Testimonials
David Laverty
** David is a firefighter and outdoor climbing & kayaking guide
After piecing together a plan for a mountaineering trip of a lifetime, I soon realized that I needed to commit to a serious pre-trip physical conditioning regimen in order to make the most of my adventure. My wife Emilie, who has been a Taylored Training client for quite some time made me aware of the outstanding programs and products offered by the company, and I felt that Taylor could provide me with the specific strength and conditioning training that I demanded.
After 3 months of individualized coaching I was overwhelmed at the results! The mountains would be demanding, but I felt prepared for the challenge. As it turns out, the investment in myself ensured that I was climbing at my peak performance level.
Due to my successful initial experience I decided to continue training with Taylored Training. Taylored Training once again created a new, personalized training plan focusing on my desire to optimize my physical performance while working as a firefighter. By combining the coaching expertise offered by the Taylor Training staff with my personal commitment to fitness I am confident that my new strength and conditioning goals will be achieved.
If you are an active person looking to: enhance your performance in a specific sport; increase your ability to tackle a physically demanding job; and, or take your training to the next level consider Taylored Training. The training is demanding and rigorous, but the investment in yourself is worth the sacrifices that you will make.
Jeff Einarson
My experience with Taylored Training has been in two stages; my initial experience, and then returning. I am focussing on my second go around. After having come to the realization of how out of shape I had become over an eight month hiatus, and that I couldn’t improve on my own, I returned to TT and was received back with open arms, regardless of whether it was because of, or in spite of, our previous relationship. The question is why return? Because it works, I wanted to be better, and there is an ever present need to take care of “the temple”, as well as knowing that the staff will make it happen. I just have to commit. Also, I did miss the staff.
At Taylored Training things are always changing . The actual day-to-day was not what I expected, but the experience was. Even after a brief absense of eight months, there were many changes; exercises changed, types of workouts were different (from weight loss to hypertrophy), staff changes that would reinforce new ideas. But what I got was results, friendships, and fundamental changes in me both physically and mentally. I received what I expected and more.
In the time that I have been back I have both a favourite memory and a top experience, which are different. My favourite memory is a self-based goal orientated memory of hitting my target bench press this summer that I wanted to achieve. Simplistic, yes, but very satisfying. The feeling of reaching that twenty years past my prime is an achievement I am quite proud of. One that I don’t have to share – just a mental / physical target I wanted to hit. As for the best experience I must say the friendships that have developed and the sense of belonging that TT provides in my life. ‘Nuff said.
What must be said about the difference with TT and other gyms is that both factors stated above are met. You may be able to strike up friendships anywhere, or potentially get results at a large box gym, but I have not had both happen until now, at Taylored Training. The training itself is progressive, varied, and imaginative. I truly enjoy it.
If you are considering coming to TT it is most important that you lose your preconceptions of everything; your knowledge of exercises, your limitations and restrictions. It is vital that you follow what you are told / given without question. Blind faith is difficult as adults, because we tend to lose that willingness to trust others and put up road blocks. Put your faith in these trainers, your success is their success. Also, don’t restrict your possibilities because of previous expericences. TT is different, and preconceptions need to be discarded. The TT staff know you (at least parts of you) better than you know yourself. Accept that and then reap the rewards.
Gabriella Di Fazio
I came to Taylored Training because I started doing a girl’s weight lifting/gym class at school in Grade 10 and wanted to get even stronger. The dumbbells for the girls at school only went up to 8 lbs and all the exercises got easy very quickly. I came to Taylored Training as a “bring a friend guest” with my mom and was amazed at how strong I was and how much I had underestimated myself. I loved the encouraging environment at Taylored (even from people I didn’t know), how much the trainers pushed me, and how sore I felt the next day! I signed up for the summer and came almost every day; it kind of became an addiction but a good one because I loved feeling stronger and looking better. I do sports at school so an increased strength is really beneficial for my swimming and rugby.
I honestly expected to start coming to the gym during the summer and then just get bored of it and stay home and be lazy, but I was surprised because I actually looked forward to going to the gym. It was probably because Taylored Training is way different than any other gym I had been to, the ones full of muscle-head guys staring and laughing at me as I tried to bench press. I expected to become a lot stronger but definitely not by this much; I have doubled the weight I used to squat and can actually do a few chin-ups now!
My best memory was one of the days after the gym, I remembered I woke up that morning and thought I had the worst stomach ache ever, turned out I was just sore from ab roll-outs. It was a good feeling.
Training here has been so different because there is not a single machine in sight. There is nobody on treadmills looking over at your treadmill to see how many calories you’ve burned. There is just a bunch of people weight training really, really hard and it is so much more motivating than anywhere else I’ve ever been. Training at Taylored has really changed the way I see weight training. It makes me feel like a snob to say this, but when I see someone using an assisted weight machine at the gym I just don’t take them seriously.
If you are even slightly debating trying out Taylored Training, DO IT. You will probably never work out this hard in your life, sometimes you might even want to cry (which I have) or puke (which I almost have), but the results are so worth it. You will feel so much better and you will look so much better. Especially if you are in your teens like me this is really the time to start, you notice changes so quickly, it has made me overall a lot more motivated, and I feel better about myself.
PS I took 5 seconds on my swim time after my summer training!
Carla Potter
I have always been active, but let it slip big time as I prioritized school and work over working out and eating right. I used to spend lunch eating at the Pizza Hut lunch buffet to grab a quick meal (I even had a membership card), and being in law school no chance I had time to work out! I passed by Taylored Training every day, but thought no way I could afford it, and really fitness was something I could just do myself by spending more time on the elliptical.
Coming back to Kingston for my last semester of school I realized that I had to make the change in my life NOW as there would always be pressures in my life and I had to figure out how to deal with them. Plus I knew I had 4 months to get “beach ready” for an exchange to Barbados! With some pressure from a friend, I decided to stop going for manicures or buffet lunches and to put the money towards getting support from a trainer and making a change for myself. I thought the staff at Taylored Training sounded totally crazy (we followed the blogs all summer and determined they were totally nuts!) but it was that sort of crazy I needed!
The experience has by FAR exceeded my expectations. I met with Vanessa and told her my goal- to be bikini ready by January. I was pretty much half committed and didn’t really believe that lifting weights and doing push-ups would be enough- where was the treadmill in this?? I didn’t really buy into her nutrition plan full heartedly. It really wasn’t until I was caught by the staff eating Chinese food that I realized…. these people actually care about ME not just my monthly membership fee.
From here my attitude totally changed- I trusted Vanessa’s ways, started challenging myself to use heavier weights, stayed tighter to my nutrition plan and noticed amazing results in my bikini pictures!! The experience has not been at all what I expected- I expected a one hour a week training session a week, instead I got a full support system six days a week.
The best experience has by far been the Physique Challenge. Two months ago it was something that I did not think I could do. No drinking? No pizza? Yeahhh Right! Vanessa told me she thought I could do it, and I started to realize the only thing stopping me was myself.
