Testimonials
Glenn Kutoroff talks about his amazing since he has been a member of the Boot Camps, how anyone at any fitness level can participate, and how he is getting better results than just going to the gym.
Jeannine Alvear was a dedicated and self described “gym rat” who spent hours at the gym each day. She’s had much better results by substituting the Pine Brook Boot Camps.
Erin Margolis discusses how she lost the weight, what the workouts are like, how the members work together despite different fitness and ability levels, and how she changed her eating habits.
Lou LaMedica, of West Caldwell NJ, has been a member of the Pine Brook Boot Camps and he is doing a fantastic job. Check out what he has to say about his experience so far:
“It was six months before my retirement and eight months until my daughter’s wedding when i finally decided to become serious about my appearance and physical condition. The final decision came after I saw an alarming picture of myself at my daughter’s engagement party. For years my daughter had encouraged me to join a gym, but due to recurring problems from serious injuries years ago I didn’t think I’d be able to handle a rigorous exercise routine. I had never set foot in a gym and I was petrified of anything to do with a gym. Knowing that I would need a lot of help I decided to hire a personal trainer. I asked for someone with exemplary credentials who had experience working with injuries, and someone who had the patience to deal with my fears and age. Mark Mogavero was recommended to take on the challenge.
During the first sessions I was terrified of further injuring myself and extremely self-conscious, but I was made to feel comfortable and encouraged that I certainly could and would make progress. As the weeks passed the progress became steady and my fears lessened as Mark patiently guided me toward goals that I would have never believed possible. By the time of my daughter’s wedding I had dropped four dress sizes. Needless
to say that was great, but the more important benefit was my health. My blood pressure and cholesterol significantly improved along with a remarkable increase of circulation and strength.
It’s now been a year since I started training with Mark and I’m certain that it’s because of his expertise and patience that I’m able to enjoy retirement as a new beginning.”
Marsha Capuano, Caldwell NJ
“Melanie brings breadth and common sense to bear in her body work. After working out for many years, and working with other personal trainers; I finally am beginning to “get it.” I have worked out with several personal trainers and Melanie is by far the finest. Not only does she have an excellent command of anatomy, physiology, and technique, she also has a great attitude.”
Mitch Liebowitz, West Caldwell , NJ
“I began working with Mark approximately 5 years ago. After having undergone a serious operation on my spine (spinal fusion), I had gained a considerable amount of weight and had lost virtually all muscle tone due to post-operative atrophy. I am 6′3″ and at the time weighed 245 lbs with elevated triglycerides and lipid levels. My overall fitness was
substantially compromised, which hampered my daily activities and created significant balance problems.
Mark developed a customized program with me in consideration of my specific needs for rehabilitation and physical fitness. The plan entailed multiple workouts weekly with Mark as my trainer, coupled with nutritional guidance.
Today, I weighed in at 195 lbs and have virtually no balance problems. My muscle tone has substantially improved, and my triglycerides are within normal range as are my total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels. My energy and daily activity levels have increased enormously. This has been transformative to my entire life, enabling me to participate in
activities that were beyond my capabilities in my former condition.
Mark is highly knowledgeable in exercise physiology, kinetics, and nutrition. He is able to apply his extensive expertise to a customized program in such a way that it me my specific needs and my personal physical considerations. Most importantly, he has been a coach, an ally, and a caring human being throughout the course of my rehabilitation.
I continue to partner with Mark on a maintenance program, successfully supporting all of the hard work we have accomplished together.”
Stephen Sudovar, Montclair NJ
“After I had my baby I thought I would never get back in shape. Thanks to
Mark I lost 15 pounds and 6+ inches around my waist. I feel more flexible, energetic, and stronger than I have in years.
Mark is a very patient and talented trainer. He tailored the workouts to fit my lifestyle. Mark designed exercises that worked very well for me and each workout was different. I looked forward to each session!”
Maureen Chase, Livingston NJ
“I have been training with Melanie for about a year and a half. In that time,
she has helped me to improve my fitness level and as an added benefit, improve my self confidence. Melanie is extremely knowledgeable, and uses a lot of variety during the workout sessions so you are never bored. She challenges you to do your best and is very encouraging. I always feel like I have accomplished something after one of our sessions. In short, Melanie is a great trainer!”
Diana Garland, North Caldwell, NJ
“I began working with Mark over three years ago in an attempt to avoid hip surgery for a chronic hip problem. I was unable to avoid a hip replacement but have continued to work with Mark well after my surgery.
I have found Mark to be incredibly knowledgeable about physical training strategies and work-out techniques that are customized for each of his clients. I am 60 years old and more than slightly overweight but Mark has been able to increase my physical agility and stamina. He is extraordinarily encouraging and supportive and I think these assets are critical for
individuals who don’t embrace or see physical fitness as a necessary ingredient of healthful living.
Through his efforts, I can walk over two miles (without stopping), am no longer short of breath and can lift items that were way beyond my capabilities before I started working with him. I am not the strongest man of the world and have no aspirations to become one but I am enjoying life much more and doing many more things that I couldn’t do in the past. These
changes are directly attributable to Mark’s knowledge, skills and support.
I would recommend him to anybody who is looking to become more fit or more healthy or just wants to enjoy doing the things that most people pursue like walking, riding a bike just feeling good about oneself.”
Alan Zalkind, Montclair NJ
“Melanie has been my private small group instructor in Vinyasa yoga for five months and recently started working with me as a personal trainer. Melanie’s attention to detail and form is outstanding. She strives to ensure you are using your body effectively as well as knowing your limitations. She educates you on the best practices for exercise and diet, which you are able to follow. Since working with Melanie I have had a better attitude towards exercise, a toner figure and a routine at the gym I can follow when I am not working with Melanie, that I feel comfortable executing independently.”
Alyson Dorchek, Caldwell , NJ
“I hate to exercise. However, last summer when I was caring for my then six month old grandson I knew it was time to make some changes in my “fitness” life. I needed more energy and much more flexibility to take care of a young child. I had enlisted the help of personal trainers before but with limited success. A close friend had been working with Mark Mogavero and convinced me to try a session with him. I was surprised with how insightful he was in determining my needs and assessing my true potential. I decided to give him a try and am so glad I did.
I began last July and initially dreaded every scheduled appointment. Everything seemed so difficult. Mark’s patience and superb teaching style kept me coming back. Over the next few months I saw a transformation in myself. The dreaded sessions became challenges and I witnessed a dramatic change not only in my body composition but also in my stamina and
fluidity of movement. Mark has also been instrumental in helping me look at my food choices more critically and take new approaches to my difficulties with sleeping. I feel great and never shy from the opportunity to have an adventure in babysitting!”
Mary Mack, Essex Fells NJ
“Mark’s exceptional motivational skills and guidance has enabled me to exceed all of my fitness goals. I have lost a significant amount of weight (per a diet suggested by Mark), increased my strength and confidence, as well as find myself with more energy and flexibility. Mark has been instrumental in this achievement by continually challenges me, and my abilities; while closely monitoring my limits. Each workout session is a testament to his creativity and dedication as a personal trainer. I workout with Mark five times a week, and have yet to be bored, or unmotivated to attend. It’s clear that he is constantly searching for newly proven fitness techniques to make my workouts both challenging and invigorating. Mark not only teaches and encourages the proper technique, but also the correct mindset, and outlook, to compliment the daily sessions.”
Bill Sapoch, Montclair NJ
