Member Success Stories

Peter Baylon

It can take some time for adults to transition to a fitness program that allows them to win at the participation game. Some lose. But the fact is, everyone, regardless of age, needs to find a program that works for them. At Razor Sharp Fitness, we aim to help you find a mental toughness that gains you a participation trophy in the game of fitness.

Peter Baylon has been a Razor Sharp Fitness member since 2019. Peter is excited and grateful for the platform that the Razor Sharp Fitness Aquatics program allows him to utilize for his fitness regimen.

“With extra training credits, and my need for exercise, I started training with the aquatics program on a whim in 2021. Revisiting my childhood passion of competitive swimming is one of the best things I ever did. I love the aquatics program because it allows me to maintain a consistent workout, refine my technique and stay active during COVID.”

Razor Sharp Fitness’ Aquatics instructor, Randy Sanders, has been training Peter for over a year now. Peter is grateful for Randy’s consistency, programming and enthusiasm. “He keeps me going and ensures that I am active in my own commitment. Without Randy, excuses would take precedence over my workout.”

~ Peter Baylon

Steve Morris

…. remember Steve! He is back with a new, updated testimonial.

“I’ve been a member at Razor Sharp Fitness since 2018. I signed up after I was released to start exercising again following a spinal fracture. I initially joined for the Sports Performance area and have fallen in love with the facility as a whole.

The biggest thing that I would recommend about Razor Sharp Fitness to friends and family is the community vibes. They want to see you win and succeed, not only in health and fitness, but in life. The staff is always positive and welcoming, the gym is always clean and tidy, and they are consistently looking for ways to improve, add and expand on their community.

Since I’ve been a member at Razor Sharp Fitness, I’ve gained a ton of experience with working out. I’ve also learned a lot about nutrition and the benefits of eating right in accordance to my fitness regimen. I currently workout 6 days a week and have an active rest day. I use the active rest day to reset, recharge and rejuvenate. My favorite rejuvenation process – the sauna!

I believe holding myself accountable and staying consistent has been the greatest factor in my fitness journey. I never take for granted a day, workout, or a chance to improve myself.”

~ Steve Morris

 

Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Stretch Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Headshot Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Squat Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Cable Machine

Becky Kubista

I chose to focus on health and physical fitness because I was not living anymore. In December of 2020, I chose to live. I then started my own fitness journey in early 2021. I was not happy spiritually, emotionally, or physically. My trainer helped me to push my limits and get out of my comfort zone. From there the rest was history.

In 2021, I committed to the lifestyle change that Razor Sharp Fitness strive to teach us. “Do not focus on the scale. Focus on the results.” Razor’s Styke Body Scanner helped me to understand where I needed to work on what I needed to focus on and how to get the results that will last. I am forever grateful for their guidance and for the help of Razor’s Styke Body Scanner.

I continue to come to Razor Sharp Fitness to take care of my mind, body and soul. I am grateful for the community and the trainers as they help me to stay consistent. I am now happier than I can remember being in more than a decade. I can not wait to see what the future holds.

~ Becky Kubista

Cristal Jaimes

It’s an honor to share a small portion of my weight loss journey with you. I have been a member at Razor Sharp since October 2020. What motivated me to work out was when I started noticing that my weight started affecting my mental health and confidence. I felt lonely and wanted to stay inside and not go out in public. The first step I took to help myself out was to open my gym membership. I decided to distance myself from people who did not support me and didn’t motivate me to work out. That is when I decided to get a personal trainer to always give me that support and encouragement. That is when my life started changing.

My trainer has been a huge part of my success. Not only did she boost my confidence each session, but she motivated me and kept me accountable. I don’t know if I could have done this without her. Not only do I look better, but I FEEL better. I have lost 50 pounds since October 2020. An example of what I did to keep myself motivated and accountable was writing down my bi-weekly weight loss to go back and see my progress whenever I was “too tired to work out” so I would get up and go! Investing in myself has been the best decision I’ve made. I’ve realized that “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

 

 

