"Jeff,

It is hard to believe that our sessions together are coming to an end today.  The past 6 months have gone by quickly.

As I look back on this journey that I have taken, I know that I am where I am because of your training and support!

I remember exactly how I felt the first time we met and that was "Defeated", but wanting to change.  Little did I realize how easy you would make that for me to be able to do.  I am not saying that it wasn't hard work by any means because it was and it took commitment and perseverance.  The reason you made it easy was because you believed I could change and you made me a believer as well!

You taught me that it wasn't just a matter of "Diet and Exercise"; it was a lifestyle change that began in my head and in my heart. I look back to those first sessions when I could barely do anything and yet you were full of praise for every accomplishment, no matter how small.  I have come a long way from those feeble starts and I know my journey is far from over, but I am convinced that I will succeed and move forward because you have instilled that in me!

You are so much more than a Personal Trainer, you are a Life Coach. I am very grateful for all you have taught me and for all the positive reinforcement throughout our time together."

~  Pat

"Jeff Brandes is an outstanding master of his craft. As a client of Jeff's for a year in preparation for my wedding, I learned that "Every Rep Counts!" He has a warm, spontaneous personality that make workouts fun. The exercise routines are individualized and challenging, but not more than you can handle. Having worked with other personal trainers, I can say that Jeff is one of the best. He is the real deal in an industry full of "wannabees" and is the standard by which any trainer should be measured. His professionalism, extensive knowledge and enthusiastic commitment to his work and ultimately his clients, provides the perfect scenario for success and sets foundations for a new healthier lifestyle!

"Before training with Jeff, I was truly in desperate need to improve the quality of life! I had been struggling with many ailments that include the following: heart disease, lung disease, type II diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, arthritis, and depression!

Jeff has carefully studied my ailments and their symptoms. He understands my medical conditions and creates a vigorous routine that challenges but never over does it. Jeff is a passionate, compassionate, and a highly professional trainer.

My doctors are so happy with my progress under Jeff! They are pleased that he has carefully guided me toward remarkable physical improvement. I feel better and look better. Since 2006 my doctors have congratulated me on an amazing 50 pound weight loss. They have explained that the weight loss has played an important role in the 20% increase in my lung capacity, my diabetic meds have been cut by a third, I have fewer asthma attacks, my resting heart rate has dropped to 89 from 111, and I no longer have a need for blood pressure medication! I knew that I was breathing better, moving a little easier, and aching less! It was great to get the confirmation and see the numbers from the doctors.

Jeff's personality is great, and I really look forward to our training sessions together! He seems to have the right combination of a gentle personal touch and drill sergeant! Jeff has truly changed my life!"

"I wanted to 'Thank You' for over a decade of working out with you!  After all, I've gotten through two major surgeries during that time and managed to keep working out despite complicated schedule and travel challenges with the result that I've maintained my targeted weight range as well as hit all the numbers that keep internists happy like cholesterol, blood pressure, stress tests, etc. I appreciate your creativity and flexibility in working around occasional physical limitations and persistent schedule challenges so that I could arrive at retirement age and still be able to play basketball, walk golf courses, and ride mountain bikes!"

"My life previous to Jeff's support was unfettered randomness in workout strategy! I really didn't know how to train for a marathon, so I just ran as far as I could without hurting myself.

I realized during the training that Jeff had great "purpose" in his assignments. Jeff's support was a lot of coaching, both mentally and physically. Jeff was the rudder on my marathon ship! He designed a custom program that included a few changes/revisions along the way to adapt to my successes and failures. He showed me how to work through my plateaus and that gave me the confidence to continue to push forward. The reassurance that I could contact Jeff anytime and get feedback had a calming effect on me during my training process. During my first marathon when I hit walls I could hear his voice in my head and could hear his encouraging words of wisdom and it truly helped me, mile after mile! The information disseminated to me during the training process was balanced and necessary for me to hit my goals…which I hit on all cylinders!

As a result of this training experience, I dropped weight, I finished my first marathon, and I stayed injury free and also had a speedy recovery time! So my experience training with Jeff was extremely meaningful and tremendously rewarding! Jeff gave me solid guidance and I will keep that with me wherever I go!"

"When "Pigs fly" it is a perfect day! But let me back up and share with you how the friendship, support and direction provided by Jeff made my marathon vision real.

As I approached my 50th birthday I decided I wanted to celebrate that milestone by taking up running once again. Just as important as joining AARP, I wanted to run a marathon. So, even though it was now a couple of months prior to my 49th birthday, I was the proverbial "couch potato", and had not run regularly for more than 20 years. I had not forgotten how running nourished my spirit, so I joined a gym and got moving. The voice in the back of my head clearly said, "You can do this". Yet it was wise enough also to tell me to get some HELP! Then a funny thing happened. The universe heard me, and at the suggestion of Edith Callahan, another trainer, I was introduced to Jeff.

