The Resolve Effect: Inspiring Client Journeys

In a fitness industry often centered around weight loss and shrinking oneself, I was determined to find a trainer who would help me focus on getting strong, taking up space, and embracing an abundance mindset. That's when I met Kate, and it was evident that she understood my perspective. I expressed my desire to build as much muscle as possible, and she wholeheartedly embraced the challenge.

I had felt trapped in a cycle where the prevailing narrative suggested that to achieve the body I wanted, I had to lose weight and shrink myself to find happiness. However, with Kate, it was different. For the first time, I had a trainer who truly listened when I mentioned my interest in progressive overload programming and performing significant compound lifts to make muscle gains. Kate didn't subscribe to the idea that a session had to leave you drenched in sweat and feeling broken; instead, she aligned our workouts with my goals.

Our initial evaluation meeting was a turning point where I felt heard, and I discovered that Kate herself was committed to lifting heavy. I believe there's immense untapped potential for how strong I can become and how my body will respond. I'm genuinely excited to see the long-term results of our collaboration

-Sarah

Before working with Sara, I was deeply frustrated with persistent pain during my workouts and felt like I was stuck, unable to make any progress towards my fitness goals. It was clear that I needed one-on-one training and professional guidance, and I'm incredibly grateful to have found Sara.

My overall health was taking a toll on me, and I felt stuck in a cycle of pain, unsure of how to move forward. It seemed like I was taking two steps forward and five steps backward each week.

Sara's approach is what sets her apart. She listens attentively and tailors each workout to what my body needs in that specific session. I appreciate that she doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all program; she understands that individual needs vary.

There wasn't a specific moment when I knew this was going to work; it just felt like a perfect fit. Sara understood my desire to live a life with less pain, to engage in activities I enjoyed, and to simply feel better. Her genuine care for each client's overall health is evident.

When I started working with Sara, I had concerns about injuring myself during workouts. I value that Sara recognizes our limitations and collaborates with us to work within those boundaries, focusing on gaining strength and stability. She's not the type of trainer who pushes you beyond what your body can handle. Her approach also includes addressing and potentially eliminating limitations in the future.

The Resolve studio space is a calming and focused environment, quite different from training in a large gym. It's clear that Sara and Kate believe in and genuinely enjoy helping their clients. Their dedication to our well-being is truly inspiring.

-Diane

I had been dealing with hip/SI joint and shoulder pain during physical therapy, but it wasn't fully resolving my issues or addressing my desire to regain strength and return to running without pain. Fortunately, my husband highly recommended Kate, and it's been a game-changer!

The frustration of not being able to enjoy activities I used to love due to pain was defeating and confusing. Kate's extensive knowledge and guidance have been a source of hope and empowerment. What sets her apart is her ability to relate to my concerns, aspirations, and current life stage, given her own life experience.

During a period of high stress from a toxic workplace and co-workers, Kate not only adapted her training plan but also provided the support I needed. Lifting heavy and facing physical challenges, combined with an empathetic and strong-minded coach, boosted my confidence and emotional well-being.

Working with Kate is now an integral part of my weekly routine. She not only helps me achieve my current goals but also encourages me to set new ones. I'm excited to be on this fitness journey with Kate (and Sara) at Resolve Fitness!

-Madeline 

I started personal training with Sara when I turned 51 and I love it. She has changed my life and my body. With her I have set and met goals that I never would have accomplished on my own. 

My first goal was to do 10 strict pull ups. Sara formulated a plan, held me accountable and taught me so much along the way. It wasn’t fast and it was never easy. I trusted Sara’s process and it worked. I appreciate that she is extra vigilant about form and very knowledgeable about the aging body and injury prevention.  

Sara is not only an outstanding trainer, she strikes the perfect balance between encouragement, grit, innovation, maturity and humor.  

My sessions with Sara are arguably the best part of my week. They are challenging but somehow enjoyable. At 53 I am now stronger and have more muscle mass than ever before and I feel like the best is yet to come.

-Mishelle

I had the privilege of meeting Kate two years ago when I was facing a myriad of physical issues, including pains in my feet, hips, back, shoulder, and wrists. Some of these were the result of injuries, while others were related to hypermobility, chronic conditions, and the stress of daily life. During our initial sessions, I remember sharing a list of 'things I couldn't do,' feeling weighed down by discomfort and fear of movement.

My body regularly frustrated me, alternating between feeling pain-free and then experiencing flare-ups of back pain or carpal tunnel symptoms. Life felt uncertain and precarious. Kate, however, became a beacon of support and guidance. She listened with compassion and provided genuine validation in every conversation. With her, I felt safe to be honest about my thoughts and experiences, as well as being coached toward improvement.

