TESTIMONIALS
“When I came to Karen, I had recently retired and had decided I would start running again, lift weights, and ‘get in shape’ after years of inactivity. I was overweight, had high cholesterol, and was on high blood pressure medication. After my second injury, my friend in my running group recommended Karen to me. I had stopped running. Physical therapy had not helped. Karen assessed what I was doing and brought me back to basics, teaching me how to strength-train CORRECTLY while explaining the physiology behind the exercises. In addition to training, she is an incredible motivator, nutritionist, and all-around amazing person. I have lost fifteen pounds, without medication, running pain-free, and feel stronger and better than I have in years. I feel so lucky to have found her.”
-Leslie H.
“I am so glad that I tried Karen's group training. I'm not able to sing enough praise for the results of her training. Not only does she make the class fun, but she also teaches you proper form, as well as the muscle group you are working. The change in my body has been remarkable in such a short period of time. I now see muscle definition, and the crepe skin on my arms is disappearing. And as a bonus, I was having a recurring problem with a bone spur that was the result of intense training in martial arts, and I was afraid I would have to have another painful shot. With the exercises that Karen teaches in the class, I no longer have the pain from the bone spur, and I no longer have the reluctance to work out. Also, I have much more energy! As I look in the mirror, the reflection that comes back at me shows a more youthful contour than I thought was gone. It is truly amazing what a trainer with the skill and expertise can accomplish. Thank you, Karen, for touching my life in the positive way that you have.”
-Shari G.
“I have worked out with Karen for 1 & ½ years now. I began in her Osteoporosis class, which taught me proper strengthening, along with balance and free weights. Let me tell you, when I first started, I was terrified! I was so afraid of moving and possibly breaking something that I wouldn’t even go on walks by myself, ever fearful of that looming fall. But with Karen’s training and constant watchful eye, I am no longer afraid! I have learned a lot about living and moving properly to protect my spine and hips. Her workouts are always changing and challenging, yet readily modified so you can succeed with the movements. The original osteoporosis class morphed into her long-standing strength-training and free-weights class, which I try to take 3 times a week now. I am forever grateful for Karen’s guidance, her ability to modify exercises, and her ever-present watchful eyes!”
-Tricia H.
“As an educator, I am deeply grateful for Karen’s commitment to educating the people with whom she works. I have learned so much about the rationale for various exercises and the way the body works. This knowledge contributes to a greater level of fitness. I also am deeply appreciative of Karen’s method of “whole body” training. I have arthritic knees, but we don’t just concentrate on strengthening those muscles–we work the entire body, which in turn helps the knees. Bravo, Karen!”
-Jean T.
“After hearing rave reviews from several friends, I consulted Karen because a knee injury had stopped my running for several months. She started me on stretches and strengthening work that helped almost immediately. Even more important, she has taught me to understand and strengthen my basic body mechanics and core, benefiting both my running and daily activities. Meanwhile, I enjoy the actual strength training far more than I expected–and I’m making more actual progress, even as a 64-year-old woman, than I could have imagined! Karen excels in watching and detecting one’s movements, balance, and potential weaknesses. She’s very responsive–she listens to the description of how a muscle or body part is feeling, and adapts the workouts and stretches to deal with the issue. She has a broad background, from dancing to running to martial arts, so she can help with activity-specific advice. And she’s a great coach–keeps the workouts fun while pushing me hard enough to encourage tangible progress. I highly recommend her for any rehab or general strengthening program.”
-Laura H.
“Before I started seeing Karen as a trainer, I was getting injured in my wrists, ankles, knees, and back, and then having chronic pain. I was prone to injuries because I am small, hyper-flexible, and loose-jointed. My body was weak and unstable, and I did not have a lot of core strength. Since I have been with Karen, I have improved the stability in my core, overall body strength, and most of all, I have gained muscle and weight. I believe Karen’s background and studies in nutrition and human physiology provide the basis for her unique holistic approach to personal training, which has definitely worked for me.”
-Alexis B.
“I have been a client of Karen Kelly’s for the last several years, and I am in better shape due to her, physically, than I can ever remember being, and I’m 61. Karen has a vast knowledge of anatomy, form, and function, and has taught and experienced all kinds of exercises. She imparts this knowledge and experience to her clients and ensures her clients work out with the best form possible to avoid injury.