The Taylored Training staff went absolutely above and beyond to ensure I was able to do this challenge and achieve my goals. The support from the staff and other physique challenge participants has been amazing from helping me through workouts to ensuring I am on track nutrition-wise.
From this challenge I have started to enjoy healthy foods, my boyfriend and I have started to cook more together and while I still have four weeks to go I feel better than ever!! I am actually dying to see the before and after pictures already!
I was a member of a big-box gym prior to coming to Taylored Training. I didn’t really know what I was doing and haphazardly would go on the elliptical or attend a class. Here you have a program and someone is always supporting you. The other members are fantastic, there is always some sort of witty banter happening and going to workout is a lot of fun!! It’s like the Friends coffee shop- but in a gym!
DO IT NOW! Don’t waste another second reading the blog or surfing the website- it’s not going to change. Make the commitment to change yourself!
Blaire McPhail
I initially went to Taylored Training because I had heard of their 4-week indoor bootcamp and decided to try it out. I couldn't walk after the first class, and after the last class I saw some major results and could do things that I never thought I would be able to do before.
That was that...As someone who was not to least bit physically active, it seemed as though I had a good enough "fitness fix" to last a couple of years.
Fast forward 2 years. I joined a box gym in Kingston where they marked up my "before" photo as if it were a plastic surgery consultation and said things like "Ew, your arms!" and that my "gut has got to go". Treadmills and weight machines just weren't cutting it for me. Not only was I bored, but I wasn't seeing the slightest result.
I decided to go back to the only place that I ever had results and the only place that I ever enjoyed working out. I started training at Taylored just over a year ago and I have discovered a love for physical fitness. My best memory so far was after the first 2 weeks of doing The Physique Challenge. The results I saw were crazy. I remember the "ah-ha" moment when I started to like my body and feel more confident in my own skin. I also love seeing how far I have come from a year ago. I actually feel strong. I actually feel fit. I actually feel good.
For anyone who is thinking about going to Taylored Training, just do it. You won't regret it and it will honestly change your life. The trainers are amazing and they will definitely keep you accountable and make sure that you are reaching your goals. You won't get an experience like this anywhere else. Be prepared to work hard and push your body like you've never pushed it before. It will be amazing and you won't regret it.
Jessica Momertz
I first did a bootcamp class at Taylored Training and absolutely loved it! It was super hard and challenging. After that I joined a box gym and had a horrible experience. My best friend joined TT and started working with Taylor. I witnessed some amazing changes in both her confidence and her body and I wanted the same for me. I started training with Taylor and it completely changed the way I look at fitness 
and myself.
Taylored Training went above and beyond my expectations. After having some really horrible experiences at other gyms, I wasn't sure what Personal Training would be like. It was completely life changing, everyone at TT treats you like a person and not just a bank account, which is amazing.
It's hard to pinpoint my best memory but i think overall my favourite part of training was the early morning sessions with Taylor. Even though 6am came early and I was exhausted, Taylor always made sure I was challenged and that at least one hilarious joke or comment was made.
I have never had personal training at another gym, but I have had the experience of gym staff trying to convince me personal training was for me and that I needed it. It was pushy and intrusive and it made me want it less.
Drop the excuses and just do it.
Bob Vasily
Having taken thousands of group training classes from dozens of gyms and hundreds of instructors over the past 40+ years, I can honestly say the group training classes here are second to none. A good balance between cardio and strength training, fantastic variety of exercises and equipment, and instructors who take great pleasure in squeezing out of us, every ounce of energy they can. While your classes are not for the faint of heart, they definitely are ideal for those who want results.
Thanks guys for a great year.
Allen Stewart
saw your ad in the paper and looked at your two trial promotion. I really liked your no nonsense approach and felt it would suit me, as I like to be pushed. It more than matched my expectations, though I have to admit I was not sure what to expect. The apparent lack of equipment at first shocked me, but then once I started training, I quickly realized this was a benefit and not detraction. What really impressed me was the responsiveness of you to adjust my training routine. It is no secret to anyone that I have not been the easiest person to train. I am prone to injury as I don’t know when to stop, but you have always been quick to adjust so that I can continue to train in spite of my self-inflicted problems.
I have 3 Taylored Training moments I’ll never forget. The first occurred very early on in my time at Taylored. I was doing dumbbell bench presses using two 45 lb weights (something I had never done before and thought this was quite an accomplishment) when Taylor said “that’s way to light, try 60 lbs each”. I thought he was crazy, but tried and sure enough, it was difficult but doable. I think at that time I realized that I was capable of much more than I thought. Second since as long as I can remember it has always been a goal to bench press my own weight. I had almost given up before I started coming to Taylored , but in only a couple of months you got me there. Thirdly, being able to do 15 pushups with 100 lbs on my back was and is very memorable I still get friends that have seen the video who marvel at this..
This is the fourth gym I have trained and to say Taylored Training is the best so fare would be a gross understatement. The biggest difference to me was the tailoring (pun intended) of the training regimen. The constant tinkering and fine adjustments are what sets Taylored apart from other gyms. That and the whole body approach. The ability to speak to professionals about fitness, nutrition, and physio is phenomenal.
I think that the most important thing that new people need to know is the willingness and ability of the staff to design individualized fitness programs for people of all ages and levels of fitness. I think many people think they need to be fit before they come to a gym so as not to “embarrass” themselves in front of the “gym rats”. This is certainly not the case at Taylored. As for what I would have liked to know before I started, hmm…. How much it was going to cost me to buy new clothes!
Brandi Huff
My Mom and I signed up for the 2 week trial before going away for my sister's wedding. My Mom had some friends that were members and saw the great results they were getting and thought it would be good for us. After the 2 weeks we could not wait to get back from the wedding and become members. I was turning 30 and had finally decided to do something for myself! It was time to be happy and I knew a big part of that was going to include getting healthy and fit, it all has fallen into place now and my only regret is that I didn't sign up sooner.
I was not entirely sure what to expect when I first started but I now know that everyone at Taylored goes above and beyond and that any expectations that I did have were blown out of the water. I didn't expect to learn as much as I have. The trainers actually explain why we are doing certain things and want you to understand. They are so knowledgeable and educated and want to share this with you, it's amazing. Also I did not expect to have so many people invested in me and cheering me on. The entire staff is there for their members and want nothing more than for you to succeed. Another thing I definitely did not expect was to make so many friends, from the staff to other members, it's a place where I know I can go if I'm having a bad day and chances are it will all change by the time I walk out the door, especially if my buddy Tyson is there!
I’ll never forget achieving my first weight loss goal and celebrating the moment with Whitney! I realized that everything is working and the satisfaction of knowing that I have found “my gym”. Whitney was just as excited for me and it was great to be able to share that with someone, she is always there to help me achieve my goals and share in the celebrations when they come!
