I want to sincerely encourage all those who are not feeling their best to contact Kim Allen at Fitness for Freedom. There is no longer the excuse of not having time - Kim comes right to your house. Do what ever you have to do – beg, borrow and steal (well, okay maybe not steal) to get into a fitness program with Kim. It has changed my life.

I hit bottom on Friday, April 17th, 2009. I was shopping and saw a cute dress. I tried it on in the largest size in the store and it didn’t fit. The worst thing was is that I did not recognize the person staring back at me. I wondered who she was and what had happened to her. I was really depressed about how I looked. I contacted Kim that Friday afternoon and I began training with Kim on Monday, April 20th. This was absolutely the best decision I ever made. Although I could not afford it, I couldn’t afford not to. I was so unhappy, I knew I had to take action and I decided it was time to take care of me. I also knew that if I didn’t do something I would no longer be able to play sports due to a previous knee injury. That was then …….

As I write this 3 months later, (after 24 sessions with Kim) I cannot believe how much my life has changed. I’ve lost 15 lbs and several inches from my belly (which is great because it was getting pretty big and I didn’t think I would ever see my waist again).

By exercising and eating properly, I have more energy, more self-confidence and I’m happier and more positive. It’s been a lot of hard work, but Kim has been very encouraging and continues to email me regularly to ensure I’m keeping up with the program that she set up for me. When I started, I couldn’t even run 2 minutes without feeling like I was dying. This past week, I reached my goal of running 20 minutes all at once !! It is such a great feeling and I couldn’t have done it without Kim’s encouragement.

Please, I beg anyone out there who reads this, who is feeling crappy with the way they feel and look to call Kim. It’s never too late !! I haven’t reached my goal yet, but I know that I will by this Fall. Stay tuned !

Sincerely,"

Elaine McIntosh, Age 43

"I feel it is time to update my situation with my progress working out with Jonathan. It is 2 years now and I am 43 pounds less. I lose slowly because of an illness which created steroids in my body. Although I want to lose weight my main purpose working out 4 times a week with Jonathan is to reduce my pain levels. I live with daily chronic pain from neuropathy in my legs. After our workouts I feel so much better and am able to go out and do things I wasn't able to do in such a long time for I closed myself indoors as the pain would not allow me to function. I complain a lot and probably Jonathan's number one complainer but then I feel so much better afterwards. I was able to travel overseas on a 16 hour trip without any problems and was comfortable all the way there and back. I am able to go out shopping again with my daughter, which is such a pleasure for me and something I missed so much. Having juvenile diabetes and now neuropathy changed my life from the active person I used to be but Jonathan has helped me back to living again. I saw my specialist last week who is a top doctor in Ottawa and he was amazed by all my medical results. When I first  met Jonathan I was 43 pounds heavier (I still have a long way to go in this area), on an oxygen machine 24 hours a day and blood results way over the normal. Today I no longer need oxygen, my blood work is all within the normal range and I feel so much better. A woman called me today who heard about my success through my doctor. She told me she is worried because she is diabetic..I laughed. I told her that I didn't mean to laugh but Jonathan often knows when my sugar is low even before I do. He is very professional and is totally with you the entire hour. I reassured her that she would be safer than ever for I know I am. For me Jonathan is a special gift in my life and I am grateful everyday for him. He cares and understands the needs of his clients and works so well. I really don't like to exercise. I never did but without Jonathan I know I would never be where I am now. I would scream his name to the world if I could. Thank you always Jonathan

Arlene Ben-Zur, 56, Ottawa..Follow Up II

"I saw my specialist a week ago..my legs have gone down 18cm together..I have lost over 40 pounds since Jonathan started training me. My diabetic A1C, a very important 3 month average of diabetes results is now 7.2, down from 8.9...7 is a perfect number. My kidney function was seriously high when I landed in the emergency room before I met Jonathan and is now at normal levels..my blood pressure was 95/73 almost like a teenager. My physical pain has been greatly reduced. I still have a long journey to travel but without diet clubs, diet products or any kind of diet plans promising weight losses. I work out with Jonathan 4 times a week, eat foods I like, never go on binges because my metabolism is so much better and this is truly the secret of success. I have the best specialist in Ottawa who picked me up in the ER room at the Ottawa General and he says he is amazed by my results and Jonathans serious work  with me. I am  not a disciplined person at all and have never really committed to anything for any length of time but whether I want to be committed or not, Jonathan keeps me going and never ever lets me down.
For the first time in my life I know I will reach my goal of health and a normal weight without a marathon. The most important thing I can say about myself after all these months is that I feel so much better. My praise and gratitude to Jonathan is not only from myself but also from my family and friends..he is a true gift in my life."

Arlene Ben-Zur, 56, Ottawa..Follow Up

"I began working out with Jonathan in February (it is now Fall). I cannot believe it has been this long and how much better I feel. I am in recovery from a very serious illness which caused great pain, weight gain, and loss of balance due to steroids caused by a tumor on my pituitary. I am also a type 1 diabetic which makes everything harder. My legs were so swollen when I began that I could hardly move let alone workout. My friends are speechless with how well I am doing, and I almost never miss a session. We work out 4 times a week and on those days I almost never take any pain meds. I joke with Jonathan that I am suffering during that hour, but the good feelings that come afterwards make it all worth it. My daughter tells me that he is better than any doctor I have ever seen. The results are amazing. Although I still have a very long road to travel, my legs are no longer swollen as they were...one leg is not swollen at all. I go out and can move around better, whereas I never wanted to leave my house. I am slowly losing weight without serious dieting and I am not running a marathon just living one day at a time. I feel so much stronger and I believe that everyone can benefit from working with Jonathan. I am 56 years old and I have 5 grandchildren and he is an added blessing in my life"

Arlene Ben-Zur, 56, Ottawa

"As an already active person, Kim has helped me reach a new level of fitness. I asked Kim if she could help me achieve better balance, power, and flexibility. It only took Kim one session to establish where I was at and figure out a program that would help me meet my goals. I have seen improvements in all the sports I participate in such as cycling, skiing and hockey. Thanks to Kim I can really push myself and fully enjoy all these sports!"

