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Category: Member Stories

Member Feature Karen Orendain

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

At 65, She Doesn’t Feel At-Risk for Heart Attack Anymore.

Karen Orendain - Female Member at The Perfect Workout

“I knew I needed to make a change in my life.

I wasn't working out and I was helping take care of my mom. She had a lot of health issues, was very weak, falling, and had a lot of problems.

I knew that I didn't want to follow that path.”

Karen was at a turning point with her health and fitness…

“A few years ago I was about 15 pounds heavier and wanted to lose that extra weight. I wanted to get rid of the “bat wings,” build up my body strength and keep my posture up.

I was diagnosed with osteopenia, and I heard that weight-bearing exercises were the best for stopping that.

I also became pre-diabetic, and high blood pressure and heart conditions run in my family. So I just wanted to stay ahead of it and focus on my health.

I heard about The Perfect Workout on the radio and decided I can do something for 20 minutes and not be intimidated.”

The Perfect Workout Member with Female Trainer working out on a weight machine

In 2016 Karen joined The Perfect Workout’s West Plano studio and immediately felt at ease working 1-on-1 with her trainers.

“I wasn't worried about hurting myself, doing things wrong, or not accomplishing my goals because I wasn't doing it correctly. That’s really why I picked The Perfect Workout.”

Karen began to see changes within a month of doing slow-motion strength training. She felt more and more motivated by the results she saw:

  • She was losing weight again
  • Her bat wings were going away
  • She felt stronger in her legs
  • Her body felt firmer all over
  • She felt more positive about her body

“I was ready to show it off!”

Karen’s quick success and boost in confidence were large in part to her work with her Certified Personal Trainers.

“I love our personal trainers. Everyone that I worked with I grew attached to. They're friendly, positive, and they really enjoy not only training but working together as a team.

I love that they discuss your workout and your goals as a group so they can each feed off of one another to help give you the best training and success.”

The Best Part…

“I feel positive about my future. I enjoy the fact that I have body tone now.

And I feel stable.

My mom fell a lot and had her first heart attack at 65 years old.

I’m 65 now, but I don't feel like I'm at risk anymore.

I feel like this is helping me not only to build a stronger body but a stronger attitude toward my overall habits in my life.

I’ve been with The Perfect Workout for five years now and I still believe it’s the perfect workout for me.

It's a safe environment. A place to go and work out and not feel like you're in comparison with anyone.

The Perfect Workout has motivated me to be a healthier and happier person… and I feel like sharing it with people! ”

Karen Orendain, 65
Dallas, TX

If you’re a current member and you’d like to share how The Perfect Workout has helped you achieve results- inside and out, please apply by filling out this form.

If you are new to The Perfect Workout, try a workout with us and start with a FREE Introductory Session.

His Plan to Getting Strong: 20-Minute Workouts

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

20-Minute Workouts - His Perfect Plan to Getting Strong

The Perfect Workout Member, David Garner doing slow motion strength training

David Garner, age 59, exercised his entire life.

But after a really bad car accident, he felt weak and out of shape. In just one month of training at The Perfect Workout, he noticed his strength and definition coming back. Here is his story…

—

“After the accident, I lost a lot of muscle tone, so I knew I needed to get back in shape.

I found The Perfect Workout through Yelp, and I liked that it was only a 20-minute workout.

However, the philosophy of achieving better muscle tone in 20 minutes didn't seem right to me. I was skeptical.

Once I experienced it, everything changed. I understood really fast how this workout could help me build my muscles back.

After the first month, I started noticing that I was able to make it through the workout without being out of breath or getting really sore. That was an eye-opener for me.

I've been with The Perfect Workout now for a little over 3 months, and it's been a perfect fit for me. As a result of my slow-motion workouts, I:

  • Have more endurance.
  • Increased definition in my legs. I noticed this within a month!
  • Feel like I’m in great shape, which is important to me for my dating life.

Another thing I love about my workouts is the one-on-one training.

My trainer watches me like a hawk – my every move – so I don't get hurt.