I have had many other memberships at other facilities, most of which I was wasting money on because I never went. At Taylored the biggest difference I notice is the amazing staff. They actually know your name and consider you a person, not just someone who is helping get them a pay cheque. They are educated, helpful, friendly and they honestly care about you and your progress. The programs they introduce you to are for you, they are not some generic set of exercises they give you and send you on your way, they invest time into figuring out what you want to achieve and how to get you there. They hold you accountable, they don't take no or I can't, for an answer. There have been days when I go in not really wanting to be there and at any other facility I can half-ass it and get away with doing next to nothing. At Taylored Training however it does not matter how far I try to hide around the corner, Whitney and Taylor will be there calling me out and making me push myself, I think when Taylor catches me slacking he makes me add more weights as a punishment and I love it! I can personally say that if it wasn't for the staff I would not have been as successful as I am, I don't want to let them down and that keeps me going. I go in every day hoping I can make them proud because they have put so much effort into me, something I didn't think I was worth, but with their help I am slowly recognizing that I am.
You will be addicted and Taylored Training will become part of your life, from the programs, to the coaches and right down to the other members, they get in there and are so fantastic! It is really hard work and you are expected to do it. That is what you are there for though, to get fit and healthy but that takes dedication and a lot of work on your part, you will be coached through it but the rest is up to you. When you do it- it will feel amazing! Thanks guys!
Mike
A friend referred me, when we talked about how he was getting in shape for some personal goal. I was able to set a personal best at a competition 7 months after training. My favourite Taylored Training memories include: the crazy triple set programs and bringing in the ‘Rescue Randy’ for Vanessa and Cassie to train with.
Mariane Héroux
I started going to Taylored Training in January 2008 just 3 months after it opened. Ten minutes into my first workout I knew that I was “hooked” and would be coming back again and again. I immediately fell in love with the studio’s dynamic, the unique training approach, and personalized attention.
Today, almost 4 years later, I am still a proud member. I know that each visit to the studio comes with a new challenge and opportunity to push my fitness to a new level. It amazes me how the trainers at the studio always make sure that I am challenged. Furthermore, they inspire and motivate me to reach my goals, adjust programming to work around injuries, hold me accountable, and WANT me to succeed. And to top it off, the other members of the studio contribute their own unique personalities helping to create a welcoming and fun environment.
I also greatly appreciate the staff’s commitment to education and their profound fitness knowledge. They use scientific evidence to guide their programming and are always striving to learn more. Finally, I applaud their honesty and “tell it like it is” mentality regarding training and goal achievement. Such honesty should be practiced by all fitness professionals.
Overall, my experience with Taylored Training has been nothing but positive. Although getting there isn’t always the easiest thing (even for me) once the workout begins the visit quickly becomes the highlight of my day. The staff, members, and overall atmosphere make every visit positive and keeps me coming back for more.
Dale
About a year ago, my doctor shattered any illusions I had about being in good shape. I had been frustrated for years over my inability to lose weight and that irritating gut I picked up after quitting smoking 17 years ago. But even then, it wasn't until I was told my cholesterol was so bad, that the truth hit home. Not being sick...does not mean you are healthy. So...Rather than allow myself to be put on a long term pill prescription, I took things into my own hands and made a decision that has changed my life.
I met Taylor and liked his no-nonsense approach to fitness. I saw the gym and liked the fact there were no televisions to be seen in front of long rows of aerobic equipment. They changed my diet, my eating habits and put me through the hardest, most challenging workouts I have ever done. Scared? A little...of failure, of pushing myself harder than I ever have. But very quickly, within 4 months, my cholesterol was in line with health Canada.
I've watched my body change in all the right ways, and feel 10 yrs younger. My friends ask me why I put myself through this and give me excuses why they wouldn't be able to do it. Their excuses sound lame but familiar to my ears. When you're ready to change your life and make your health your number one priority, come see Taylor, Whitney and Vanessa.
They won’t hold your hand and tell you it’s okay to fail. But they will do what it takes to help you meet your goals. If you can’t invest in your most important asset, are you SURE you have your priorities straight?
Pauline Conley
My experience with group training sessions at Tailored Training began in September of 2009 at an outdoor boot camp. I had been jogging regularly and thought myself to be in reasonable shape, but after that first week I was in pain (but, according to Cassie, this was only ‘pain’ (good), not ‘pain-pain’ (bad)). I really had to think twice about 
going up stairs for a while, because I knew how much it was going to hurt to come back down. Turns out, there are a whole lot of body parts that can just take a nap during a 5K jog! After getting over this first adjustment phase (like when I could bend my legs again), the initial self-consciousness (do I really want to throw up in front of these nice people?) the sharp learning curve of a beginner (Questions like: “What’s a burpee?” I sometimes wish I still didn’t know…), I found myself excited about the workouts, and about the possibility of discovering my own untapped potential.
Here’s the thing: during one morning class Taylor said something that totally changed the way I think about exercise. He was on a bit of a rant (great entertainment during the group training sessions – way better than TV) and said “When you start something decide to do it” ( I paraphrase). To me this means that if you decide to do a set of pushups, then do them until you absolutely can’t (but, Taylor reminds us, keep your face turned to the side so you don’t break your nose when you wipe out). I decide to get up in the morning and go to the gym, I decide to do the sets that the trainers have laid out, and decide to do them to the best of my ability (while fully reserving the right to whine and complain with carefree abandon). The more committed I am, the better the results. Simple, right? All you have to do is decide, and show up. But wait, there’s more! The more I commit to the workouts, the more the Tailored Training team commit to me! Can’t you feel the love?
Group training sessions are never the same, never boring, always a challenge. I surprise myself constantly not only with what I achieve during the workouts themselves, but with unexpected things like using “Awesome!” and “I almost threw up!” in the same phrase; feeling happy feelings while being yelled at by a muscley guy with a shaved head and covered with tattoos, or considering the prospect of doing 50 burpees – while not altogether reasonable – as entirely possible. After two years of working out with the Tailored team I am stronger and fitter than I’ve ever been. Last spring, for instance, I ran my first half marathon within my goal time. It was a joyful experience, and I needed virtually no recovery time. My goal for next year involves (ahem) pull-ups. Whitney says I can do it – and Whitney doesn’t just say things like that. For example, when I said I wanted to do that cool Jackie Chan back-flip thing that all the slayers do on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she did her best to let me down nice and gentle.
I also really recommend bringing the old man to group training with you. Since Noor (see his testimonial) started accompanying me to workouts he no longer rolls his eyes when I complain about sore muscles or fatigue (too busy being in pain himself, one would suppose). Some days I’m trying to keep up with him, other days it’s the other way around. The workouts consistently challenge a real mix of skill levels, which makes working out together work really well. Plus, we recently got to share the joy of totally smoking our twenty-something kids when we brought them to group training sessions as guests. You can put a dollar amount on a gym membership, but lapping those youngsters: priceless.
At my age (turning 50 next birthday) the Tailored Training promise to “look better naked” means little to me (really, who needs to see that?). My work-out goals have more to do not only with how I feel but how I am. What I have learned from Taylor, Whitney, Cassie, the rest of the staff, and all my excellent and inspiring fellow members, is that my body (including the muscle inside my skull-yes, working out makes you smarter!) is capable of far more than I would have hoped. I’m happy to know that I can look forward to claiming a lot of my yet-unused potential in the years to come if I keep it up. Woot!
