My favorite client story

I began training with Ann back in 2009 and the progress I’ve achieved in my fitness pursuits is directly attributable to the program she has designed for me and the personal interest she takes in my welfare.

Ann and I worked at the same company for many years and she was aware of my many ups and downs and also aware of the challenges I had because of prior surgery on both knees. In the past, whenever I hired a trainer from the gym I belong to, they would simply apply a cookie cutter approach to me with no regard to my age or physical constraints. I would ALWAYS end up injured and mentally defeated. But Ann designed a program customized just for me that took my limitations into consideration. She started me out with exercises that strengthened the muscles surrounding my knees so that I could do the more difficult moves later on without compromising the joints. She always provides modification alternatives and encourages feedback. Ann has gotten me out of my cardio-only rut and helped me to appreciate the weight training aspects of a balanced fitness regimen. I may never truly love weight training, but I realize now that it is KEY, especially for women my age.

I won’t say it’s easy and because I’m on the west coast and Ann is on the east, it does require honesty and commitment on my part. We conduct our coaching sessions via Skype. She also sets up my training routines on the HFPN web site where I can view them and even watch videos of the exercises I’m not familiar with. Ann also tracks my progress with eating, supplementation and self-talk. In the past, I would let a “fall off of the wagon” completely derail me. But she has really helped me with my black-or-white mentality and to see that even small successes are positive moves. I can turn my bad weekends into learning experiences. When she noticed that I was baking more after my daughter and granddaughter came for an extended stay, she gave me extra exercises to help compensate for the spike in calorie intake. I’m grateful that she holds me accountable for my behavior.

When I had my annual physical a few months ago, my primary care doctor was thrilled with me and my “numbers” all saw improvement. My cholesterol and blood pressure are normal and I have been able to significantly reduce my use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thanks to Ann, I have made exercise an integral part of my life, it’s no longer a negotiable. I’m excited to see what direction Ann will take my workouts in this second year and am considering investing in the TRX suspension system. My goal for this year is to maintain the exercise while focusing on making my eating more consistent and “cleaner”. It’s also exciting that I can actually see a future where dual total knee replacements don’t necessarily have to be a part of my my future.

If you are serious about improving your fitness, you owe it to yourself to contact Ann and have her design a program that is customized for you. You won’t be sorry!

Jennifer Ashley

My favorite exercise

My favorite exercises are anti-rotation movements to help strengthen your core stability as well as compound functional movements working in the various planes of motion to support your activities of daily living.

My favorite quote

The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do - Unknown

My training philosophy

Listen to your mind, body and soul. It's the only way to harness your true power.

My training experience

During the 15+ years I have been a NASM Certified Wellness Specialist I have worked with clients of all ages from as young as 16 to as old as 98. Extensive experience with Type II Diabetics, injury rehabilitation, MS, stroke recovery, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteopenia, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, peri & post menopause, obstacle course race prep, general health and nutrition, and more.