You are suffering from a well-known phenomenon called “lack of motivation” – and you are not alone!

A new study from Penn State University, published in the current issue of the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, found that, for many people, motivation to exercise fluctuates from week to week, depending on what other responsibilities they have on their plates.

Not surprisingly, this research found that people with consistently strong intentions to exercise have the best chance of actually following through.

“As with everything else, motivation and discipline are key factors in keeping up a regular exercise program,” says Maryellen Grogan, a personal trainer at Positively Fit in Maumee, OH. “So it is really important to find ways to stay focused and determined.”

When you are tempted to skip your exercise session, imagine what might happen if you succumb to procrastination: “You may very well lose whatever progress you achieved and that could discourage you from continuing to exercise altogether,” Grogan points out.

Here are some of her tips to keep your motivation level at its peak:

Make fitness a priority: Schedule your workouts ahead of time and commit to follow through, no matter what. If you allow yourself a way out for any trivial reason (“I am too busy;” “I’d rather go to the movies”), you’ll lose your focus.

Find the right “hook:” Ask yourself what changes / improvements you’d like to see in your life right now. Is it weight loss? Better cardio endurance? Stronger bones and muscles? Relief from stress and anxiety? A University of Michigan study released last year found that the most persuasive exercise message stresses immediate – rather than future – benefits that are meaningful to our daily lives.

Set realistic goals: Don’t try to lose a lot of weight overnight or build your muscle mass in a few days. “It’s good to be ambitious and driven, but if you set the bar too high, you are setting yourself up for failure,” Grogan notes. “However, if your fitness goals are reasonable and easily attainable, chances are you will be more motivated to accomplish them.”

Keep it fun: Exercise should not be a chore or drudgery. Ask your trainer to devise a workout that will keep you challenged and motivated. And, once you reach a plateau, change up your exercise routine, adding new and interesting twists to it. After all, variety is the spice of life!

Chart your progress! “Any time you achieve your fitness goal(s), congratulate yourself for your perseverance,” Grogan suggests. “With every milestone you reach, your motivation will soar!”

1 cup flax MEAL    (Bob’s Red Mill)
1 cup Vanilla 100% whey protein powder (Or any other flavor)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon of Splenda or 3/4 tablespoon of Stevia (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt
2 eggs

In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients — stir well to combine

Spray your biggest skillet (or griddle) with non-stick cooking spray and put it over medium-high heat.

If it is a good non- stick surface you may skip cooking spray.

Whisk the yogurt and eggs into the dry ingredients

Scoop the batter with a 1/4 cup measure and cook until edges look dry, then flip and cook the other side.

Makes 12 pancakes

208 calories each
10 grams of Fat
21-25 g   Protein
9 g Carbohydrates
7 g Dietary Fiber
2 grams of usable carbs

• Body Type
• Metabolism
• Body Movement
• Personal Goals
• Everyone Is Unique

Why put yourself through a canned workout routine?  Exercise needs, nutrition needs and goals are unique for each person.   We take your individuality into account and build a Complete Fitness program that’s right for you.  To become “Positively Fit” all elements of fitness and health must be in balance.

Our philosophy is to strengthen each component of fitness and to find the right balance between looking good, feeling good, being healthy and performing optimally.

Positively Fit has aligned themselves with the “best” in the Toledo area with the expertise in their fields to support our clients on their journey to optimal health and wellness.

These Include:

• Nutritionist
• Physical Therapist
• Massage Therapist
• Medical Doctors
• Compounding Pharmacist

How to Build Lean Muscle Mass that Burns Fat

There is no doubt that our society focuses on the scale when it comes to weight management.  However, body weight alone is not the most important factor in determining a healthy body composition.  One of the most common errors made by people desperate to lose body fat is to focus exclusively on weight loss rather than improvements in body composition, including fat loss.  In fact, often those who seek rapid weight loss fail to achieve fat loss by making the mistake of adopting nutrition and exercise routines that produce temporary weight loss from loss of lean muscle mass.

Why is this a mistake? Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition, explains,  “When more muscle tone than body fat is lost, people become smaller, fatter versions of themselves by decreasing the body’s metabolic rate and ability to burn fat, actually teaching the body to store fat.  This is because the body does not burn as many calories as it did before the loss of muscle mass.”  Unfortunately, this is what leads to the dreadful cycle of rebound weight gain; the body starts to gain weight because the reduced muscle mass results in a dropped metabolic rate, causing you to regain weight even if you are no longer eating as much as you were in the first place.