Noor
My wife Pauline (see her testimonial) joined in Sept 09 and took full advantage of the morning group training classes. She would come home after the work-out and I would just be getting up at 7am. She tried to convince me to join, but I responded that I had two gyms at work for free, an indoor track, and everything else in between. She 
mentioned yes, that is all true but you don’t use it!!!
I have an athletic background having raced bicycles and done some longer endurance type activities. I knew that I was not improving my general fitness as my age moved on, that I was getting a bit sloppy about my diet, and my runs (about 5k, 4-5 times per week) were more of a steady shuffle than anything else. You know what they say: if you're coasting you're going downhill. I was aware that my body fat was slowing creeping up. The changes were so incremental I didn't notice – until my pants weren't fitting, or when I no longer recognized myself in photos. I knew deep down that if I was not getting my muscles and/or lungs burning on a regular basis then no worthwhile level of fitness would be achieved. So after fooling myself for about 6 months, I went to a trial group training class. The battle ropes almost killed me and I was sore for a week- telltale signs that I had been deluded as to my fitness level. I joined and haven't looked back. I admit that I'm pathetic. I need someone to tell me what to do in order to get my fitness level up. I acknowledge that I don't have the discipline or the will power anymore to push myself (alone) on a daily basis. I can do my shuffle runs; go for a bike ride with the odd great session, but overall I need the group training sessions to move forward. The classes are always different-they're inside and outside-the other members are committed, and the staff is excellent.
For all of you who are achieving a high level of fitness on your own, I envy you; for those of you who think you can achieve a high level of fitness on your own, good luck; and for those average people like me, you can stop drinking your own bathwater and spend some time at Taylored Training.
Christine Campbell
You know those people, everyone knows at least one – a person that is in your mind a little healthy-crazed, is all about training/exercising, chooses to eat something different from the rest of the group, can’t be persuaded by your ever-so-convincing shpeal on why they should indulge just this one time (you probably said something like ‘come on, is one night going to really kill ya?’). One of my friends, Cassie, is like this. She would always have some new and weird concoction each day for lunch and I often wondered how she could be so ‘dedicated’ to fitness and reaching her goals.
Prior to Taylored Training I was one of those people who tried to derail others, because I wasn’t on my own path. I hadn’t figured out fitness goals that worked for me, yet that is. I was a sporadic exerciser, some months I was dedicated, other months I didn’t go to the gym once. I also had developed bad eating habits, and felt guilty about it eating. Even though I had completed my degree in Kinesiology and working on my Master’s in Physiotherapy, I didn’t have the tools and resources to figure out how to make it work on my own. I accepted that I wanted and needed help to progress my fitness and physique goals.
I began training at the studio in February, 2011 after being to one of the classes Cassie was teaching. I was amazed at what we did, how hard everyone pushed – I immediately signed up for a trial pack. Two training sessions with Vanessa, another Taylored Training staff member, and I was already motivated and charged for what my training could be and what it could result in.
About a month later I, along with 9 other girls at the studio, signed up for the Physique Challenge. This 6-week training and nutrition program developed by the Taylored Training Staff, taught me much more than I thought. I saw results that I’ve never seen in the past, both physically and mentally. I now understand how to use nutrition to fuel my body for training and how different that feels than just eating for the sake of eating. I don’t question if I am ‘dedicated’ enough because I understand how good life can be when you are on the path that I am on; not choosing this lifestyle is no longer an option. And yes, I am now on the other end of the scenario I spoke of before: people ask me how are you so ‘dedicated’? How do you stay on track? Probably the best thing that came out of the physique challenge was the great connections I made, with the staff, other members, and my training buddies. Without that the circle of support, I think I would feel much differently than the way I do now.
What’s next? When I return from Australia in the fall I am going for my Squat badge! These badges are just another way Taylored Training is different from other typical gyms. They offer challenges to members, goals to push towards outside of external appearances. Taylored Training Staff have pushed me so much harder than I would on my own, and I am grateful to have them alongside me during my journey.
So, what’s next for you? Do you have your training goals aligned to you specifically? Or, like me, do you need help from the Taylored Training Staff to figure out how to put it all together?
Blaire
Before you think that I’ve taken a one-way train to Crazytown, hear me out.
We see it everywhere...Eat less, weight less, right?
Wrong. Every fad diet out there will tell you that consuming less and less calories will give you the super hot bod that we see plastered on TV, billboards and in magazines. Well guess what? The second you go off of that diet, you are going go right back to where you started.
Let me lay it out for you: The fewer calories you eat, the more calories your body will store. See, by eating less you are literally starving yourself. This causes your body to go into – go figure – starvation mode, storing as many calories as it can just to survive. Not only is this horrible for your organs, muscles, and overall health, but it slows your metabolism down. Basically what I’m saying here is the slower your metabolism is, the easier it is for you to get fat.
Take it from me. I used to eat 600-800 calories a day and I wasn’t getting any skinnier. My old mentality told me that the less I ate, the better I would look. Let’s be honest, I was flabby and soft and I was actually bigger than I was before. Not to mention that I was constantly exhausted to the point that I was having medical tests done to see what the problem was. The problem, it turns out, was my diet and total lack of motivation to exercise.
Now I am eating between 1600-1800 calories a day and I am in the best shape that I have ever been in and it just keeps getting better. I’m not going to lie; it took a lot for me to actually pay attention to what Taylor was telling me. I mean, what kind of trainer actually tells you to eat more than double what you were before? It was awesome but surprisingly hard to do.
This doesn’t mean that you grab some Five Guys every day and expect to have a sexy ass. Eat sensibly, eat a lot, work out, and get hot. It’s really difficult to break the whole “if I eat too much I’m going to get fat” mentality, but once you do it will be worth it.
I eat a lot. And I’m not fat.
Renee
As a teenager struggling with my weight ever since I can remember I easily gave into seventeen magazine's “quick and easy tips to a sexy body now” articles. I always listened to those who said that small weights and cardio workouts were the only way for a female to achieve their goals.
I just recently realized what B.S. all this advice was for me because after months and months of what I thought were workouts at the local gym I saw little to no results. I often found myself frustrated because I'd been working just to figure out my time was being wasted on the treadmill and elliptical machines.
I saw an ad for Taylored Training on facebook and, desperate, I clicked it (I have never before clicked an ad for anything off of facebook!). It was the best decision I've ever made! After one of the group training trial workouts I was hooked. I had never experienced anything like it before. It was the most challenging/fun workout I've ever done. I did things I never thought I could do and the next day I hurt in places I didn't know I had. The trainers are encouraging and friendly. The thing I love most is that they actually take the time to get to know the people they train.
I may sometimes complain about the pain but can finally see and feel a difference in myself and it's all thanks to Taylored Training!
April
Changing your physique is simple, you just have to be willing to put the time, hard work, and find ways to stay motivated. As a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Physique Specialist, I know how to transform the body of my clients as well as my own. The best way to see results is to have different people to help you along your journey to finding a fitter physique. I myself, have a trainer to help me stay on track! Over the past 4 years, I have competed in 7 NPC Figure and Fitness competitions. I placed in the top 5 in all of these shows.
