Testimonials
GIVING ME THE PUSH I NEEDED...
A few years ago I decided that I needed a new goal. At that time I had pretty much achieved most everything that I had set out to do in my life and career. At that time, I thought I was in the best shape of my life so I decided to train for a marathon. It only took a few weeks to realize that there was no way I was going to run 26.2 miles. I despised running 5 miles and that was on a treadmill!!
At a Fire Service training conference I met a woman who was the former Firefighter Combat Challenge Canadian National Champion. We talked for a while and I thought; now THIS is what I’m talking about!!!!! The competition consists of 5 events. As crazy as the whole thing sounded, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I figured at the very least I would be in better shape for my job as a firefighter.
So, last fall I decided I had to get my act together and actually start training for it. I knew that the only person I wanted to train me was Chris. I spoke to him briefly about it; I was still in the “I’m not sure stage”. But I knew that if I decided to do it, I was going to start training the first of the year. About once a week after that Chris would approach me and ask “WELL?” So, in December I bit the bullet and decided to go for it!!!! I started training with Chris one on one in January. He also gave me an eating plan to help me lose some fat and build muscle. I was doing fine with the exercise, but the eating…not so much! It took around 2 months and I had really tightened up my eating and boy what a difference!!!!
Besides working out with Chris I was practicing on an actual course in Niagara Falls Ont. My goal was “Finishing!!!!” The first competition was the last week in June. Holy cow was I nervous!!!!! Chris called me that morning to give me my pep talk. I think he had more faith in me than I did!!!! Once I was on the course all the nerves disappeared. The first half went well. I was able to pace myself accordingly. I had a time of 7:43. Not too shabby for the first time!!!! I continued to train through the summer and when I competed again in September, I took almost 3 minutes off of my time – 4:59.
I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I would not have been able to complete this competition without Chris’ help. His dedication, motivation and knowledge are amazing! He never let me quit, always nudged me, especially about my eating, and had the faith in me that at times I didn’t have. He is the best!!!! Thanks Chris!!!!!
- ANGEL -
Chris' Training Aids in Achieving My Ultimate Goal
My husband and I have been together since we were young in the mid 90's. Even though we didn't marry until 2003, we talked of having a family together for as long as I can remember. We grew up in the same neighborhood, and had the same fundamental ideals on what a stable home is, and how children should be raised.
We wasted no time in setting up our home following our wedding in 2003. Just 13 months after our wedding, we moved into our very own brand-new house, complete with two bedrooms for the children and space to build five more. The same year, my husband was promoted at work, and I was half-way through Law School and the time was definitely right to fill our house with little ones. In preparation, I went off the birth control pill and had my doctor refer me for a fertility work-up before we even tried to conceive. The news was grim to say the least, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and was told it was highly unlikely I would be able to conceive without medical help.
I took the news in stride, and decided to take the doctor's advice. To make a long story short, I spent $30,000 of my health insurer's money on fertility drugs and sonograms for five menstrual cycles trying to get pregnant, all of which failed. The doctor basically told me to come back with $14,000 for an in-vitro fertilization cycle and to lose about 60 pounds to ensure the best possible result.
Lacking the motivation to lose 60 pounds, not to mention lacking $14,000~ my husband and I looked at several alternatives, including adoption and foster care. We quit fertility care and trying to conceive in 2005. I became mildly depressed but remained optimistic.
We were surprised with a natural pregnancy in the spring of 2006, which ended at 10 weeks gestation, the day before a dear friend passed away. I took the miscarriage hard. I contracted pneumonia soon after, and went into full depression. I began self-medicating with alcohol and food and questioning which direction my life was headed. It was all a very sad and confusing time for me, one I hope to never re-visit. In a few month's time, I had gained enough weight to make myself unrecognizable to old friends, and I felt the only thing I had to look forward to was the next good party. The good relationship I had for years with my husband began to feel unstable for the first time ever, mostly due to the wild mood swings I had developed during the process.
March 2007 brought another miscarriage from another natural pregnancy. This time I didn't feel like lying in bed and eating.. I was a 227 pound woman who didn't want to live feeling trapped anymore. I felt trapped in my own large body, my unhealthy lifestyle and my infertile status. I was pre-diabetic and pre-hypertensive and I was so fat my ankles hurt when I ran at 28 years old. Despite having D&C surgery to remove the fetus on March 7, on March 9 I went ice-skating by myself to begin the process of getting well. I shed 10 pounds on my own in one month out of sheer will to be better.
Despite my progress, old habits slowly began to get the best of me. I had relied on food and alcohol to deal with stress for quite some time, and again found myself drinking two quarts of wine to stave off feelings I didn't want to feel. I was in a particularly weak and vulnerable state when I went to Chris for help. To tell you the truth, I didn't believe he could help me. I knew I needed the motivation to do for myself and I just didn't have it. But I knew I wanted to continue on my journey to wellness, and hiring him was at least worth a shot.
