Testimonials

 Siva priya Santhanam                                 July 24th 2019      

“Hello & Namaste! The day I walked into PDRC, I was nervous and wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing. I have been overweight all my life, and had tried every form of exercise, yoga, and diet plans under the sun! It was a constant battle – me against my weight! Nothing worked; primarily, because I wasn’t consistent. I gave up too soon each time; I always had an excuse, and I succumbed to negative self-talk. When I took up a new job as a university professor, I noticed that my life had gotten even more sedentary with several hours before the computer or at my desk. I thought to myself – if I don’t start working out consistently now, I might die when I am 35! So, I decided to work with a personal trainer in the hope that my trainer would be a “magician”. 

Shari Lesser was my personal trainer at PDRC. She was realistic and not a magician!  She has been supporting me and coaching me with fitness, strength training, and weight loss. I have been going to PDRC at least 4 days on a busy week and 6 days on a good one. Her workouts were customized to what my body responded to, and what I felt comfortable doing. It wasn’t easy though – she pushed me the right amount and constantly encouraged me to push myself without hurting my body. She also helped me monitor what I ate. In fact, since I started working out, I don’t feel the urge to feed my body any junk. The consistency in my workout has improved because of how they make me feel. I feel energized; I feel lighter. I don’t have heart burns any more. My knees don’t hurt as much. I eat right and sleep well. Overall, I feel good about myself. I know I have not reached my “perfect weight” yet, but I know I am in the right direction, and honestly, I don’t value myself by my body size any more. I value health, and I value the energy that allows me to do the things I want to do with my family like hiking, biking, playing outdoors, and being more active.

Recently, I was able to get in 5.5 miles on the bike in 30 minutes and I go hiking to the mountains frequently without feeling much pain in my knees. It is hard, but I am doing it! I could do 1.5 miles on the bike in January 2019, and was always reluctant to hike. When I see myself reach new milestones like this, I feel empowered! I always knew that I could do anything I set my mind to, but now, I am actually doing it! I believe that we women sometimes forget to take care of ourselves as much as we care for others. The functional training I’ve done with Shari has made me feel strong physically and mentally, and I truly have begun taking care of myself in a mindful way. If that’s not a happiness and health booster, what is!?!”
Thanks,
Siva priya Santhanam

 
 
Dennis Combs                                    February 2019 
Former mayor of Longmont
I used to work out with a strength trainer that incorporated balance into every single exercise we did. I think her website was www.balance2Bfit.com . After I worked out with Shari Lesser for a few months I never ever crashed on mountain bike, even on super technical stuff. Balance and core strength are so important to aging athletes and all athletes.
Balance2bFit
BALANCE2BFIT.COM
Balance2bFit
Kurt Angelese                                         April 5th 2018

My Success Story Building the Best Me with LT Waiting for Feb 1st, 2018 seemed like an eternity. That’s when Lifetime Flatirons opened and my typical excuses became null and void. Excuses like a location is not convenient, the hours don’t work for my schedule, there is no childcare, the equipment is old, or it’s too hot/cold/ crowded/noisy/dirty/expensive, etc. When that day arrived there were no valid excuses. To the contrary, on opening day and ever since, I have been motivated and inspired by the energy this club exudes. Initially I was over-whelmed with so many activity choices. I didn’t have a plan! Thankfully, I met a cheerful and energetic Lifetime trainer, Shari Lesser. She informed me of the 60-day challenge starting that Saturday. We scheduled a complimentary consultation where she oriented me to all the new equipment and proper form on many exercises. Next, we identified and documented goals specific to me as I committed to the #LT60DayChallenge! I wanted to lose as little weight as possible. Yeah, that’s right! With clothes on most would have described me as skinny, but underneath I was really “skinny fat”. My goal (which no longer was only an un-documented desire) was to TRANSFORM myself – to add muscle while losing some fat, a tricky balance. Burn too many, or eat too few calories and muscles have no fuel to grow. Erring in the opposite direction yields no fat loss. I learned from Shari and the excellent nutritional resources online for Lifetime members that timing and quality of both training and diet is vital. I began to plan my daily nutrition by packing healthy mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and post-workout snacks to fuel my transformation. The club’s onsite LifeCafe, with many highprotein, nutrient-dense menu choices, also made some meals each week a convenient no-brainer. I believe adhering to these steps was the first key to my success. LIFETIME FITNESS 60-DAY CHALLENGE SPRING 2018 A second key to my success was avoiding injury, or more accurately, re-injury. In the last 10 years I’ve undergone 2 surgeries to repair the labrum of my left shoulder, and another surgery to repair the meniscus of my left knee. Shari coached me with subtle but important exercise form corrections to avoid a repeat injury and to minimize inflammation of these compromised joints. The high-quality, ergonomic machines selected for this club were perfect in allowing me to train intensely, yet safely. I could feel the muscle working where I should, without localized discomfort in joints or reaction points. Unlike past self-coached attempts to transform my body that ended very prematurely with either a re-injury or severe joint flare-up, Shari’s advice and the Lifetime equipment kept me on track! In the office I often heard co-workers saying, “Gotta go to the f&*#$%@ gym tonight.” Obviously, they don’t train where I do! I started saying, “I get to go to my gym tonight!”, like it was a treat. Whereas many co-workers rushed workouts to get away from their gym, I became so motivated to get to my next 60-day workout that I rushed toward Lifetime. Whenever I arrived I was simultaneously greeted by a vibe of energy from within and polite, well-dressed staff who smiled and wished me a great workout! The front desk staff, the trainers, and locker room attendants cheerfulness and appearance that they enjoyed being there, added to my desire to be there too. I began to look forward to Saturday morning weigh-ins and body fat % checks, and receiving another well-done high-five from Shari. Because the 60-day challenge had documented goals that I jointly set with my trainer, it made completing each workout feel more purposeful, as if I was placing another puzzle piece. At first I over-looked this but have come to understand it was the 3rd key to my success. Had I just remained a club member without entering the 60-day with documented goals, I would not have achieved these same results. Though I embarked on a body transformation, the mind and mood came along. The 60 days have ended, but the transformation has not. I look forward to many other Lifetime challenges ahead. This is only the beginning!