I know it is not always easy and life is BUSY! I know because I am a wife, mother of three, own my own personal training business, model and compete! For me, it is all about motivation. I know what to do, but I need someone to check my journal (yes I keep it with me at all times! ), go over my workout plan, and keep me focused on my goals ahead.
Taylor and Whitney know exactly how to get you results! Knowing how the body works and the science behind how to train and eat is important! To really see results that last, the secret is learning how to live a healthier more active lifestyle. Let the trainers at Taylored Training show you how. If you are willing to put in the time then, Taylored Training can help you get to your goal of looking better naked…..and who doesn’t want to do that?
Janine
When I first came to Taylored Training I thought I was in shape. I have been a competitive trampolinist for six years and I am now a national level competitor. I joined Taylored Training because my trampoline club did not have an organized and disciplined conditioning program to help improve my trampoline performance. Although I did not have a specific conditioning program I still tried to condition my body to improve my fitness level and muscle strength. As well as conditioning I trained for trampoline for 15 hours a week and was also playing on a competitive soccer team.
Walking into Taylored Training I was expecting the trainers to give me a few tips and I'd be on my way. I soon realized that I was not as fit as I thought I was and after the first few workouts I could barely walk because I was so sore! Since starting my training program in August 2010, my overall strength and fitness level has improved immensely. My jumping height on the trampoline, which is an important part of my ranking and scores, has increased significantly ( I am now the highest in my category!) and because my training program was personally designed to increase my power for my sport, I can perform my flips and skills a lot easier than I could before I started my program. I can also learn new skills much easier due to the amount of strength and power I have developed from my training program at Taylored Training.
Overall I have become leaner, more toned, and stronger than I could have ever imagined. I have lost inches off my legs, arms and stomach. My body is also more evenly conditioned and my overall confidence has increased significantly.
Stacey
After years of doing different exercise programs, training myself and paying others to train me in various gyms and never getting the results I wanted I finally found my match when I started working-out at Taylored Training and signed up for the Physique Challenge. This 6 week program not only gave me phenomenal physical results but also a new appreciation of how to have fun while working hard and being 
dedicated.
I not only lost many inches during this program, but also became stronger and more confident to do harder workouts on my own. Nutritionally, I took away the most from this challenge and learned that it is possible to shape-up without starving myself and relying on endless cardio to drop weight. I learned how to eat clean and noticed how much better I felt within the first week. Having the guidance and support of a trainer who actually cared was also extremely motivational and helpful both on a physical and psychological level. I truly felt like they had a vested interest in me and I in them.
The best part of this challenge was when I ran a half marathon at the end of the six weeks and came within seconds of my personal best without actually training for the race at all! I am sold on this program and encourage anyone needing a kick in the butt or wanting to try something new to commit to it!
Megan
Taylor and Whitney changed my life. I was one of those people who would say to themselves "I will start tomorrow" or "what is one more day?" and that all changed after I had my daughter. I want my children to grow up in a healthy and active lifestyle. I emailed my brother, Taylor, and asked him if he would put together a 
program for me. A few days later Whitney sent me a text saying that I should do their 6 week physique challenge. Since I live in Medicine Hat, Alberta, I had to do the physique challenge with minimal equipment and no group workouts, but I decided that I could do it and took on the challenge. I am a stay-at-home mom and I don't get too much time to myself, but I managed to do my first workout in the morning and my second workout in the afternoon (which was only 4-6 mins). I did it at home, by myself, using free weights, a yoga ball and my TRX. The 6 week physique challenge taught me how to make sure I was eating the right amount of food for my body type. The workouts were never too long and so I could do them while my daughter was napping. I learned great exercises for every part of the body and by working out different body parts on different days, I always felt like it was something new. My whole life has become much healthier and as a result so has my daughters. Thanks Whitney and Taylor for letting me be part of a wonderful program, I am planning on doing it again next time around :)
Lorraine
I made the decision to participate in 2 Physique Challenges, both about 6 months apart.
The first Physique Challenge was truly life changing. The knowledge I gained regarding training similar muscle groups on a rotating structured program brought the best fitness results I have ever experienced. I also gained exponential knowledge in the area of nutrition, which ironically I thought I was already very well educated about. It has continued to change the way I eat to this day. I very strictly followed the program and the results superseded my expectations.
I decided to participate in the second Physique Challenge with a slightly different goal in mind. The nutrition plan was slightly more liberal, and I wanted to solidify my mindset and approach to exercise and nutrition on a longer term basis. The first Physique Challenge showed me how to obtain the most drastic results in the shortest time possible. My goal in the second time around was to reinforce what I learned the first time around, however with the mentality that my diet and exercise regime would be the new norm. I now know what I have to do if my goal is to be as lean as possible in a specific timeframe, and also how to eat with a little more flexibility, but to maintain health and strength!
Adrianna
To be honest, it was entirely shallow and superficial and a little creepy. It was because I was checking out chicks (yes, I am a girl) at the studio in the mirror who were doing the Physique Program and they looked AMAZING! I asked Taylor what they were doing to look so hot, and he said they were in the Physique Program. So I was sold!
Other people noticed big changes (which is even better than yourself noticing- I think). I felt stronger and I got some sweet cuts in my delts. I also noticed that my clothes were looser and I was fitting into mediums and smalls again - especially in my “upper belly” region.
I also just felt “cleaner” and I didn’t crave the fast food and sugar that I used to.
I kept up with the diet for the most part, making some changes here and there that I felt were just better suited to my preferences and since I learned a lot about my personal diet and nutrition and what works for me while doing the Challenge, it has been easy to maintain.
DO IT. You will look hot. It works. It’s hard, really hard, but SO worth it. You will probably be tired and fed up and get run-down by week 4 or 5, everyone is. But when the 6 weeks is finished and you SEE and FEEL the results, it’s ridiculous. You will learn so much while doing the Challenge, that even when it is finished you can keep up with the workouts and the diet plan, all on your own!
Kathryn
My name is Kathryn, a 21 year old student studying in Kingston, and as the New Year approaches, with the stress of school gaining on me, I realized that I not only needed a personal lifestyle change, but I needed something that would help me continue to grow physically and mentally stronger.
For this reason I sought out Taylor Training in early November 2010, and will never look back. Not knowing if this was the right program for me, and not wanting to commit without testing the waters first, the Trial Pack was the right fit for me. The knowledgeable and personable staff helped to create a two week strength training program suited to my needs. The next two weeks, although physically challenging, were well worth it. As with any fitness regimen, there is only so much that a trainer can do for you, so with the tools to change myself, it was up to me to take the initiative and complete my workouts as scheduled. In that short period of time, I was challenged. The goal of the workouts is not to tell myself how strong I already am, but to see how strong I can be.
The staff at Taylor Training make me want to keep going back, make me want to train harder and prove to them that they know what they are doing and that I am not wasting their time; I went to them and owe it to them to follow through with my end of the bargain. The team at Taylor Training has been instrumental in broadening my knowledge of various exercises that suit my body and my needs. They have been truly beneficial to my own personal strength goals thus far, and will continue to do so in the future.