In another gym, I got hurt. I've had surgeries in my back and neck and it took me about a year to get over it. It is important that I have somebody watching my every move.

They know my goals and they make sure that every position I'm in is safe.

To me, The Perfect Workout is convenience, safety, and results.

I would recommend The Perfect Workout to people that are busy, that don't have an hour and a half to two hours to workout, and to people that don't want to be sore all the time because it's easy to go to the gym and overdo it.

But here there is just a plan. It's a perfect plan.”

David Garner,
SW Ft. Worth, TX

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If you’re a current member and you’d like to share how The Perfect Workout has helped you achieve results- inside and out, please apply by filling out this form.

If you are new to The Perfect Workout, try a workout with us and start with a FREE Introductory Session.

Getting Hurt in the Gym to Safely Getting Results

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

From Always Getting Hurt in the Gym to Safely Getting Results

Female member on leg press machine with personal trainer

“I was doing pilates 2-3 times a week and weightlifting 3 days a week… and I was always hurting.

I even had a trainer but it felt like they were more focused on me lifting heavier and heavier weights than doing anything with proper form. And I was doing a lot of fast movements.

A friend of mine who I did pilates with, referred me to The Perfect Workout.

After learning about the method in my Introductory Workout, I really liked the slow, controlled movements. And with this workout, I could get the benefit of working with heavier weights… safely.

Over the years I had several foot injuries which caused problems in my legs. When I began training at the SW Ft. Worth studio, if I told the trainers something hurt, they would immediately modify the exercise.

I get more accomplished at The Perfect Workout than my old workout because all the trainers are aware of little nuances that make a big difference. They know when to modify an exercise and when to make it more challenging.

I feel very safe here because they constantly watch my form, make sure I’m doing everything correctly, and make sure my injuries aren't getting worse or let me get injured at all.

One of my areas of concern was my rear end, so a goal of mine was to target my glute muscles- get them firmer and stronger!

Knowing this was a big goal of mine, the trainers positioned me meticulously on the machines to help target, tighten, and lift my glutes. And I am thrilled at the results.”

Graph of progress on leg press machine, trending upwards
This image shows Michelle's strength progression on the Leg Press over the course of 3 years.

Since incorporating slow-motion strength training, Michelle:

  • Increased her Leg Press strength 164%. Starting weight was 167lbs. Now she pushes 410lbs
  • Got 81% stronger on Hip Abduction, pushing 97lbs when she started. Today, she pushes 167lbs.
  • Lost over 3 inches at her waist

“I've been with The Perfect Workout for several years now and I don't see myself ever leaving.

To me, The Perfect Workout is truly perfect because of the amount of time it takes (or doesn’t take). I originally thought that there's no way twice a week would ever work.

But it's proven to work, and I don't hurt myself anymore. I'm working out a third of the time I used to so I don't see myself ever doing something different.”

Michelle Pittman
SW FT. Worth, TX

—

If you’re a current member and you’d like to share how The Perfect Workout has helped you achieve results- inside and out, please apply by filling out this form.

If you are new to The Perfect Workout, try a workout with us and start with a FREE Introductory Session.

From No Accountability to Consistently Exercising

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

From No Accountability to Consistently Exercising

Lori Zalewski - Female Client at The Perfect Workout

Lori Zalewski, 55, looked to gain strength and maintain her activity levels.

Her father-in-law recently passed away and she observed first-hand some of the challenges he went through.


“He was overweight and weak and it took many nurses to move him from the bed to a chair. I don't want that to happen to me.”


But Lori faced struggles of her own- staying consistent and accountable.


“I have tons of hand weights at home, but I just won't do it by myself.”


Lori’s sister was working with a personal trainer doing slow-motion weight training and recommended Lori give it a try too

Since her sister’s trainer was too far away, Lori did her research and found a personal training studio near her in Park Ridge, IL.

Now, she exercises with her own personal trainer at The Perfect Workout.


