Client Success Stories

I care about the whole person. I want you to benefit from being fit and eating healthy. I promise to be your biggest fan. I’ll applaud you as you reach your goals. Check out some success stories below.

          Cathy & Barbara - successful triathletes!

First Triathlon Reflections

Congratulations to Fitting Fitness In™ clients Cathy and Barbara for completing their first triathlon! Awesome job ladies! With a little training and a lot of excitement, Cathy and Barbara raced with almost 600 women in the Title 9 Women's Triathlon in Hopkinton, MA on September 11, 2011. The Title 9 Triathlon is a sprint length triathlon, consisting of a 1/4 mile swim, a 10 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run.

Starting in July, Cathy and Barbara met several times with Fitting Fitness In™ trainer, Lorae, a USA Triathlon Certified Coach, to get ready for the race. Each time they met they would discuss a different aspect of the triathlon and do a workout that focused on a specific portion of the race. Lorae provided them with an eight week training plan that outlined what they needed to do each day so that they could train properly on their own outside of their sessions together. During their sessions with Lorae, they learned what to expect during the race. They discussed such things as nutrition and hydration for racing, beginner tips, and how to master transitions (the time period in a triathlon between the swim, bike, and run portions of the race). Their last session consisted of a trip down to Hopkinton State Park to ride the race course and then jump in for a short swim.

Here's what they had to say about the experience:

"I just loved the whole triathlon experience. It was just a beautiful day, gorgeous setting to be in. I felt so alive. Then to have the great support of family and friends, especially training and racing with Cathy, made the experience so personally satisfying. I'm hooked!"    - Barbara

"At 54 years young, it was so satisfying to try something new! Because the Title 9 triathlon was held in Sept, I spent most of my training time outdoors during the summer - bicycling, swimming and running. It was a great way to enjoy the beauty of summer and get my training in, too. The Title 9 event was very well organized, with lots of support for "newbies" like us. The atmosphere on race day was positively electric!

Lorae, our talented and experienced trainer, helped us plan for and complete the triathlon with ease and confidence. She created a plan for Barbara and me that was achievable. She gladly worked within our time constraints and shared valuable tips and advice. I really appreciate Lorae's and Holly's willingness to create a plan that was tailored to our needs. We could not have done it without you, Lorae!"    - Cathy

 

 

Shelley, before ... and after Virtual Fitness with  Fitting Fitness In™.		.

 

"Slightly over three years ago, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  In early December, I heard a radio show host announce, to a personal trainer who did a show with him, that as an affirmed "couch potato", he was going to chronicle his journey back to health on the radio show, as he worked with this particular trainer.  I thought that if he can do this than I can too, and called the studio the trainer was involved with, setting a date for the end of January.  I was having major abdominal surgery the second week of January. This was the beginning of my "lost 100" journey. My mother who has since passed away, and never got to see the results of this journey, took her family on a   Caribbean cruise that December. While on that cruise I saw a number of gorgeous beautiful bodies. Mine was hidden, as always, under a wrap or cover up, etc. My self esteem, self concept, and courage were lower than "in my boots". Way lower. I vowed on that voyage that I would come back someday, on a cruise, with a brand new body, that I defined, both inside and out.