Grogan explains that, put simply, muscle mass burns calories, even when the body is at rest, “Research has shown us that the amount of calories burned is directly proportional to the amount of lean muscle on the body.  The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn throughout the day, even when you’re inactive.  Conversely, a lower metabolic rate is not only due to, but in direct proportion to lower muscle mass and higher body fat percentages.”  The most effective way to achieve and maintain fat loss is to improve lean muscle mass, which improves the basic metabolism by increasing the rate fat is burned as a source of energy.

Grogan strongly believes that focusing on the right kind of diet and exercise can help you lose body fat and preserve lean muscle mass, “This will contribute to looking thinner by targeting fat and preserving muscle mass.  The diet should be based on vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, low-glycemic fruits, raw nuts and seeds, no processed or quick-acting carbohydrates, and no sugar, other than the natural low-glycemic sugar found in acceptable fruits.  Skipping meals, especially breakfast, or not snacking wisely can actually increase the amount of stress on the body and cause an increase in body fat, even if there is a drop in weight on the scale.”  In addition, eating healthy, protein-based snacks, even before bedtime, can contribute to a more efficient fat-burning metabolism by stabilizing blood sugar.

Grogan describes the key elements to achieving and maintain ideal weight, which include supporting lean tissue with high quality proteins, fats and complex carbs and wise exercise, with resistance training being the ideal method.

Protein

Muscle is protein.  So it follows that a major critical element in preventing muscle loss is eating the right kinds of protein and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.  Healthy heart, muscle tissue and bone mass, hormones, enzymes and other vital body structures can be supported and maintained by daily, regular intake of high quality protein.  Unfortunately, many people neglect breakfast, which is the most crucial time of day to consume high quality protein.

When protein is not consumed often enough in the diet, muscle loss (protein degradation) outpaces muscle gain (protein synthesis).  To avoid this, consuming high-quality lean protein at a minimum of every 2 & ½ hours, including meals and snacks, is essential to prevent muscle loss because that is the amount of time it takes for protein is digested, broken down into amino acids and used by the body to build muscle.

High-quality complete proteins are the only proteins that can support life, health and growth.  These proteins are exclusively from animal sources, such as lean meats, chicken, turkey, seafood and dairy proteins. Vegetable based proteins are not complete proteins and cannot protect and improve lean body mass effectively.  Recent research has strongly indicated that soy protein, in particular, can have very negative consequences in the metabolism.  Whey protein, derived from milk, is one of the highest quality proteins ever measured.  It has superior benefits in protecting all the body’s lean mass and is digested and assimilated remarkably well.

Carbohydrates should be exclusively low-glycemic because high-glycemic carbohydrates elevate the blood sugar too rapidly. High glycemic carbohydrates include rice, bread, potato, sweets, sodas, and all processed carbohydrates. Processing can include bleaching, baking, grinding, and refining.  Processing of carbohydrates greatly increases their glycemic index, a measure of their propensity to quickly elevate blood sugar. Select fruits and all non-starchy vegetables should make up the bulk of the dietary carbohydrates.  These foods will also supply ample amounts of quality fiber for digestive health.

Healthy fats are a required nutrient.  Fats aid in stabilizing blood sugar and a healthy metabolism because they digest very slowly and prevent rapid fluctuations in blood sugar.  This reduces the amount of internal stress in the metabolism, which is essential to effective loss of body fat and the preservation of lean muscle mass.  Fats are higher in calories, should be consumed in moderation and should contain a balance of Omega 6, Omega 3 and Omega 9 fatty acids.  Omega 6 fatty acids occur in raw seeds and nuts. The best Omega 3 fatty acids occur in fatty fish and oils such as Cod Liver oil, however vegetable Omega 3 fatty acids also occur in walnuts and flax seeds.  Omega 9 fatty acids occur in olive oil.  The natural saturated fats are also a part of a healthy diet.  These occur naturally in meats and the vegetable sources of coconut and palm kernel oils.

Exercise:

A unique and essential component of getting the most effective training results that Fitness Trainer Maryellen Grogan has been successfully using for many years, is the incorporation of metabolic typing utilizing the Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA) results. This test can determine the best and most effective form, type and duration of exercise for each particular person that is unique to their individual metabolic makeup. It can also indicate the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel and preserve lean tissue, such as muscle, bone and organs.

