The Fitness Edge | St. Louis

I am happy to share how pleased I am with Jared Fryman and everyone at The Fitness Edge. I still feel incredibly new, with lots of distance to go, and I am delighted to find myself motivated by the work outs I am doing. Jared's demeanor and sequencing of activities makes the time spent a pleasure as well as efficient and effective. He brings a quick smile and a quiet expectation level to his work that fits well with my style of engagement. I am motivated to work on my own behalf as well as to do well in his eyes. I am getting exactly what I thought would come from working with a professional trainer plus more. Your staff exhibit warmth and friendliness as I enter and go about my time at the facility, such that it feels like a marvelously encouraging place to be. The attention to detail I have observed so far is appreciated -- from the way the equipment is shared and maintained to the comfort level found in the locker room. I've also been glad for and appreciative of the moments that Mike Jaudes has stopped by to say hello and to chat. You have a great deal to be proud of - your company provides a service I am finding excellent and incredibly beneficial. I look forward to realizing my goals week by week.

With appreciation and commendation,

MINDSET IS EVERYTHING

In the last five years I have had two open heart surgeries, two ablations, and approximately eleven other procedures to repair a congenital heart defect.

As a psychotherapist, I know how important a positive outlook is. Where the mind goes, the body follows. I have used that principle to succeed in many aspects of my life. All of those aspects, however, didn't involve the physical. I was always the loser in gym class, the one that didn't have the endurance the other kids had (my heart problem wasn't diagnosed until I was 51). I have tried sports, and wanted to be athletic but always failed. I had no idea how deeply my sense of insecurity about this went until after all my heart work was done and I pursued my lifelong dream of running a 5K.

A friend recommended Mike Jaudes to me, as someone who could safely train me for the process as this was something I had NEVER been able to do, let alone at the age of 56. After Mike consulted my doctors, we started the training and it was then that I saw how deeply I had adopted the outlook that I was incompetent. It was because Mike consistently and thoroughly treated me AS competent, as someone who could do what others do, that I began to change my mindset. Because Mike treated me like I was competent, I began to believe it. I now see myself as a runner, even own Runner Girl bumper stickers, and feel that I more fully belong. Thanks to Mike and Fitness Edge I have the outlook that allows me to achieve my dream.

As a client of The Fitness Edge for 19 years, I’ve learned that fitness isn’t something that is static, it has to change with us over time. Because the philosophy of The Fitness Edge is that the program changes as the clients change, I can happily say that I am in the best shape of my life at 49. I have trained through two pregnancies and a severe shoulder dislocation and the trainers adapted my program to keep me moving forward. It isn’t just about the hour the trainers spend with their client, it is about the relationship that develops, and the entire staff being engaged in every person’s “fitness journey” through support and advice. The trainers share their extensive nutritional knowledge during your training session and go beyond just working with you for that hour by writing up cardio programs, and allowing clients to use the cardio equipment at the gym between training sessions.

In the last 18 months, because of the support of Mike, Maureen, Brandt, and the rest of the staff I have taken my fitness to a new level and have lost almost 20 pounds and over 10% body fat, going from a size 4 to a size 0! As a plastic surgeon I realize that it is important to look good, feel good, and be healthy and I feel both Bob and I have achieved that with the help of The Fitness Edge.

- Patricia McGuire

I have been fighting a weight problem for nearly my entire life. I have tried so many different ways to lose weight. I would lose weight, for a while, but I was never successful at keeping it off or sticking with it. To add to this struggle I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 13 years ago. The first 8 years of my diagnosis, I was in an extreme amount of pain and was not able to find a doctor that was able to get me medicated correctly to get relief. I was very inactive during this time. I would get up and go to work in the morning, and the rest of the time I would spend in bed. I avoided all movement as much as possible. At this point, I really began packing on the pounds.

Adding even more weight to my already overweight frame led to even more problems. I began having lower back problems and numbness in my upper right thigh. I visited many more doctors; chiropractors, orthopedics, and went to many sessions of physical therapy, but did not show much improvement. The number of medications I was taking began to increase as well. It was at this time I decided I just needed to get rid of the weight.

I began dieting in June of 2009, losing 40 pounds in three months! I was gifted sessions of personal training at The Fitness Edge in September. This gift to The Fitness Edge was the best gift I could have ever received. Since going to The Fitness Edge in September 2009, I have lost an additional 72 pounds and still going strong. I have 18 more pounds to go before reaching my goal of losing 130 pounds!

When I started at The Fitness Edge I was afraid that I would not be able to keep up. At that point, I did not have balance, and still had low back pain and numbness in my upper right thigh. I could not do much in the way of bending my knees or squatting, and would even never dream of sitting on the floor for fear of not being able to get back up. How could I possibly do this? Then I met my trainer, Nathan Yamnitz. From the beginning, he was very understanding and trained me at a pace that worked for me. He would hold my hand to help me keep my balance when I had to do lunges. He held my hand through most every exercise that we did. I was very impressed. But, the most impressive part was that, even after I finished that first session and went home, Nathan still did not stop holding my hand. He checks up on me every day, just to make sure I am staying the course. When I am worried or stressed, I call or text him and he gets back to me as soon as he possibly can to let me know that everything is alright, that I can do it, and that he is now, and will always be, right there, every step of the way, to help me achieve my goals.