After staying consistent with her workouts and gaining strength all over, Lori:

  • Can move all of her camping equipment by herself
  • Can carry a full water bucket to the utility sink without spilling it
  • Can do heavy house cleaning for days on end and not feel sore.

“The Perfect Workout is worth trying if you are leery about lifting weights. You can get a good workout in without breaking a sweat in 20 minutes.”


As for how Lori feels now…


“I am stronger and feel more confident.”

If you want more information on how to incorporate slow-motion strength training into your workout routine, we have a free introductory session. If you’d like to know more about how to work with a trainer online, get a free consultation call with a Personal Trainer.

How He’s Stayed Active at 71 with Lyme Disease

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

How He’s Stayed Active at 71
with Lyme Disease

Before and After Photo - The Perfect Workout Client Jody Calcara

After a lifetime of being active and in great physical shape, Jody Calcara had to navigate a disease that affected his strength and stamina.

Despite his love for running, biking, and kayaking, that kind of lifestyle got harder and frustrating.

Luckily, the solution to his problem and the gift of better health was found in his own son’s workout routine.

—

7 years ago, our client Jody was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

“Lyme disease, caused by bacteria, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash” (CDC). Symptoms of EBV can include: fatigue, fever, inflamed throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, enlarged spleen, swollen liver, and rash (CDC).

The combination of the two – and the aging process – caused Jody to experience chronic neck, shoulder, knee, and lower back pains. It all made him feel more and more fatigued.

He tried to exercise on his own but struggled to keep up with workouts that made a difference in his strength and energy levels.

Meanwhile, Jody’s son was getting trained in our Mill Valley studio and said it kept him in great shape without having to spend hours doing it. He thought his dad could benefit from slow-motion strength training too, so he referred him in.

Jody tried his introductory session at the studio, fell in love with the method, and set out to improve his health.

When Jody joined in 2020, his goals were to:

  • Increase and maintain his energy levels
  • Lose weight
  • Gain muscle

After training in the studio and eventually switching to Virtual Training, Jody made significant progress and loves the way he looks and feels.

“Before The Perfect Workout, I couldn't discipline myself to do enough exercises to make any difference, but with the trainers I've worked with, I get pushed to get to the burn and now I actually feel and look much better.”

Now at 71, he:

  • Is down 15 pounds
  • Has increased his Leg Press weight by 20%
  • Has the energy to keep up with hikes, kayaking, biking
Before photo of a male client
Before
After Photo of male client
After
His proudest achievements so far are keeping his body fit, losing weight, and even having biceps again like he “did in his younger days.”

“This is a great way to keep your body in shape with just two short workouts a week. The trainers work with you and your limitations, but also gradually push you past some of the limits. It could add years to your life and make those years more productive and enjoyable.”

We’re happy to say, Jody is living proof of that!

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Fit at 80: Overweight & Weak to Fitness Instructor

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

From Overweight & Weak to Fitness Instructor in Her 80s!

From Overweight & Weak to Fitness Instructor in Her 80s!

Sally Determan Fit at 80 from strength training

Sally Determan was nearing her 80th birthday feeling “old and out of shape.”

Off-balance, weak, and overweight, Sally felt like she was paying a big price for years of living an unhealthy lifestyle and little to no exercise.

Fast forward 3 years, Sally is in the best shape of her life and has newfound stamina and strength to help others live a healthier lifestyle! 

—

As Sally approached her 80th birthday, she noticed that she was getting tired easily and everyday tasks were becoming more difficult.

“I also grew concerned about falls.”

She knew a change was needed and she couldn’t spend the rest of her life slowly declining. So, she started with trying to lose weight.

Sally began her journey at Weight Watchers where she lost some of the excess weight and incorporated water cardio into her routine.

She knew she needed to do something to increase her muscle and bone strength (to prevent falls) but lacked the motivation and know-how to lift weights at home. 

“I HATED the idea of loud, busy, glitzy gyms, filled with lycra-wearing folks 40 or more years younger than me!”