Maryellen explains, “We can make very specific and highly effective exercise recommendations that will help rebalance the metabolism to reach ideal weight with the greatest amount of lean muscle mass and the healthiest body fat levels. HMA results can also indicate if the metabolism is fast, slow or mixed and show the areas in the metabolism that are the most imbalanced and the most stable.”  At this point, an exercise program can be developed that is specific to the person and their metabolic type to give the fastest, most beneficial results.

Resistance training is ideal, at least 3 times a week,” Maryellen continues, “Aerobic exercise has a limited capacity to maintain or build muscle, in fact, too much can actually cause muscle loss and increase body fat.  Weight bearing exercise is recommended, or exercise that puts your muscles under pressure using resistance such as weights, tubing and body-weight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups and other calisthenics.  Resistance training builds and protects lean muscle mass such as muscle, bone, organ and connective tissue, more effectively.  This will increase your muscle mass, thereby increasing your base metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories all day long.  The most basic rule for weight training to improve lean mass and reduce body fat are to work out with greater resistance at a higher intensity.”

Maryellen continues to explain that being healthy and fit isn’t just about being a certain weight; it’s about having all the systems of your body performing at optimum levels, “It’s quite common for people to be at an acceptable weight but have high body fat percentages, cholesterol or blood sugar.  It’s much more important to have a better understanding about your individual body functions and understand the importance of your body fat to lean muscle ratio; in other words, how many pounds of fat you carry in relationship to the pounds of lean muscle mass.”

A once popular way of measuring this ratio has been the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is now thought not to be as effective as a Body Fat Assessment (BFA). BMI does not take into account the percentage of body fat or lean mass present in the person being assessed.  People that have higher levels of lean mass and lower levels of body fat can actually have a BMI that is artificially elevated.  In other words, a high BMI does not automatically mean that your percentage of body fat is too high, and conversely, a low BMI does not automatically mean that your percentage of body fat is where it should be.  Body composition is everything, irrespective of the scale or the BMI.

Maryellen concludes, “A key to understanding the goal of losing body fat over losing weight is to remember that a scale simply measures your total body weight in pounds, but doesn’t measure how many of those pounds are muscle and how many are fat. When considering your percentage of body fat, take into account that muscle is much denser than fat, so muscle of equal weight to fat will take less space in the body.  Imagine muscle differing from fat in that it is more solid, like cement, and fat is more like cotton balls.  It makes sense that it takes far more cotton balls than a brick of cement to make a pound, therefore a pound of fat takes up more space on your body than a pound of muscle.”

Fitness trainer Maryellen Grogan, owner of Positively Fit, is noted as one of the country’s Top 50 Certified Personal Trainers, and has expertise in post-rehabilitation, injury recovery, sports specific training and general fitness training. She trains athletes, both competitive and recreational, as well as a wide range of clients of all ages, fitness levels and varied fitness goals.

Jack Grogan, CN, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition, has considerable experience in the fields of biology, biochemistry and the development of nutritional formulations and programs.  He leads the Uckele team’s Certified Nutritionists, Qualified Nutritional Consultants, Chemists and Research and Development Specialists, who have created hundreds of formulas and programs from thousands of ingredients.

Is your child active?

Do you want them to achieve their best potential in sports?

Do you think a little extra help with their movement patterns will make a difference?

Are the coaches stuck in the same routine?

Positively Fit has been working with area youth to help bring out their full potential whether it be to run faster or better, jump higher, swing harder or move quicker.  We have trained all types of youth from casual participants to Division 1 athletes.  We have been able to achieve positive results with ALL of them.  If we can’t improve your child’s performance, then we’ll refund your money.  We are that good!

Programs are developed on an individualized basis using the latest techniques established by the American Association of Youth Conditioning.  No machines involved here – just basic movements under close supervision to ensure proper execution and minimal risk of injury. Between the ages of 10-18 the central nervous system is still changing, bones are still growing, muscles are developing.  Knowing how to train youth to allow for these changes is crucial and imperative to avoid injury later.   Have you noticed the increase of ACL injuries – specifically in female athletes?  We have the techniques to identify potential for these injuries and develop programs to strengthen the areas needed to help prevent this injury in the future.

Maryellen Jordan was the Strenght and Conditioning coach at Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, Ohio) for 3 years, as well as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the Toledo Revolution Travel Volleyball team.

Contact Positively Fit today to schedule either your child, your child’s team or make it a family event!  We guarantee results!