Around the time I hired Chris, I also started a new job. All of the positive changes I was making made me feel I was heading in the right direction- making a life for myself, rather than obsessing over my lack of a family of my own. Chris was a very good trainer from the beginning. He not only designed my workouts, he paid close attention to what I was eating and had a knack for asking me to improve my diet without sounding condescending. He would sometimes call or email out of the blue to see how I was eating or being active that day. It was nice to have that extra push- that you have someone else on your side who wants to see you do well. I continued to work with Chris 2 or 3 times a week, and in five months I lost close to 50 lbs.
I loved the sessions we had together, as they were becoming increasingly difficult! I was shopping for new clothes every few weeks as I kept dropping sizes. I also no longer had to shop in the "fat lady" stores, I could shop anywhere, and try on almost anything!! Eating well had become a mainstay, most of my meals were clean, but if I wanted pizza, I had pizza, Exercise was very much a part of my life. I also rarely drank alcohol anymore and went to bed at a normal hour every night.
And then there was that fateful day. I was walking through a hallway by myself at work, and it suddenly hit me "I feel pregnant…". Having been pregnant twice before {and losing them} I was keenly aware of the small changes that happen to me during early pregnancy. I was actually 99% sure that's what it was even though I hadn't even thought about TRYING since the last miscarriage. I thought I needed to $14,000 and more weight loss for that to be possible. I was now making a life for myself and my husband- I got a full-time job, a tiny car and had booked three vacations!! But I went home and tested and BAM the test was positive.
I not only got pregnant, but I had a very happy and healthy pregnancy. I continued to work with Chris until I was 34 weeks pregnant. With his help, I kept my gains healthy and my body strong. I avoided complications like Pre-Eclampsia and Gestational Diabetes. I also went into delivery with a sense of confidence I wouldn't have had without the personal training experience. I also saved the $14,000 I was told I needed to have a family.
Chris' lessons are lasting ones. Though I don't see him often anymore, I am slowly losing my pregnancy weight because eating well has been something I internalized rather than memorized. I try to be active because it makes me feel good, and I rarely drink alcohol and have quit cigarettes after 16 years of smoking! I have confidence his lessons will be lasting with me, and were worth every penny.
My new, healthy son is everything to me, and I give Chris credit for his help in making my body healthy enough to carry this child. My husband and I now have the happy home we've always dreamed of! Personal training with Chris was one of the best investments I have ever made!
-Sandra F.
I have been training with Chris for 3 months. He listens to your concerns and designs a program of diet and exercise that helps you achieve your goals. He is truly happy for you when you achieve those goals. Chris has a great personality and is always happy to answer any questions and guide you through the program every step of the way. His kettle bell class is an hour of total body exercise and I look forward to it every week. It is very energizing and really produces results. His confidence in me has given me confidence in myself. Training with Chris has helped me get much faster and noticeable results than I could have ever imagined. He has taught me a lot about nutrition, and a few new tricks at the gym that I am grateful for and will use for the rest of my life! Thanks Chris!!!!!!!
So far, with Chris' guidance, confidence and knowledge, I have shed 30 pounds and I have lost almost three full sizes in clothing. His guidance and advice have been invaluable, and I give him my highest recommendation.
-Karen C.
I have worked with Chris as a trainer for over a year and he has helped guide me towards meeting my fitness and weight management goals. Chris provides his clients with education, knowledge and compassion. As a result of consistent training with Chris and my dedication, I have reduced my body fat percentage by over 5%, and recently received my Personal Training Certification.
-Stefany
Kettlebell is a great workout, no matter what your fitness level. It is something that allows you to push yourself, whether you are in great shape or just starting out. I felt muscles I never knew were there and I felt sore in places that were hard to target with traditional workouts. I would highly recommend it for anyone at any fitness level.
-Sandy
Pessimist Proven Wrong
Chris has everything you could want from a personal trainer. He is very professional and pays attention to detail, has a great personality and truly cares about his client's progress. When I signed up with Chris in April, I was very pessimistic about the personal training route. I thought I would hate it and quit in 3 weeks. By August, I was still at it and shed 45 pounds. Having to answer to Chris has enabled me to keep the stride going and not let myself quit. His guidance and advice have been invaluable, and I give him my highest recommendation.
-Sandra F.
This is the type of workout that will take you to a higher level of fitness than where you are at now. It works your muscles and heart in a way that is efficient and you will see and feel results after even the first week. By the third week you will notice that you are stronger. When I started I had trouble with my knees, especially my right knee. I could not knee down like you do in church. By week three I was kneeling with no pain and was so surprised! In addition my upper body strength has increased and when I look in the mirror I definitely see a difference. Did I mention my increased ENERGY?
You know weight bearing exercise is so important as we mature. It helps with balance, stronger bones and most importantly for our weight, strong muscles and we burn a ton of calories!
-Linda D'Amore-O'Grady
After having some serious lower back pains I had the opportunity to work with Chris on a training program designed to reduce the stress on my lower back and improve my overall strength.
What I found in working with Chris is that he is excellent at listening to the concerns that you have and designs a program that helps you achieve the goals that you mutually agree upon.
