Client Testimonials

Grainne Matthews

I have tried many different ways to stay fit and healthy in my adult life – aerobic classes and weight training at the gym in college, step aerobics and swimming at the Y, tai chi in the park, salsa dancing and surfing classes, walking and running on my own, many different yoga courses, the occasional bike ride or horse riding lesson. Nothing has lasted more than a couple of years except martial arts training which I did manage to do for five years. But by the time I was 48, I had a hard time making myself do anything that involved moving. The less I did, the less I wanted to do – and the worse I felt. I knew that physical activity was the key to cognitive and emotional as well as physical health - not to mention looking good! So I finally surrendered to needing someone else’s help and found Kathleen in November 2011. With her help, I have maintained a regular routine of cardio and weight training. I have run five 5Ks and two 10Ks, which I would never have thought I could do.  I have also achieved a healthier body weight and body fat percentage so I know I am less likely to suffer “lifestyle” illnesses. I feel better because I look better and I have more energy. My balance, strength, and endurance have also improved.

Kathleen is the perfect personal trainer. She is positive and cheerful and always recognizes my efforts and achievements. She encourages me to do more and remembers what I committed to do! She sets specific goals and adapts them to my various aches and pains as well as my schedule. What I really appreciate is her depth of knowledge about physiology and exercise science. She provides just enough information to explain the how and why of every exercise. She doesn’t drown me in technical information but is always ready with answers when I do want to know more. I have never been bored when working out with Kathleen because she has a dozen ways to exercise the same muscle group and keep me on my toes.

I have recommended Kathleen to all of my friends who wanted to know how I have been able to run a 10K!

Kristin Ruzicka

I met Kathleen in July 2012, which wasn’t a moment too soon.  I had let my weight creep up to almost 170 lbs and was struggling to complete a 2 mile run.  During our introductory meeting she asked when was the last time I had exercised regularly  … when I answered, it had been since 2002 I started to understand how my body had gotten here.  Kathleen was able to assess my fitness level quickly and create work outs that challenged me but were doable.

Kathleen listened to my challenges in terms of work schedule and helped create a plan to get me to my goals. She was realistic and helped me plan if I would be traveling on business.  I wanted running to be a part of accomplishing my weight loss goals.  I signed up for a half marathon in Sept 2012 which I finished by walking most of the 2nd half but she encouraged me to keep working on it.  Kathleen supported me outside of our sessions by recommending stretches to help with running.  She also provided recommendations for nutrition for the different phases of my weight loss. In Oct 2013, I was able to complete my first marathon, something I thought was just a dream as a kid. In our time together, I had lost over 20 lbs and have been able to get back into the active lifestyle I used to enjoy. Kathleen has been a huge part of this journey and I know I couldn’t have done it without her!

Jennifer Harkins

In 2007, during my first pregnancy, I broke all the rules.  I ascribed to the adage "eating for two" like no other.  I consumed so many sugary, fatty foods that I once had denied myself...and I looked every ounce the number on the scale.  It took me 10 months to lose it all!  When I got pregnant again, I said I was not going to do "that" again.  Around that same time, I started training with Kathleen Morua.  She took my pregnancy very seriously.  She would not train me unless I wore a heart rate monitor, adjusting the prewritten workout to comply with the number on my watch.  She also took my measurements every month, and watched my numbers go up, though I knew they weren't going up as fast and as much as they had during pregnancy #1.  I gained 10 less pounds overall the second time around.  This was a huge accomplishment for both of us!               

Post pregnancy, she pushed me to get back into shape even before I wanted to, but her motivation was right on target. One year later, I am in better shape than I was before I had my two boys!  She keeps tabs on me throughout the week, not only with my workouts, but my eating and drinking habits too.  She keeps track of how many calories I take in per day, as well as how many I burn.  She knows what works with my body and what doesn't.  I will train with her as long as she tolerates me, perhaps even through another pregnancy...

Stacy Hartoon

Back in Fall of 2008 and early 2009 every time I went to the doctor they would say that I needed to lose weight.  One doctor said if I didn’t lose weight I was going to get diabetes.  I really didn’t take it seriously until October 2009.  I just didn’t feel good about myself and the way I looked.  I lost my job, just moved and was eating all the wrong things and drinking a lot.  I decided to take advantage of the free training sessions that came with joining 24 Hour Fitness and began training with Kathleen.  She has really helped me meet my health goals and now I can even call myself a runner, something I never thought I'd be!  I really have struggled with the weight loss during the year but the inches kept coming off.  Soon the pounds came off too.   I enjoy being healthy and excersise so much that I have decided to go back to school for something health related (dietitian, nursing, kinesiology).  I have realized that I really want to help people that have been in my situation to live a healthy lifestyle.  It is also great when everyone is saying that I look great and they notice the change.  This happens almost everyday!  It just makes me want to work harder.

Thanks Kathleen!