What an incredible opportunity to hear the new research and to listen to brilliant Doctors and Scientists on the latest research in anti-aging.  Information which aids all of us in keeping and staying healthy, happy and looking great!

Much of the science talk and chemistry went over my head but I am lucky to have Jack explain it all to me in “layman’s” terms!

I also had the opportunity to hear Suzanne Sommers speak. She is really the voice of safe, effective Bio -identical hormone replacement.  If you are interested in Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy  she truly has some great books out there. She interviews the top doctors in this field and writes in such a way we all can understand.

The highlight of this conference was a one on one conversation with Dr. Richard Lippman. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research in free radical damage and anti-oxidants. This was in the 1980’s.  He also is the inventor of the Nicotine Patch and the “Slim Patch”. This very kind, enthusiastic and patient man spoke with me, answered my zillion questions for well over 2 hours. He was so unassuming and so willing to share his information on anti-aging medicine.

He is 67 years old and looked at least 20 years younger. He shared with me that he is not on any pharmaceutical medications and his biological age is that of a 35 year old.

Well, this brings me to the reason why I am writing this…..Please stop the madness of all the aerobic exercise.

Jack has been preaching this for over 20 years and I starting suggesting this to my clients to quit the heavy aerobics about 10 years ago!  (Jack is always” ahead of the game”)

It wasn’t until this conference that we got to meet the scientist who did the initial research.  How very cool!

Dr Lippmans information on the damaging effects of “heavy exercise” has been available  but ignored by the mainstream media and many fitness institutions for example; Jazzercise, Spinning, PX90, Insanity, Cross Fit etc…

Dr.  Lippman destroyed the myth of how heavy Aerobic exercise can benefit longevity.

“When our body becomes overwhelmed by free radicals, damage occurs especially to the vital non-reproducing cells for the heart, brain and central nervous system.”

“I determined that heavy aerobic exercise damages our bodies. By “heavy exercise” I mean excessive expansion and contraction of the chest causing over eight times normal the amount of oxygen consumed. For example, a two mile high speed run around the park will cause this excess.”

Dr. Lippman also writes in his book,

“Free radicals remain the likely culprits responsible for aging since they are the most poisonous substances in living organism”.

Positively Fit has been training their clients for years with the most successful evidenced based scientific research in shedding the fat, maintaining lean muscle weight, increasing cardiovascular health and without generating millions of  excessive free radicals while slowing down the aging process. (Through the years we have changed things up a bit when the new research comes out.)

We go even a step further if our clients do a Hair Analysis with Jack.  Jack bases his scientific evidenced based nutritional recommendations from the results of the Hair Analysis and the valuable information it gives about the metabolism and our body’s ability to manage stress.

Positively Fit can design a program right down to the work/rest ratio to the very unique metabolism of that client. (Obtained through the results of the Hair Analysis)

By combining the expertise of both myself and Jack you would be very hard pressed to beat this combination anywhere!

We are getting such great and exciting results!

Dr Lippman’s philosophy is based in solid scientific data which I strongly endorse for everyone who wants to improve the quality of their lives.  To have met him was the highlight of my Vegas trip( except for our anniversary there–1 year and counting).

Call Maryellen at Positively Fit if you would like more information.

A program is only as good as the Assessment/Screening!

An Assessment/Screening is essential for our clients to get the results they desire.

IF a trainer is not doing a complete Assessment/Screening, how can they design a program that will meet the unique goals and needs of their clients? How can a trainer then design a safe and appropriate program?

Everyone has some type of imbalance or problem areas in their bodies that prohibit the body from functioning at its optimal level. If you try to start an exercise program or increase the intensity of your exercise routine before you address these issues you will only make the imbalances’ worse, which could ultimate lead to injury.

If you’re an athlete whether it is a weekend warrior or a high school athlete going for the college scholarship you will have a decreased in performance and increase in injuries unless the imbalances in your body are corrected and compensated for.

A Proper Assessment/Screening

• Helps to develop a program that optimizes total fitness
• Targets the muscle imbalances in length and strength
• Identifies potential problem areas
• If needed, referral to the appropriate professional
• Establishes goals and motivation
• Assesses Current Fitness Level

With a proper Assessment/Screening a trainer then can adjust the variables in the clients program. An exercise program should be based entirely on the unique body movements of a client and their specific goals.

Most conventional exercise programs are “one size fit all’ programs which could lead to greater aggravations of the imbalances and leave you more vulnerable to injury. Conventional exercise programs are not individualized and do not take into account your unique body movements. This makes it much more difficult if not impossible to achieve your total fitness goals.