I met Ernie, owner of All Canadian Fitness (ACF)in Hamilton, Ontario and Adam Higson, now a newly retired professional Muay Thai Boxer, (and very accomplished at it as well) in January, 4 weeks after my first surgery. As an RN I do not recommend this for anyone. Ernie tells me now that he was actually afraid of me for the first few sessions because I was so out of shape and so new post surgery. Oh I also just had one of two carpal tunnel surgeries too! He really didn't know what he was going to do with me. He reminds me frequently today of what I was like! I worked with Ernie until August and then Adam became my trainer. Ernie is part of the "Be Better Project", a number of personal trainers from all over North America working with Phil Kaplan. Holly works in this project as well. Once or twice things would stall.  Advice would come from "the group" and off we went. Adam had particularly great workouts, the inches were coming off great but the weight was not changing as fast as I would like. It was thought I could benefit from Holly's expertise 1 1/2 years into my "lost 100" journey. (Originally the plan was to take one year total.). Frustration had set in. I began a long distance relationship with Holly at Fitting Fitness In (FFI). Holly and I would call each other once a week and sometimes once every two weeks. She provided advice on: steps, oh yes the famous steps; nutrition (food journals uggg…"if you log it you lose it". Is that familiar to anyone? It should be!; staying active in between the strength and weight training personal sessions; varying the activities between; as well as additional confidence and reassurance building. I even made the trek to Stow in May for the "Run/Walk for the Woods" that FFI sponsored. I was the only Canadian there! It was a long drive alone, across New York State, from Brantford, Ontario, longer than I had expected. My husband joked that it was a long drive to walk 5 km. What fabulous hosts she and her family were! Holly broke the main goal down into mini (more user friendly attainable) goals: for a week; or for a month and challenged me to meet these. Adam, Holly and I worked as a Team. This threesome worked successfully across provinces, states and an international border, together for just over a year with Holly coming to Hamilton giving a talk to ACF clients this past Spring.

Holly is gifted in inspiring clients to carry on; one small mistake does not mean that you cannot carry on, and move forward. She and Adam have instilled in me a love of staying active forever. As Adam is fond of saying, "You're hooked now!" I could not have achieved the "lost 100" on Dec 17, 2010 without the gifted people around me who support me every day; who show me that I can do this; who believe in me when I don't believe in myself; who buck me up when I need that and who encourage me when that is my need; and who sometimes know me better than I know myself. Slowly I am learning to educate my mind to a strong mind, because it really is mind over matter.(Thank you Adam). I could never have accomplished this without my whole Team. Without my Team who adapt programs to meet my many surgeries: two carpal tunnel surgeries; two knee arthroscopies and a left ulnar nerve surgery. What patience you have!    

I am determined that the "lost 100"  will not come back. Over the Christmas holiday time I finally allowed myself to begin to look for a dress for my son's wedding, July 2nd. One day both Elizabeth and Cole came, and they picked out a dress that I always wanted to wear but would not dare try or allow myself to dream of. I tried it on, thinking I was just humoring them. It fit like a glove. WOW! I was floored! Cole even said I might outshine the bride, (tongue in cheek I'm sure). Well (sigh) we ended up ordering it from, New York, a Jovani gown. Cole said,"Mom you wanted to wow; the dresses you were looking at were all the same that you always choose, or slight variations of. This one is wow! Now is your chance." They chose it. I love it! So I am wearing it. I only worry that it might be too much! But, if they like it then I am okay with it! I cannot allow any deviation from the weight I am at now. In fact, if I lose more it will be better. So...?? The next goal, with Adam's help, is to look good in this mermaid, sort of, dress for July 2nd now! Ever a goal...best to keep it that way (goal oriented-TKS Holly) for me I think! I am keeping myself constantly challenged. If I can do this you can as well. Thank you again to a dedicated, caring, professional, extremely knowledgeable and adaptable TeamP.S. I learned (am learning) a number of new skills that I may not have ever tried: boxing (my fav-best adrenaline rush/release); water running; weight training; rope swinging; beating tractor tires with sledge hammers; you name it-we do it!

Decide, Commit, Believe, Succeed."

-Hugs, Shel

David, before Fitting Fitness In™.		David, 65 pounds lighter.

"One of the most profound joys in life is the ability to play with your grandchildren for more than a very short time; another is seeing your toes!  Prior to embarking on my odyssey of pain, deprivation and starvation, however, I could do neither.  But a chance discussion with Holly in a church kitchen led me to understand that making some relatively easy lifestyle changes would afford me the ability to do BOTH things mentioned above.  While it's not been easy, I have found Holly to be supportive and extremely knowledgeable as a trainer.  She has helped me to better understand the whys and why nots of diet and exercise.  She has designed exercise programs that are challenging, yet take into consideration any restrictions that I've had, such as knee/back/arm problems and has challenged me to make healthy choices and to keep going, even when I'd rather eat pizza and ice cream.  I'm proud of my status as the all-time biggest initial 6-week loser.  Indeed, in the 10 months I've been working with Holly, I've lost 3 pants sizes and 3 suit sizes.   65 pounds and counting, and with continued attention to Holly's guidance, I'll meet my weight loss goal in no time."
— David Potts

Chris - looking and feeling great!