Beyond her steady and encouraging coaching, Kate shared a wealth of knowledge related to bodies and movement, lessons that continue to be helpful and relevant two years later. It's challenging to pinpoint the exact moment I knew training with Kate would work for me, but in the first six months, her consistent preparedness for our sessions and her alignment with my goals for pain-free movement, increased strength, and self-trust affirmed that she was the right trainer for me.

Working with Kate remains a wonderful experience. She maintains the same thoughtfulness in her day-to-day workout plans, continues to be encouraging and supportive, and possesses a truly magical quality: her unwavering confidence in your ability to tackle challenges. Even during times of depression and emotional stress, Kate never let me give up on my strength and fitness goals. She reached out regularly, encouraging me to come to the studio and engage in activities, no matter how small, to help me feel better. Her words, 'just come in. It's okay. Do what you can,' were precisely what I needed to hear. Kate gently taught me what it truly means to never give up on myself

-Ellen

As I've grown older, I began experiencing knee pain, reduced flexibility in my shoulder and hips, and an overall decline in strength. These issues started affecting my ability to enjoy activities I love, such as running, kayaking, cycling, martial arts, and even everyday tasks like going up and down stairs. I resigned myself to the idea that this was just part of the aging process, often relying on ibuprofen and modifying my activities to cope with the pain.

Being naturally active, I felt frustrated and resentful, giving up or modifying activities I once enjoyed. Joint pain, stiffness, and loss of strength seemed inevitable. That's when a friend recommended personal training with Sara, sharing how Sara had transformed her fitness and life. Her enthusiastic endorsement convinced me to invest in myself, and I'm so grateful that I did!

Sara is an incredibly inspiring coach with a 'can-do' positive attitude. She motivates without being overly aggressive and genuinely cares about my overall health and supports my fitness goals. Sara's holistic approach to well-being opened my eyes to the fact that the things I thought I could no longer do were actually possible. She guided me toward improving my strength, flexibility, and breaking free from joint pain and stiffness that had held me back.

I knew this was going to work after just the first four fundamental training sessions. Sara's deep knowledge of physiology, mechanics, and muscle group-specific exercises, combined with her calm and nonjudgmental demeanor, made it easy for me to receive instruction. She met me where I was at the beginning and celebrated every small success along the way.

An added bonus is that I no longer have knee pain, and I've regained strength and flexibility. I've even started running again! Personal training with Sara is an investment in my quality of life, both now and in the future. It's worth every minute and resource spent. Thanks to Sara, I'm inspired and motivated to continue my journey towards improved overall health and fitness!"

-Patti 

About 4 and a half years ago I had a stroke.  After 40 days I left the hospital and went home.  I started going to the gym for personal training with Kate. She is a great trainer. I think the most significant event for me was learning how to get up from the floor without help.

I had had a fall on the street and I couldn’t get up!  Kate got me to a point where I could get up from the floor unaided.  For a long time I could do it but it was always with a strong feeling that I couldn’t.  Through her guidance I am now not only able to get up from a fall but do it with confidence.

Kate gave me the ability to do things I didn’t think I could do, and to do them without fear. She is an excellent trainer, and I give her my highest recommendation.  She taught me how to get better in so many ways, getting stronger and more confident.

-Mark

I have been training with Kate for about 3 years now and I can't say enough about her professionalism and her ability to keep training unique and interesting while also continuing to build on my fitness goals. As someone who did not regularly work out prior to working with her, she has taught me all the skills and techniques I need to feel confident in myself at the gym and to build my own workouts when by myself. She is always positive and encouraging and keeps me dedicated to continuing to grow in my fitness journey.

-Giancarlo

Kate is not only an amazing human being but she’s also an awesome personal trainer and nutrition coach. I’m over 40 now and felt like I needed to work on myself both physically and with respect to nutrition. I also have MS with some physical disability. As a result, I thought that there were certain “doors” that were closed to me with respect to physical exercise.  Kate’s encouragement and workout routines showed me just how much I was capable of, which includes running again, kettlebell workouts, and deadlifts. All the while, I learned to believe in myself again and give myself grace when needed. 

As for nutrition, I’ve learned how my food choices and daily habits affect each other. Kate, in her kind and non-judgmental manner,  helped me realize this and provided the tools and knowledge that empowered me to make the most healthful choices for me. Being vegan/vegetarian, we also worked to spend the time creating what healthful eating looks like for me, which was something I had never done.

I would recommend Kate to anyone and everyone! To those individuals who love to workout or to those who might be intimidated about going to gym and just don’t know where to start (Kate’s your person and she’s a lot of fun); to my fellow MS’ers (Think you can’t do it? You can!); and finally, to individuals who are ready to commit to working on healthful nutrition habits (You got this especially with someone like Kate in your corner). 

-Susan