Mariela Morales & Emma Eisch

Mariela

“I’ve been working on my weight loss journey for about three years now, and it’s been a great journey thus far! My goals are to lose weight, tone my overall body, and become stronger. I train three days a week with Teresina, take group classes when my schedule allows, and also workout on my own. I recently tried the new LEVEL UP class, Torch, and it was amazing! I am also working on bettering my nutrition as a mother of two boys; it hasn’t been the best. I met my friend Emma early on in my journey, and we became great friends that motivate each other and push each other to do more. We sometimes work out together and keep each other on track with our goals. I love going to the gym because it is a great stress reliever for me. Home workouts are great, but being at Razor Sharp, there is a ton of equipment that I don’t have at home, and it allows me to do more than I would at home. I am not where I want to be just yet, but I know that I can and will get there with my trainer, Teresina, and Emma, and everyone else that’s there for me!”

Emma

“I have been on my fitness journey for about four years now. I never knew that going to the gym could be so addicting. When I first started, I made a lot of progress. When I got a little discouraged, I would turn to my partner in crime, Mariela, who has also been on her fitness journey. We have the best relationship. When we are at the gym together, we encourage each other when it gets hard. Having a workout buddy makes working out more fun. Mariela and I are this together and will continue to keep each other up! When I started at Razor Sharp, I also wanted a personal trainer to help me with my training. I found Kristine, and she has helped me more than you can imagine. When I workout, I do not want to have any pain, so Kristine has helped me with form. Because of that, I have gotten a lot stronger. I am so grateful for Mariela and Kristine for pushing me to reach my goals.”

   

Tim Koetting

I have been weight lifting since I was 14 years old, and it has become somewhat of an addiction. My focus in the early years was bodybuilding. Now that I am in my 50s, my focus has shifted to maintaining the progress that I made all of my life. I am trying to stay as healthy as I can as I get older. A combination of weight lifting, cardio, and a reasonable diet has, in my opinion, prevented some of the problems other people my age deal with. Seeing people older than me working out here at Razor gives me the motivation to continue doing so. If they can come into the gym to stay active, there is no reason that I cannot.

Coming into the gym also allows me to relieve stress. I do not smoke or drink and do not rely on caffeine to get through my day. Doing a daily workout enables me to unplug from the everyday stresses for a couple of hours. I like that Razor Sharp offers a social aspect to daily life. I have met and gotten to know several other regular members. Most of the other members are easygoing, willing to spot you on the weights when needed, and engage in friendly conversation.  

  

Kelly Monahan

Ever since I can remember, fitness has been a huge part of my life. At a young age, I was involved in competitive sports, which continued throughout my high school years. I continued to stay active during college by joining a gym. To balance my work, school, and study schedule, I started working out at 5 AM. Most of my friends thought that I was crazy; however, that’s what I needed, and it worked in my schedule. That early timeframe became an integral part of my life to this day.

When I graduated and started my job as an emergency room nurse working various shifts and raising two boys, the gym was not conducive to my schedule, so I started running. I enjoyed the outdoors, so running outside was so exhilarating! My competitive spirit led me to participate in many competitive running events. It was wonderful to have my family cheering me on when I ran through the finish line.

In 2015, I decided to join Razor Sharp. I was at a point in my life that I was looking for other options to stay active. Razor Sharp not only offered that but exceeded that in the group classes. The early morning times were just what I needed. The classes were challenging, but they pushed me to the next level. The variety of workouts offered allowed me to target different muscle groups and keep me focused. Strength training, aka Group Power, is my favorite class. This class became an addiction for me. The instructors and members of the class became part of my “gym family.” They all pushed me to do better and work harder, and my competitive spirit thrived on that.

Working hard and staying active will always be part of me; I am truly blessed with my life, health, family, and career. Thanks to Razor Sharp, especially Kate Thomas, I have gained another blessing to be thankful for.

 

  

Laura Stevens

About five years ago, I was diagnosed with Addison’s, an autoimmune disease, and I faced the future of living the rest of my life on steroids with all its awful side effects (weight gain, muscle loss, osteoporosis, etc.). I was determined this diagnosis would not be a ‘death’ sentence for me, but rather a ‘life’ sentence. Though I had been a member of Razor Sharp for years, it was now time for me to get serious and not just show up for classes, but also challenge myself in them.

