Tag Archive for: success story

Vikki Success Story

Vicki B’s Success Story

Vikki at Advantage Personal TrainingI came to APT in November 2016. I had been athletic throughout my life – played various sports, and had always been physically active. About 5 years ago, I began to have issues with my right shoulder and arm. Nothing too serious but I was in a lot of pain. I knew if I didn?t take care of it I?d end up with permanent damage, and potentially have to get surgery. Working with health professionals I tried rehab. I would heal to a certain point but would eventually reinjure my shoulder/arm. I was also diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. My weight was increasing, while my physical and mental health were decreasing. I had tried other gyms, classes, and every fad diet out there. Nothing was working! I needed something to change, and it needed to happen immediately. After getting my shoulder to a good place again, last November I signed up for the 21 Day Challenge at APT Mystic.

I met with Keith Kessinger, Director of Programming, who assured me he & the trainers at APT could take on my case and we could work my body back to health. My goal was to be fit, lean, and healthy. I wanted to be working with experts in the field who would help me set reasonable & attainable goals but I was petrified I?d have another setback. In the 21 days, I lost pounds, inches, and body fat. Keith lived up to his word & so much more!

After the Challenge, I joined APT and have made great strides both physically & emotionally. The environment Greg, Calvin, and the rest of the staff have created is encouraging, supportive, and nurturing. Working with the Nutritionist, Bethany, I was finally able to begin replacing my old unhealthy habits with healthy habits, and my self-esteem and body image improved tremendously. Through APT I signed up for the Precision Nutrition online program. I receive daily emails which are teaching me about fitness & food, while Bethany acts as my Coach. The program has been an amazing learning experience.

After 9 months, I have a better insight into my fitness self, and feel more in control of my ?Owners Manual?. I understand why I made decisions that ultimately formed unhealthy habits, and I now understand I have the power to change them. I?ve learned this is a LIFESTYLE change, not a fad diet. Not to mention it?s maintainable and enjoyable. In 9 short months, I?ve become stronger, leaner, and in better shape than I?ve ever been. I love the APT Community and can?t thank the staff and fellow gym members enough for helping me along my fitness journey!

steve's success story

Steve M’s Success Story

My odyssey began in the fall of 1999 when I first learned about a novel kind of gym that would soon be opening in Old Mystic. I wanted to join a unique kind of gym that was different from the predominantly mainstream chains or basic storefront fitness clubs that were becoming remarkably prevalent in the area, so this place really intrigued me. This new and innovative facility was called Advantage Personal Training (APT) and was unrivaled by the others.

My search for a gym all came about because I was entering my mid-forties and found myself sitting for extraordinarily long periods at my desk, chairing meetings, or on an airplane. Because I was involved in so many fast-paced and exciting new projects having targets for performance and deadlines for completion, the stress associated with my career was also exhausting. It seemed as though everything was taking a toll on me ? both mentally and physically. My mind and body were telling me that I needed to care for them better and that I had to do something about it because I was out of shape.

Up until then, my job and career had always taken center stage, leaving no time for working out in a gym. The best I could do was to take the stairs instead of the elevator. The thought of beginning to work out at age 45 worried me ? not so much in the sense of being frightened, or injuring myself, but in the connotation of finding a ?good fit,? or suitable facility. I had read that one?s personality has a direct effect upon exercise performance, so being a ?type-a?, I had concerns about everything ? trainers, equipment, cleanliness, approach, and results. I was looking for structured and logical progression leading to success because failure is simply not in my vocabulary.

Fast-forwarding to the present, I am happy to say that I made the right choice by joining Advantage. In fact, I have been a true-to-life ?case study,? where detailed plans and a path for my development that were specifically tailor-made to suit me, have resulted in overwhelming success. Over the last 19+ years, Greg and his staff have provided the guidance, tools, expertise, and encouragement, taking me from ?beginner? to ?intermediate?, and now to ?advanced? levels of endurance, stamina, strength, and speed in my respective age group(s). During the last two decades, I have witnessed remarkable muscle growth and more importantly, muscle retention, using APT?s prescribed methods and direction. Not only do I look and feel better, but I am also proud to say that my waistline has returned to a svelte thirty-two inches ? what it was in high school!