Nathan challenges me daily, and I really feel like he is walking this entire journey with me, not just the two hours a week that I come in to train with him. We celebrate my successes and we make adjustments during my struggles, always staying focused on my ultimate goal. He no longer has to actually hold my hand during our workouts, though! Today I am doing exercises I could have never imagined I would ever do. I have recently begun running and can run a mile and a half without stopping, I can do squats, and my balance has tremendously improved. I am also currently off all of my prescribed medications, my low back pain is gone, and the numbness in my leg is nearly entirely gone as well!

My experience at The Fitness Edge has been great. It is truly a unique facility. Nathan and all of the other trainers are not only very knowledgeable, but also very personable. They take the time to get to know who you are. It is such a friendly atmosphere. Even on the days I don’t feel like going to exercise, I always leave there feeling great, with a smile on my face, because The Fitness Edge has such a friendly and caring atmosphere.

In all my attempted weight loss experience, this has, by far, been the most successful, enjoyable and rewarding. I have temporarily overcome my Rheumatoid Arthritis and have permanently overcome being overweight. I would not have been this successful if it were not for the graciousness of the people who care about me which includes all the trainers as well as all the clients I have had the great fortune to meet at The Fitness Edge.

I wanted to let you know how pleased I have been with my experience at Fitness Edge. It has been about one and a half years since I started training at FE and the training has been outstanding. I feel stronger physically and mentally. I could not have accomplished this on my own. I would also like to say a few words about my trainer Jen Hyatt. Jen is very knowledgable about fitness and is a pleasure to train with. She is very good at her job. She is able to get far more out of me than I could if I worked out alone. (In fact, sometimes I think the other trainers and clients pity me as they watch Jen beat me around the gym! But I like it!) I also enjoy the environment around the gym. The equipment is all top notch. The other trainers seem to enjoy working at FE and it is obvious.

I am sure that at times like these some clients may find it difficult to spend the resources on training that they would like. I really believe that the resources spent on training are an investment in oneself. I can think of many other things I would gladly give up prior to giving up my workouts at FE. For me the training is essential at this point. It keeps me healthy physically and mentally. I strongly suspect many other clients see things the same way I do and that is why I am sure FE will continue to thrive.

With best wishes for success in 2009 and beyond,

I am so appreciative of all the staff at The Fitness Edge for the support I constantly receive - from you to the receptionists to the trainers to the porters – everyone is encouraging and welcoming. You are really running a second-to-none organization.

The number one acknowledgement for helping me attain this success must go to Tim Nardoni, though. I really enjoy working with Tim. During my training sessions I always feel that I have Tim’s complete focus – it’s all about me and my progress. He pushes me to work harder than I often think I can. He routinely changes up my workout to keep me interested. I become bored and distracted easily and Tim quickly tuned into this about me. He keeps me focused and, frankly, entertained. Often, the hour flies by. He has a great sense of humor. I am constantly impressed how mature and disciplined he is plus how knowledgeable. I think Tim is a great trainer, Mike and really thank you for pairing me up with him – it’s a huge factor in the success I’ve experienced so far.

When I first went to investigate working out at The Fitness Edge, Mike put me through a thorough assessment to identify my capabilities and goals, and to determine which of his 30+ full-time personal trainers would be the best fit for me. He showed me around his large, impressive gym, including how he enforces cleanliness and safety.

In my travels, I have been fortunate to stay at some of the finest upscale hotels and resorts. The variety and quality of the equipment at The Fitness Edge rivals that of any spas I have visited. Furthermore, Mike’s locker room and massage room are as lovely and well-appointed as any of the finest hotel or resort properties. Certainly it takes discipline to maintain an exercise regimen. Mike makes Fitness Edge a pleasant destination at which to get and/or stay in shape.

Mike assigned Sean to be my personal trainer. Sean is very knowledgeable, creative, and flexible in planning and directing our workouts. He carefully watches my movement and form; he also listens well. I trust him completely to keep me safe and help me stay healthy, mobile, and well balanced.

We work out for 55 minutes. The last 5 minutes, I lie down on a soft, raised mat and Sean stretches me. This appears to be the routine of every Fitness Edge trainer and client. My previous gym did not do this. From the moment that Sean laid his hands on my back and shoulders after my first workout, I could tell that he knows what he is doing. Sean’s background includes training in massage. He has also become my massage therapist. Therefore, Sean knows not only how to work my muscles; he also knows exactly how to work out any tightness and stress. Sean possesses a rare and fabulous combination of talents. I recommend him highly.