I also started training with Lauren Gedemer (who is no longer with Razor). She has challenged me to do things I never thought I’d be able to do and never thought I even wanted to do (How cool that I can now jump onto a 30″ box!). Lauren has helped me to maintain my weight and metabolism. I’m sore in a new place every time I train with her, and I love it!

A while back, I told Lauren I wanted to do “one Lauren approved push-up” by my 60th birthday. It took me over a year, but about two weeks before the COVID shut down, I did it. I can’t tell you what a thrill this was for me! But now what? With the shutdown, I was scared to lose all that I had gained and feared that the steroids would win out after all. My birthday wasn’t until July, and I didn’t want to lose my one push-up before then. So, during quarantine, hearing Lauren in my head, I took up power walking and push-ups. On my birthday, I didn’t do one push-up; I did three sets of 20! 60 on my 60th! Lauren approved!

Working out has helped me keep my sanity through all the COVID restrictions, but I must be careful because of my Addison’s. Once Razor Sharp re-opened, Lauren has done a great job keeping things clean and safe for me. It is great to be back in the gym training and laughing with her!

Joe Panka

I had not done any type of fitness since high school. I was a pack+ per day smoker, did not watch what I ate and never exercised – unless you count cutting the grass. In 2006, at the age of 45 I had a wake-up call – a heart attack. This led me to stop smoking cold turkey. I was the youngest person in my cardiac rehab class and although I did fairly well with their exercise program, I did not stick to it.

It took another life event, divorce, for me to look at myself and decided to make some changes. I had a few people refer me to Razor Sharp in August 2012. It was in a convenient location to my office which was as big factor in choosing to join. I knew if I had to go home, change, and get myself to the gym I would end up just staying home.

I joined and immediately signed up for 12 sessions with Justin Leach. He gave me a great foundation to progress on my own and I did by the time the 12 weeks ended. However, after the sessions ended, I sort of floundered a little – working on my own with no real plan. This is when Razor started offering Group Power. That was a perfect class for me! It required zero thought on my part and gave me a total body workout in 55 minutes. Since then I have taken just about every group fitness class offered. My go-to classes are Power, R30/Ride, and a little Fight thrown in there. Classes hold me accountable to show up and get the work in as well as they provide a social component. Not to mention, all of the instructors are awesome and bring their own personality to the class. My fitness level had increased greatly these past 5 years or so to the point I can now do back-to-back Ride and Power classes. I never dreamt that could be possible a few years ago.

COVID has taken its toll lately, as well as losing a parent these past few months. Zoom classes helped keep me connected to the gym in the midst of all the craziness. Hopefully now that we are back in the gym I can re-energize myself and get back on track.  If I can do this as a soon to be 60-year-old, anyone can do it if they have the drive and show up!

Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Joe Panka Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Joe Panka 1 Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Joe Panka 2

 

Leah Morris

At a young age, I was always physically active and engaged in exercise, beginning with gymnastics and later softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and track. After I graduated high school, team sports ended for me, and I devoted all of my spare time to work.

My eating habits throughout my life were never consistent and healthy, and after becoming less active I began to consider my long-term health, and what my life could look like if I didn’t return to physical activity and commit to my health. I began experimenting with lifting weights, committed to CrossFit for over a year, and over the course of years, I ended up developing my own regimen that made me feel like the best version of myself – which led me to Razor Sharp! 

I have enjoyed the journey, something that I truly consider health to be, and I believe Razor Sharp provides the best environment to challenge yourself and commit to bettering your health through fitness!

 

Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Leah Morris Lifting Weights Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Leah Morris Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Leah Morris TRX Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Leah Morris Pushups

 

Steve Morris

Playing sports and being active has always been a part of my life. As a young man, I was always looking for opportunities to play sports and that trend followed suit as I got older. I was blessed to be able to play college football and a stint of professional football, which was my true pathway into the gym.

I have always had a passion to be better, whether that’s playing football, video games, or really anything. I’m very competitive and passion driven. However, an injury put an abrupt hold on that in 2017. In November of 2017 I started to experience severe pain in my upper and middle back. I was unsure what was causing this pain and was referred to a chiropractor who started to do adjustments on the area. Unfortunately, after weeks of adjustments, the pain continued to worsen. This began to worry me, so I informed the chiropractor of the issues and the pains I was experiencing during, not only exercise, but also routine tasks. I went for an MRI and as soon as he got the results, he called me. I had fractured two vertebrae in my T-spine. He then referred me to a spine specialist who told me I had to cease any and all exercise until we could figure how I had broken my back.