What?s more, my cognitive function is markedly sharper, and my memory & thinking processes have improved. I?ve read where studies show that regular physical exercise is directly attributable to these enrichments. Currently, at age 64, the focus has slightly been modified (from stamina, strength, and speed) toward including more emphasis on flexibility, coordination, and balance, as I enter my ?golden years.? lol

Recently, I suffered a distressing personal setback where I was hospitalized and had to undergo a very delicate operation. Because of the nature and location of the operation, I was forced to use alternate methods of sitting up and overall mobility so as not to impede the healing process. As I called upon various other muscle groups away from the subject area (incision site) to do so, I was inexorably reminded of how Greg and I had worked together to strengthen and develop those substitute muscles in the gym ? never knowing that one day they would be called upon and put to the absolute test.

Now that I am back in the gym after being sidelined for three months, carefully created routines are followed where incremental goals will accrue, and lead to the major milestone of complete recovery.

I am grateful to Greg and every member of his staff ? past and present ? that helped contribute toward achieving my goals. In addition, I am extremely proud to be a member of the APT family, and recommend that everyone experience the thrill of using state-of-the-art equipment in a first-class facility under the tutelage of trained professionals.

Laura's Success Story

Laura’s Success Story

I became interested in Advantage when a friend suggested I try it for a month. I knew I was looking for a different way of working out that incorporated more weights and circuit training. I had been sort of stuck in a rut with my exercise program.

I never wanted to give up, but there were certainly times when it really challenged me. I had been recovering from a long battle with Lyme disease that took several years to get under control. I had only been doing low-level cardio for the previous few years. It was a big step forward for me to join Advantage.

My goal is to go to team training three times a week. I also try to incorporate yoga, tennis or walking at least two other days a week. I believe that I can be a better wife and mother when I am healthy and strong.

Advantage has an incredible, positive atmosphere. When I arrive, I am greeted with a smile by all of the staff. The trainers know me and can make recommendations about adjustments to my workout that are tailored to me. The team training classes are different every time which helps keep me motivated and interested.

When I stick to a fitness regimen and a healthy diet, I feel more confident tackling what comes my way. In addition, I feel it’s important to set a good example of what a healthy lifestyle looks like for my children. I have noticed that I am stronger which allows me to keep up with my very active family. I have also noticed that it has built up my self-confidence.

Judy F's Success Story

Judy’s Success Story

I have always worked out my whole life, (maybe not correctly), but I always played sports and did strength training.

I learned how to use weights properly when I took an admin job at a personal training gym nearly 20 years ago.

A year later I became a trainer!

Many people will encounter health issues and injuries in this journey we call life, even Personal Trainers.

I’m here to tell you my story.

I’ve had many joint injuries and surgeries over the years. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with CPPD (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition), which is a very painful joint disorder that causes calcifications in the joints, and unfortunately, it has no cure.

It has taken me almost 4 years to digest this news, and realize that I can no longer do things the way I once could.

If I’m going to cook a meal, work in the garden, clean my house, etc on a certain day, I need to know what kind of workout will be sufficient for me that day.

I also cannot lift the weights I once could. Every once in a while I will still try to lift heavier weights on a good day, which leaves me regretting my decision and causes sleepless nights due to the pain.

But I also know the importance of keeping strong so I do what I can and when I can!

I’m 54 years old and keeping the weight in check and staying as strong as I can. I consider myself a great cook (No matter what my son says). My cupboards always have glass jars with fresh ingredients in them, and I don?t buy a lot of pre-packaged food.
I have been lucky most all of my life to keep a good diet and I have always had a taste for good, clean food. I am definitely a label reader and have to know what I am putting into my body!

I’m here to tell you to keep moving. If you can move, then you can improve. So don’t stop being active, even if your body makes it difficult.

Danny's Success Story

Danny C’s Success Story

My name is Daniel Contino and I am currently a junior at Ledyard High School. As captain of the varsity wrestling team, I was fortunate enough to participate as our team won the Eastern Connecticut Conference and a Class M state title.