She needed guidance, privacy, and accountability.

Shortly after, Sally saw The Perfect Workout online and realized there was a Falls Church studio (not a gym!), offering a free introductory session. She figured she had nothing to lose by giving it a try, and the idea of 20 minutes, twice a week fit into her schedule.

Sally joined The Perfect Workout in January 2017 and made wonderful progress in improving her strength, stamina, and weight management.

Infographic Strength Training

After all that she’s accomplished so far, Sally is proud of her ability to keep up — actually, lead — other water cardio participants who are ten to fifteen years younger than her. 

“The entire concept that I am a physical fitness guru is astonishing!”

Knowing how important it is to have someone lead her through your workouts, and fitness journey, Sally gives a lot of credit to the team at The Perfect Workout.

“Each of the four trainers with whom I've worked have been excellent — and fun.”

Now, Sally tells people about her slow-motion strength training workouts when they ask her how she got in such good shape. She explains the method, including the concept of going as long and as hard as your muscles permit — very slowly — and how little time it takes.

The Perfect Workout Client Quote
Begin Your Journey Today!

Strong and Healthy: All the Things She Loves at 67

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

Strong and Healthy:
Doing all the Things She Loves at 67

Strong and Healthy woman on bicycle

Being outdoors runs through Linda’s blood. In fact, she met her husband on the ski slopes.

Over the years their lives have revolved around activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, and biking. Linda is an avid gardener and their sons are both Eagle Scouts. The entire McChesney family loves being outdoors and has learned many important life lessons in their adventures together.

But her outdoor adventurers were quickly halted when Linda broke her knee in a snow skiing accident.

Shortly after, she learned that she had low bone density and was facing a battle with osteoporosis. 

“The experience of being immobilized for months was depressing and gave me a glimpse of a future without the things I loved doing most. Something I took for granted. That revelation and the desire for a full recovery from my injury started my serious search for a sustainable exercise program.”

Testimonial from a strong and healthy woman

Linda had been to gyms, had a personal trainer, even joined one particular gym because her friends were all there. But none of that ever stuck. One day, she saw an advertisement in the paper for The Perfect Workout, but she was skeptical…

“We’ve been taught that more is better so what could I possibly gain in 20 minutes of exercise?”

Skepticism aside, Linda ultimately joined The Perfect Workout in 2016. 

“It turns out that with the right plan and a personal trainer to instruct you, guide you, encourage you, and monitor your progress, you have a lot to gain! The program is exceptional but the personal trainers have been essential to my success. Each one has taught me something new about my body, how it works, and how to take care of it. They are partners helping me reach my individual best.”

Quote from a strong and healthy woman

Like many clients during the pandemic, Linda began Virtual workouts. The studio workouts were working for her and she doubted that she could get a solid workout at home. 

Once more, her skepticism has proven wrong. 

“I cannot say enough great things about my Virtual Trainer, Kerry Borgen, who challenges me weekly! I take her when I travel. She’s flexible when I have to move my workout due to watching grandchildren during the pandemic. She’s tough, she’s compassionate, and she’s taught me to be a stronger person, physically and mentally.”

Because of her trainer and 20-minute, twice a week workouts, Linda feels like she can really “play” with her three young grandsons.

In the past couple of years, Linda gained the strength and energy to hike the Grand Canyon, from North to South rim, and enjoy mountain biking in Sedona, AZ.

“The Perfect Workout is PERFECT and the greatest testament to that is me at 67. Healthy, strong, and doing all the things I love. Osteoporosis is on the run and my knee healed beautifully.

This past year has given us many things to be thankful for and The Perfect Workout is high on my list.”

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Traded Local Gym Membership for Private Training

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

Why He traded his local gym membership for private training

John Gilbert Featured Image

John Gilbert was a long-time member of a local Orange County gym chain. When the pandemic hit, he had to stop. 

But, when the chain was allowed to reopen, the thought of going back to the gym made him feel unsure and uncomfortable.  

