Most recently, I ran 30 miles on an ultra trail race in southern Utah at elevations over 7,000 feet. I’ve backcountry climbed and skied in the Spanish Peaks of Montana and taken countless hikes with friends, including multiple ascents of South Sister and Mt. St. Helens.
Thanks to NWPT (and my wife, who is a member, too, and my mom, who also encouraged me throughout this journey), I’m a happier and healthier person, looking forward to new challenges and always striving to “live life to the fullest!”
" Read more and be inspired
"I went home and told my wife that I was unhappy and that I had to change. She gave me a gift certificate for a trial membership at NWPT."
JANUARY 01, 2018
Featured Client - Nicole is so strong and works so hard!
Nicole Ableidinger
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I have always heard wonderful things about Northwest Personal Training, but for years found many excuses not to try it: "It's too expensive. It's too far away. I'm not a runner/swimmer/cyclist. I'm not a serious athlete."
My husband joined a Spring Makeover Challenge a few years ago, and after he tried some personal training and some group fitness classes, he told me that it was a place I would love. But at the time, I had a corporate gym membership, and that was fine with me. Not to ment... ion, I have a genuine fear of the unknown, so why change... right? But soon enough, it became clear to me that the gym I belonged to was no longer meeting my needs, and I finally took advantage of NWPT's "try it for free offer." I immediately knew this was the place for me.
When it comes to NWPT, I feel like I'm all-in. I love participating in WHY Racing events with my family and my fellow athletes, I look forward to my daily group fitness classes, and I have figured out how to build my schedule AROUND my fitness. It's hard to admit, but when I take time each day to focus on my own health, it's a little easier to be a better wife, mother, friend and a better "me" because I have the energy and the clear head to tackle what the day brings.
I have developed many close relationships with the trainers at NWPT. Even though I haven't picked a personal trainer, I know all of my instructors really well. What makes NWPT different is the people you meet, and the relationships you build. With each visit, everyone greets me and welcomes me at the door with a smile. They ask me how I am doing and encourage me to always work just a little harder than I thought I could.
Whether I am making great health choices or struggling through tougher times, my trainers/instructors make me feel capable and supported. I am constantly being challenged and encouraged, so much so, that I've signed up for my first Duathlon in the spring. (Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of running, and I don't particularly like riding my bike on the street?) Thank you to every single member at NWPT for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Because of your encouragement and support, I'm a stronger, healthier me! Each day when I don't think I can do one more rep - but somehow manage to - I'm inspired. Thank you for helping me be my best self, and thank you for supporting me however and whenever I show up. " Read more and be inspired
"It's hard to admit, but when I take time each day to focus on my own health, it's a little easier to be a better wife, mother, friend and a better "me" because I have the energy and the clear head to tackle what the day brings. "
DECEMBER 01, 2017
Featured Client - Teresa has come so far!
Teresa Pauletto
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After twenty years of being pretty sedentary, I knew I needed help. I was worried about my balance and how a fall could cause serious injury.
Leah has been by my side from day one. Encouraging and challenging me every step of the way. I am healthy and strong and have been able to have fun with my grandchildren.
NWPT has changed my life!
I have been able to travel with Medical Teams International, as a non-medical helper to Uganda, Guatemala, and Cambodia. I have also gone to... India twice to visit my daughter and wouldn't have been able to make these trips without the strength I've gained with NWPT." Read more and be inspired
"NWPT has changed my life!"
NOVEMBER 01, 2017
Featured Client - Lorraine is unstoppable!
Lorriane Cook
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Before I came to NW Personal Training I was a couch potato, I was overweight, my body hurt, I had knee issues. Just getting out of a chair was a challenge. In 2015 my mother had a stroke and I became her caregiver, last year my mother passed away. When she died, I died inside. I quit caring or having hope I just settled into the couch.
It was almost a year before I did anything about it. My close friend Deb Coates and her husband Don were coming to NWPT and they talked about how much be... tter they felt and how having a personal trainer had changed their lives.
“NWPT is like family”
I went in for my initial consultation and told Jolene about my initial goals. The main one was to be able to spend quality time keeping up with my granddaughter Daphne. Jolene suggested that I strengthen the muscles around my knees to give them better support, this became my new goal.
A few weeks into training I was feeling better it was easier to get up and down from the floor, I had more energy but I knew the inevitable, I had to see the doctor about my knee, He gave me a shot of cortisone and told me I needed surgery, but I had to lose 20 pounds first. Jolene and Marijka were fast on helping me find a way to get on track with my diet.
Since then, I can get out of a chair with ease, and have lost 18 pounds and I love coming to my workouts! This all has happened much quicker than I imagined it would. My spirits are back up and I now have dreams of hiking mountains like I used to. I know that once I have that surgery I will have three wonderful trainers that I can fall back on to help me recover and get to those mountains!
I would like to give special thanks to Marijka, Cody, and Jolene for being so helpful and supportive in my journey." Read more and be inspired
"Before I came to NW Personal Training I was a couch potato, I was overweight, my body hurt, I had knee issues."
OCTOBER 01, 2017
Featured Client - Tara has the endurance many strive towards!
Tara Taylor
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Everyone needs a place where they can “just be.” NWPT is that place for me.
As someone who has wrestled with depression since childhood, I know the benefits of regular physical exercise. I’ve belonged to multiple gyms, but never have I found the sense of community that pervades NWPT. A community is hard to describe and even more difficult to create. But NWPT has it in spades. It’s like entering a loving, happy home where you’re safe and cared for. Where peopl... e believe in you (despite your failings!) and accept you as you are. Where they encourage you on your journey even if you’ve been in the same place for years. And where everyone is welcomed personally every day (thank you Justin and Michelle).
Thank you, Rob, for helping me take pride in my Scottish warrior physique. Nothing gets out the toxins like lifting weights with you!
Through job changes, house moves, blues festivals, personal struggles and the constant strife in the wider world, working out at NWPT always recharges my spirit. No matter my mental state when I enter the front doors, I am always more centered and ready to face the day when I leave. What a life affirming gift!
I am deeply blessed and extremely grateful to be part of this community. Thank you, Rob, Leah, Justin, Molly, Marika, Alicia and Michelle (my “morning crew”) for enriching my life." Read more and be inspired
"Everyone needs a place where they can “just be.” NWPT is that place for me."
SEPTEMBER 01, 2017
