Testimonial team
Greg Rutter II
I was originally motivated to look for personal training because, despite working out on a semi-regular basis on my own, my weight was too high, my blood sugar was borderline diabetic, and my cholesterol was so high that my doctor prescribed a statin drug. I joined empower because I was in the worst shape of my life. I played football and threw the shot put in high school, but my days as an athlete seemed like a lifetime in the past. Recurring back pain due to bulging discs had forced me to lead a sedentary lifestyle, and I had ballooned up to almost 260 pounds. I couldn't sit on the floor to play with my two-year old daughter without pain. I could not throw and catch her without getting winded. I was taking the elevator at work instead of the stairs. Physical exertion had become so taxing that losing weight and getting back into shape seemed all but impossible. When I met the emPower team and heard about their philosophy of fitness, a light went on in my head. I knew if I was ever going to make a change, I’d need a kick in the butt to get started. The whole crew at emPower provided exactly the kick I needed. Every trainer has a different style, but they’ve all managed to motivate me, and push me just hard enough to continue improving without injuring myself. Once I started seeing myself getting stronger, faster, and fitter, I was hooked. Now my blood sugar is in range, my cholesterol is nearly ideal, and I am getting close to being able to discontinue blood pressure medication. I have a love-hate relationship with my workouts, but I can’t argue with the results. I’m feeling stronger every day; I’m more active than I’ve been in years; and most importantly, I have the strength and energy to keep up with my kids. I couldn’t have done it without the great staff at emPower. 
Kate Kendall
I have heard the saying that “sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they can make a change for the better” more than a few times in life. Whenever I stepped on the scale and saw that I had gained weight I wondered what number would be my “bottom.” I started to struggle with my weight shortly after graduating high school. I have gained and lost at least 40lbs at least 4 different times through my 20’s and 30’s. I would lose weight by skipping meals and restricting my calories, I could only keep that up for so long and then I would gain all the weight I lost and more. I never exercised; I did not play sports and absolutely hated gym class in school. I was successful in convincing myself that I was not “athletic.” If I tried anything physical, I cared more about what I would look like to other people than focusing on the benefits of the activity itself. My most recent weight gain was scary. I’m only 5’2” and at well over 200lbs my shape affected every aspect of my life. I hated going out, finding clothes to wear, being in pictures, and most of all I hated the fact it kept me from doing what I wanted to do with my two sons and husband. I knew deep down that I was better than this, that I deserved to be happier than this. I was not suffering from anything that was permanent. I knew I could change, and I just needed help. I learned about emPower through my neighbor. She was going to be part of a team that would enter the Biggest Loser contest. I accompanied her to an open house and I decided that day that I would join the team and make a commitment to myself to follow every direction given by the trainers for 8 weeks. Not only did I lose 37lbs, but I also won the contest! Lisa, our team trainer, made me realize that I had a lot more potential than I ever gave myself credit for. I have continued to work with the trainers at emPower for a little over 5 months and have lost almost another 40lbs. My body is 27 ½ inches smaller and I feel stronger than ever! I cannot say enough about how knowledgeable and supportive the trainers are at emPower. I was someone who had no prior experience working out or even felt comfortable in a gym, every trainer at emPower was so kind and respectful of my starting place. emPower was successful in giving me a fitness and nutrition plan that helped me to not only accomplish weight loss goals but inspired me to get strong enough to make my own fitness goals. I am confident that with the guidance from emPower I will reach my goal weight and continue to get leaner and stronger and enjoy a much happier life! 
