testimonials
I’m a former athlete with chronically painful joints. Michelle’s thoughtfully designed workouts have reduced my pain while significantly increasing my strength and flexibility. She’s tough, but I always find that that the hour-long sessions are up before I know it. I’m glad to have found a trainer who is smart, fun, and genuinely talented. I’ve gotten great results and actually enjoyed it.
I want to thank you for all the positive encouragement and incredible instruction you've given me over the past few years. You are such a thoughtful instructor, and I always appreciated how much care you put into your classes. I feel like you really helped me work through my lower back weakness, and I am feeling really fit now.
Sheila C.
Jennifer G.
Mesirow Financial Inc
I am back from the doctor. Happy to report that my blood pressure is down to 90/60! Last year at this time it was borderline high and she was very concerned and said if I didn’t shape up I would have to take daily medicine (which I really don’t like to do because I think it messes with my system and sends everything out of whack). Needless to say when she saw me today she said I look great and said she was very proud of me. I owe it all you to you and your classes and support!
Thank you. You are a life saver in every sense of the word!
I took group Pilates with Michelle when I was a Holmes Place member and have never experienced results through Pilates with any other instructor like I did with Michelle. She creates a unique routine and works muscles that normally don't get worked! Your body will look long and lean! (And she makes it fun!)
K.L.
Colleen T.
Michelle has been my personal trainer for over a year now and at this point, I can’t imagine my life without her. She’s knowledgeable, friendly and easy to be with yet she doesn’t let me slack off. She’s enthusiastic and encouraging and pushes me to achieve more than I ever would on my own. She also offers realistic suggestions to help me get the most out of the time I work out without her. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Emily S.
It seems somewhat strange to write a testimonial for someone who likes to 'see' you physically suffering. In fact, Michelle encourages it, stretches you until you feel it, asking if you 'feel the burn'. Well, yes, of course I feel the burn. Do you not see the sweat on my forehead, the labored breathing, the shaking muscles? This, of course, I'm saying in my head, because there isn't enough energy to say it out loud.
However, when you feel and see the results Michelle helps you achieve -- the increased flexibility and range of motion, the strength of your core, the jeans that now fit -- the happiness it incites makes you mysteriously forget the challenge it took to get there...until the next time...
KPS
Lee V.
I have been attending Michelle's classes for over a year. Every class is different, never boring, and always challenging. Michelle's enthusiasm is contagious which motivates me and makes me want to achieve my personal best. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of fitness as well. Michelle has definitely contributed to making me a healthier and more fit person and I feel fortunate to have her as an instructor. Her bubbly personality and warm smile make everyone in class feel welcome.
Michelle, you have given me the encouragement and tools to incorporate fitness into my lifestyle. I absolutely love that every training session is different and never boring! I am always so impressed with your willingness to assist me in planning my independent workouts and even following up with me to see how they went. All of the energy and care you put into our sessions does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do!
Courtney V.
Lisa L.
I started Michelle's boot camp in June 2009 and have been hooked ever since!!! I have continued in the winter months to take Pilates and weight classes in her studio. Thanks to her challenging workouts, I have successfully accomplished my goal to lose 15 pounds and once again feel fit and strong!! Michelle truly cares about the success of every individual and it is hard not to succeed with her knowledge and encouragement. Thanks Michelle - I couldn't have done it without you!!
I've had the pleasure of working with Michelle for about 1 1/2 years. She's trained me individually on the reformer and also in personal training sessions. I’ve also joined her group Mat Pilates and Booty Camp classes. Whether in a group setting or individually, Michelle is able to connect with you on both a professional and personal level. Each session is always different keeping the workouts fresh and never boring. Her genuine personality also makes her inspirational and fun to train with. She’s able to push you to your comfortable limit and make you feel proud of yourself at the end of your workout. She’s tough; I won’t lie, but makes your fitness goals achievable and not feel out of reach. I would recommend working with Michelle to anyone who wants a caring, energetic and positive person to train with. She genuinely wants you to succeed!
Jen L.
Holly K.
After the birth of my first child, my body was not as tone. I have been working with Michelle a little over a year now and my abs and arms are more tone than prior to having a child. I have even lost 2 inches off
my hips. I get compliments on my arms often and it is nice to hear. Results are all that matter. Michelle's pilates class and summer booty camp have proven results and given me a better sense of self. I am Very
proud of how I look for the first time in 10 years. Many thanks to Michelle.
Michelle, Your Pilates classes and programs are the best. Motivation and results guaranteed. I live in Chicago 6 months a year and South Beach 6 months a year and I have not found a trainer or program that comes even close to you. I highly recommend you and your programs to friends and neighborsall the time. Keep up the great work - and please consider moving to South Beach in
the winter :-)
Phil Siebert, CRMS, CMPS
Simply said, Michelle is wonderful! She is motivating, enthusiastic, and supportive. She pushes you to do your best. I come from the suburbs for this class twice a week and the commute is well worth it!