I laid out my marathon vision to Jeff, and his response was, "Even though I have coached track and field before, I have never trained a marathon runner". And without skipping a beat this was followed by an enthusiastic, "I would like to do this with you". No doubt or questioning came from Jeff. He was committed from the start and wanted it as much as I did. Later when I would hit roadblocks from time to time in my training, Jeff's vision was large enough that it pushed me through the fog of my thoughts and the little physical aches and pains that popped up along the way.

Training started out slow and sensibly. Always mindful of the bigger picture, Jeff would remind me to rein it in, hold back some, not over train, and I would make it to the finish line. I stubbornly resisted and still do sometimes. When I was getting sick nearly every 6 weeks like clock work, Jeff asked me to step back and make an accounting of my food intake by setting up a food log. BINGO! Jeff was able to determine that I wasn't taking enough of the proper foods to fuel myself properly.

Training progressed from 1 minute runs combined with 4 minute walks all the way to my race day splits of 8 minute runs combined with 2 minute walks. Workouts went from 15 minute run/walk sessions (and literally thinking I would die), to 30 minute sessions…from a 5K, to a 10K, to a Half Marathon, to the 20 miler, and finally the full 26.2 miles! Speed work and Hill work were combined with interval runs, core and strength training.

We would learn together, and I would come to realize Jeff had my back and was my friend for life! When I was not feeling confident or up to the task at hand, Jeff always managed to get me back on the path. Humor was a major part of this process!

In May of 2005 I ran the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had a wonderful run, and completed my first marathon by turning in a time of 5:06:30. It was invaluable having Jeff accompany me to Cincinnati and have his support and direction as we mapped out the race course. He was there when the start gun went off and was there at the finish line! Personally it will be one of the top 5 days of my life crossing the finish line being congratulated by a race volunteer in a life size pig suit! It had been a journey which started about 18 months earlier. Along the way I grew tremendously, and found within myself things I didn't even dream existed. I couldn't have reached this goal without the support of so many friends and strangers. The advice and sharing of personal experiences helped to keep me focused and moving forward. The "Flying Pig" was as much about making the journey as actually running the 26.2 miles. The day was full of magic and emotion. It was a privilege to run in the space of the "Flying Pig" alongside some 8,000 plus marathoners. It was a great course, in a great city, and the universe offered up a perfect day for the run. I will always treasure Jeff repeatedly saying, after I had completed the marathon, for the next few hours, days, weeks, and even on occasion still, in that boyish tone of his, "I feel like I ran a marathon". And with a gentle slap to the forehead I would say, "Oh Yea, I did!"

Jeff - I love that look of connectedness to the moment and all of your passion that you choose to share with the world. The way you live your life is inspirational and has opened my eyes to a new vision of possibility. I am so fortunate and honored to have you in the space of my life. I am moved by your vision, your hard work, and your drive and commitment. You continue to amaze and teach me by the simple act of living your life. Thanks for your support, for being the change, and thank you for making a difference!"

"Jeff - I thought you would appreciate the following:

Played a singles tennis match Sunday afternoon (after cutting grass) with a good friend, who is a couple of years younger and in better shape(less injuries), and has often been my doubles partner in many local tournaments over the years.

We won a plaque and trophy or two over the years, and he is part of the foursome that has made the regular trek to queens each year for the U.S. Open (the last 15+ years).

Years ago in singles I "owned" him on the court. In most recent years, say the last 2 to 3, and especially after the injuries, he has not only "owned" me, but after some losses to him, he's had me silently questioning whether I should pick up golf. No offense, but you have heard me say how much I like golf…NOT!!!

I canned him yesterday in straight sets, "3 & 3"!

We are the best of friends but keen competitors. The outcome of this match this time had him barely speaking to me after the handshake as we walked off the court. In the switchover, just after I won the first set…in his words, "your serve is exploding off the court today". It was my first outdoor match of the season and I must admit it was hard to volley well off the serves I was hitting yesterday. I noticed how well and "heavy" I was serving, as well as how my "groundies" were penetrating and "heavy" as well.

Wonder why??? : )

Ever been called a secret weapon???

I still have to execute the strokes, but they are powered by you, Jeff!

Just think what it can be when I really get my "court legs and knees" back and better, which we are also working on in our sessions. Thanks Buddy!

I am more motivated than ever now!

I am still not a gym rat, just got to take it slow and avoid injury!

Thanks again!!!"