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Success Stories

Teah Welch

Teah weight lossMy story is probably the story you have heard a thousand different times. I was incredibly fit growing up through high school where I was active and played rugby, a physically intense sport. When I graduated and moved to college the transformation slowly began, and not in a good way. I worked out about 5-6 times per week, but the dorm food and college life were too hard to combat.

After about 3 years of continually struggling with the way my body was changing and feeling like it was out of my control, I reached out to Dennis. And I am so glad I did. I had done plenty of programs in the past and really started my weight loss journey in January 2015. I hit the “plateau” as many people know in June and July, which is when I decided to find a personal trainer that fit my needs and schedule.

Dennis was wonderful to work with! After nearly 8 months of working with Dennis I lost almost 12 pounds. That may not seem like a lot, but for someone like me who worked incessantly on my own for 6 months and stayed at a pretty consistent weight, seeing the change of 12 pounds was HUGE. I know weight isn’t the only thing to determine your success, in fact it’s the last thing. I have seen definition come back into my legs similar to what it was while I was a full time athlete playing competitive rugby. My arms and back are more defined now than I think they ever have been. Dennis’ approach of short, intense workouts was just what I needed to fix what I was doing!

I highly recommend him to anyone that asks me. It is important to not only take the trainer you work with seriously, but have the trainer take you seriously. If you are at the point that I was at, make the change and get Dennis’ help. You won’t be disappointed.

Teah Welch
Fort Collins, Colorado

Stephanie Goel

I’m writing this to not only brag about my first accomplishment worth bragging about, but to infinitely thank and praise the fellas that got me here.

In January 2016, I ended a 2.5-year relationship that was detrimental. In the period of the relationship, I had put on somewhere in the range of 40+ pounds and was feeling like I had sincerely reached a turning point. I decided that for once, instead of feeling sorry for myself and continuing the same path I had for years, I decided to get pissed and lose the weight that wore me down for 2.5 years.

I found Dennis’ website while searching for personal trainers on Google. I was willing to sacrifice my self-conscious nature and join a gym and pay some meathead money to make me a mini-meathead. Dennis was like the oasis in a gym-ridden desert. I met with him, explained my dilemma and fervent desire to better myself. Not just lose weight but just be better. I told Dennis that I wanted a team that wouldn’t force me to look at a scale to show my success, but a team that would focus on my lifestyle changes. He assured me he had the perfect coaches for me.

Dennis had me work with one of his personal trainers, Matt. I have to say that Matt has been perfect from Day 1! Our sessions never feel like a burden or drawn out. I don’t ever get a chance to recognize my butt is being kicked because he keeps my mind focused on our fantasy football teams or my dreams of the perfect basement bar and man cave. He is encouraging without being pushy and demanding, he ups the intensity in a manner that me and my adjusting body can tolerate, and I feel like he’s just as invested in my success as I am.

I’ve started to genuinely look forward to my training sessions with Matt! I like seeing how hard I can push myself, especially knowing that Matt never makes his clients do an exercise that he hasn’t done himself! I’ve stopped hating the stairs in my house, I am fitting better into airplane seats and no longer dread throwing on my bikini or shopping with my girls!

I also met with Esther (one of the registered dietitians that Dennis works with) who was flexible to my realistic parameters. I had dieted in the past and knew that I was not great at staying on the bandwagon. I also knew that I would not be great about giving up my vices (mainly craft beer, I do live in craft beer heaven!), and traveling would make my life hard when it came to eating. She provided me many options for finding success at home and on the road, tips for watching my calories when I go out to have fun and a real-life Pinterest board of recipies and conversation to make me feel like I was genuinely out to change my eating habits, not dieting.

Since working with Matt and Esther, I can bench 10-15lbs more than previously, I’ve dropped a pant size and I am down 30 pounds since deciding to change my lifestyle. I sleep better, can master many flights of stairs without huffing and puffing and feel stronger than ever. I care about what I eat, watch how much water I drink and genuinely want Matt, Esther, and Dennis to be proud of the effort I put forth and the progress I’ve made. In the grand scheme of things, these changes are not much. I’m not about to stand next to a cardboard cutout of myself on the Biggest Loser and claim to be a champion, but I know I’m on an excellent path. One that I want to continue following, not just reach an end-date and go about my business.

I’m forever grateful for Dennis giving me the opportunity to meet his team, find my stride and be successful at something I struggled with for so long. It’s not often I feel good and look good when I’m in a 2-piece, but I gotta say…damn this is nice!