A strong body means a strong mind. The workouts may be rough at times, but I will not quit. Perseverance is key if any sort of change is to be achieved.
Joanne
From Joanne, Mother of two, business person, volunteer, and dedicated fitness enthusiast
Fitness, to me, is more than just something you do. It is something you wear, it is the way you think, it is the way you see the world. It's a lifestyle. The people at Taylored Training seem to share this philosophy.
I love feeling strong, I like a physical challenge and I am easily bored. The staff at Taylored Training knows how to keep me interested and motivated enough to keep going (and going!).
Note from Taylored Training: Joanne represents the epitome of dedication to us. She is a busy mother, business person, and hold a number of volunteer positions. Amidst all of this she still makes the time to eat well and fit exercise into her schedule. She recognizes that fitness is not something that has to get done, it is something that makes everything she does better.
Kyle
After coming back from out west I was in need of exercise…. Badly. I didn’t want to go to a regular gym and get average results. Being a snowboard instructor I could see that I needed a full body work out and a good starting point. Tailored training set me on a path that will keep me fit and health for the rest of my life. After just 2 months the results that I have seen speak for themselves. The dynamic and engaging exercise plans keep you motivated to reach your goals. And the whole crew and tailored really cares about getting you to your goals, even if that means sweating a little bit. They put the personality in personal training…. That’s corny but true.
Jessica
I decided to sign-up for a trial package in July 2010 after hearing how great Taylored Training is. One of the first things I noticed is the atmosphere. I had never been in a gym where all the trainers knew my name and actually greeted me! The staff and members at Taylored Training are welcoming and extremely supportive. I am constantly amazed and motivated by the dedication, hard work, and focus of the staff and members. This is where you will find Kingston’s elite fitness enthusiasts.
I started with pretty low fitness expectations – I was in a bad horseback riding accident in July 2008 and two years later still had very limited mobility and strength. Simple exercises, such as supporting a barbell across my shoulders for squats, resulted in unbearable back pain. I had tried everything to decrease my pain and resume my previously active lifestyle: 3 return-to-work physiotherapy programs, several doctors, surgery consultations, chiropractors, massage therapy, acupuncture, and pain medication. Eventually, I was back at the gym, but still wasn’t where I wanted to be physically. I tried Taylored Training as a last resort; my expectation was that maybe this could be more rehabilitation. I had no specific fitness goals, I just wanted to increase my strength and decrease my pain. A short 4 months later, any expectations have been surpassed! My training program with Whitney started with the very basics, attempting to rebuild my strength. As time progresses, I have become stronger than I was before the accident! I gained lean muscle and lost inches (which wasn’t even a primary focus when I started). Currently, I am working towards fitness and lifestyle goals I never would have set for myself. Taylor and Whitney are also expert educators in nutrition and changed my perspective on what I eat, when, and why. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Whitney and Taylor, my life has completely changed. I am virtually pain free, stronger than I ever imagined, and am continuously focused on setting new fitness goals and surpassing them.
Catherine
I have been training at Taylored Training since February 2009. I had never joined a gym and I didn’t do any sports as a kid or as an adult. My only venture into regular exercise was when I started running after my second child was born. I completed 3 half marathons (albeit slowly) and some 5K and 10K races. I would train for a race and then the exercise would lapse for a while and the pattern continued. Not only was it not consistent, I still never felt physically fit or strong, and I knew I could feel better. I found the studio website and liked the idea of a small gym with my own trainer. Vanessa has transformed my body and my mind. I cannot believe the things I am able to do, the strength I have gained, and the confidence to go along with it. For someone who has always been described as “short and tiny” (don’t get me started on how much I hate that), being strong has now topped the list, at least for me. I’ll be honest, it has never become easier to fit training into my schedule, but it does matter more to me now and so I make it happen.
Vanessa pays attention. She knows that I need some time to settle into a training session and gives it to me. She knows when she can push me (and she definitely does) and when I have nothing left. She knows when to remind me to “focus and count them out”. She knows it is hard, and it is supposed to be. All of this has helped me to know these things too, even when training on my own.
Training that works will always be hard, but you will come to love the challenge and the results. It is definitely worth it. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Taylored Training.
Bec
I first joined Taylored Training in May 2008. I had been a competitive figure skater all the way through high school but had “retired” when I came to Queen’s University. As a competitive athlete I was training several times a week in a variety of different ways, both on and off the ice, but had found it very hard to be self-motivating in terms of 
exercise when I stopped competing. Without my coach noticing if I was at practice or not I found many excuses not to work-out throughout my time at university. Finally once I graduated undergrad I came to the realization that if left to my own devices the “tomorrow” in “tomorrow I’ll go to the gym” would never actually arrive.
A friend of mine was training at Taylored Training and she highly recommended it. Man, was she right!! Working with Whitney has quite literally changed my life! I needed someone to guide me, educated me, motivate me and push me to work harder than I ever thought possible and she has been exactly that person!! After spending 2+ years with Taylored Training I have improved my strength immensely, am way more knowledgeable about nutrition than I ever was before and love my new body! I had never gone to a “traditional” gym before because I was afraid of not knowing what to do or of what other people would think but I love coming to Taylored Training!
Everyone makes you feel very welcome and I have learned my way around the gym – I now feel confident enough to go do my own workout at a big, name-brand gym, though I would prefer to be at the studio! To anyone considering joining this studio I say: Do it! It will change your life in the best way possible! I continue to surprise myself with the limits I can push and I never would have gotten anywhere close without the fantastic help of Whitney and the rest of the staff at Taylored Training!
Sandy
Hey my name is Sandy and I started training at Taylored Training in May 2009. I chose them for their no nonsense policies - they were transparent in what they expected from their clients and what they would give in return. They took my past back injuries seriously right from the start - staff had training, not just a weekend workshop on putting together programs like other places. I've been to almost every gym in town and the difference is the effort the staff make to work with you and your schedule, your past injuries, and your fears!
My body has changed a lot - I'm seeing more muscle definition, more power, more balance and flexibility. I really appreciate that there is space to work out and I never have to wait for equipment to complete my workout. The atmosphere is beautiful in its simplicity - it is a space to work out in, not a space for spectators, divas or droolers. I've also been introduced to techniques that and perspectives on food that have really helped me grow (in a good way, not in a box of Twinkies way)
It is easy to get lost in large gym facilities but at Taylored fitness - another face in the crowd. At Taylored Training the staff treat me like part of their family. Admittedly I'm probably that weird cousin that shows up at family functions and talks to the potted plants but at least they know my name and care if I don't show up to my workouts.
My advice if you’re interested in checking out Taylored Training - Be prepared to work hard because they will do everything in their power to put you on the road to success!
My three words to describe training at Taylored Training -Yes You Can.
Esther
Hi my name is Esther and I started training at Taylored Training in October of 2009.
I first walked into Taylored Training when I had reached the point in my life where I loved my body enough that I was ready for it to be fit and healthy. Taylored Training is what a gym should be - mind, body, diet. Going to the gym should be about you - individually - and your health - all of you.