ELIZABETH                                                                                               11/18/2015

Hi Shari,

I just wanted to celebrate with you that I’ve officially lost 10 pounds since October when I first met you! Your bootcamp class was a real jump start to that process, and I’m so happy to be continuing inside with you throughout the winter 🙂 You continue to make our workouts fun, different every time, and effective. Looking forward to 10 more pounds lost!! I’ll keep sharing information about your class with my friends and see who else we can get in the gym with us.

Happy Wednesday!
~Lis

PAUL HIPSHER                                                                                    4/3/2015

Shari brings to the table a diverse and challenging set of workouts, routines and ideas. I will be turning 40 this year, and feel stronger than ever thanks to Shari’s one-on-one coaching and her unique ability to tailor routines to individual needs and goals. Being an avid mountain biker, rock climber and hiker, I need to be well-rounded in the way my body performs. Shari’s balance on core, strength, endurance, flexibility and proper nutrition allows me to stay lean and strong to excel in my mountain athletics. Her attention to detail is amazing when it comes to ensuring proper form so you can get the most of your workouts, and prevent injury. Shari is simply the best at what she does, and will get you to your fitness goals with an addictive positive attitude, and a smile on her face. Thanks Shari!

CINDA DAGGETT                                                                   August 29, 2014

Hi Shari, I thought you might like to know I am almost 100% on the back issue. Rarely do I have pain even though my doctor told me my back was a total mess. She cannot believe the progress and I owe a lot of that to you.

I have joined the Longmont Rec Center and I love it. So many classes, beautiful equipment. I realize now how outdated the equipment at GAC really was I take a body pump class, it is so hard, never have I had a class like that. I can already see results.
I hope this finds you well and happy. I sing your praises to anyone who will listen.

CHRISSY MALONEY                                                                     April 1, 2014
Shari tailored every workout for me. She took special care to teach me workouts I thought I would never try on my own. During my 3 month training session Shari mentored me through a detoxifying cleanse helping me to shop and prepare for the week long en-devour.  Rather than push me to lose weight fast, she helped to guide my eating habits towards a maintainable diet that helped my body build muscle and lose fat. Her workouts involved a fun combination of heavy lifting and functional exercises that made my whole body feel more capable. I feel more healthy and strong now than I have since college and the before after measurements prove this great feeling with a total loss of 4% body fat. For anyone looking to improve their quality of life through fitness and nutrition and have a great time while doing it, Shari is a perfect fit!!
Thank you so much Shari!!
Chrissy

MARY SOMERMEYER                                                          January 6, 2014

I have been working with Shari for over a year. I have seen amazing results. I am 53 and have had knee surgery (ripped quad) 1996, and back surgery in 2005. I have played competitive volleyball in the past but after my back surgery, I never thought I would ever play again. Shari has helped me get my body back into shape so I can play volleyball again. She even helped with my shoulder which I have had chronic pain since 1998 from overuse. She has also helped with hormone imbalances. Shari has helped me get on a regular fitness regimen, enjoy better nutrition, and supports me through thick or thin.

Shari makes workouts fun and different so you stay motivated. Shari is very attentive to your needs and listens when something doesn’t feel right and adjusts your workout accordingly. Her workout programs are not a walk in the park but that is what makes the workouts fun. First, you think that you would never be able to do “that” and then the next thing you know you are doing it. Just amazing!