Click Here for Chris' Video Testimonial                  

"When I was growing up, losing weight was not a problem. Food did not interest me.  My parents' and doctor's concern was getting me to gain weight.  On doctor's orders, I was fed ice cream sundaes, frappes, and even the horrific tasting dark beer was suggested.  It wasn't until my late forties that I started to put on the weight, and by my mid-fifties, I was attempting different diets, but never stuck to them.  In my early sixties, I really expanded, even hitting 182 pounds.  I fluctuated between 177 and 182 pounds.  I was shopping in the large women's shops and trying to hide my bulk in baggy clothes.  Holly asked me for a before picture!  Once I gained weight, taking my picture was strictly off limits.

A couple of years ago, I moved near my 4'8", size 4 sister-in-law.  Clothes shopping with her was not fun!  I became embarrassed by my weight.  She shopped in the petite section.  I had to head for the ugly clothes section.  My self-esteem headed south.  I knew that I had to do something, and then I found Holly at Fitting Fitness In^TM.  It was the best thing that could have happened to me.  I joined her Weight Loss Clinic.  The class was small and the atmosphere was up-beat.  There was never any criticism, just encouragement and positive reinforcement from Holly and the group.  I started to feel good about myself as I slowly started to drop the pounds.  With Holly's and the group's encouragement, I was able to stay on course.  After the Weight Loss Clinic, I joined Jump Start, and then the Fusion Fitness class.  i dropped from a size 20 to a size 12, and exceeded the goal weight I had set for myself.  I have to say that I feel really good about the way I look, and shopping has become fun again.

Thank you, Holly, for your kindness, encouragement, and sense of humor, oh, and the "magic plate".  Without you, I would still be hiding from the camera, and losing my self-esteem in the cookie jar."
— Chris Carriger

Brennan, having fun while exercising.		Brennan making waves!

"When I first learned I would be going to water exercise classs, I did not know what to expect.  I have been overweight for about 3-4 years and have recently started to become "aware" of my body and the way it looks.  My mom had been working with Holly for about 2 years before I got into one of Holly's classes, a water class.

My favorite part of the class was that we exercised in the water.  I love to swim and I love to exercise so combining the two was great.  The support that Holly gives and the underlying easy going attitude that the class provides, creates an overall great atmosphere for losing weight and gaining muscle.

When I first started exercise class, I thought of it as something that was hard and made me hurt the next day.  Now I see it as a fun way to get my exercise in while enjoying myself in the water.  When Holly showed me a food log and told me how to fill it out, I procrastinated the first week and didn't complete it.  When I did complete it, I did well and Holly told me how to improve even more.

My main goal with starting exercise class was to drop my BMI.  When I went to my physical right before I started excercise, my BMI was 28, in other words, I was overweight.  My doctor wanted me to bring it down to 25 or under.  After taking Holly's class for a few months, I have brought it down to 24.4, putting me in the "normal" BMI range.

For a few months, Wednesday was one of my favorite weekdays.  I could always look forward to exercise class to tire me out (in a good way).  For the first few weeks of class, I didn't really appreicate it because it was hard and painful.  Slowly, I got used to the routine and started to like class more and swimming makes it fun.  YAH!"
— Brennan Kenerson

Betsy, before Fitting Fitness In™.		Betsy, after Fitting Fitness In™.

Click Here for Betsy's Video Testimonial

"I’ve been dieting off and on since I was 12 years old. You name it, I’ve tried it. I always saw dieting as a punishment, and I was limited in what activities I could do because of my obesity.

From the moment I met Holly, I felt I was in the hands of a professional. I just knew that with Holly by my side, I could accomplish what I’ve been trying to do all my life; lose weight and stay healthy. Since starting with Holly, I have lost 34 pounds and 20 inches (7 inches off my waist). 

Holly helps you stay focused on your goals for the future, not the dieting failures of the past. Holly showed me how to fit fitness in to my everyday life and that it’s never all or nothing, but often small steps that lead to obtaining long-term goals. I’ve learned that exercise isn’t something you do for a limited period of time just to obtain a goal, but that you can integrate it into your life and have it be enjoyable.

