I have been a member for 5 years. I originally joined just to work out on my own and use the treadmill when the weather was bad outside for running. I started with a personal trainer after being there for four years, and during that initial first year of training also worked on eating correctly through the recommendation of my trainer to reach my goal. After the first year of working out with my original trainer I was transitioned over to a new trainer named Ed. At first I was hesitant but after a few sessions, she quickly became my favorite. I told her what my goal was and she pushed me to reach that goal.

My original goal was to work on my legs and make them more defined. Ed pushed me to that limit. I remember struggling with box jumps and by struggling I mean I almost fell off the box. I told her this when I started training with her and she helped me overcome the fear of falling off the box. I gained so much confidence that I increased height in the box jumps. We include them in our workout sessions at least twice a week. I have definitely seen a dramatic improvement in the strength and definition of my legs since training with her. Ed is great at holding you accountable to meet your goals that you desire for yourself. She is great at pushing you to your max, some how she knows what your breaking point is, and pushes you to your “max potential”. I have been working on increasing the definition in my arms, and the other day one of my coworkers noticed the definition in my arms. It made me feel great. I couldn’t have done it without the help from Ed.

As I have continued on my training journey with Ed over the years, I now have a dedicated workout “buddy” that trains with me three days a week. We both look forward to our training sessions with Ed. She was also working out with Ed in the time slot before me and we just started partnering up, signing up for the same time and days. This was great because we compliment each others workout strengths and weaknesses. Here at Fit for Life you also make other “workout friends” during your training at the gym. You show up on the same days as many others who workout and when you miss a week or even days, they let you know. It’s like you are part of a family. Even other trainers notice when you have been missing.

Ed is great at holding you accountable and you feel guilty when you miss a training session. I look forward to working out with Ed, even on days when I don’t want to show up. Ed is not only a trainer, she is many things to all her clients she trains. She will listen to you complain about your day from work, home, or personal life and gets you to convert that energy into your workout. You can hear here laughter throughout the gym just when you need it to achieve that last pull up that you are struggling with. She is a fabulous trainer and inspires you to be the best you can be. If you ask for the truth with her, she gives it to you and she will push you to be your best. Thanks for all you do Ed! I wouldn’t be were I am today without your coaching and friendship!!!

- Katrina Raley