She is such a caring person and has challenged me and helped me achieve my goals of weight loss, becoming more flexible, and getting stronger.
During the pandemic, while the gyms are closed she has developed live Zoom exercise groups and classes that are a joy to attend. She keeps us fit and entertained with a variety of workouts, and it’s a way for all of us to get together for company! She is terrific!”
-Liz S.
“As someone trained in orthopedic radiology and cardiopulmonary physiology, I have a special appreciation in working with Karen: she knows her stuff from the ground up, literally and figuratively. Having worked with several ‘coaches’ throughout a long life of multiple injuries, surgeries, and subsequent limitations, I appreciate her functional knowledge and her ability to craft a workout for all levels of ability.”
-Jack L, M.D.
“I am a 73-year-old male. At age 21, I broke my back in a toboggan accident and spent six months in a brace. Although I do exercises regularly, my back sometimes gives me fits. In addition, I suffer from the effects of numerous high school and college sports injuries and adult mishaps, skiing, and mountain biking.
I started to work with Karen 20 months ago, when I was losing strength and flexibility, but didn’t want to give up an active life. With a well-rounded fitness program from Karen, I soon became much stronger and more resistant to injury and chronic pain.
Karen specializes in working with older adults, both male and female physiology. Her training in different modalities is extensive. She listens closely, does not push beyond one’s current abilities, and is willing to collaborate with your other health care professionals. She is personable and upbeat. Workouts are fun, and she changes them often enough to keep them fresh and tone the entire body.
In short, Karen is a great all-around trainer for older adults, whether you are coming off an injury, a surgery, or just want to get in optimal condition for your age and level of activity.”
-Steve F.
“Karen is excellent at taking a person where they are and moving them forward to their potential! She has seen me through a severe broken ankle, torn hamstrings, hip problems, and knee issues. In my 80’s, my body continues to change, but I am still working to be what I can be! I especially appreciate Karen’s attention to keeping me safe. It is rare to find a trainer who is able to understand the abilities and limitations of the older person! You have my admiration and appreciation, Karen.”
-Peggy L.
“Since working with Karen, I am one year older but feel 10 years younger and pounds lighter! Decades of osteoarthritis had led me to schedule a knee replacement, which I have now canceled. Karen's attention to proper form, corrective exercises, and strength training has been my ticket to more fluid and pain-free movement. Her knowledge and application of bio-mechanics is most impressive, and her encouraging style and frequent feedback help me work harder. Thank you for improving my life, Karen.”
-Susanna M.
“I first met Karen Kelly when she worked for the Coconino County Health Department and came to my elementary classroom to work with my students. Her enthusiasm and knowledge were unbeatable. The kids loved the days she came, and I was very confident in the health material that she presented. When I found out that she had changed jobs and was now a certified trainer, I was thrilled. I was looking for someone to work with me as I tried to build back my body and my health. I have been working with her for the last 7 months, and I am thrilled with the results. Karen took the time to find out what I wanted to change, took preliminary measurements, and talked me through the whole process. I have lost 28 pounds and many inches. I feel much stronger and fitter. My pulmonologist had put me on a 24/7 regimen of oxygen. Karen has been working with me to make the exercises and other parts of my program possible while hooked to a portable oxygen concentrator. Just recently, I found that I can go for short periods of time without oxygen and still maintain a reasonable O2 level. I hope that at the end of 2 more months, I may be able to go without the oxygen during the daytime completely.
Karen knows what she is doing. She talks me through every exercise/routine that she has me complete. She continues to encourage me to push to my limits, but is always aware of when to stop. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her support is undeniable. I feel like she has helped me to reclaim my body and be on the road to being healthy again. I would recommend to anyone serious about becoming healthier and more fit to make an appointment with Karen, you won’t be sorry.”
-Annie C.
