Testimonials
Making a difference in the quality of my clients’ lives means so much to me. I see us as a team, even when working one-on-one …. always in it together. I consider supporting others on their health journey to be both an honor and a privilege.
“I feel better now than I have felt in 20 years!”
Francine - 70 years old (Private Client) Brooklyn, NY
When I first talked with Mel about wanting to get control of my weight, I thought it was hopeless. I had tried SO many different diets. Working with Mel and the nutrition information she taught me helped me lose 20 pounds and, to my surprise, it was actually pretty easy to follow. Since then, I have kept the majority of the weight off, and maintained my weight loss, which I was never able to do in the past. Learning lasting habits for healthy living with Mel’s support has made all the difference.
This past year we starting doing functional training together, as well. I get home from work exhausted , but after exercising together, I have much more energy & feel better, helping me to be more present & productive for the rest of my day.
Ray - 61 years old (Group Client) New York, NY
The consistency of working with Mel has made me stronger & more flexible in everyday activities, including carrying groceries & other heavy items, being able to bend, squat & lift in my volunteer work at an animal shelter, and being able to walk long distances without pain.
Participating in Mel’s nutrition group helped me lose about 40+ pounds, and it gave me the tools to make better nutrition choices on my own moving forward.
At 61, I feel better now than I have felt in 20 years.
Arthur - 67 years old (Private Client) Brooklyn, NY
I was never an athlete, but for much of my life I was reasonably healthy & strong. In my 50’s, all that changed. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and then I had a stroke in one of my eyes, followed by colon cancer & a diagnosis of A Fib.
When I started working with Ellen (Mel), my goal was just to learn how to do the little bit of strength training that is recommended for older people. I imagined I would see her 4 or 5 times & then do the exercises by myself. But two things happened. First, she did much more than simply take me through the basics. She was attentive, patient, and encouraging: a real coach. She heard my doubts, but gently pushed me to do more than I thought I could. So, I kept coming. And then, I started to experience these surprising victories. I don’t have to sit down when I pull on my pants in the morning, and getting in and out of my car is no longer a minor ordeal. When I see my reflection in shop windows, I don’t look as stooped as I did. These may sound like little things, but they make a big difference.
Kate - 37 years old (Group Client) Philadelphia, PA
Health can feel like a daunting subject, but I like the way Ellen (Mel) brings lightness to it. She has a welcoming smile that takes over her whole body and fills the space around her. Her smile embodies her love and dedication to supporting others.
Working out with Ellen has improved my awareness of my body and how to carry it during certain everyday tasks. I also feel like my body is more aligned when I walk and it just feels better. I began workouts with a hurt shoulder. It took time, but my shoulder is better and my arms and core are stronger than they ever have been. Over the past few years, I have spent nearly every morning with her via ZOOM. It is such a positive way to connect and begin my day.
Ellen is generous with her love & time. She helps take the pressure off of feeling like I might make a mistake or need to do things perfectly. She makes time for people, is generous in every way, and she leads with kindness and dedication.