Whatever your training goals may be, injury prevention is a major component to your success.

Injuries =

• Less time exercising
• Less time on the courts
• Less time on the golf course
• Less time playing your sport

Including in the Assessment/Screening

• Body Fat composition using the: Bodymetrix (Ultra Sound Technology)  http://www.intelametrix.com/index.html
• Body Fat %
• Track Fat losses and Muscle Gains (actually measurements)
• Lean Body Mass  (Aids in determining  the amount of protein which is to be eaten daily to maintain muscle or increase muscle mass)
• Relative Disease Risk
• Point-Specific Measurement Thickness
• BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the amount of energy expended at rest in a neutrally temperate enviroment
• Circumference Measurements
• Blood Pressure
• Cardiovascular Endurance Test (3 minute YMCA Step Test)
• Flexibility
• Muscular Endurance
• Muscular Strength
• Postural Screening

According to an article in the IDEA Fitness Journal (Jan 2010) only 5%- 10% of trainers are actually integrating this type of assessment/screening.

Positively Fit trainers have been doing an Assessment/Screening for 12+ years!

It is not about scale weight!!!

I have only lost 4lbs on the scale but I have gone from a size 12 to a size 6/8! I have put on muscle which has helped me improved my Triathlon times by minutes! I now place in the top 4 in all the triathlons I participate in!

Cristy S.

You’re the best! So is Jack, I so believe in the hair analysis, more importantly I believe that Jack’s one of our best kept secrets in town. He is amazing!

Janet Amid

“I had my bone density re-checked and it improved! I contribute it to my new “diet’, healthier eating habits and the strength training sessions at Positively Fit. Also, the supplement program Jack Grogan put me on has been a contributing factor.”

Marcia George

“I just had my physical for my new life insurance policy and I qualified for a premium discount! This is all due to my blood pressure being lowered and my resting heart rate improving through my exercise sessions at Positively Fit!”

Cindy

The most important statement of this testimonial is to understand proper nutrition and exercise, and apply it to your daily life.

Positively Fit staff taught me this in a professional and understanding way. (Thank you)

Through the twenty-some sessions there; I lost 25 lbs., 2 belt hole sizes, gained 2 inches on my chest and arms, and own many sets of baggy pants. (ha ha)

My self esteem and health are doing great! Friends tell me they see weight loss in my hips and face and this makes me more determined to reach my set goal for myself.

With knowledge and determination of proper food choices and careful planned exercises I will get it done.

My own family thinks I eat “strange” and I tell them try it (I know you will like it) Then I tell them it is not hard, it’s smart.

In closing let me say; “God Bless Positively Fit staff for saving me from a junk food life, and now I have a healthy life!”

P.S. The sessions were fair not tough (ha ha) and enjoyable (somewhat)

Thank you again

William J. Wealleans

Rarely does a day go by that I do not stop and think about how blessed I am to have been introduced to Maryellen Jordan and Positively Fit. After suffering a hip injury at the age of 49, I was afraid to start exercising again since the injury occurred during an exercise class at Lifestyles. Maryellen understands injuries and how to work with a client to help them become stronger and be more physically fit. Also, I was diagnosed with a massive amount of calcium in my thyroid along with a sizeable tumor. My doctor and radiologist agreed to allow me six months to monitor the tumor while I was able to complete my work responsibilities; thus being keenly aware that cancer was the concern of my doctor. During that time I shared with Maryellen about my serious health concerns and she offered to do the homework for me on a supplement that could benefit me. She indeed had an answer the very next week I returned. Not only did I purchased what she recommended, but began the supplement immediately. My last ultrasound, just a week ago, unveiled that the tumor has decreased in size and I was told to keep doing what I am doing because it is definitely working!

Maryellen includes educating her clients about diet and nutrition as part of her service when you get the initial consultation. I always felt I ate healthy, but was shocked by my misnomers that occur in our society. Implementing the changes brought forth success in touting a loss of 10 lbs. Before Positively Fit, I struggled to lose the weight. I felt about 70 years old the day I walked into Maryellen Jordan’s office and currently I feel better than I did at 40. I believe in Positively Fit so much that my 78 year old father works out three times a week. He was certain that he was destined for a wheelchair, but there is such a huge improvement that people who have not seen him in a while make comments about how much better he is walking and doesn’t shuffle along like before. I have been ecstatic about my first six months and look forward to what the next six months holds in store.