My body has definitely changed since becoming a member at Taylored Training. I can jog down the lane way with my dog or up a flight of stairs and not lose my breath. My husbands new favourite past time is discovering what is smaller and firmer! When I started it felt like I was learning to walk all over again, but I feel better every day and I love it!
Taylored Training staff are highly trained, committed professionals who believe in life-long learning for everyone (themselves included) and who recognize that a comprehensive (mind, body, diet) individual approach are what is necessary for success.
Heather
Hi, my name is Heather and I started training at Taylored Training in March of 2009.
I had researched all other gyms in Kingston and kept hearing the ad on the radio. The moment I checked out the website I knew that this was the place for me. I liked the no nonsense philosophy and the passion that the team at Taylored Training shows. It came through very clearly in what I was reading and has continued from the first day I joined.
I had never set foot in a gym before, but I knew that I was not a big box gym kind of person. I needed to be accountable to not only myself but to someone else and the moment Taylor paired me with his wife Whitney I felt certain she was the right person to help me achieve my goals.
Run don't walk to sign up! It'll be one of the best decisions you'll make and I look forward to seeing you sweating there with me! Some may feel it's expensive but I think that investing in yourself is the way to go! It's all about your priorities. I feel stronger, more athletic and not so "fluffy". I had "the last ten pounds" to loose and I've maintained my weight for the last year.
How would I describe Taylored Training in three words? Challenging, energizing, enriching.
Lindsay
I have been training at Taylored Training "officially" since October of 2009, before that I had a brief period of attendance at one of their bootcamps, where I barfed and then did not come back until the previously mentioned October. I just wasn't ready at the time. I returned to Taylored Training that October as I had reached a point where I was absolutely fed up. I was fed up with the weight I had gained, fed up with workouts that didn't work or that I did not stick to and most of all fed up with myself. I used to be in shape! So one day, on a whim, instead of turning towards my "old gym" I thought "what the heck" and headed towards Taylored Training.
I do not remember what my expectations are, but I can say they were passed and left in the dust. I started with a couple months of group training, which brought some improvements, but again I needed to commit myself to this at a higher level. In January of 2010 I started individual training. It's hard for me to even begin to sum up what my experience at Taylored Training has been, and how I've achieved goals I had given up on and then went places I never thought I would. Since January 2010 I've participated in the Physique Challenge, which proved to be a pivotal life-changing experience where I became healthier and changed my exercise and eating habits for life. 2011 brought me to participate in an IDFA Fitness Show in Ottawa - who would have thought! That was a learning/life experience I'll never forget!
What I don't know if the staff at TT know it is not just how they changed my health and fitness, but how they've helped change my life on a personal level. Being healthier and feeling better about myself has brought increased confidence and trust in myself. It's helped me realize that I can do anything I set my mind to and that I should always go for what I want and believe in. They've helped me learn how to "stick to my guns" and how to make things happen. I hope Taylor, Vanessa, Whitney and Cassie all know the role they've had in how I feel about myself and all the exciting things that are happening in my life. Confidence in yourself makes a huge difference.
Training at Taylored Training is different than any other gym I've been at mostly because the staff truly care about you and your fitness. They remember your name, they hold you accountable and they design plans specifically for you that actually work. On top of that, their voices get in your head and when you're tempted to veer off track, they're like a little person on your shoulder whispering "put that down" or "get out of your damn bed and get to the gym". I would recommend Taylored Training to anyone I know, although I've realized that you have to be prepared to work for it.
I would tell people going to Taylored Training for the first time that it will change your life. It's not going to be easy but it sure will be worth it, so stick with it. Always stick with it. What you'll accomplish will amaze you.
For me, it's with sadness but positive memories that I move on from Taylored Training (as only a move to another country could make me do!). Thanks again TT for changing my fitness and my life. You should all know that even though I've moved away, I can guarantee you haven't gotten rid of me! I hope 2012 is an amazing year as it is sure to be!
Yolanda
Almost 40 years under my belt and two children later my size and shape had definitely changed, and not for the better. I knew intellectually that I needed to exercise and eat differently, but I had no idea what I should be doing. “Life” also interfered with my exercise. I had two small children, a stressful and demanding job as the head psychologist in a busy department, and aging parents all demanding my attention. When did I have time for exercise?
I first heard of Taylored Training through an advertisement on the radio. I wondered if Taylored Training could teach me how to stick to an exercise routine, how to exercise in a way that would get me the results I wanted, and how I could work exercise into my busy life. Taylor talked about exercising for fun instead of as a chore. He talked about using workouts to work toward improving performance in other enjoyable activities. Suddenly I realized that exercise could be a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. It was something I'd never considered.
Now, unbelievably to me, I look forward to my sessions. Taylor convinced me that I needed to move away from talking about being "fit" or "in shape" and focus on becoming stronger. At first I secretly thought he was nuts, but now I realize that strong is really how "fit" and "in shape" feels. It's incredibly empowering, particularly as a woman, to not feel intimidated by free weights. He also taught me how to eat in an informed way that works with my exercise routine to make me leaner. I've been going to the Taylored Training studio now for a year and a half. I'm stronger, leaner and more confident in myself than I have ever been in my life.
Realistically it has been both a personal and financial commitment. I schedule my sessions at the studio the same way I schedule a doctor's appointment. For me this is the best way to ensure I always go. To my surprise when I am away on business I miss my sessions. Not because I feel guilty and lazy but because I miss the feeling of accomplishment I get from a good workout. Thus far that has been enough to motivate me to workout in several hotel gyms. I believe that I am investing in my health and well-being and that $500 on a gym membership that I never use or $1500 on a treadmill that sits in my basement is not money well spent. My investment at Taylored Training has provided me with the skills to incorporate quality exercise wherever I am. That said, I continue to attend the Taylored Training studio because I enjoy it.
Cassie Dionne – aka Kingston’s Biggest Loser
I have struggled with my weight for basically my entire life. Although I was always interested in keeping up with the newest happenings in health and fitness and trying new things, losing weight was something that just never seemed to be possible for me. So I thought, it must just be bad 
genes, right? There must be some reason, outside of my own control, that is preventing me from losing weight… right? Wrong. I just didn’t want it bad enough. I wasn’t really into it. I hate to look back now and admit that, but there was no other reason that all of my attempts to lose weight failed. I wasn’t ready to commit, wasn’t ready to challenge myself in the way I needed to be challenged. No matter how much I told myself I wanted it, no matter how often I told myself this time was going to be different, it wasn’t. I wasn’t.
But this has all changed now. I have changed. Thanks to Taylored Training, The Biggest Loser, and most importantly my trainer, Chris, I can tell you that I am a different person. After completing the 12-week Biggest Loser challenge, I know that I can control my health and fitness. Thanks to the gang at Taylored Training, I have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy choices each and every day. I no longer doubt my ability to succeed, to lose weight. Now I know I can.
Chris and the trainers challenge you each and every day. They work you out to your limit, past your limit. They show you that you are capable. They show you that any excuse you had in the past, it just doesn’t hold up. They show you that incorporating fitness and healthy eating can be done. They support you, answer your questions, and, quite obviously love kicking your butt as often and as hard as they can!
