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 - We have loved watching Katie grow over the years!
Katie Palludan
"
I have been a client of NW Personal Training for 7 years now. I’ve worked with almost every trainer at one point or another, but the trainers that I work most regularly with are Rob Cloke and Cody McHaney. I’ve known Rob for years, even before I came to NWPT for Personal Training. His oldest son and I used to take swim lessons together; so when I found out that the same familiar face was a Personal Trainer at NWPT, it was like reconnecting with a fun Uncle again. He keeps me motivate... d and I look forward to our workouts every week. I started working with Cody maybe 3 or 4 years ago and he is just so much fun to work with, it feels like coming to spend some time with a friend instead of working out. I came to NWPT because it offered me a smaller, more focused space (unlike larger, not so personal facilities) and a professional personal trainer to help keep me accountable and to ensure I reach my fitness goals. Some of the benefits I’ve been able to reap from my time at NWPT are a rise in stamina and endurance which is something I have always struggled with all my life. I have stuck with NWPT for so long because the trainers are great at helping me reach my fitness goals, but it is also a great place to socialize with caring and motivational people!" Read more and be inspired
"Benefits I’ve been able to reap from my time at NWPT are a rise in stamina and endurance which is something I have always struggled with all my life. I have stuck with NWPT for so long because the trainers are great at helping me reach my fitness goals, but it is also a great place to socialize with caring and motivational people!"
DECEMBER 01, 2019
Featured Client - Peter has worked hard to be where he is today!
Peter Tuck
"
I have always been active, keeping myself in shape through rugby, soccer, Aussie rules, triathlons amongst other things. I have also eaten pretty well, keeping my weight in the good to reasonable range throughout my life. All told I considered myself to be in good to great health. It was a big shock when, just under two years ago, I discovered I needed bypass surgery. Discussing the cause with my doctor, it seems the high stress of my job and the other responsibilities I placed on myself in... addition to how I handle the stress was the direct cause of the issue. A month later, shortly after surgery, I was hardly able to make it to the end of my driveway.
Luckily, my base fitness did help and after 12 weeks of rehab, I was doing very well. Having the rehab at a set time meant it could be put in my calendar and it became part of my normal schedule. It was also done in conjunction with a team of people who provided motivation support and compassion in addition to the knowledge they brought. As the rehab came to an end, I needed to find something to take its place that provided a structured program that could become part of my schedule and the support and encouragement needed to make it a long-term change.
Since NWPT is only about a minute from my work, it was the perfect place to start. Not only does it have a great selection of group classes that covers everything from strength to cardio to stretching, but it also has world-class trainers to provide the motivation, support, and knowledge.
Since my surgery, I have been working hard to reduce the stress in my life while maintaining a fitness regime and improving my food intake. I have now been part of the NWPT family for over a year. The support, encouragement, and motivation provided by the staff have been invaluable. Not only are the staff great but the other clients are also an integral part of the NWPT family. I may not be in the best shape of my life, but it must be close. I am feeling fantastic and looking forward to many more years with NWPT." Read more and be inspired
"I have now been part of the NWPT family for over a year. The support, encouragement, and motivation provided by the staff have been invaluable. Not only are the staff great but the other clients are also an integral part of the NWPT family."
NOVEMBER 01, 2019
Working Out Together Is Motivating!
Sarah & Rye McNeil
"
We lead busy lives, and with our kids and careers demanding so much of our time, its easy for us to put off coming into workout and doing what we need to in order to be healthy. We love that working with Scott helps keeps us focused and motivated, and by doing partner training, we are able to encourage each other as well.
Over the last year, the difference in our health and fitness level has been incredible! We no longer get worn out doing things like yard work or things around the house... , and we lost a combined total of 47 pounds during the spring makeover weight loss challenge! Scott constantly introduces new workouts, new themes for the day, and ways to keep each session interesting and fresh. He motivates us to get more active outside the gym, and that has led to us taking the kids on hikes with us to build their active lifestyle habits at a young age. We are so happy that we started working out with Northwest Personal Fitness!" Read more and be inspired
"We no longer get worn out doing things like yard work or things around the house, and we lost a combined total of 47 pounds during the spring makeover weight loss challenge!"
OCTOBER 01, 2019
Featured Client - Philip has shown courage and determination over the years!
Philip Hodapp
"
On August 4, 1997, at the “ripe old age” of 36 years old, I was informed that the symptoms that I had been struggling with for the previous 5 years were the result of my having Parkinson’s Disease. I was told to expect to be in a nursing home needing care to survive within 5 years and to have my affairs in order within 10 years so that when I died everything was as I wanted it. At 36 years of age and with my one and only child on the way, I set my resolve that this would NOT be... my fate. On March 24, 1998, I held my son in my arms in a hospital and I promised him that I would watch him graduate High School and that he would have a Daddy with him to raise him. By the Grace of God, the help and encouragement of family and loved ones, and dogged determination I have not only met, but exceeded that goal. This Spring Isaac (my son) will graduate from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Orchestral Trumpet Performance and several offers to continue his studies on scholarship. And I have outlived the “experts” prognosis by more than 12 years.