Roberta Surra
I was already through part of my weight loss journey when I found out about emPower. I had hit a plateau and was at a point where I felt good about my accomplishments but was curious if I could push myself harder and see better results I've never been athletic. I was the kid who got a "C" in junior high Phys Ed class for lack of enthusiasm. I was in the band rather than on sports teams. I don't run unless someone is chasing me and even then hope I can outsmart them and stop running as soon as possible. However, I've been really impressed and surprised by what I'm able to physically do through my program here. Moments where I surprise myself are moments of personal pride. Some of those moments have been: doing a real push up for the first time in my life; seeing how much weight I can push and pull on the sled; doing a 24-inch box jump; and finally achieving a pull-up. Since my numbers move slow on the scale, my goal was to get back to my smallest jeans that I ever wore. I accomplished that over a year ago. It was a great morning when I showed up at emPower with my biggest jeans and my goal jeans and could share how they both fit with my trainer and fellow emPower members. Since then I've continued to tone and strengthen my body. Through this process I've lost inches, pant sizes, weight, and body fat. I've gained a community where we all have different goals and encourage each other to reach those goals. I've also re-programmed my metabolism to be more like my old metabolism. I can have a beer or ice cream without it being detrimental to my weight. I feel like me again! Most importantly I've gained self-esteem. I no longer let people tell me how bad I am at something or belittle me. I know that I can do things that seem impossible and I know that I am strong, both physically and emotionally. The feeling of personal pride is a much bigger accomplishment than any physical transformation. Empower is my happy place to focus any negative energy and convert it into something beneficial. When I first came to emPower, I told myself that I would train for a month or two and then go back to another gym. I've now been training here at emPower for over two years. I think that speaks for itself! |
Lois Beiler
My journey at emPower began in September, 2013 when I decided to participate in the Biggest Loser Challenge. A friend of mine had done it and couldn't stop saying enough good things about emPower and the changes she saw in her body. I had tried numerous diets, losing and gaining the weight multiple times. I've always been active and enjoy a good workout so I thought why not give it a try! I joined the 6 am team, working out 2x a week as a group. The workouts were hard but I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I walked out that door. I liked the changes I saw in myself, both physically and emotionally. After accomplishing much during the 8 week BL challenge, I knew I didn't want to quit and lose the momentum I had going. I decided to continue on at emPower, training one time a week and also participating in Sparta and Team Training classes. Having lost 20lbs and 5% body fat, I am pretty close to my goals! I still have work to do, but am thrilled with the progress I've made and the changes I see in myself! I'm thankful for the trainers at emPower, challenging me weekly with a workout that seems near impossible but so rewarding in the end. 
Joel Figueroa
I was like most people when getting older: out of shape, inactive and bad diet. I was 45lbs over weight, stressed about life and not sleeping well. I knew better, having a history as a former track and cross country runner for J.P. McCaskey, a former Marine, softball player and competitive power lifter. After a time I took a few years off from any activity and the results to my life were staggering and familiar: clothes didn't fit, my joints hurt, snoring, and many other unpleasant things I was going through that my wife was witnessing. I knew I needed a change. My wife heard about emPower Training Systems from a client, she shared this information with me and it sounded interesting. So I made an appointment to talk with someone about my needs. During our conversation, I felt that the staff were very knowledgeable and focused on my needs: lose weight, gain strength and flexibility. I finally decided to take my first step with this company towards a healthier life. At first, it may seem like an ordinary gym with trainers, but I have found these fine and knowledgeable trainers truly are committed to your welfare, your success as well as helping you with your failures. The results of these past few months were losing over 35lbs, an end to snoring, my blood tests were optimal, and I've gotten stronger and ready for this year's church softball team. I'm truly blessed for having emPower Training Systems in my life. Thanks to all the trainers at emPower Training Systems. I could not have done it without you and the support of my wife, Betsy. 
Kirby Arms
Before finding emPower I was lost. I could not find the magical fix to my weight problems. I was unhappy and confused that I was going to the gym constantly but did not seeing results. When Sparta classes were introduced to me at emPower, I found something I was excited about, but wanted to see more results. That is when I decided to sign up for personal training and it was the best decision I ever made! I started really seeing the results I wanted and I had someone holding me accountable every week. My eating improved and I was becoming leaner, stronger, lighter, and faster. I love how invested the trainers at emPower are with their clients. I love receiving emails and text messages checking in and keeping me motivated. I have been training at emPower for six months and I have lost almost 30lbs and went down two sizes in jeans! I am so thankful for all of the trainers at emPower for their constant support, and pushing me to do the absolute best I can. 