After countless doctor visits, tests, and imaging the doctors couldn’t pinpoint a cause. This led to more tests, stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights. This experience just snowballed and led me down a very dark path. For an entire year… as my bones healed, I could feel my health in other areas diminish. I felt unhappy and unhealthy.

After the doctors cleared me to start exercising again, I immediately started looking for a new gym to call home… this brought me to Razor Sharp! After experiencing that season in my life and the consequences from being inactive, I made a promise to myself that I never wanted to experience that again.

The days that I’m feeling tired or don’t have the drive, I remember how I felt when I physically couldn’t go to the gym. Not only does it help me feel better physically, it’s a form of mental therapy for me. It gives me the satisfaction of being better day in and day out. Having the ability to exercise stripped from me, gave me a new light into how much of a blessing it really is. It’s one thing I’ll never take for granted again and as long as I have the opportunity to be better than I was yesterday, why wouldn’t I? #ShowUp

Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Stretch Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Headshot Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Squat Razor Sharp Fitness Member Spotlight Steve Morris Cable Machine

 

 Cindy Smith

I began my Razor Sharp personal training journey about five years ago at the Erie Street facility. There, I found a trainer who I connected with and with her help, was able to hit my original fitness goals! However, unfortunate events occurred, and I was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in a 26-day hospital stay and numerous broken bones. I was lost and struggling to gain my momentum back to return to my original goals. I felt like there was no one around.

With the guidance of training, I was able to gain my confidence back! Now, five years later, I train with Teresina Watson. Teresina is patient, kind, and continually strives to help me with my renewed goals. I have found renewed strength and I am amazed at what I can actually lift. I have also found my sense of balance again, which I had lost a few times during the down times from my personal training and realized just how important is it – I don’t want to ever lose it again. God willing, I will not.

Not to mention, my self-esteem has only increased. I am even considering training more on my own! Even at my tender age of 64, I can do almost anything I put my mind to.

Thanks to the Razor Sharp team and most of all, Teresina!

 

  

 

Lila Bannister

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me about personal training. She asked about the costs & the benefits and she asked,” does he just stand there and tell you what to do for an hour?” After I stopped laughing, I explained to her that it is a part of what he does, but there is a lot more to training. I am excited to share my experience with personal training. When I started training with Justin in January of 2019, I had an injured ankle. It hurt so much I couldn’t walk without pain. I had been to two podiatrists, an arthritis doctor, a physical therapist and had bought custom orthotics. The pain was better, but it still hurt to walk. I was unable to run or ride my bike, which is a big part of my life. I have been a triathlete for 10 years and every year since I started racing, I have finished at least one triathlon, most years completing at least three races, and some years four. I also participate in 5k and 10k runs. Because I couldn’t work out, I had reverted to my original sports of reading and eating, causing me to gain weight and having to buy new clothes.

Suddenly, I was convinced that my active life was behind me and that I would continue to be stiff, sore, and cranky and would gain even more weight.  Working out and training helped keep my weight down and kept the crazies at bay. At the first meeting with Justin we discussed my limitations and my goals. I had two big goals I wanted to work toward if I could run and bike again. The first goal was to complete three 10k races in three days over Memorial Day weekend and the second goal was to complete a 5k, a sprint triathlon, a super sprint triathlon and an Olympic distance triathlon in three days over Labor Day weekend. I fully expected him to laugh and say that is not going to happen. Instead, he assured me that I would be able to run, bike, and participate in triathlons again. After researching how to fix my ankle without injuring my arthritic knee, he manipulated my ankle and foot and taught me exercises to do at home. I call him a miracle worker because within three weeks of my first session with him I was able to run and bike again without pain! After being depressed for months and being told I would have to live with the pain, this was a huge gift to be able to get back to the activities I love to do.

