Testimonials
RIGHTFIT CHICAGO
Barbara Shapiro is a true professional in
every sense of the word. She is a quality teacher, coach, and trainer.
Through positive reinforcements, Barbara has an uncanny ability to
stress proper form and breathing. Her enthusiasm for fitness is evident
in the way that she explains every exercise with so much energy and a
constant smile on her face. All of Barbara’s sessions are done in the
comfort of her own home or the client’s, giving the client an authentic
one-on-one personal training feel.
Amongst many things throughout the workout, I learned that I have poor
balance. Barbara would get up on the Bosu ball while standing on a
resistance band and do bicep curls with ease. Since I consider myself
physically fit and capable of many physical tasks, this exercise looked
like a cakewalk. How hard could it be? Of course, when I first stepped
on the stability ball, it was as if all of my balance and stabilization
had been tossed out of the proverbial window; frustration immediately
set in once I realized that I struggled to stand straight for three
seconds. Having said that, my displeasure was quickly subdued when
Barbara calmly refocused my attention on balancing myself through my
core.
Along with several balance exercises, Barbara put me through karate and
boxing drills. The combinations of kicks and punches forced me to engage
by core and tested my coordination. She ensured that my every move was
fluid and thorough as she stressed that I never sacrifice my rhythm. To
wrap everything up, Barbara showed me a few exercises using the TRX; an
outstanding tool that creates a total body workout. There are countless
exercises that can be done using TRX, and Barbara Shapiro can teach you
why each one is beneficial. Being so in tune with how our bodies react
to certain exercises, Barbara can teach anyone how to challenge their
muscles through isometric work and multiple
Nine months ago, I made a commitment to
my health and began working out twice a week with Barbara Shapiro as
well as seeing a nutritionist. Engaging in a regular exercise program
has always been difficult for me, but training with Barb has resulted in
what feels like a miracle: I enjoy my workouts and actually look forward
to my training sessions.
From the start, Barb has both encouraged me to work hard and respected
my body as it is. She motivates me but never emphasizes performance over
good technique and my well being. Her deep knowledge of body mechanics,
combined with her awareness of my individual twinges and pains, have
insured that I’ve remained injury-free, which is of crucial importance
to me.
Barb, who has a black belt in karate, began incorporating some karate
moves into our workouts. To my surprise and delight, I loved the karate,
and it is now a regular part of our sessions. Because karate requires a
strong core, good balance, flexibility, and stamina, it dovetails
perfectly with the other work we do. And, it provides a great mental
workout as well.
Barb emphasizes good technique, and the body awareness I’ve gained from
my work with her has impacted my everyday life. I carry myself
differently now: My posture is better, my shoulders are more relaxed, my
core is tighter, my balance is much improved. I’ve gained confidence in
my body and my ability to tackle physical activities. I’ve also lost
about 40 pounds.
Barb makes working out as easy as possible. Since she comes to my home,
I’m never late, and I don’t have to worry about taking a shower, putting
on make up, dressing for the weather, etc. Barb is funny and
intelligent, and I enjoy my time with her. Plus, she makes me feel good
about myself. What could be better than that?
---- Linda
I have been going to Barbara for at least 3 years. Over the years I have used many trainers.
Once I started with Barbara, I knew this was it. She is extraordinary. She works right along with you, and helps you to understand the benefits of what she is teaching you. I do not love working out, but with Barbara it is fun, and I know I am doing positive things for my body. --- Gayle
Barbara is a fabulous trainer. She's a great motivator, full of energy! She consistently changes the work out so you NEVER feel bored with your workout. She definitely has changed my life as I never worked out before and now I look forward to working out with her. Her upbeat attitude and high energy is definitely contagious and is a pleasure. I highly recommend her as a trainer; she is professional, knows her business and is tuned into and listens to her clients needs (& issues). ... Karen
"My daughter was taking karate and struggled to learn the katas. She
became so frustrated, that she was ready to quit. As soon as she began
to work with Barbara, she mastered the katas and her movements became
more precise and smooth. Within 2 months of Barbara's coaching, she
advanced from a yellow to an orange belt! 1 1/2 years later, she
advanced 3 whole belt levels to a blue belt and is now in the advanced
class. She loves it and her confidence is soaring."
"Barbara has helped my daughter develop movement patterns I never
thought she could have. My daughter has a slight limp. When I first
brought her to Barbara, she couldn't independently walk forward and
backward on a balance beam or hop on her affected foot. Because of
Barbara she can do all if this now and her gait has improved!"
Heather