After being diagnosed with osteoporosis at 45, it is been imperative that I keep exercising, and thanks to Colleen's inspiration and help, I am building stronger bones every day. She has helped me understand how to set goals and achieve them, no matter how large or small. She's my motivation to just keep moving.

If you want to make a positive change in your life, feel and look better, then meet my daughter, Colleen. She will change your life. Colleen's positive attitude and motivational skills will help you understand how to achieve your goals.

-Peggy

I was 49 years old when I accidentally stumbled into CORE and Colleen Barnett. After numerous awkward attempts at getting fit and gaining the pounds that are inevitable with ageing and not exercising, I was desperate. I had been through many setbacks including a torn ACL, MCL and Meniscus sustained while playing arena soccer which required surgery. Next I had a major right hip surgery when they found that I had broken my pelvis at some point in my youth and the bone had grown around and was constricting my sciatic nerve. Once I recuperated from that I was working out at Curves 3-5 days a week and got horrible bilateral achilles tendonitis that took 5 months of PT to heal. To add insult to injury I abruptly became menopausal and my metabolism slowed way down. I saw the sign for CORE and my car turned the corner. That has changed my life.

I have been with Colleen for a year and she has motivated me far beyond what I ever dreamed possible. I still train with her 2 times a week and I always have sore muscles. I spin 2-3 times a week and take long walks. Exercise is a part of my schedule every day. When I started I could not do one men's push up and now I can do 15-20 in a row and I do 3 sets. I have dropped pounds and inches, and I feel so much better. I feel strong and healthy. The exercise is clearly affecting my brain as I will be signing up for Queen Bee.  I know I must be crazy since I do not run. Colleen has made me believe in myself. CORE has given me the place to accomplish my goals in a caring, clean and fun atmosphere. Colleen is the perfect person to lead us to where we never thought we could go. To cheer us to a lifestyle that is healthier and happier. I for one will follow the Queen Bee and even if I do not participate in the Triathlon, I will be a better person for trying.

-Diane

I would love to complete a triathlon because I believe that many people feel that it's an unrealistic goal for anyone....I would like to prove them wrong.  I have watched Garry and my brother do them and I have always been inspired but overwhelmed by the idea of training enough to do well in one.  I would like to be able to put the time and effort in, to be capable of swimming any length of time, to not feel too nervous to clip into the bike pedals and to feel like the run would be a breeze after all of that....that would be amazing. I would also like to meet other women and hear their stories....that is the most inspiring to me....to see everyone's challenges and cheer them on as they do something for themselves.  I love the group idea and the fact that it's all women....good times, chatting, working out, chatting, etc. I can't wait!

-Suzy

In August of 2005, I received 12 personal training sessions at CORE.  I met with Todd, the owner to assess my fitness level.  He then paired me with Colleen.  While I had been active, walking and taking Pilate's classes, I had never worked with a trainer or in a gym.  I loved it from the first session.   But after 2 or 3 sessions, I needed some kind of goal.  Participating in a triathlon had always been  in the back of my mind.  After talking it over with Colleen, I decided to go for it and registered for a sprint triathlon.  Now I had to do it, even the swimming  leg.  Together we set up a training schedule that included all the elements of a triathon.

Colleen was key to my success, especially in the swimming portion.  She  not only worked with me in the gym, she met me at the pool and the ocean to work on my stroke.   Without her coaching, I'm not sure I could have completed the swim leg. 

Seven weeks later, I participated in my first sprint triathlon -  all the training with Colleen paid off.  I finished in under two hours, which was my goal and felt great!  To train with a person or a group is the key to being successful!  Not only does it compel you to keep training when you really don't feel like it, it's alot more FUN!

-Terry

One year ago I was feeling lethargic, depressed, lacked  strength and had lower back pain.   I was so concerned about my condition that I made an appointment with my physician to explain that I was afraid I wouldn't have enough energy to carry out my efforts for the 6th annual Animal Lover's Boutique at my home for three days in November -- an extremely time consuming and physical project.  My doctor asked me when the boutique would be and then  she said "You have 6 weeks to train for the boutique!"   Her prescription did not include pills!  Taking her advice I joined Lifestyle RX health club (an affiliate of Valley Care Hospital in Livermore, CA), hired a personal trainer and embarked upon an exercise program that has changed my life.   Not only did I have a successful event in November, but I have become "addicted to sweating and stretching!"   A few months ago, I had an illness that kept me from the health club for 2 weeks.   Lo and behold, my lower back pain returned and I was afraid I was in for back problems.  Back to the health club but for a few days, and the back pain disappeared.   I realize now that physical exercise is a necessity for my well being.   I am close to 76 years old and am grateful that my doctor gave me the exercise prescription!

-Jackie