Justin taught me stretching, strength, flexibility and balance exercises. He reviewed and tweaked my triathlon training plan and encouraged me to push myself far beyond what I thought I could do. He challenged my preconceived notions of what I thought I could do and helped me develop a sensible nutrition plan. He also encouraged me to quit weighing myself. It took discipline to NOT WEIGH every week. Every time I passed the scales the urge to weigh nagged at me but I stopped weighing. Now I have gained a process that has resulted in wearing my smaller clothes that I haven’t been able to get into in years. Not to mention, with Justin’s encouragement and guidance I completed the two goals I originally set for myself at the beginning and even added and completed additional triathlon/ running goals! I attribute these successes to Justin’s attention and expertise. So, the answer to my friend’s question is, no, he doesn’t just stand around and tell me what to do.

You do not have to be an athlete to benefit from personal training. Personal training has greatly improved my life. My life is better because I have regained the flexibility, mobility and balance to do what I love to do. Being able to move and accomplish daily tasks without a struggle is a huge benefit. Getting older does not have to mean the end of self-reliance and/or mobility and ability. Personal training can help you age with grace, confidence and dignity.  It is well worth the price spent in money, time and energy. 

 

   

 

Ra’chel Lankford

Looking to return to the platform in 2020

I can remember when I first started lifting weights in Jr. high with our team coach. My passion for weightlifting followed me through high school and college. Working for an orthopedic surgeon after college helped me realize the necessity of strength and functional training as well as proper nutrition. 

I’ve always enjoyed competitive sports so when I was invited to join a team of USAPL lifters sponsored by my gym, it was a definite yes. Several years of competitive lifting and I still love and enjoy what I do and the process to get there. 

Razor Sharp fitness is a great place to train with knowledgeable trainers and friendly helpful staff. I highly suggest if you are just starting out on your fitness journey, or if you are a seasoned athlete, make an appointment to see a Razor Sharp trainer as it’s always nice to have a professional evaluate your technique, give you helpful pointers on ways to improve functional training, decrease the risk of injury and nutritional guidance to help you be the best version of yourself. 

Thanks to the members and staff that have taken time out of their training session to spot my lifts.

 

 

 

Diane Chernouski

My story begins last year on Mother’s Day when my daughter gifted me a personal trainer.  I had turned 60 several months earlier and had not been feeling comfortable with myself for some time – no energy, always tired, my clothes not fitting properly – and I think she must have gotten tired of hearing me complain about it! I knew Lauren Gedemer from attending several Power classes and really liked her enthusiasm so I was excited to know that I would be training with her.  Lauren didn’t want me to worry about the number on the scale but to concentrate on lowering my body fat percentage, and as that happened the number on the scale dropped too.  I learned so much that has helped me to be successful with reaching my goal of being healthier and happier for my daughter and grandsons.  It’s taken a lot of hard work but I couldn’t have done it without Lauren who was my coach and cheerleader.  She had the confidence that I could do it even when I didn’t believe it myself.  I now have the tools I need to continue this journey and to always challenge myself because even if I think I can’t do it, I won’t know it unless I try. I have lost over 30 pounds and 7.3% body fat!
 

Member Spotlight Diane Chernouski Member Spotlight Diane ChernouskiMember Spotlight Diane Chernouski Member Spotlight Diane Chernouski

Group Training: David Insurance

“Time spent with our associates at Razor Sharp has been fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone of all fitness levels.  The Razor Sharp staff have helped us meet our fitness goals, while making a fun environment for us outside the office! It has become something that my staff highly values and is a part of our total wellness initiative.”
– Chris Antonneau, President of David Insurance

“Between the awesome facility, great programs and knowledgeable trainers, Razor Sharp is the best gym in Southeastern WI. I am lucky to be at a company that sponsors a trainer for its employees to use. We are not just talking about wellness; we are making it happen.”
– Jessica Retzlaff, Individual Benefits Consultant

Check out Nate’s video below featuring his group training class with colleagues from David Insurance. He speaks about the importance of resetting your body after you’ve been sitting at a desk for 6-8 hours a day. From dynamic movements that help your posture to strength training that helps build muscle in your legs after sitting all day, Nate discusses the importance of working out and the benefits of doing so with a group!