Do NOT hesitate to call Positively Fit if you are in need of a lifestyle change and aren’t we all? Maryellen, Angie and Kim are amazing trainers and each have their own way to help the various clients achieve the success that they truly desire. I feel I have been given a second chance at life and I am embracing every moment.

Rhonda Jackson

Every since I started working out with Angie at Positively Fit I have been able to make great changes in my health. With the nutrition guidance I have received I now eat better, not the junk food anymore.

My goal was to put on muscle mass for football and so far after 2 months I have put on 15 lbs. of muscle. Along with more muscle I am more flexible, especially in my shoulders which are looser. I am also stronger and faster.

My self-esteem has improved since I have been training by making me feel better in life and just having more fun.

My sessions are intense but they are also fun. The trainers are great, friendly and fun to talk to.

Matt
Age 15

I started Positively Fit in June 2004 I have seen the results on my scale and in my clothes already! I have truly enjoyed my new exercise routine. Maryellen, Angie and Aida are wonderful trainers! They are very conscientious on observing you in class. They monitor your positioning, the weights and your performance – in order to exercise safely and effectively. They give you “individualized” cues to improve your form/posture while you exercise or to just tell you —“you’re doing a great job!” I have been in other exercises classes at area facilities where the instructors are in front of the class and do not monitor your performance or your ability to do the exercise the correct way which can lead to injuries.

The exercises routines at Positively Fit are challenging and are great workouts! This is a very important factor in my motivation and making me feel POSITIVELY FIT!

Mary Martin RN, MSN
July 2004

Maryellen and Angie,

I wanted to let you know how happy I am with the improvement in my health since working with the team at Positively Fit. Even though I have lost more than 70 pounds, my doctor is more impressed with the fact that I have gone from 35% body fat to 23%. My doctor is also pleased with the improvement in my overall body strength. Because of your guidance with proper nutrition, I am making wiser choices when eating. Although it has been a lot of hard work, I always look forward to coming to your classes.

Recovering from a life threatening illness has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever had to do. It has been with your help, that I feel I am healthier than I have been in twenty years.

Sincerely,
Ray Young
Toledo, Ohio

Dear Maryellen,

I wanted to express my sincere thanks for many years of guidance, instruction and encouragement. My life became better because of you.

May God bless you always,

M. P.
Maumee, Ohio

Two years ago, I didn’t think I would be physically fit again. Age and arthritis had caught up with me and I could no longer run, walk for miles , or dance like I used to. A friend led me to Positively Fit and between Maryellen and Angie I feel 100% better.

I learned to begin the day with a healthy breakfast, especially a generous helping of protein, instead of the banana and cereal that I usually ate. Maryellen and Angie taught me to work out with weights and the fitness ball as well as training machines and other equipment. I slowly began to build muscle, to gain strength and energy and now I feel trim, firm and healthy.

I pay more attention to my posture and I’ve cut down on the carbohydrates. I’ve learned not to be fearful of trying something new. Maryellen and Angie always have new routines and are able to challenge and excite our group into working harder and better.

The atmosphere in the gym is warm and accepting. Everyone seems to enjoy the sessions and working out together. This is the best thing I have done for myself in many years.

Karen MacGuffie

I have been training with Angie for over a year now. She has been working on my posture, balance and toning up my many unused muscles. She has encouraged and motivated me each time to go a little further. With Angie’s help, my posture has improved. It feels so good to be able to take a deep breath and stand-up straighter. When I am walking I can hear Angie telling me to stand up straight and keep those shoulders down and back. I have lost about 19 pounds. I have a goal to be able to circuit like the groups do. I am sure with Angie’s help, I will be able to achieve that goal.

I admire Angie and Maryellen, they practice what they teach. I like how they bounce ideas off each other. They make a great team. I will always think of them as my angels.

Jean Balogh
54 years old
Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

I have known Maryellen Jordan professionally for six years. Her standards for competence, ethics and professionalism are unsurpassed. I refer clients to Maryellen frequently and without hesitation. She has demonstrated consistently superior results with her clients no matter their age or physical condition. She has a wide range of interests and skills in her training technique. She instills in her clients a sense of accomplishment, enhanced self-esteem with an exuberance for training and a passion for physical excellence and performance. I wholeheartedly recommend Maryellen Jordan as trainer.