And to anyone who would like to make a change in their life… to lose weight, gain strength and get fit, I encourage you to give the team at Taylored Training a try and sign up for the Biggest Loser challenge. Commit to these guys. Commit to yourself. Trust me, it is the best thing you will ever do for your health. Don’t believe me? Come find me at the studio and I will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Sarah Roth
Training has definitely had a positive impact on my life! During my time at Queen’s I was a varsity athlete and trained many times a week with my coach and teammates. After graduation, I found that I lacked some of the motivation and direction I had as an athlete. Taylored Training has provided me with all the motivation and resources I need to re-find my old fit self! I look forward to training every week! The workouts are hard, but I’ve seen the huge improvements and now believe that any goal is attainable. With my trainer, I 
have been able to incorporate a balanced diet and training regime to my everyday life. In the past 2.5 months I have lost 22lbs and have never felt stronger – I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Jennifer Murphy
Taylored Training embodies change. Through consistent and positive feedback and encouragement, Whitney retrained my attitude while I retrained my body. Before I knew it, it was my clothes and not my arms that were getting saggy. In a short time, I gained the confidence to walk into any fitness centre and lift weights while facing the mirror. Instead of doubting myself, I now doubt my limits.
Karen Wyatt
I’d been training (half-heartedly, I’ll admit) with Whitney for 7 months before “The Biggest Loser” Challenge.
I’d lost 35 pounds and dropped from a size 20 to a size 14. At the age of 48 (and a grandmother), having lived as a classic “couch potato” for the past 30 years, I figured my progress, so far, was Not Bad.
When I was offered the opportunity to join the challenge, I knew it would be a good way to focus on my weight loss, to be competitive and know I wouldn’t be going it alone. I didn’t hesitate for a second – I signed right up.
The last 12 weeks of “The Biggest Loser” Challenge have been life altering. I know it sounds cliché and I can’t pin-point the exact day – but somewhere along the way – my thinking changed from “weight-loss” to “health-gain”. It’s a liberating and empowering feeling. I feel like I’m in charge of my body – not the other way around. The program of diet and exercise that Whitney put me on (and continuously “tweaked” as the weeks went on), startedout as a way to ramp up my weight loss goals, but has become a way of life for me now. I can’t imagine not training several times a week or not “eating clean” for every meal. Whitney’s dedication to my success (plus the encouragement of all the amazing trainers) has been motivational and I love her for it.
I’ve lost another 10 pounds -- am now wearing a size 10 dress – and I’m becoming the athlete I never thought I could be. What more could a Grandma want? :)
Phil
Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience several of the fitness services offered by Taylored Training. As one of their first clients, I continue to witness the positive growth and evolution of this business as Taylor, Whitney and Vanessa tirelessly strive to improve the health and fitness of their clientele.
What has always impressed me about the Taylored Training staff is how they adapt their programs and personal training to suit each individual client’s needs and goals, and not the other way around. As a previous member of another local gym, I was easily enticed into conforming to predetermined workout plans and personal training. At one point, I clearly remember a personal trainer telling me I had to stick to the 20 minute workout plan laid out in the poster because that is what I signed up for! I quickly became bored of the routine and reached a plateau in which I was no longer able to see any more improvements. This was not so with Taylored Training!
In the beginning, I tried both their indoor and outdoor bootcamp classes to take advantage of the mix of cardio/strength training/core strength. As much as I enjoyed these classes, I realized that I required a more individualized approach to my fitness training. However, as a student on a budget, long-term weekly personal training was not an option for me. As well, I consider myself an independent motivator who does not require external motivation to work out on a regular basis. I explained my situation to Taylor and we agreed that the best course of action would be to purchase a set of personal training sessions that would be used to improve my technique, and for him to show me how to create my own individual workouts that reflect my fitness goals. Taylor said that the ultimate end goal of these sessions was that I would not need him anymore; he would supply me with the necessary tools to be self-sustaining and in control of my own fitness and health. Over the past year, I’ve only used five of those sessions, and I consider it time and money well spent. I have never once thought this investment to be a waste of money, because I know that I am getting the expertise, clear-cut advice and assistance that I need to fulfill my own fitness goals, on my own terms.
Joyce
Although I have always exercised in one form or another I needed to build more strength and followed up an ad for Taylored Training. I was impressed by his honesty, the solid information provided, as well as the friendly atmosphere of the Studio. I have now been with Taylor as my Personal Trainer for two years and he has amply demonstrated the value of my decision.
My first sessions were a series of 'can't do that' but soon developed into constant amazement at the turn around. With time and much huff, puff and sweat there I was eventually doing all the squats, lunges, push-ups and whatever exercises he introduced next. During the past year was delighted to be able to complete his 6 week challenge for 300 squats and 200 push-ups by the last week!
I still huff, puff and sweat but certainly can attest to the fact that I am a great deal stronger than I was when I started training with Taylor, have better posture and walk, can pump 30lb weights, and have even dropped personal weight and a size in clothing (would do better if I stayed on the nutrition wagon!). It hasn't been easy but definitely satisfying and really enjoyable even with the hard work. It's wonderful to feel tired after a workout yet exhilarated at the same time having succeeded. I intend to continue with Taylor's training because there is still a lot of work to get done and need their help to do it.
I have no hesitation in saying Taylor, Whitney and their staff are the 'Best' and in recommending the excellent teaching and sincere dedication to their clients. They have certainly changed my life in not only a better body but in accepting a more positive view of young people and the future. (By the way, my 80yr body now feels more like it did some 10yrs ago and on a good day even 20yrs!)
Jennifer
I trained at Taylored Training for approx. a year and a half...BUT....the only reason I no longer train there is because I moved to another city. It truly was a studio set apart from any of the other big names in 'FITNESS' and I experienced the best results during my training there.
When I started training at Taylored Training I honestly didn't have any definite fitness goals in mind. I like to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and both Taylor and Whitney had the same goals in mind....so we were on the same page. Over time, both Taylor and Whitney were able to identify my weaknesses and deficiencies and train specifically to improve on those areas. By the end, I had achieved both fat loss, muscle gain and substantial gains in my cardiovascular fitness levels.
Training at Taylored Training is much different than any other club and I can say that with confidence as I have trained at several different clubs throughout my life including GoodLife, The Athletic Club, Gold's Gym Etc. I have to say their commitment and dedication to their clients is what sets them apart. They are devoted to each personal client on an individual level and are approachable and easy to talk to. They also create an excellent group atmosphere that is welcoming to individuals of all different fitness levels. They are willing to work with each person depending on their goals and will make working out FUN. I have never been challenged as much as I had at Taylored Training and I do have to say although it was tough it was always fun. DEFINETELY! NOTHING COMPARES! I am still in touch with both Taylor and Whitney despite my move and every time I talk to them I tell them how much I miss training at Taylored Training! If you are hesitant I would recommend giving it a try...they will change how you think and view fitness which will help you in your everyday life FOREVER!