Richard Moxley
Up through my thirties, I stayed in reasonably good shape mostly through distance running and being physically active. Over the past thirty years since, I slid more and more loosing focus, discipline and desire to maintain my wellness. I was overweight, uncomfortable, drastically out of shape and well on my way to becoming a statistic! I found the nerve to join emPower, and felt a connection with the entire personal training staff and felt welcome. I eventually joined the Biggest Loser Program, reluctantly and fearfully, and I was not sure what to expect from emPower or myself. BINGO! emPower transformed me- mentally and physically. Training with Carla was outstanding. She knew my needs -pushing me to the limits of my ability, always with a watchful eye for my safety and well being. Her theme was clear “Trust the Process”! Watch the lifestyle change and enhancements work its magic; stay in the moment and the future will take care of you. The nutritional counseling, accounting through the food logs, food tips, menus and ideas were invaluable. The constant support for your eating habits and encouragement to stay the course were just what the doctor ordered—literally and figuratively. The team concept and all the folks with whom I have interacted-- trainers and other gym participants are friendly, engaging, and most helpful. This is NO cookie cutter operation! The programs are tailored to the individual while taking age, current condition, and personal goals into account. I am transitioning back to a healthier lifestyle-- seeing and feeling incredible results. Most importantly I am feeling good about myself and the vision of who I am and how I look . I have lost 75lbs and I will continue on my journey with the emPower folks. |
Sibbie Zegley
Over a year ago I committed to completing a Tough Mudder. I was 47 years old and a mother of 3 wonderful boys. Although being active and healthy has always been important to me, it took a back seat to raising a family. In the past few years trying to lose weight had been very difficult, which I chalked up to getting older and my metabolism slowing down.
I knew I was going to need a training program to prepare for the Tough Mudder. After I heard about emPower thru a current client, I called and scheduled an appointment. I was immediately impressed with their program and the individual approach they offer. emPower helped me set my goals both for weight loss and for my Tough Mudder training. They encouraged me to start keeping a food log, which they reviewed weekly and gave me feedback. As the weeks went by I noticed changes in my body! The weight was coming off and I was becoming toned and stronger. I also noticed an increase in my energy level and an “ I can do it” confidence in myself.
Going to the emPower is something I look forward to! There is a high energy level and an addicting enthusiasm there. Everyone, trainers and clients alike, is encouraging to each other. The trainers are very experienced and stress proper techniques; they are also great motivators and push me to my limits.
I completed the Tough Mudder and it was a blast! What made it even more special was I completed it with family and friends including new ones I met at emPower. I have since set new goals and am continuing my journey to be “the best I can be”. Currently I am training for a half marathon and already plotting my next challenge. Now at age 48 I am in the best shape of my life! At this time I have lost 20lbs and dropped 2 dress sizes. That stubborn “baby pouch” is disappearing and my muscles are becoming more defined. I have a sense of fulfillment and confidence every time I leave the emPower. I am very grateful to emPower and my team of exceptional trainers.
Over a year ago I committed to completing a Tough Mudder. I was 47 years old and a mother of 3 wonderful boys. Although being active and healthy has always been important to me, it took a back seat to raising a family. In the past few years trying to lose weight had been very difficult, which I chalked up to getting older and my metabolism slowing down.
I knew I was going to need a training program to prepare for the Tough Mudder. After I heard about emPower thru a current client, I called and scheduled an appointment. I was immediately impressed with their program and the individual approach they offer. emPower helped me set my goals both for weight loss and for my Tough Mudder training. They encouraged me to start keeping a food log, which they reviewed weekly and gave me feedback. As the weeks went by I noticed changes in my body! The weight was coming off and I was becoming toned and stronger. I also noticed an increase in my energy level and an “ I can do it” confidence in myself.
Going to the emPower is something I look forward to! There is a high energy level and an addicting enthusiasm there. Everyone, trainers and clients alike, is encouraging to each other. The trainers are very experienced and stress proper techniques; they are also great motivators and push me to my limits.
I completed the Tough Mudder and it was a blast! What made it even more special was I completed it with family and friends including new ones I met at emPower. I have since set new goals and am continuing my journey to be “the best I can be”. Currently I am training for a half marathon and already plotting my next challenge. Now at age 48 I am in the best shape of my life! At this time I have lost 20lbs and dropped 2 dress sizes. That stubborn “baby pouch” is disappearing and my muscles are becoming more defined. I have a sense of fulfillment and confidence every time I leave the emPower. I am very grateful to emPower and my team of exceptional trainers.