“I started working with Karen one year after emergency open heart surgery. At that time, it was painful to do work that pulled at my chest. I had also been dealing with disk disease for several years, which limited my ability to walk or hike any distance. A friend suggested I see Karen. She was amazing! I am in better condition than at any time in the past 15 years, and I can easily work on my treadmill for 45 minutes with little to no back pain. She has shown great understanding of what would best benefit me. She is a great motivator as well, just the right balance of push and pull. She is meticulous in the details of form and approach, and that has made all the difference. I have a PhD in physiology, and I can verify she really knows her stuff. I can unreservedly recommend her.”
-Steve W.
“I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2018 and shortly after, joined Karen's BEST program. With the help of her vast experience and body knowledge, along with her adept coaching skills, teaching and demonstrating safe and effective exercises, my body is much stronger and healthier than it was when I first started the program. Plus, she is fun in class. She makes exercising something to look forward to.”
-Joan C.
“FABULOUS, FIT AND FORTY....
Thanks to Karen, I have been able to flow into this next decade with tons more energy and a lot more confidence, grace, and sparkle. In less than a year of training together, my energy has doubled, and I've found a nutrition plan that is easy and sensible to follow. I've lost body fat, put on muscle, and found balance in my life. Karen has also helped me find my inner warrioress!!”
-Emily M.
“I came to Karen because I fell off my office chair, and I couldn’t get up from the floor. Being an athlete all my life, this scared the hell out of me. At the age of 69, this was unacceptable. In the four subsequent years of working with Karen, I can now get off the floor and upright (not gracefully), and the frequent hamstring pulls from two total knee replacements are gone. I stand tall, not bent over from my hips, my golf game has improved, and I am stronger and healthier. Karen has made me feel and look ten years younger.”
-Phyllis S.
“Karen is an amazing group exercise instructor! Most exercise classes I have taken use the same routine over and over. Not Karen! She uses different routines and music to eliminate boredom and maximize your success. Best classes I have ever experienced in my 30 years of exercising.”
-Barbara B.
“I’ve known Karen for many years as an instructor in group exercise classes. Karen has been a personal motivator for me and for numerous other people I know. Whenever motivation lagged in her class, Karen stepped it up! She has amazing energy as well as great choreography. There was always something new to learn in Karen’s class as well.
She kept us thinking with tidbits of information about health and fitness while we worked out. I always left her class feeling better than when I entered. Then, when I expressed interest in becoming a fitness instructor, Karen offered her time, books, and encouragement. She is a valuable mentor, instructor, and now friend!”
-Michelle C.
“I feel so fortunate to have had Karen come into my life. She is an amazing instructor, coach, motivator, and person. I needed help to begin a fitness regimen. After three foot/ankle surgeries, scoliosis, and a lack of exercise, I knew something needed to change in my life, or things would just keep getting worse. I reached out, and Karen was there! I’d
I’d always been nervous and self - conscious about attending a yoga or exercise class full of fit young women and trying to keep up. Karen makes you feel comfortable and develops a plan to fit your needs. In six months, I have seen improvement in my strength, flexibility, balance, and muscle tone. I have more energy and confidence! Better yet, friends have noticed the changes!
I have seen numerous physical therapists over the years, and none provided anything close to what Karen has done for me. Her knowledge and experience are beyond compare. She looks at your body as a whole and tailors her training to your individual needs, progressing you at the proper pace. I actually look forward to exercising for the first time in my life! My training sessions are fun and varied, and it’s obvious how much pleasure Karen gets from her work. Karen trueloves way she does, and I truly love getting fit!”
-Margaret J.
“Karen is the key facilitator in my search for fitness. I feel it in my bones! As Karen says, you’ve got to keep moving! All this is true from a fitness point of view, just as important, I’ve developed a real friend. I’m still on the tennis court in my 80’s.
THANKS, KAREN!”
-Brad L.
“At the fortunate recommendation of a friend, I started training with Karen many years ago. I am 75 and at the time was experiencing pain in my legs when I walked or rode in a car for too long. I had exercised all of my life, participated in sports, and didn't want to give them up. Karen has solved my initial problems as well as ones I didn't know I had that would affect me later. She has helped me stay active during my chemotherapy, which I went into with a stronger body because of her help. She motivates me to stay with it, training me for a long and vigorous life. She is always teaching me something new. You may get sore, but you will not get bored!”
-Vicky F.