TESTIMONIALS

Like a lot of women my age, I found myself 25 lbs overweight, and completely out of shape. I didn't want to go to one of the big chain gyms where you're just a sale, so I started looking for a place where I would feel comfortable, and get the best personal trainers and classes available. I walked in the doors of Breathe and knew that I had found the place for me. The place was beautiful and sparkling clean. Since I hadn't worked out in 20 years, I was a real marshmallow, but my trainer Gina started working with me at a pace I was comfortable with, and now I'm feeling more fit than I ever have. The class instructors inspire you to do your very best, even if that means you can't keep up with them. While I am still a work in progress, I have found the place that will help me reach my goals of fitness and overall health.
- Cheryl Spatz, Springfield, NJ

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Breathe Fitness Studio has been absolutely wonderful for me. I joined before they even opened in January of 2006. The facility is beautiful, meticulously clean, well equipped and has a peaceful, quiet atmosphere usually lacking in fitness establishments. That's not to say that it can't rock during cardio classes; it can, but it does not have the frenetic feel of a lot of gyms.

I have been training, one-on-one since 2/6/06. My personal trainer performed my initial assessment during which she listened to what I wanted from training, gave professional advice on what I needed and worked up a personal program for me. I was about 6 months out of therapy for bilateral knee replacements when we started so flexibility and strength were my two main goals. She has continuously adapted exercises to maximize their benefits to me. I do not get a "cookie cutter" workout. She blends Pilates mat work, the Kinesis machines, free weights and Yoga into my workout. Day by day she assesses my condition and works me accordingly. I have developed much strength, flexibility and endurance from our time together; and I have had a LOT of fun as well.

I cannot say enough about her!

I have also been working with JoAnn DiFranzo on the Pilates Reformer. She has been a great trainer as well, discovering with me how unbalanced my body is and working on muscle symmetry and core strength.

I highly recommend Breathe Fitness to anyone who desires to enhance their physical fitness.
- Christine Kimel, Fair Lawn, NJ

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"I had 'tried' working out on my own and I had worked out in gyms and worked with personal trainers in those facilities. I was on a treadmill-style workout program…getting limited results… until I came to Breathe 3 years ago.

I finally asked myself the question: “How important is my physical health?” And I found the answer – at Breathe. Here, it became personal and here the professional staff worked with me to establish legitimate goals to work toward and to rewrite them as I achieved my milestones.

I’m 57 and this year (2009) I ran a 15k and a 5 mile road race in the Spring…something that seemed impossible not too long ago. I routinely run 4-6 miles 3 times a week as a direct result of personal training at Breathe.
If you are looking for a transformative experience, Breathe Fitness Studio is your trip advisor on the road to physical wellbeing. The professionals here are the windows to your personal goals…you make the commitment and they will be your partners in fitness.

To my friends at Breathe, thank you."
- Rich Stender, Fanwood

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"Breathe is a great place to catch your breath. I find the studio to be warm and welcoming; this gives me a very comfortable feeling. The classes are sized just right so that you have plenty of room to breathe. The instructors are well seasoned; they have experience in what they are doing which makes it a safe environment. This has been my first experience with a Personal Trainer at Breathe. I must say it has given me the greatest feeling of all; not only have I seen an outer change physically but also an inward peace about reaching my goals for wellness. Having a trainer with the experience of Nick Pahountis has allowed me to take a deep breath and relax.

Breathe trainers exemplify the definition of Personal Training well; it's designed to personalize your physical needs. I also enjoy all the educational programs that the studio provides. Breathe Fitness Studio creates a very safe and comfortable environment for its clients. Thank you, for allowing this to be a great experience for me."
- Gwendolyn Ramsey, Springfield, NJ

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"I originally came to Breathe for a more personal and low-key workout experience to tone up. I started with reformer and personal training and was very consistent. The consistency and the knowledgeable workouts designed by the trainers and instructors helped to get me measurable results- my body fat went from 32 to 18 over time.

