Testimonials
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It was a life change.
My journey to better health began in 2013, after a visit home to Chile to see my Mom. She was upset and worried to see me with so much extra weight and, through tears, expressed her fears of losing me to obesity. I joined a gym upon my return to the US and decided to try indoor cycling. I met Melissa, who was the cycling instructor, and while she fitted me for a bike, I expressed my fears of not making it through the class. She told me that it was ok to leave whenever I wanted, but I would have to come back again and try to do a little bit better each time. This one cycle class slowly grew into a weekly commitment of various classes and eventually, I began personal training sessions and nutritional guidance with Melissa as well.
It took me 2 years to lose 130 lbs, but through the process of slowly implementing new practices under Melissa's guidance, I was able to accomplish my health goals. My mother is very happy to see me healthy and I feel and live a better quality of life because of it.
It was a life change. It is more than the number of pounds I can lose or gain over time. Melissa showed me the path to include and enjoy exercise in my life and learn about good eating habits. And these two main things have been a key player in my current healthy life.
Carlos Quilodran
Group Exercise, PT + Health Coaching Client
Inspiration
I am on my fifth year of training with Melissa and that longevity speaks to her creativity, humor, and inspiration to keep me motivated. She can address my concerns regarding diet, especially protein intake, water intake, sleep, and other health concerns. She is a wellness coach that understands the many components of the total package of health and balance.
Although some of her goals for me make me laugh out loud (like losing 14 pounds of fat without losing any weight) they are spot on and give me a target to aim for. I highly recommend Melissa, whether for a group exercise class, strength training, dietary modification, or injury recovery, she can help, motivate and inspire!
Happy client,
Karla
Group Fitness Class Member
Sharon, James and Cindy have all had tremendous success with their health, fitness and wellness journeys!
More testimonials...
I have trained with Melissa Petrichko for over 6 years and I don’t know enough adjectives to express just how much she has impacted my life both physically and emotionally! I have lived with multiple sclerosis for over 30 years and live with many limitations and struggles! She is encouraging, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. She has taken time on her own to learn more about the disease and to learn how to work best with my body.
She is highly creative and knows how the body works and creates a “work around” to achieve a goal. When I trained with her at a gym, there were many machines that I was not able to get on, so she would create a piece of equipment that would work the same muscles. I strongly believe I am receiving the best training possible from Melissa and I will tell anyone that if they have the opportunity to work with her, they should consider themselves very fortunate and in GREAT hands!!! In addition to her great wealth of knowledge, her personality is fantastic, and she is a joy to work with!! I would be happy to tell more if anyone would like to talk, just ask!
So very grateful.......
Katherine
Personal Training Client with special needs
Working with Melissa is one of the best decisions you will ever make. She is an expert in exercise, anatomy, physiology and nutrition. She has a natural knack to make her clients feel appreciated and important and she does it with both support and humor. You can trust her advice and suggestions. My exercise classes with her are a bedrock of my weekly schedule. I am 82 years old and have been in her morning class for almost 4 years and continue to look forward to each one of them. Time spent with Melissa is a sure bet and a great investment.
Ed Irwin
Group Fitness Class Member
Let me begin by saying, Melissa is a caring and delightful human being....
besides being an amazing coach. She cares as much about a person’s spirit and wellbeing as she does about your physical condition.
I have been working with her for 5 years and she is the first person I have ever worked with that I truly look forward to the workout. She understands the body and the individual needs of each of her clients. Paying close attention to any injuries or specific needs.
I have taken her wellness class and thoroughly enjoyed it, learning a lot. I eat better and sleep better because of that class.
Since I have been working with Melissa, I have gained strength, changed body structure and loss weight. Feel fitter and younger than I have in years.
I am 71, and seriously do not feel like it......she is the best!
Linda Windham
Group Fitness Class Member
Personal Training Client
Virtual Health Coaching Attendee
I have been working out with Melissa for four years now and cannot recommend her highly enough. She is truly thoughtful, knowledgeable, and kind. During the Covid-19 shutdown she has transferred our high-intensity training class to Zoom. She can keep track of a dozen students, modify exercises for injuries, improve our form individually, and exercise herself! She also teaches us the nutritional aspects of wellness and the importance of mindfulness.
Bruce Gardner, MD
Group Fitness Class Member
Personal Training Client
I have been an exercise and physical health client of Melissa Petrichko since 2015.
I began an indoor exercise program specifically to reduce knee pain that had significantly affected my mobility, and, hopefully, forestall knee replacement surgery. After several ineffective efforts with others, I started working with Melissa. Her program enabled me to build strength in targeted muscle groups, limiting knee deterioration for more than two years. As a result of her guidance, I was able to recover from both total knee replacement surgeries in a relatively short time, and, to get on with the normal, active life.
Simply put, I owe my ability to get up and down stairs, not to mention mountain trails, to Melissa.
Paul Agid
Group Fitness Class Member
Personal Training Client