J.E.Grogan
Certified Nutritionist
Nutri-Health
Lambertville, MI

I have known Maryellen since 1996 when she became my personal trainer. I had observed all the personal trainers at the gym for several weeks so that I could select a personal trainer that would safely challenge me and help me move to a higher level of fitness. I selected Maryellen after observing her with other clients.

I was immediately impressed with Maryellen’s interaction with her clients. It was obvious that she had a fitness plan for each client; that each client was treated individually (no “one size fits all” approach); and that her clients were challenged physically, having fun and enjoying their sessions! My observations were confirmed when she began as my personal trainer.

I am an avid tennis player and, as such, core strength, strength of particular muscle groups, and agility are important. I am also 57 yeas old and, therefore balance and flexibility are vital. No session with Maryellen is exactly like another: she plans my sessions and employs different equipment and exercises, always with my goals and needs in mind.

Another aspect of Maryellen’s professionalism is her thirst for knowledge. She is constantly reading and attending continuing education conferences so that she can remain on the forefront of advances in the fitness field.

Andrea C. Weinstein , Esq.

Maryellen is one of the pioneers in her area regarding being a fitness leader. She is passionate about reaching the community with her fitness message and goes out of her way to participate in corporate and community events where she can lecture and lead exercise sessions. She is committed to spread the fitness truth to consumers and runs her business with a high level of professionalism. She cares about her customers and forms a joint responsibility in coaching them towards seeing and feeling significant fitness results.

Maryellen has attended some of my seminars, has done consulting with me and relies upon a magazine I publish as well as my website for information on conducting her fitness business at the very best level. She is interested in growing her business and reaching more people while maintaining her personalized service.

Kelli Calabrese, MS, CSCS
2004 Personal Trainer of the Year – Online Training
Exercise Physiologist

My experience working out with Maryellen at Positively Fit has been life changing. Maryellen’s knowledge and commitment to fitness far surpassed my expectations. The fitness programs she created for me are challenging yet fun. Maryellen has been totally focused on helping me achieve my fitness goals. I intend to continue my training with Positively Fit and recommend them to anyone serious about fitness.

Thomas Sarno
Producer/Director
Vegas PBS
Las Vegas, Nevada

After looking for a trainer who was truly professional and who had the knowledge to help me with my goals I started training at Positively Fit in May of 2007. I was scheduled for a knee replacement operation and wanted to get into the best shape as possible before the operation. I was confident that Maryellen was the trainer who could help me achieve my goals.

In September I had my operation. The hospital, Physical Therapist and Doctor was amazed what I could do afterwards. Before leaving the hospital I could bend my knee more then 94 degrees, 20% more then their average patient! I credit Maryellen and Angie at Positively Fit with their caring attitude in helping me get in the shape I needed to be in to aid in the rehab portion of my recovery. At the end of my physical therapy I could bend my knee to 130 degrees and straighten my leg. Most people do not even realize that I even had a knee replacement.

I have spent a lot of money with other trainers and by far I received the most benefits at Positively Fit. I am now training at Positively Fit to continue the post rehab of my knee replacement and to continue towards my goal of a healthier lifestyle.

Becky W., R.N.

It is with pleasure I write this note of recommendation for Maryellen Jordan.

I have known Maryellen for approximately 10 years. I have observed her facilitating presentations for various groups in both corporate and community settings. Most recently, as an account executive for the wellness and disease management division of Hylant Group, I subcontracted her services to do fitness education for employee groups. Maryellen has an engaging, non-threatening style and can present information in a format that is clear and easy to understand. As well, she has a keen sense of humor that tends to disarm the audience, allowing them to feel comfortable asking questions.

Maryellen also stays up-to-date on the latest developments in the fitness arena (which is not always the case with other trainers I have observed). Having seen her work in a wide range of scenarios -– from small to large groups, as well as educated to non-educated groups, I wholeheartedly recommend her to speak and teach to any group.

Please feel free to contact me.

Julie Tanber, MPH
(419) 345-5952

I came to Positively Fit for an evaluation and analysis by Maryellen, at the suggestion of Kim Williams, who is my personal trainer. I found Maryellen very knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition and was just amazed with what she determined by just observing my posture and movements. She provided nutritional information that I found very helpful and that I try to follow. I did personal training with Kim a number of years ago after I broke my elbow and had a frozen shoulder. Without her help at that time, I don’t think I would have regained the strength or mobility in my arm. We were unable to continue our training sessions, so I continued exercising on my own but I wasn’t getting the results I wanted.