If you and your colleagues are interested in learning more about group corporate training, contact Kate Thomas in person or by email at kthomas@razorsharpfit.com

Jake Koll

I never really had or took the time to reflect on all of the life balance benefits that came with being physically active, playing sports, weight training, and competing growing up. As college ended and the real world began, my focus became my profession and building a family. My metabolism slowed down, my diet was neglected, and stress of work and starting a family began to show in different ways. It wasn’t until 2017 that a good friend introduced me to personal training here at Razor. From the very first session I was hooked. I realized I was out of shape and needed to do something about it. I started training with Dan and Kyle. They have pushed me, encouraged me, and have reaffirmed all of the great benefits of living, leading, and working a healthy life. The comradery of partner training has motivated and pushed me to be better and has contributed to building great friendships. Working one-on-one with a trainer has allowed me to reach goals the most efficient ways. Having high blood pressure and cholesterol issues, I want to be healthy to keep up with all of my children. I want to get involved and be able to play and practice sports and activities with them for as long as I possibly can. I want to be someone that will push them to be their best.  I hope to instill a healthy lifestyle in them the most; to be the best role model I can for them. I believe that weight, strength, and personal training alleviates the stresses in life, keeps your mind sharp making better decisions, and shows as a sense of accomplishment by setting and achieving goals. Being active and or involved in weight training or sports builds good habits, confidence and discipline. I believe a long healthy life requires discipline and is no accident.

Paula Mae Kuiper

I began working with a personal trainer because I was sick of not feeling like an athlete and my wedding dress didn’t fit. I have been a member of Razor Sharp since it started back in 2003 and have always enjoyed working out. There was a period of time where I wasn’t consistently going  to Razor Sharp and that was due to the fact that I was a Collegiate athlete. I really enjoyed my time at college and all the running that came with it, but when it was done I was ready for a break.

A couple of months passed after college and initially I enjoyed not having to work out every single day. When I went to try on my wedding dress and it didn’t fit, and yes it was too small and not too big, I knew I needed to urgently find a way to get back into exercise. I believe always having a coach for me as an athlete was really important but knew my time in organized sports was over. That was when the idea of Bennett as my trainer/coach came into play.

Immediately we started discussing nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being. Bennett was really impressive to me as not only was he aware of what he was talking about in regards to overall health and wellness but was also able to explain the Biology behind it. When I started my training, back in May, I really felt out of shape and by the time we ended our session, which was in December, I truly felt like an athlete again.

I learned so much through training with Bennett and on the day of my wedding my dress fit perfectly. Not only did the dress fit but most importantly, I physical and emotionally never felt better and that is all thanks to Bennett!

 

 

Sean McNally 

I have been dealing with lower back issues on and off for years.  If I moved the wrong way or tweaked my body just right I would get excruciating pain in my lower back and leg. Every once in a while wasn’t too bad but the frequency was starting to increase.  Routine movements would trigger pain and the recovery time was becoming exhausting.  I stopped doing the activities I enjoyed for fear of getting hurt.  A change was needed.  

I accompanied my wife on a tour of Razor Sharp. She decided to join and I figured I needed to try something different. I thought maybe I needed more exercise, but I didn’t really know what that meant.  So we joined together.  Figured some movement was better than none.  My solutions for my lower back issues were temporary, and I knew it.  I wasn’t getting better but I knew I could.  Just didn’t know how. 

I met with Nate Skop for my KickStart.  He was very professional and attentive.  I felt like he actually listened to my goals.  I decided to start meeting with a trainer.  It was time for me to invest in my health.  I told Nate I have zero gym/working out experience.  He worked with my limitations.  We started meeting weekly in March 2018.  Nate educated me on proper body mechanics, under active muscles, mind-muscle connections, and designed exercises that would reduce my reoccurring back pain.  Nate developed a plan to include animal movements, promote core/glute engagement and body weight strength training.  Things I could easily replicate on my own.  And I do.  Every week at Razor Sharp I try to incorporate what I have learned from my sessions with Nate.  I still meet weekly with Nate and continue to learn.  More importantly, Nate has taught me how to be efficient, with both time and energy in the gym.     

The results have been phenomenal.  I haven’t experienced the lower back pain to the debilitating degree that I have in the past.  This has been the longest period in quite a while.  I’m not quite 100% yet but real close.  Initially, I was happy to be pain-free.  Now I’m revisited hobbies I have the strength to do.  Lastly, my brief time working with Nate and 2-3 days a week at Razor Sharp has made me feel so much better as a person.  I can feel the progress.                   