Stephanie Goel
Fort Collins, Colorado

Ryan Korb

ryan before and after weight loss fort collins personal trainer

Dennis is a pleasure to train with. A bit of a tough and brutal pleasure though it may be!

When Dennis and I met, I was at a real turning point with my health. I had put on about 20 pounds and in total, about 35 pounds over my goal weight. At first, I had my doubts. Training just 2 times a week for 30 minutes just did not seem like it could possibly be enough. I kept an open mind and just went with it.

When it came time to get to work, Dennis seemed to have a different approach than any other trainer I have ever worked with. It became clear to me why. Dennis definitely accomplishes in 30 minutes what others only attempt to accomplish in 1 hour. Dennis also has an incredible ability to really personalize your workouts and not just lead you through a set group of exercises. Again leading to a more effective work out and better results. Something else that I noticed right away was how fun these workouts seemed to be. I really believe the difference was made by Dennis’ personality. He knows just when to push and just when to tell a joke, it really makes a ton of difference. Workouts with Dennis are never easy, and never dull, which to me, is the definition of a great work out.

After one year of training with Dennis I can honestly say I am in the best shape of my adult life. I have lost the 35 pounds and continue to decrease my body fat. I do A LOT more physical activity now than when we first met, but it was those two workouts a week with Dennis that sparked it all, without a doubt. Training with Dennis has saved my health and ignited a passion for fitness and exercise I thought I had lost for good. Now I can safely say, I will never lose it again. Thank you, Dennis!!!

Ryan Korb
Fort Collins, Colorado

Erin Sprain

Erin before and after weight loss

Recently, I decided to treat myself to a personal trainer in Fort Collins. Like many people I thought I would train for a few sessions and then be good on my own.

After I finished working with Dennis, I lost 23 pounds and I ran my first marathon! I was so happy with my experience at this marathon that I will be running another one soon! I am counting on Dennis to help me again with my next marathon.

I have worked out with Dennis in both the gym and at the park and am always amazed at how sore my muscles feel the day after! Personal training with Dennis helps keep me on track!

Erin Sprain
Fort Collins, Colorado

Nanette Colip

Nanette weight loss

I am one of those people who has done every exercise fad and weight loss plan over the years. I have done Slim in 6, Turbo Jam, Power 90, P90X, Jillian Michaels, etc., just to name a few. I would achieve success with the programs, but would get bored with the routines and thus I would find myself looking for something new after three months or so.

Now that I am in my 40s, I am finding it harder to maintain my level of fitness and lose those last annoying pounds. I decided to make an investment in myself and see if I could finally reach the fitness goals I have had for the last few years. I decided to find a personal trainer that could help me with my goals. That is when I found Dennis through his amazing website!

Dennis changes up the routine so I never get bored. He makes you work, but not to the point where you never want to see him again! I am almost always sore the day after I meet with him. When I went to the gym, I would slack off because I didn’t have accountability. With Dennis, I can’t slack off. He makes you work, but he also makes it fun. He cracks jokes and makes me laugh, yet he challenges me to the point where I like to call him names! I have since canceled my gym membership because I don’t need it anymore. The gym now comes to me, which is much more convenient and more difficult to blow off a workout!

In the last 3 weeks alone, I lost 5 lbs of fat, gained 1.5 pounds of muscle and lost 3% body fat. In 3 weeks! I feel great and my husband says that I am in the best shape of my life! I have shaved five minutes from my half marathon time and, more importantly, I no longer have knee pain after my runs. Dennis cares about your fitness goals and works with you to help you achieve them. I am so glad to have found a fitness routine that works!

Thanks, Dennis!

Nanette Colip
Loveland, Colorado

Mary Dougal

Mary before and after weight lossDennis and I became acquainted when I told my doctor I was ready to start on the path to fitness. She referred me to Dennis and we began our journey the Monday before Memorial Day weekend. I can feel myself getting stronger with each workout. I can do a few more reps in each set and the weight can be consistently increased.

Dennis has continuously challenged my confidence in my physical abilities and it’s gratifying to see the near immediate payoff in increased strength, endurance, balance and energy that grows with each session. And the bonus is I have lost that stubborn 25 pounds that I was looking to lose! Thanks, Dennis!