Because of Holly’s support and encouragement, I now have a belief in myself and can stay focused on my goals to lose weight and take care of myself. I look forward to the future with renewed enthusiasm knowing that Holly has, in a sense, saved my life. Yes, I’ve done the work to get there, but I could not have done it without her."
— Betsy Kenerson
 

"Holly has me exercising every week.  When ever I am not exercising I am thinking about when I can fit it in.  Now I feel better when I exercise." 

— Rene Pfister

        

 Click Here to for Rene's Video Testimonial

“In the nine months that I worked with Holly, I made major improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. I reached my goal weight in July 2002 and have kept the weight off so far. My overall health has improved and I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been as an adult. I don’t think that it’s an exaggeration to say that Holly helped save my life.”
— John Buscaglia, Hudson, MA
 

John Buscaglia, before Fitting Fitness In™.		A happy, healthier John after working with Holly Kouvo.

“After working with Holly for 10 weeks, I lost 6 3/4 inches overall. Holly helps me to focus, but she also doesn’t ‘beat me up’ if I have a setback. She’s real – I don’t feel intimidated when I’m around her. She tries to find exercises that I like to do, and she’s always willing to change something if I get bored.”
— Robyn Bradley, Framingham, MA
 
“After trying every fad diet known to man with nothing but short term results I was desperate. I even was to the point of considering gastro by-pass surgery. In order to avoid this type of drastic approach, I turned to Holly in an attempt to approach weight loss the healthy way. Holly quickly pointed out to me that this needed to be a total approach to fitness and not just a diet program. It needed to be a total lifestyle change. She set both weight and fitness goals that were achievable and improved my overall strength and endurance. As an example, when I started with Holly, I could barely walk ½ mile at a time. Today, I do at least a three mile walk a day and at a pace that is much faster than I ever dreamed I could do. After one year of working with Holly, I am down 100 lbs – and for the first time in a long time, feel that I can not only achieve my ultimate goal but maintain it. The only downside to working with Holly is you’ll never want to hear the words ‘Mississippi’ or ‘Albuquerque’ again. You’ll have to schedule time with her to know what that means!!!”
— Tony Miola, Hudson, MA
 

Tony Miola, before meeting with Holly Kouvo.		Tony, midway through his Fitting Fitness In™ program.

“Phone coaching with Holly has been a great experience for me. Our weekly calls are uplifting and motivating and have helped me achieve a higher level of fitness. Even though we are not able to meet in person, my workouts are never stale (or, always challenging). Holly provides me with lots of variety in my exercise routines and we make full use of the Internet to find exercises that will work best for me.”
— Geraldine Lewis, Appleton, WI
 
“I’ve struggled with weight problems for most of my life and eventually wound up with Diabetes. Even after taking oral medication, my A1C blood tests were too high. After working out with Holly for two months, my A1C test results were completely normal, as if I never had the disease. I lost over 11 inches. I feel great after losing the weight and gaining strength. I can climb steep hills and ski at 12,000 feet without feeling winded like I was before. Thank you, Holly.”
— Tim Thompson, Marlboro, MA
 
“Holly is a kind, enthusiastic, and motivational trainer. She is helpful to me in so many ways. She always comes up with new information and new exercises so I don’t get bored or disappointed with my workouts. I feel she truly cares about me as a person and wants only to help me succeed in my goals. She is also a lot of fun! I have learned so much from her in the six months we have worked together. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for personal help with weight loss and exercise. It really works!”
— Lori Zuroff, Sudbury, MA
 
“Since I started the weight training, I've noticed subtle changes, not only in muscle tone and the fit of my clothing, but also in general stamina.

Yesterday I went for a run with a friend. At the two mile mark, I was surprised that I wasn't ready to stop I merely felt warmed up. Today, I decided to go exploring by myself (with the dogs, of course), and I easily ran four miles. I came home because I wasn't sure my smaller dog could do much more (as I type this, she's comatose on the floor beside me). I could have done more.

It's amazing to me how thirty extra minutes 2-3 times a week can make such a difference!”
—Rebecca Bacon, Wayland, MA