 

Debbie Andrews

I began working with a personal trainer to help me build strength, improve balances, and, overcome my fear of walking without a walker.

I have been a member of Razor Sharp for about 10 years and I typically workout three times a week. During the winter months I also swim laps on the weekends. I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and exercising really helps me with stretching and strengthening.  When I am in the pool, I can walk without any assistance and this helps me with my balance.

In January 2018, I began training with Justin Leach once a week. We continue to work together each week and he pushes me to try exercises that I never thought I could do. We are now working on pushing my walker away from me and I am taking some steps toward the walker. I am really starting to gain more confidence with his help!

I walk three laps around the track and walk backwards along one side of the building. My goal is to walk the track without my walker! Working with Justin given me a new found confidence because he motivates me to try things outside of my comfort zone, where I have found great success.

My sister, Pam Alley, also worked with a personal trainer (Adam Knueppell) to help her prepare for climbing Quandary Peak with her son. She and her son completed the climb in 2017.

Our family has greatly benefited from the personal training programs here at Razor Sharp and I would recommend Adam and Justin to anyone! They are both very talented and help you towards goals you want to achieve. Thank you to the Razor Sharp team!

 

Mike Moreno

Stronger now than ever before!

I can still remember when I first started weight training at age 15 and the pump that I would get after each and every workout. Somehow, the pursuit of that pump and becoming stronger each day became the norm for me and the rest, as they say, was history (or at least I thought it was). Now, fast forwarding to the age of 45, I can still say that I enjoy hitting the gym, but I am no longer that teenager that can throw around weights like they were nothing.

Now comes the realization that my knees, shoulders, elbows, and core need to be taken into great consideration as I could very easily be susceptible to injuries that could derail my progress. Enter Razor Sharp trainer Nate Skop. A good friend and exceptional trainer who comes from the same powerlifting/bodybuilding background as I did, Nate knew precisely what I needed to do in order to take my training to the next level while also developing various weak points. It is called functional training.

As defined, functional training “attempts to adapt or develop exercises which allow individuals to perform the activities of daily life more easily and without injuries”. Simply put, functional training incorporates weights, crossfit exercises, and cardio conditioning that focuses not just on personal physical development, but also on the body as a whole and reducing weak areas significantly. Over the last four months or so, I have increased my strength, cardiovascular health, core development, and endurance while also decreasing my body fat significantly. I can actually feel the improvements that Nate has assisted me with. His workouts continue to challenge me while also serving as a reminder that you are only as “fit” as the very workouts you put yourself through each and every week. I continue to maintain a solid foundation of muscle, but am happy to know that I have done so without compromising my new level of fitness.

I encourage everyone at Razor Sharp to schedule a time to talk with Nate about their fitness goals and nutrition. Since my conversation with him, my motivation is at an all-time high, and I’m always excited to see how I am improving week in and week out.

You won’t regret it!

 

Mary Korzilius

I gained confidence and even became eager to work harder!

Following my left knee replacement operation, less than one year ago, I decided it might be beneficial to have a personal trainer prior to undergoing the same surgery on the right knee.  Although the recovery of my left knee went well, I wanted to strengthen the muscles around my right knee in anticipation of a quicker and easier recovery.  As I have gotten older, I also want to work on my personal fitness and stamina because who doesn’t like the benefits of working out—more energy, better sleep, increased strength, etc. etc. and more.

Because I’m unfamiliar with the gym machines, and admittedly a little intimidated, I asked Kyle Knobloch, a trainer I saw on the floor how to do a specific exercise I had seen done on a Facebook post I had seen.  After showing me how to do it, he suggested I use my free personal training session (Kick Start Program) I had left unused for the longest time.

Janelle Cairo, Fitness Services Coordinator, introduced me to Justin Leach, a trainer that specializes in Functional Training and Rehabilitation following injuries and surgeries.  After determining what my goals were at the time—rehabilitation and overall fitness with particular attention to my knees—after just two sessions with him, I became aware of areas I needed to work on. He provided me with new exercises I could practice at home on my own time to better my balance, flexibility and mobility.  More importantly, Justin emphasized the importance of exercising with proper technique while exercising at Razor Sharp, because there’s no benefit if done incorrectly.