After Kim became a member of the Positively Fit team, I decided to again begin personal training. My weekly workouts with Kim are always challenging and productive. She constantly designs something different for my sessions and provides me with a variety of workout programs designed specially for me that I can do between training sessions. Kim is very knowledgeable and provides encouragement and positive reinforcement. Although I have not lost as much weight as I would like, I have lost inches and have definitely become more toned- proof that, even in advancing age, we can make positive changes to our bodies, I look forward to continuing my training with Kim at Positively Fit.

Donna Lunsford

I’ve been so impressed with my experiences at Positively Fit. My first session included an evaluation of my fitness level and a discussion of my goals in order to create the best program for my body; this was when I knew I was in the right place. As a result, I’ve been able to make (and stick to) much healthier eating choices by using the food diary and the eating plan outlined by Maryellen and reinforced by my trainer, Kim (who is awesome!). From the beginning, I experienced an upswing in my mood and energy level, and I’ve been amazed at how my strength has increased with the intense weight training program.

In addition to all my personal gains, I think the best feature of Positively Fit is the friendly and encouraging atmosphere. This is definitely a gym for people who are serious about their exercise goals, no matter what their level, but once you make that commitment, Maryellen, Angie and Kim will all help you on your path to increased well being and improved fitness. My particular thanks to Kim, who has worked with me from the beginning and is always upbeat and positive. I really enjoy working out here.

Sara Yaklin

After surviving a heart attack at the age of 45, I knew I had to make some major lifestyles changes. Exercising at Positively Fit as been one of the best and most rewarding changes I have made in my life. I’ve trained with Angie three days a week for the past year. When I began, I was 5-10 lbs overweight and I was very unfit. I struggled through my stress test and my energy level was low. I knew that my life depended on this. I also knew I wouldn’t/couldn’t do it alone.

The benefits I’ve received from Angie’s training at Positively Fit have been tremendous. She designed my strength training workouts and she pushes me to my Target Heart Rate. This has strengthened my entire body but more importantly my heart muscle.

My Heart Rate Recovery time has improved dramatically and I have more energy than I’ve had in many years. In fact, I feel like a 30 year old. With an experienced mind in a “young” body, that makes me very dangerous! I passed my annual stress test with flying colors and have dropped the weight and 2-3 clothing sizes. In addition, I’ve also received many “Fringe Benefits” from my training; my stress levels have decreased and my immune system has improved a great deal. I eat healthier meals, I’ve quit smoking, I sleep better, plus I’ve met some wonderful people at Positively Fit.

Training at Positively Fit has been the best transition into a healthy lifestyle. I’m grateful to Angie and Maryellen for the things they have given back to me. I will be a lifetime member!

Renee Christen

Positively Fit has helped to completely transform not only my outward appearance, but also how I feel about myself on the inside. I started training with Kim in April 2008, almost a year postpartum, and have already seen dramatic results. I have currently lost 10 1/2 inches off my entire body and a total of 11 pounds. I’ve had such drastic changes during the past 4 months that even my friend who was home recently visiting from the military was impressed with the results I’ve had and is looking to contact Kim upon returning home for good.

I can not express enough how wonderful I feel everyday. My self esteem has greatly improved and looking great in clothes I never thought I would ever be able to wear again isn’t too shabby either! I can’t lie and say this experience has been an easy one. The workouts are tough and making the right food choices is even harder sometimes, but seeing how far I’ve come makes it all worth it! I’m still a work in progress, but each day I wake up confident in the decisions I make in order to continue this new lifestyle. I have never felt better about who I am than I do now and I owe that specifically to Kim. Kim has not only been a great trainer, she is a motivator and role model! I could not have gotten this far without her!

My thanks to Angie “The Enforcer” for demonstrating, then standing by and encouraging me, 3 times a week for over a year to do new and challenging exercises. Based on various physical “ailments”, she is creative in coming up with a variety of exercises I could do effectively without hurting. I try to work hared, but have a good time and definitely feel better on days that I exercise.

Maryellen always keeps an eye out just to make sure I’m ok too because of my recent fall and recovery from broken bones. Kim, another trainer has also worked with me when Angie’s been out of town. It was fun to switch on occasion because each trainer has their own way of doing things. They are all so caring and concerned that I am doing each exercise properly as far as form and to reap the most benefit.

Whenever I have asked questions about diet or nutrition, someone has been very willing and able to give me good information.

Judy Beckert