“It wasn’t staffed most of the time, and members could just badge in and out. And the hygiene program wasn’t super good there. I just didn't feel comfortable going back.”

Luckily, his wife had been training at The Perfect Workout’s Tustin studio for a couple of years, and she was a big fan.

So, he decided to take the plunge.

Carol Gilbert Quote

A Private, Safe Workout Space Curbed His Fears

Because the Tustin facility (and all 62 locations) follow strict CDC guidelines to keep the workout space clean and safe, John felt like it was time to make the switch from gym to private personal training.

“Everything's clean. It's only you and the trainer in the studio… So, it's very safe compared to a free-for-all, members going in and out, without any staff and without any control over who touches what.”

He isn't planning on going back to his old gym because The Perfect Workout, for him, is literally perfect!  In just 20 minutes, he can get a good strenuous workout. Something which took an hour and 15 minutes to accomplish back at his old gym.

Play Video

20 Minutes, Twice A Week With A Trainer And He Feels Way More Energetic Than Before

After barely two months, John already felt like he had more energy than before. 

Each workout is a little different as Angela, his trainer, changes up the exercises and keeps the workout at an ideal intensity level.

Back at his old gym, he was doing the traditional way of weight lifting, doing three sets of 10 to 15 reps. Slow-motion strength training was completely new to him. 

“This is a lot more strenuous.”

One thing that he really likes about the private setting is working out with the guidance of a trainer and the focused attention he gets on each exercise. 

“Back straight, drop your shoulders, engage your core, feet planted!” 

Previously, without a trainer, John admits he would normally stop when muscles were starting to fatigue.

“It was difficult to continue and push myself.” But with the help of his trainers’ coaching and encouragement, he’s able to push more than he ever thought possible.  

“It's amazing that you can do so much more with somebody there.” 

At The Perfect Workout, you get the value of coaching and undivided attention of a Personal Trainer, whether you train in the studio or virtually.

You can expect to get:

  • Personalized instruction and guidance on how to do each exercise
  • Safe and challenging workout
  • Adaptations to the workout depending on your ability, environment, and desired intensity level
  • Accountability, expert coaching, and a friend throughout your fitness journey
  • Guaranteed results

Get help from a Personal Trainer…

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Now Lives The Life She Wants

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

how she overcame her health issues & now lives the life she wants

Cynthia Crossland Featured image

When Cynthia Crossland realized she had some major issues stopping her from living the life she wanted to live, she decided to make a change.

Cynthia was recently retired and looked after her 2 year old granddaughter. She struggled to pick up her 25 pound grandbaby and carry her around, making time with her more challenging than she hoped.

Cynthia was also battling knee issues. One had no cartilage and the other a torn meniscus. Walking was painful.

She wanted to be able to travel and keep up with the groups on excursions, but that included a lot of walking. Yet another thing getting in the way of her dream life.

Cynthia also had high blood pressure but she didn’t want to be on the medication for it. In order for her to get off the medication, her Doctor told her she would need to lose 30 pounds.

All of these issues were stopping her from living the life she wanted to live. A life where she could go on adventures, have more energy, spend time with her granddaughter, and do it all with ease.

Cynthia had tried to lose weight in the past and exercise on her own but nothing seemed to work. Even sticking to a routine was a struggle for her.

Luckily she saw an ad on Facebook for The Perfect Workout.

“It sounded logical to me and I liked the 20 minutes. I called the West Plano location and made an appointment to go for my intro session. I liked that I could do the workout and felt good after doing it.”

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How 20 Minutes, Twice a Week Changed Her Life

Before joining The Perfect Workout, Cynthia’s abilities were limited.

Today, Cynthia:

  • Has lost 47 pounds – surpassing the goal her Doctor gave her to get off blood pressure medication
  • Can carry her 41 pound granddaughter (she’s 4 now)
  • Is able to walk for hours without her knees hurting
  • Can stand for long periods of time without getting tired
  • Squats down with ease to clean the floor

All things she couldn’t do before.