All was going well, and I felt very optimistic about my upcoming knee surgery.  Unfortunately, as we all know, things do not always go as planned.  While surgery went well, I woke up with a new challenge—foot drop!  During the surgery, my peroneal nerve was damaged, and as such, prevented me from lifting my foot up (dorsiflexion).  I was devastated (truly), and even somewhat dreaded returning to Razor Sharp after my rehab stay at Ridgewood Care Center.  In addition to these emotions, I was immensely disappointed that my best efforts let me down.  With Justin, I had worked hard to strengthen all the muscles in my legs to ensure a favorable, speedy recovery.  And now, what the heck, I was left with an abnormal gait due to foot drop and my accompanying inability to lift my foot while walking.

Despite this new obstacle, I shared my progress and new diagnosis with Justin.  While he admitted that he had worked with clients that had existing or newly developed foot drop, he was prepared to incorporate techniques, exercises, and added therapies—like electrical nerve stimulation—as a way to get back to my baseline, functional self.  It was around this time that I saw a light at the end of the tunnel.  Although it can take up to a year to get back to my previous level of activity, with no nerve pain, working with Justin and his exercise program makes that year feel shorter and just around the corner.  Thank you Justin.

Together with my personal trainer, I gained confidence and even became eager to work harder as noticeable and palpable improvements were seen and felt.  It has been very slow at times, and yes, I worried many nights wondering if all this hard work is going to be worth it.

Now, five months after surgery, I can confidently say that my sensation and capabilities in my affected foot are improving.  It’s slow and only perceptible to Justin, myself, and my physical therapist, David Van DeWater DPT at Advance Spine & Sport Rehabilitation.  Having and working with a personal trainer at Razor Sharp, I feel better than I did before the surgery, even better than I did ten years ago when I had two good knees and attended Silver Sneakers three times a week.

For those of you who have left their Kick Start Program free training session unused, don’t be afraid, make an appointment and see what a Personal Trainer can do for you.  It’s an ultimate life changing investment in your wellbeing.  With my personal trainer, I now enjoy working out.

 

Dana and Nate Moore

“A personal trainer…has been one of the greatest investments we have ever made!”

​As a couple, we fall into a category where I would say the vast majority of people fall: not completely motivated to stay committed to a consistent workout schedule that brings about the necessary results to stay in a fit, physical condition.

In the past, we would get into a groove of doing some type of workout for a short spell until, eventually, some event in our lives would disrupt that consistency. And then, the law of inertia kicks in – an object that is not in motion is tough to get moving again.

Partner training has been so beneficial for us as a couple. We have accountability to our trainer, but also to each other. It has pulled out our competitive spirit and been a great boost for our marriage.

When you think about physical training, you tend to think it only affects your body. But there is an emotional bond that has happened between myself and Dana through our training sessions. Knowing your spouse is committed to improving his or her overall physical condition helps build trust in the relationship. The special connection that teammates or soldiers form through shared physical effort holds true in partner training, too.

And, of course, there are the fitness results – I have lost twelve pounds since we started working out in September and Dana has maintained her weight. We both have increased our muscle mass and seen a decrease in body fat. Dana’s body composition has firmed up and her posture has improved significantly.

Our personal trainer, Nate Skop, brings so much value to our lives:​

  • He brings years of experience to the table. We don’t have the time to study every little nuance of the body or what action brings about the greatest change to add strength and correct areas of weakness. Fortunately for us, Nate has that extensive educational background in how the body works and what exercises are best to increase functional strength.
  • Nate is a great listening ear. We aren’t speaking to a brick wall. I will mention something off-hand during a workout, and he will bring it up a week later when we are performing an exercise that is specifically relevant to my comment or concern.
  • He considers our best interest when choosing workouts for us as a couple. It would be easy to package a cookie-cutter workout for all of his clients, but I know he puts thought into each group that he trains and tailors his training to their unique needs.

We look forward to seeing and spending time with Nate each week.

What we pay for a personal trainer is an investment in our lives, and it has been one of the greatest investments we have ever made!

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