Alex, 25yrs, Ottawa

"My wife and I approached Fitness for Freedom when we were unable to find a local gym that was not crowded and could accommodate our schedule. While interviewing Kim we found her to be knowledgeable and very professional. Kim was able to design exercise programs to meet our specific needs (aging former athletes with chronic injuries) and using a minimal amount of equipment. The best part of this service is that we are able to work in the comfort of our home which means that each session takes only an hour since there is no associated travel and  parking. Also you get to avoid those unpleasant communal change rooms. 

Initially Kim would come once a week until we had established a routine work out schedule. During these sessions she would ensure that we were properly executing the exercises so as gain maximum benefit and minimize the risk of injury.  Now we see Kim on a monthly basis where Kim brings us new programs so that we maintain interest and can work on specific goals. 

Kim's approach is very professional, she is knowledgeable, and the service is very competitively priced when compared to obtaining personalized training at a commercial gym."

N&S, Kanata

"First I should say that I was NEVER a runner but I was always doing other sports.
However, I had to improve my running because of all the physical exams that I had to do for my new career as an RCMP Officer.
In December, I completed  my physical exam in 4:43 min and you had to do it in less then 4:45 min. I passed but was not very happy with my result.
Later in the year I started training with Kim once a week. She constructed a mini-circuit for me to do on my own to maintain my strength, and during our sessions she would run with me. 
She was always there to motivate and encourage me in my training and to build my confidence. 
We started with interval training then hills. WOW, it was hard but all worth it in the end.
In July, I re-did my physical exam and complete it in in 4:04 min. That's 39 seconds less!!!! 
Thank you Kim for helping me in so many ways."

Josée, Aylmer

"At 47 years old, I had not committed much of my life to any fitness program. After meeting Jonathan & Kim at a trade show in October of 2007, the idea of a more- fit life style, and the convenience of being trained in my own home was very appealing. No excuses right!"

"Jonathan designed a program that was suitable to my ability. He motivates me twice weekly to “feel the burn” at levels that I would have never achieved on my own. He explains all techniques in detail, encourages me through every session with his laid back attitude and great sense of humor."

"He continually changes my program to keep me interested, challenging me and increasing sets without me even realizing it! His immense knowledge on all forms of exercise along with his advice for all my aches and pains has been helpful in all aspects of my life. He makes working out “almost seem like fun”. I would highly recommend Jonathan and Fitness for Freedom to anyone….regardless of your fitness level!."

Joyce

"I truly enjoyed working out with Kim.  Her encouragement has pushed me to attain a new level of fitness.  As a former dancer, I've always been active, but Kim's workouts have made me challenge myself.  And though it is my losses (multiple pounds and two dress sizes) that people around me notice most, it is my gains in strength, endurance and confidence which make me the most proud."

Melanie, age 25

"My wife and I started working out with Jonathan in the fall of 2007 and train twice a week. Jonathan is constantly updating our programs and challenges us to push ourselves. There is never a dull moment and we both notice differences in our strength, flexibility and general body tone. I would highly recommend Jonathan to anyone wanting personal training."

Brian Mann - 53 years

"Kimberly is fantastic! She is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a great motivator. Like most busy women with a job and kids, exercise was at the bottom of my list of priorities due to lack of time and know how, but Kim has shown me with just a 1 hour commitment 3-4 times a week I can have the firmer body I want. She customized a program based on my body type & fitness level that I could do right at home, and in 5 short weeks I lost 3 lbs and went from a size 4 to a size 2! I feel better than I have in years"

Sharon Joy - 36 yrs, Orleans

"This year is a turning point for me. I'm turning 40 at the end of year and although I don't have a problem with the number, I want to ensure that I look fabulous. I knew that the only thing that would help would be to have someone right there with me, helping me find the path to a healthier body and lifestyle. I'm so glad that I discovered Fitness for Freedom and Kimberly..!! Kim keeps me on track and motivated. She created a great cardio and weight program for me and she understands what I need and want, and always finds a way to help me get to the next level, even when I think I can't. After only a couple of months, I am the fittest I have ever been..!! My goal was to too look great at 40 and now I know I'll have no problem achieving that goal thanks to Kim..!!"

Melissa, age 39, North Gower

I am 58 years of age, and for the past 30 years I occasionally exercised….dancing, playing with the kids, walking, once and a while tennis and golf…but never really fully appreciated the need for weights and strengthening….I just never seemed to have the time. Until I met Kim!!! Kim came to me in September 2005….I struggled to get “fit”…and thought during the winter months it would be good to tone up for the summer of 2006….well, my daughter became engaged and along with a busy life in real estate, I became the “wedding planner” and postponed my workouts, I thought “I can do them by myself now that I have the routine down”…NOT. It worked for a couple of weeks and then I just got TOO busy!!!! I discovered the hard way that it just doesn’t work like that. Consistency and routine works. So back on track I got and Kim returned. It has now been 10 months and I look forward to her every visit. She is punctual, organized, fun and knows her stuff. So if you are thinking it is too late to start you are wrong, my kids tell me I look better now than I did at 50….so you go girls!!!! Get fit with Kim.

Mardi, 58 years