“I had a very inactive life. I would just sit and do nothing. Now, I can clean my house in a few hours. I have lots and lots of energy. I sleep better. I am more relaxed.”

Cynthia admits she was surprised how much 20 minutes, twice a week has helped her achieve her goals and is confident she will get stronger and healthier with consistent workouts.

“I have lost 47 pounds since I started the Perfect Workout. Something that I wasn’t able to achieve on my own. When I reached my goal, I felt elated and proud.”

The Perfect Workout Client Before and After Picture

Cynthia encourages people to try The Perfect Workout and let the Personal Trainers guide you to better health.

“If you are having any health issues, the trainers will prepare a program for you that will build your strength and help you become healthy. They are well trained. They listen.”

Our Personal Trainers are experienced in working with clients of all skill-levels. Each member of our training team is warm, compassionate, and carefully selected to work with people just like you. We understand that working with a Personal Trainer might be new to you and that may seem intimidating. However, when you are in our studios or working with us virtually, you won’t be judged or pushed beyond your abilities. 

Just like Cynthia, you will be coached with patience and support at all times. And imagine what changes you could make in your body and health to be able to live your best life.

“I am happier, healthy, and living my life as I wanted.”

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Neuropathy, Diabetes, & Arthritis – (how she did it…)

Posted on by Jordan Thomson

exercise with neuropathy, diabetes & arthritis: How she's stayed active through it all

Bryna Featured Image

When lifelong athlete Bryna Rifkind found herself struggling to exercise with neuropathy, type II diabetes, and arthritis after cancer treatment, she tried something new.

She found slow-motion strength training, and for over 6 years has been religious about staying consistent with her workouts.

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In 2001, Bryna Rifkind was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout her treatment she developed neuropathy in her feet. Neuropathy is a “disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness” (Oxford).

She could not wear shoes, certain items of clothing, and her activity was limited. 

“I couldn't even do swimming because the mere action of moving your feet back and forth felt as though somebody was whipping my feet.”

As a self-proclaimed “jock,” she had always exercised and knew she needed to remain active. But her limitations and level of pain made that challenging.

After doing research, Bryna found that strength training was the smartest exercise solution for her. She began to lift weights at her local YMCA, but she experienced pain in her knee and the workout just didn’t “feel right.”

In 2013 Bryna was diagnosed with type II diabetes and she realized she couldn’t do this alone. She needed help.

“I needed to have something formal, something that somebody could help me with.” 

Bryna came across an article about a doctor who used to bicycle and run but traded those methods in for a different way of exercising: slow-motion strength training. The doctor’s personal story and affirmations saying this method was good for cardiovascular health was just enough to get her to try it herself.

Dr. Howard Testimonial

In August 2014, Bryna joined The Perfect Workout’s San Mateo studio.

“I believed in weightlifting, so I joined. After I read everything [about the science] and went through the practice workout, I said, ‘Yep, this works.’ And I've been very religious about it.”

And she wasn’t kidding! Ever since joining, Bryna has trained with her Personal Trainers twice a week, every week, even when she traveled to the East Coast. 

At the time we didn’t have Virtual Training, which allows you to train from anywhere. Luckily we had studios in Bethesda, MD and Alexandria, VA to keep her workouts consistent week-to-week.

“This has been really, really an important part of my life.”

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In addition to battling cancer treatments and diabetes, Bryna has faced a number of ailments. In 1992 she injured her hip in a car accident which developed into arthritis. She’s also had injuries in both shoulders. 

But no matter the injury or issue, her Personal Trainers adapted her workouts. 

 

Bryna Testimonial

Bryna’s 20-minute workouts have also:

  • Helped her get stronger
  • Increased her stamina for daily life
  • Become a tool to combat depression


“This is a gift I give myself.”

Bryna believes the quality of the Trainers at all of the studios she’s visited has been exceptional. She’s always felt close to them and appreciates that they make accommodations for how she’s feeling. 

“I really do feel cared for. And, that is exceptional. I expect to be doing this for a long time.”

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