Mary Dougal
Fort Collins, Colorado

Jenny Bacon

Jenny worked with a personal trainer in Fort Collins If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Fort Collins, Core Fitness is the place to go! I’ve worked with Dennis for several years. He is highly motivated and a very inspirational fitness coach.

And thanks to Dennis, I have lost 33 pounds! I especially enjoy doing my exercise outside–we go to the local parks and use nature and playground sets instead of benches and weights–it’s great! I highly recommend Dennis and his Core Fitness trainers to meet all your fitness goals!

Jenny Bacon
Fort Collins, Colorado

John Montenieri

personal training success storyIn February of 2015, I was practicing martial arts and suffered a complete tear of my Achilles tendon. Not an injury to suffer at any age, but I was 58 at the time. After two months of non-weight bearing, my stamina and muscle tone had been depleted. Knowing that I wished to return to martial arts, I realized that I would not be able to develop my own comprehensive plan to recover and go back to what I loved to do.

My research for a personal trainer led me to Dennis Blair, and he came up with a personal program to slowly but surely get me back to where I wanted to be. Dennis was able to push me, and I was able to see the positive results of his program. I learned to fight through mental hurdles and continue to work hard so that my stamina and strength increased.

Dennis is a great coach and never wavered on his support and ability to make me better. Fast forward one and a half years and not only am I back to martial arts, but I’ve picked up two other martial arts disciplines as well. I now practice three different martial arts, teach tai chi and also train dogs. If Dennis hadn’t come up with a personal program for me, I would not be doing what I love today.

All I can say is if you are in need of a coach/personal trainer, look no further then Dennis Blair. Thanks, Dennis, you’ve helped me reach my goals and recover my active lifestyle.

John Montenieri
Loveland, Colorado

Rich and Cathy

personal training successAfter interviewing several trainers, we were actually excited to choose Dennis as our personal trainer. It’s not that any of them weren’t good, but Dennis seemed to have a flexibility that would accommodate older, middle-aged folks like us. Everyone says they can take into consideration personal needs, but Dennis conveyed to us how that would happen in a way that would truly benefit us.

As it turns out, it has been a wonderful fit. Dennis comes in with well thought out routines each session that are tailored to our needs. We are able to train as a couple and have the exercises modified for each of us. We feel more fit than when we started and are pleased with the outcome we have achieved.

Dennis is personable and has a great sense of humor. He has made each session fun and we look forward to training instead of dreading it as in the past. Fitness has become a part of our lives and we have Dennis to thank.

Rich and Cathy
Fort Collins, Colorado

Verlane Saxton

Verlane Fort Collins Personal TrainerOctober 8, 2013, was my first personal training session with Dennis. After seeing the positive changes in my friend, Valerie, I felt confident in committing to 8 months of 2 workouts a week.

In the beginning, I trusted Dennis because of Valerie, but, as I experienced his professionally caring guidance in each workout, I came to trust him also. At the age of 64 with a lifelong tendency to avoid exerting myself physically, I knew I needed someone who would put me in a position of seeing results rather quickly. I have had two surgeries to correct vertebrae in my neck and back, so it was important that Dennis knew how to strengthen those areas. With arthritis and poor conditioning, I was a challenge. 🙂

I have experienced strengthening, greater balance, and increased mobility with the two a week workouts. I tried only once a week during the summer and feel twice a week works the best. Many times, when I am least expecting it, I will experience the benefit of having been strengthened! Backaches, shoulder aches and neck aches are history!  Riding my bicycle is easier. Carrying groceries and moving furniture don’t leave me hurting. Even riding in a car does not cause me the stiffness I used to have. The confidence in completing 30 minutes of exercise to the specifications Dennis has determined to be best for me is confidence building. Dennis doesn’t care that I am a “senior.”  He really is not intimidated by my surgeries or lack of initiative on my part. He knows, with time and perseverance, I will be in a better place with my overall health.

Dennis is open to hearing anything that I find is helpful in improving my lifestyle…my quality of living. Whether it is diet or exercise outside the hour/week I spend with him, Dennis is open to listening and learning. His experience is extensive yet he is a great listener and I value his feedback. For a guy (ha!), I find him to be quite ‘tuned in’ to hearing what is being communicated, and, I appreciate that.

I don’t have statistics to share, just testimony that I am feeling the best I have felt for years! I am looking forward to where I will be a year from now!!! THAT will be a time of celebration as I reach the 65th year of my life’s journey.

Verlane Saxton
Fort Collins, Colorado