During the workout periods he takes the time to explain the right method for each exercise and what the benefit of that exercise will be. During the workout he displays a very pleasant personality that makes the workout period go by quickly. The program that he designed for me was fast paced and well thought out.
I would highly recommend Chris Tybor to anyone looking to improve their physical condition.
-Patrick L.
Lew-Port Track Throwers Kettlebell Workout
The Lewiston Porter Track Discus and Shot Put team had the good fortune to experience a Kettlebell training session during a recent practice. The high school athletes are in their pre-season and are working to build core strength to help with their success for the upcoming season. I am their coach and have recently been a client of Chris Tybor both in personal training sessions and in his Kettlebell class.
The experience turned out better than expected. I was a little apprehensive about changing our workout plan for the practice session. It wasn't long into the workout that it became obvious the students were working hard, even to exhaustion, but at the same time rising to the challenge of each exercise.
The athletes were very perceptive and gave the work out a great effort. The exercises were physically challenging and difficult at times. Chris along with Cathy and Jamie kept the workout moving along and were excellent at helping each athlete with the techniques used to get the most out of each move.
It was the end of the session as the athletes were chatting about the workout with red faces and gulping water that I realized they got a lot more out of the session than just the physical benefits. They all were displaying a sense of pride in their effort and were charged by the fact that they had worked hard and the feeling of accomplishment gave us a great boost. It was definitely a turning point for our workouts and our athletes are on their way to a great season as they have continued to challenge themselves in our conditioning workouts.
I would recommend Chris's class to all ages - it's a little hard to put into words the feelings you have after a "kick butt" workout like Kettlebell - you are glad to be alive and realize what it means to work out to your potential. Thanks for the experience Chris!
-Paula Singleton - Lewiston Porter Track Coach
Chris Tybor has proven to be an extremely valuable community resource. Not only does he share his talent and skill with individuals, but also to community groups that can benefit from his experience. Chris understands the obstacles to personal training, and has the power to motivate everyone.
-Karmell M., MSN, ANP, CRNFA, Niagara Bariatrics
It has been great training with Chris! His friendly, easy-going personality make the workout time enjoyable. Training with Chris has helped me become more knowledgeable about my overall health and wellness. I'm more conscientious about the importance of a proper diet, in addition to the exercise. Training with Chris has helped me get much faster results. I'm leaner, more fit and stronger than ever.
Chris' expertise and his determination has definitely helped me reach my personal fitness goals.
-Mary
Kettlebell is something I look forward to every week! It is an amazing hour of total body exercise where I work harder than I actually realize until it's long over, and I'm completely energized afterward. I find that it forces me to really concentrate on what I'm working and exactly how I'm doing it. The class has truly helped take my workout to that next level.
Chris has an amazing amount of patience and takes the time to assist, encourage, and provide the extra push to every member of the class.
-Maureen
I had been training with Chris for a few months when he asked me if I would like to participate in the first kettlebell class. At first, I was slightly reluctant as I wasn't sure that I would be able to keep up with everyone else.
Now, that I am on my second round of classes, I am really enjoying them. I find the class to be challenging, but not threatening. It is an excellent blend of aerobic, strength, coordination and flexibility training. Since the size of the group is limited, students are able to receive valuable feedback from the instructor which is not the case with many health club classes. Working with the rest of the people has turned out to be very encouraging and a lot of fun (especially when Chris adds in a few surprise activities!).
-Vicki
Kettlebell Hell Class
I have never been the type to thrive in a group exercise setting. Chris' vote of confidence in me, and the limited class-size enticed me to give it a try. I was heartbroken when I attended the first class and found I couldn't even hold the kettlebell properly for some exercises, much less do the repetitions for the actual exercise. Only 6 classes later, I was shocked to see how much strength I had gained! Moves that intimidated me only 6 weeks earlier I could perform with ease. Working out with others turned out to be a motivational factor, and I could only wish that all exercise classes were taught with the guidance of professional and knowledgeable people like Chris and Cathy.
-Sandra F.
Kettlebell Hell ClassI have taken MANY different and varied group fitness classes over the years and Kettlebell Hell is simply the best one I have ever taken. This class is completely different and original. It is evident that Chris puts in time, energy and effort each week to ensure that every single class different and challenging. Chris is very conscientious about making sure that all class participants are performing the kettlebell exercises correctly and using proper form. He will also make modifications for someone if physical constraints warrant that they not perform a particular move.
The class co-leader, Cathy, demonstrates proper form and performance of all exercises. Her precision and accuracy help the rest of us self-monitor our own form.
Although this class is never easy, you realize after a few sessions that your balance, coordination, concentration and strength are all improving. Kettlebell Hell is truly addicting and I can't imagine not having it as part of my weekly exercise program. Kettlebell Hell is a high quality class in which I never get bored, am always challenged and have derived many physical and mental benefits. If you are looking for a group fitness class - I give Kettlebell Hell my highest recommendation.
-Jamie L.