I chose Advantage Personal Training because it?s not as much of a gym as it is a community. In a traditional gym, it?s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle atmosphere fueled by peer competition and self-proclaimed workout gurus. At Advantage, there is a cohesive environment amongst the clients where everyone shares a similar goal of somehow transcending themselves to a higher level of health and wellness. Through the guidance of the certified Personal Fitness Trainers and staff, one can rest assured knowing they will be trained with professionalism.

Entering the current wrestling season, I was moved up a weight class from last year. I knew I needed to add some size to my frame. I told the Director of Personal Training, Keith Kessinger, about my goals and he designed a series of workouts targeted toward the concept of hypertrophy- the enlargement of muscles through the stimulation of muscle fibers which causes cells to expand- which is more commonly known as ?bulking up?. Keith integrated speed, agility, quickness warm-ups and ?drop set? hurricane workouts into my program enabling me to bring my cardio and endurance to an extremely high level.

Advantage Personal Training has improved my performance as a varsity athlete. I look forward to a healthy and successful wrestling season. Thank you APT!!!

Caroline's Success Story

Caroline’s Success Story

I?ve always been an athlete. From a young age, I?ve played softball, soccer, basketball, as well as had stints swimming, doing gymnastics, etc. You name it, I?ve done it. Because of this, I was always pretty lucky to be able to eat what I want, but as most know, this eventually catches up with you. For me, it caught up with me in the fall of my senior year of high school. I was decently active because of volleyball and the travel softball team I play for, but with how much time I had to spend on my coursework combined with poor eating habits, I was becoming less and less fit every day.

In September, I committed to play Division I softball at Princeton University. This had been a lifelong dream of mine, so as you could imagine, I was ecstatic. I really did think I was ready to go, but in November I took a hard look at what was in the mirror ? I was out of shape and had little to no strength from always putting off lifting. Luckily, a family friend and fellow softball player recommended going to Advantage to start getting into shape for college ball. It ended up doing all that for me as well as changing my life.

You can ask Greg Drab, my goal never was to lose weight. I just wanted to gain speed, power, and the like. However, I quickly fell in love with Advantage, the trainers, the facility, and the other people there. I never felt uncomfortable, and because of this, I started to spend more and more time there. I would go after school, even after games, and sometimes on the weekend, I would go twice in one day. I discovered a love for heavy lifting, and I changed my eating habits in order to have more energy to go to the gym. All of this began to pay off as I saw results. I lost 30 pounds and gained an awesome amount of muscle mass. High school umpires asked me what fitness program I was doing, people who hadn?t seen me in a couple of months couldn?t believe how different I had looked, and I felt amazing. I?m sleeping better, and waking up earlier (sometimes now you?ll see me at the gym at 6 AM, which I would have never thought was possible before!).

Overall, my whole lifestyle has changed. I enjoy working out, and it?s hard for me to go a day without it. I love being known as the gym rat of my friends, and I know I?m going to college ready to play at the Division I level. This weekend, I?m even running my first 5k, which is super exciting! I now know that fitness will be an important part of my r?gime for the rest of my life, and I couldn?t be happier about it.

Heather's Success Story at Advantage Personal Training

Heather’s Success Story

I came to APT in September 2017 as part of one of the 3-week Challenge groups. I had worked out my entire life in some capacity but found myself on a rollercoaster of ups and downs always due to a back injury and various other ailments. I was always worried about injuring myself further and had all but given up finding the right way to keep myself in shape. During the three week trial, I was impressed with the level of help and guidance I received regarding my workouts but also my nutrition. I eat mostly vegan so that presented a challenge for me to find the balance I needed to lose body fat while gaining muscle. I wanted to reshape my body and be healthy while doing it! Bethany and Paige were instrumental in giving me terrific ideas to help with the process! I was thrilled with my results at the end of the three weeks so I made the decision to join permanently! I have lost 15lbs since joining but MORE importantly, I have lost fat and gained lots of muscle and strength! I used to suffer from fairly extreme low back pain and that is all but gone! I LOVE the team classes and even on days when I have an injury the coaches are always giving me modifications so that I can still get a great workout without aggravating my injury! And when I work out on my own, coaches are always on the floor and able to help with form at any time. The entire staff is amazing! Friendly, helpful, and they genuinely care for my well being and want to help me any way they can to reach my goals.