One of the best parts of coming to Breathe is the personalities and different experiences that each trainer and instructor brings to the session. They make me laugh and keep it interesting. I have never had a boring workout or class. I always enjoy being there for classes, training and Pilates reformer. I think that has been the key to success...I really love this place."
- Karen Phillips, Westfield, NJ

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“I vigorously worked out almost my entire adult life until a lower back injury halted my routine for good. I spent years trying different things to heal and nothing worked. Feeling very discouraged I finally listened to the advice of a few friends and joined Breathe Fitness Studio. I took advantage of the one time offer which included unlimited classes and personal training sessions. I started taking some Spinning classes and working out with my trainer Nick Pahountis. I lost 7lbs and 7 inches in two weeks! The most rewarding part of being a client at Breathe is that I am now stronger, healthier and finally able to make personal fitness a part of my life- PAIN FREE!!”
- Sheryl Della Ferra, Westfield, NJ

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"I am in better shape than I was 10 years ago. My strength, flexibility and physical stamina are tremendous. I can do without a lot of "things" in my life, but I wont't stop "Breathing"! Nick is a fantastic trainer and has been designing programs for me to continue to maintain and increase my power."
- Rene Slater, Springfield

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"I came back to Breathe this fall because I wanted a “jumpstart” to my exercise program. Teri is the perfect match for me because she pushes me to work hard for every second that I am there. She is so much more than encouraging—she actually is my biggest cheerleader! She is a great trainer because she switches it up all the time. She pays attention to the areas where I have difficulty and makes sure that I master it. I love working out with Teri because time moves so fast—she has me running and sweating within the first minutes of our workout but we are also laughing and discussing music, news topics, the occasional boy drama or family gossip!

If you are not afraid to work hard and you want to see results, Teri will get you there. Her dynamic workout touches every single muscle group. I honestly feel like a new girl since walking in the door (and it doesn’t hurt that Teri reminds you that you are doing well and that you can succeed—she’s very encouraging!) Teri is a delight and truly a life saver!"
- Melissa Tirone, Westfield, NJ

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"My experience here at Breathe has been very positive. Bernadette, the fitness consultant is always happy and friendly and always very professional which makes scheduling classes really easy. I love my trainer, Anne Baker. She is very positive and encouraging. My private one hour sessions twice a week fly by. I have noticed great results so far and I look forward to many more years of training and staying fit with Breathe Fitness Studio."
- Karen Cargan, Springfield, NJ

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"I’ve worked out on and off my whole adult life, and have never gotten the results or felt as healthy and confident in my body as I do now. I started at Breathe seven months ago under their “Breathe Bride-Quick Fit” package to lose some weight for my June wedding. Anne Baker, my trainer, helped me set up a reasonable weight loss goal of 10-15 lbs and began teaching me the basics of strength training and overall fitness skills. I was a bit nervous about “bulking up” from strength training, but Anne got me over my fear and has made me a convert! I lost 20 lbs and three and a half inches from my waist, all while following a moderate balanced eating plan. For the first time in my life, on the cusp of my 30th birthday, I wore a bikini and felt confident enough to walk onto the beach in it and enjoy myself. I’m continuing to go two times per week on my lunch hour to maintain my new beloved figure. I always felt awkward and intimidated by gyms and trainers, but I now can’t think of a more sure way to get and maintain a healthy weight."
- Jessica Lynch-Vasil, Hoboken, NJ

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"My personal strength training experience at Breathe Fitness Studio has been better than I anticipated. My personal trainer, Maryann Koblentz, made an accurate evaluation of where my starting point was and methodically developed an increase in strength and endurance. It changed my attitude about exercise from viewing it as a chore to actually enjoying it. The result is an increase in confidence, stamina and a strong sense of well being. By deliberately targeting certain areas and muscle groups, my body structure molded into a more fit and healthy frame. I no longer suffer from back pain and have significantly reduced my visits to the chiropractor. Since I started working with Maryann, others have noticed an increase in my energy level as well. In addition to training, I also enjoy the cardiovascular benefits of the spinning classes.

The Breathe facility itself is a positive and upbeat environment. The studio, particularly the locker rooms, are always clean. The Breathe staff is obviously a very well trained group."
- Jackie Lygate, Westfield, NJ

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"My experience at Breathe Fitness Studio is in a word, life-changing. With Mary Ann's help and guidance I have lost over 20lbs and at least 3 inches in my waist. She is motivating, high energy, and positive. In the past, on my own, I always exercised but consistently injured myself as I got older (sprains, muscle/tendon tears, etc.). Now I am in the best shape of my life, more energy, feeling better. The only problem is that I now have to buy new clothes. Some (pants) too big, some (jackets/coats) too small."
- Andrew Slater, Springfield, NJ

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"My wife Rhonda and I have been doing "Duet training" together at Breathe for the past nine months. A combination of Kinesis, weights, and cardio and have had excellent results. We have lost significant weight and numerous inches while tremendously improving our core strength, flexibility, and energy level. We both feel 10 years younger!