Michele L.
Exercise in Michelle’s Pilates class is more then athletics or fitness. It includes the mental and spiritual aspect. Michelle projects a commitment to the program and a sense of community which provides students with the strength to keep going. It is a holistic approach to better health.
Jan Starr
Chicago/Springfield Consultants
Michelle approaches a work-out with the perfect combination of 'you can do it!' inspiration and hard-nosed 'don't be weak' instruction. she won't let you slack but she is great at tailoring a work-out to meet your needs/fitness level. she is truly a one-woman motivational force for good! I learned a lot about effective workouts and determination in both her pilates classes and personal training sessions.
Alison C.
How do you choose a Trainer? First Impression? "I want a Trainer with a Body I could only dream of" because obviously she would know what needs to be done to get in shape! Michelle is a passionate and caring person. Her sessions are fun, yet challenging and always changing - where does she come up with these workouts? Want to get in Shape? There's nobody better than Michelle to help you reach your goals!
Highly Recommended by Donna Shaw
This girl rocks! She pushes your limits. You might consider yourself in shape and well conditioned but she will prove you can be way better. I am in the pilates class and during the summer I was also in the boot camp. Both classes are hard work and you will feel muscles in your body you never felt before. At the same time, you have fun working out and when it's over you want more :-)
Michelle is professional, motivational, and positive. You can tell she loves what she is doing and she transfers that optimism to her students. She is the kind of teacher you would like to hang on to as long as you can. But if you should have to move away, she will have given you tools for life.
Danijela D.
I have been working with Michelle for over a year and my body has been transformed! After lengthy conversations and setting realistic goals for building lean muscle and gaining strength, my body has been transformed! She is incredibly uplifting, motivating, encouraging, and knowledgeable. Most of all, Michelle is so dedicated to her role in helping you, as her student, achieve success - that it's as if she is setting the goals for herself.
Elena G.
"Michelle has been instrumental in helping me get to the next level with my fitness goals. She tailored the workouts to effectively bring forth the results I was craving while being mindful of keeping it fun and different every time! It was great getting my butt kicked without feeling like there was a drill sergeant in my face. I'd always feel the next day how hard she worked me and looked forward to doing it again the following week. I think I have found a healthy addiction!"
Kelly M.
Motivational. Energetic. Focused. Experienced. Caring. Supportive. Tough. These are the words that come to mind when describing Michelle and how she conducts her exercise classes. I have been taking classes with Michelle for almost a year now, mainly her Booty Camp and Total Belly Meltdown classes. Having two young children, I can only manage working out 2 days a week (for now), but I have seen great results because of Michelle. When I was younger, my arms had always been the most toned on my body, and within a couple months of taking Michelle's classes, I saw glimpses of those "guns" coming back! Within 6 months, I went back down to my pre-baby pant size, which is such a great feeling! She changes the workout routines so you never get bored. She finds time in her busy schedule to connect with you outside of the classes, to let you know she is there to help you reach your goals. She's a great trainer and I highly recommend her! Thanks Michelle!!
Annie N.
Michelle has changed my life! She gives you tremendous energy and makes you feel really happy. Through exercise not only my body has changed, my mind and soul became in sync with one another. I would never have done it without Michelle. SHE ROCKS!
Debbie Z.
From Pilates to Bootcamp to Yoga, Michelle is truly an all around fitness guru, I feel very privileged to work with someone like her! She will push you to your maximum potential and you will feel and see results! If you are truly seeking a more positive healthy lifestyle work with Michelle, her high energy level is so contagious! Michelle comes up with unique exercise variations so your workout will never be boring. I am truly grateful that she is a part of my life!
Favi
Total Belly Meltdown is a great way to stay in shape during the fall and winter months. Total belly meltdown is a high impact cardio and resistance workout in Michelle’s cozy studio. Each workout is so different that my body never knew what was coming next. Even though it’s indoors, Michelle keeps the energy on high and you can’t help but try to keep up with her. Michelle does a great job of engaging your whole body in the workout, but also introducing weights, balance balls, resistance rings for an extra challenge. If you’re looking for a challenging class to keep you in shape and give you an extra boost of energy during the fall/winter months, I would highly recommend this class.
Gaby
I never believed that achieving one's personal fitness goals was dependent on the trainer with whom they worked. That philosophy quickly went out the door when I started working with Michelle. A friend pushed me to do Booty Fit Camp with her this summer, and I swear I saw results I never thought possible after my first class! I have continued to sign up for TBM and Booty Fit Camp sessions all the while watching my body transform more and more along the way. Michelle pushes me to new limits by mixing up each class so that it's never the same. She motivates me to show up to every class in order to keep up with my fitness goals. I know she truly cares about each of her students getting the most out of it, all while having fun at the same time! No matter how tired I am, I always leave each class motivated and feeling great (albeit a little sore)!
Courtney K.