You do have to take responsibility and dedication to improving your fitness level and must be willing to put the effort in. Shari will push you as far as you are willing to go. Shari will help you with core strength, balance, increase your metabolism and flexibility while making your workouts fun and motivating
I love being in shape and to have more energy to play volleyball. Come join the fun. 

DAWN KORESS                                                                                            2013   

Take one look at Shari and you will become motivated! I have been training with her for the past 4 years and she continues to keep me motivated and always has a new and exciting workout planned. I maintain my weight and enjoy getting stronger. Thanks for the love light and balance you bring to my life.

STEVE SANDERS                                                                          May 19, 2013

Working with Shari has been Wonderful! She’s been super focused on creating customized workouts for me, working through them and whatever questions I have, while also demonstrating motivation and patience every step of the way! It’s obvious she understands bodies and how they work. She’s “tuned into” what my body & I need vs. just putting me through some “standard” set of weights and moves – I’m recovering from a serious injury, so that’s really important, which she has completely figured out: it’s about me and what my body needs and will respond to. I loooove the feeling of getting stronger and more balanced, which keeps me motivated to keep coming back for more!

MING CHEN                                                                          January 30, 2012

I’ve worked with quite a few trainers and Shari is by far the best. She truly cares about her clients’ overall health – mental, emotional, AND physical – and takes the time to work with you on a program to get you healthy and fit.Shari incorporates not only physical fitness with weight training, cardio intervals and balance and stability, but also nutritional health and a yogic mindset. She is always supportive and understanding while tailoring workouts to my needs. The only reason I’m not working with her now is I moved out of state and I will miss her every day!

LISA PEREZ                                                                 

I worked with Shari on a weekly basis for several years. During that time, I’ve found that she is always on top of current fitness practices. She is always changing up her fitness routines to keep me motivated and my body changing. I have several chronic injuries that Shari understands, and is able to work around while still pushing me to get the utmost out my training. As someone that has worked with trainers most of my adult life, one of the things that I really like about Shari’s style is that almost all of the exercises she does incorporates core strengthening along with other body part workouts. We are almost always using balance techniques while working other body parts. This is the first time I have found a trainer that does this type of full body/core focus. As a result, I have that strong lean look I was looking for. At 40+ years old I am in the best shape of my life, thanks to Shari. Recently, I moved out of state. Losing Shari as a trainer has been a huge loss in my workout and my personal life.

SUSAN SEAMANS                                                                                       2011

Shari Lesser has been instrumental in my success at weight loss and personal fitness. Her combined approach of strength training and core development, through the use of balance apparatus, has supported my diet and fitness resulting in my current weight loss of 58lbs. Shari provides a positive energy and motivation along with a knowledge base in exercise and nutrition. The variety of exercises she has worked on with me, has provided toning beyond what my weight loss would indicate. I have successfully reduced clothing sizes that i had previously only achieved at a weight of 20lbs less than my current weight. I attribute this to the muscle tone and lean mass that I have achieved through my workouts. I would highly recommend Shari as a resource for anyone looking to achieve success in weight loss and fitness.

MARTINA                                                                                 September 2011

My name is Martina Juarez. I first started going to the gym in December of 2010. I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical about working out since I had never been to a gym before in my life. I worked out on my own for four months, with no results at all!  Then in April of 2011 I met Shari Lesser, my Personal Trainer. I told her about my battle with diabetes as a result of a high risk pregnancy. Her knowledge of fitness and nutrition helped me tremendously. With Shari’s help, I began to regain my self-confidence. After four months of training with her I lost a total of 40 pounds and still going!! She is a compassionate trainer who cares about her clients. Her personality and encouragement keep me a loyal customer.  I could never thank her enough.

DENNIS COMBS                                                                                           2010

When I was young I used to take my health for granted, now I realize just what a gift from God it truly is. I never dreamed (20 years ago) that I could ever do the things that I am able to do at age 55. To be able to swim 6-8 miles in the open ocean, or ride 120 miles over 3 mountain passes is just the most spiritually uplifting feeling in the world. I wish everyone could understand the link to fitness and health is to your overall well being. I am truly thankful for all that I have in my life. I wanted you to know I learned a lot today!  I am excited to work on the exercises that you showed me today. I am a very coach-able client (if I have a good teacher and you definitely are a good teacher).

I just wanted to thank you for teaching me how to improve my core balance strength. It really made a big difference on my 14,000 yard birthday swim. I am stronger and more swim fit then I have ever been in my entire life. I was totally amazed at just how easy it was to swim 8 miles on my 56th birthday. My overall functional athletic strength is stronger than it has ever been. I wish I knew what I know now about eating well, training well, and living well, 30 years ago. Thanks again for teaching me the importance of core balance training for improving functional strength. You are an amazing personal trainer and a very nice lady.

 

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