The atmosphere at Breathe is both fun and motivating. All the trainers are extremely knowledgeable both in fitness as well as nutrition. The studio itself is immaculate with the absolute best equipment. The kinesis machines are light years ahead of anything we have used and extremely effective!!

We have made Breathe an integral part of our health regimen!"
- Rhonda and Perry Shelman, Westfield, NJ

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"I joined Breathe Fitness Studio in December of 2006. I was never fat but, being in my 40's, had put on some extra weight over the years and began suffering from back and neck strains. I purchased private training sessions, knowing that actually having a set appointment would provide me more of an incentive to commit to my exercise program.

My goals were to firm up, prevent injury and look my best. In less than a year, I have exceeded these goals and at age 44, I am in the best shape of my life! I cannot say enough about my trainer, Nick Pahountis, he is knowledgeable and informative and our sessions are enjoyable. At Breathe Fitness Studio, everyone knows my name, what more could you ask for from a fitness studio?

My advice is to commit to personal training classes, you will not regret it. It is the best investment I have made... an investment in myself."
- Todd Evans, Westfield, NJ

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"Before joining Breathe Fitness Studio I weighed 227 lb. and felt very frustrated with myself. I felt like no matter how much I exercised, I couldn't shed any weight. After signing up for personal training, I admit I was a bit nervous about working with new equipment (like the stability ball) but with Wendy's patience and encouragement, I felt successful after each session. So far I have dropped 20 lbs and will very soon say good-bye to the 200-pound mark on the scale! I now feel stronger and more energetic than I have ever felt…all thanks to Wendy and Breathe Fitness Studio!"
- Maria B

"I have lived with back spasms and hip problems for years. Six months after working out on the Pilates Reformer with master trainer Danielle Mudry I felt relief from the chronic pain and back spasms. Under the guidance of Danielle, I have incorporated spinning, yoga and resistance training into my exercise routine. One year later my core is stronger then ever, my posture, body mechanics and flexibility are terrific."
- Joe M

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"Gina’s expert training helped me to reach my pre pregnancy weight and shape after three pregnancies in three years."
- Marie M

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"I have worked with many health and fitness professionals over the years and none are equal to Gina Berta. There is no question in my mind that Gina is top in her field and will run nothing less than a first rate fitness studio. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise of personal training is unsurpassed. Clients will finally meet a personal trainer that truly has their best interest in sight and will be pleasantly surprised how easy results are achieved when being guided by an accomplished professional."
- Dr. Nicholas F. Palmieri, Palmieri Sports and Family Chiropractic

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"I have been working out at varying intensities for over twenty years. Approximately ten years ago I met Gina Berta as an instructor to the first spin class I ever attended. By the end of the class I was totally addicted to spinning, as it seemed to be the most intense cardio exercise I had ever encountered. After attending a few more classes my enthusiasms for this form of exercise did not diminish, however, I was exposed to some other instructors and quickly realized Gina was the best instructor I had come across. Her desire to motivate the class and the style in which she varied the exercise caused me to look forward to each and every class she taught.

After attending a number of her classes, I decided to try her as a personal trainer. As good as I felt she was at running a class, I found her to be a better trainer. One aspect of Gina's training style that sets her apart from many others is her quick ability to assess the skill level of the person she is training and then tailors the routine to be challenging for the person no matter the skill set.

Approximately three years ago, I decided to participate in a charity bicycle ride from the World Trade Center site to the Pentagon (some 280 miles). I had not been on a bicycle in a serious manner since my teenage years and only had about six weeks to train for the trip. Once again I turned to Gina for her advice for both nutrition as well as exercises that would be appropriate training for the task I faced. When I did the ride, I not only accomplished my goal of completing the three day ride, but finished in the top ten percent of riders due largely to the advice provided by Gina.

I can say without equivocation, whether working with Gina in a one on one situation as a personal trainer or attending one of her many well designed classes you will not find a better leader or more inspirational person than she.
Just a few other statistics:

Age 31 Ht 5’7" Weight 176 Body fat 19.2%
Age 41 Ht 5’7" Weight 171 Body fat 17.1% (met Gina)
Age 46 Ht 5’7" Weight 164 Body fat 11.4%
Age 51 Ht 5’7" Weight 160 Body fat 8.9%"
- Joe B