I am so glad to say that I have had some amazing help on my journey. One of the key ways of keeping Parkinson’s at bay is through exercise. While I tried to always stay as active as possible, as the disease progressed I found myself becoming more and more discouraged, more and more lost in what to actually *do* since the “same ol’ same ol’” wasn’t cutting it anymore, and putting on more weight than I would have liked. Don’t get me wrong – I never looked gigantic, but I’m a big-chested, big-boned guy and I can pack quite a few pounds on and look acceptable. A little over two years ago, I had had enough. I was struggling to keep my balance for more than a block without falling to the right, running was out of the question, and I was sinking into a pit of depression every time I thought about it or looked in the mirror.
Enter Jamie Hahn and NW Personal Training. I’ve known Jamie for a long time from other areas of life. I knew that she had been working on getting licensed as a trainer. One day, Jamie asked what was wrong and I let her have it. After listening to all I had to say, and hearing my reticence at going to standard Parkinson’s help groups (because I was 25 or 30 years younger than everyone in them and the exercises were NOT geared to guys who should be active and had had boxing careers), Jamie asked if I would give her a try. I am so glad I did. Jamie researched and learned all about Parkinson’s and what I would need for cardio, core, balance, and strength issues and fixes tailored for me. I honestly believe that I owe a big part of my life to her and the wonderful folks at NW Personal Training. It was a long and slow slog, but worth it. I’ve gone from only being able to run one block to doing multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and two half marathons. This summer I completed my first Triathlon! AND I’ve lost 77 pounds along the way! Without Jamie and NWPT I would have accomplished NONE of this! I might not even BE here!
Thank you!" Read more and be inspired
"I was told to expect to be in a nursing home needing care to survive within 5 years and to have my affairs in order within 10 years so that when I died everything was as I wanted it. At 36 years of age and with my one and only child on the way, I set my resolve that this would NOT be my fate."
SEPTEMBER 01, 2019
Featured Client - Jeff's fitness journey is inspiring, he has come so far!
Jeff Carrier
"
I began my fitness journey in September 2017. I think the main reason was I wanted to be able to open a bag of chips easily. Lol. I was in really poor shape. I started an over 5- Crossfit 12-week program. I altered my diet by giving up sugar, dairy, and bread. I also wanted to eat as clean and healthy as I could. I immediately shed 10 pounds within the first 3 weeks so I stayed the course with the diet restrictions. It was actually easier than I thought it would be. I really miss eating a whole ... sleeve of Oreo's and a tall glass of cold milk thou...
My journey continued post Crossfit over 50 and I tried a more advanced Crossfit class, which was brutal. I was causing more harm than good as the intensity was more than my body could handle, so I went in search of the alternative. I knew that joining a big gym was not a thing for me. I was in search of a structured workout program along with some personal training.
That is when I found NWPT. Funny thing is I have been driving by the Vancouver facility for years. Fast forward now from January 2018 to today and my life has changed both physically and mentally. I am at my ultimate weight and my physical conditioning has really improved. By working with Alicia twice a week for the last year and a half, she has really been able to hone in and focus on my physical shortcomings and past injuries to rehabilitate my body. The payoff has been life-changing. I spend my winters now skiing a few times per week and now after working out, I can do back to back bell to bell days on the mountain and not feel much soreness at all. Before NWPT I could ski a full day but the physical side effects made me miserable a few days after.
In the summer I spend a lot of time behind my Hydro Foiling and Wake Surfing and this too has been a real game-changer. I can go for miles and miles and not tucker out as I have in the past. My shoulder mobility has improved 100% by building my rotator cuff muscles and eliminating the pain cycles I have lived with for decades. So happy I found NWPT and could not be happier with the experience and results.
Thanks to everyone at NWPT!!! The entire staff is very supportive and friendly. I look forward to each every time I come into the workout. Love the classes and really love the personal training aspect of this Journey!" Read more and be inspired
"The payoff has been life-changing. I spend my winters now skiing a few times per week and now after working out, I can do back to back bell to bell days on the mountain and not feel much soreness at all."
AUGUST 01, 2019
Featured Client - Focus - Lindsay has stayed FOCUSED on her goals!
Lindsay Kolar
"
I've been through some ups and downs, both in weight and in life, but the positive encouragements I've received from everyone at NWPT has kept me going! Around 2012, I was in the best shape of my life, running the Girlfriend's Half Marathon, participating in Warrior Dash, cycling events such as Reach the Beach and Ride Around Clark Co. Also in 2012, I returned to work after staying home with my children while they were in grade school. As you know, sitting is the worst thing for our bodies and m... ine told me so! Within a year of going back to work, I started having severe back pain, I wasn't able to continue the active lifestyle I'd been used to. I gained weight and lost motivation to exercise.
By 2014 I was ready to get moving and back into shape. My brother and Sister in law were clients at NWPT and recommended I try. It was hard and slow, but I regained my stamina and have been coming to NWPT consistently ever since. Currently, my two trainers are Rob and Judith, they see my strengths, help me set personal goals, and guide me through the steps to achieve success. As I enter my mid-40's, the goals have adjusted slightly but my trainers keep me motivated to push a little harder, sweat a little more and make improvements a little at a time. I plan to stay on this upward path of being the strongest in my life again!" Read more and be inspired
"I've been through some ups and downs, both in weight and in life, but the positive encouragements I've received from everyone at NWPT has kept me going!"
JUNE 01, 2019
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
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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
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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
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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