I am SO happy that I made the move to APT! My son, who is 13 and a student-athlete, also joined in September and loves it as well. And NOW my husband is even giving it a trial run and has had nothing but positive things to say about his experience so far! I know he will end up joining as well.

I have belonged to many gyms in my life, but this is so much more than a typical gym experience. This is a family atmosphere and everyone is incredible. I can?t imagine going anywhere else! I am so grateful I found APT and want to share my experience with anyone who asks!

Officer Brock's Success Story

Officer Brock’s Success Story

My name is Brock Newman, and I am a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the United States Navy. Growing up in central Mississippi, I played many sports and was fortunate enough to play tennis collegiately. After college, I decided to serve my country and enlist in the United States Navy. Last summer I applied for Officer Candidate School (OCS) to which I was accepted. I have stayed in relatively good shape over my ten years in the Navy. However, OCS posed a tremendous physical challenge, and I simply was not ready. I needed to lose weight and get my body ready to start a running program.

Advantage Personal Training has played a huge part in my preparation for OCS. Keith, the Director of Programming, created a workout program that allowed me to increase my running workload while also focusing on bodyweight training. My program was extremely challenging, but I was always encouraged to excel by Greg, Keith and all of the staff at APT. The differences between a regular gym and APT are immediately clear; It may sound clich?, but APT fosters a culture where you are not just a client of a gym, but a member of a family. It?s easy to feel overwhelmed when making significant lifestyle changes in order to prioritize fitness and nutrition, but when you are a part of a family, it makes it that much easier.

I have since graduated from OCS and continue to exercise at APT with my wife Kristen. We are expecting our first child soon, and I can?t wait to continue prioritizing health and wellness with my family! Since I began training at APT, I have lost 23 pounds and I am in better physical condition now than when I played tennis in college. Thank you APT!

Barry's Success Story

Barry’s Success Story

Once upon a time, my workouts consisted of long-distance running on a daily basis. Then in the early 2000?s I developed disfunction in my left quad muscle, a result of an ill prescribed medicine. As a result, I was forced to walk with a cane. Advancing age (I was in my 70s) contributed to balance and endurance issues.

About 10 years ago Judy Falcone, my trainer, turned my life around. My balance and vitality returned and my confidence soared. Judy designed workouts to improve my overall fitness, but more importantly, targeted the problems with my quad muscle. I no longer need a cane!
This year I ran the Irish 5K and came in fourth in my age division. At age 77 I was the oldest runner in the race.

I most enthusiastically recommend Advantage Personal Training to anyone who wishes to improve his or her health. It?s a pleasure to train in a friendly, supportive atmosphere with people who are truly interested in their clients? success and wellbeing.

lisa's-success-story

Lisa’s Success Story

lisa's-success-story
I used to run. I used to go to a gym without trainers, using various equipment with what I realize now was pretty bad form. The result was knee pain. I then fell on my knee and injured it. The fall along with misguided exercise, yo-yo dieting, and arthritis made it harder and harder to get around. I also have a hereditary swelling in my legs called Lipedema. The combination made me increasingly immobile, over-weight, and depressed. I bent over when I walked, unable to straighten up without pain. I was having trouble straightening my leg out after sitting, intermittently. It was bad.

The gym became my life-line. The trainers (particularly, Keith) never let me give up. If I couldn?t do one thing they always had an alternative. They were both compassionate and upbeat. I came six days a week, determined to regain my mobility. I also saw Bethany (the wonderful Nutritionist) once a week. I learned how to eat whole foods and avoid inflammatory foods. I also learned to stop making food the enemy. I slowly started to lose weight and gain strength! A little less than a year later I had a total knee replacement, and after a difficult recovery and painful physical therapy, I came back to the gym (as soon as the doctor gave the OK).

I have lost more weight but I have also replaced fat with muscle. I am doing things now that I haven?t done in years, from walking up the stairs ?like normal people,? to doing squats. The swelling in my legs has also gone down and I am standing up much straighter. The gym for me has been life-changing and I cannot thank everyone enough for helping me get to this point.