Testimonials
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Client of the Month
Diabetes, lifestyle coaching, posture, sleep, nutrition, looking younger.
Real Estate Agent, Tim Gaillard
Tim, an elite athlete in his youth, had undergone three hip replacement surgeries before he began his training with WellnessWorks! After his initial evaluation we identified goals specific to posture, pain reduction and needs for lifestyle coaching in the areas of sleep, nutrition and recreation. Then we consulted with his personal physician to make sure our approach to his training would be compatible with his medications and medical situation.
After a few years of training with WellnessWorks, Tim experienced a cycling accident. As a result, the training goals shifted to include avoidance of knee replacement surgery, which we have been successful with.
"As a former athlete, I thought I knew my body pretty well. Through new found knowledge and wellness habits, I now stand straighter, taller, am more limber, sleep sounder and eat healthier. Plus my doctor is thrilled with the impact it's had on managing my diabetes. Wellness wisdom...of body, mind and soul... is now a daily part of my life."
Tim Gaillard, age 66
Real Estate Agent
Glastonbury, CT
Since his training, Tim's friends who haven't seen him in a while, comment that he seems taller, walks quicker and appears younger! Once again, Wellness... Works!
Posture, strength, endurance, becoming compliant.
Associate Dean, Licensed Occupational Therapist, Dr. Betsey Smith
"I was the kid who was always dodging gym class. I got A's in everything else. I told my trainer recently that if he showed up with a stopwatch or whistle hanging from his neck when we first started training, that I would never have hired them... the memories of failure, embarrassment and humiliation at the hands of my gym teachers were still there. We began with a comprehensive evaluation before doing anything so we could create a strategy and identify exercises and lifestyle adjustments that were appropriate for reaching my goals quickly and safely. Yes, I lost weight. Yes, I developed better posture, more strength and endurance. Exercise sciences have come a long way since I was in high school and when I train correctly, I've discovered that I'm actually quite athletic! I now genuinely enjoy group exercise classes for the first time in my life. I even have a college coach as an exercise buddy. Though WellnessWorks people are truly gifted technically, I think their most important strength is in getting people to actually do what we most need to do. I'm impressed enough with WellnessWorks that I've joined their staff as a consultant - it's the best way I know to keep the focus on patient compliance."
Dr. Betsey Smith, age 50,
Associate Dean, Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences;
Licensed Occupational Therapist,
West Hartford, CT
Physcian, back pain, paradigm shift.
Urologist, Dr. Marlene Murphy-Setzko
"I had some chronic back pain that got worse when I exercised. The physician I was seeing for it recommended Vincent and the Wellness Works team, because she herself had had good results with them. After a thorough evaluation, their approach with me was from the inside, out. I came to realize that my thought patterns and belief system around exercise were not as effective as they could have been. First they helped me shift my paradigm, including a focus on stress reduction and optimizing sleep quality. Then they worked in conjunction with my physician to create the exact exercises my body needed to correct the faulty mechanics that were causing my back to hurt. I lost weight, too.....and this time I expect to sustain it because it doesn't hurt to exercise anymore. Vincent's knowledge of creating wellness in the human mind and body is more than impressive. These guys are the best."
Marlene Murphy-Setzko, age 42Urologist
Hartford, CT
Professional athlete, golf, long distance running.
Golf Pro, George DeVita
Simply put, George Devita, PGA Head Golf Pro at Farminton Woods Country Club, was shocked when we showed him the results of our initial biomechanical evaluation.
He had an apparent leg length difference caused by pelvic torsioning, his hamstrings were much tighter than he realized, his neck range of motion was asymmetrical and his shoulder girdle was misaligned with some muscles being too long and weak and others being too short and tight. To make things interesting, he also wanted to run a marathon, and he hadn't done any running since the yearly "1 mile run" way back in high school gym class.
The challenge was to train a professional athlete whose schedule was packed with career and family obligations simultaneously for two very different sports. We knew that corrective stretching and stability oriented strength training would go a long way toward resolving his biomechanical issues and his game would improve as a result. This would also keep him pain and injury free as he gets older, lengthening his golf career. The long distance running fetish would require a reformatting of his "no pain, no gain" paradigm and familiarizing him with the 6 ways of monitoring cardiovascular intensity to avoid muscle loss.
"It was a real education going through the initial evaluation. My trainer created an evolving exercise system custom-made to correct the weaknesses and length-tension imbalances that were revealed by the evaluation. When it came to assigning "homework", he engaged me in a co-creation process designed to ensure that I could easily fit the right exercises into my busy life. He knew how to get into my head and keep me motivated.
"The results? My golf game has improved and within 9 months of my initial evaluation, I ran my first half marathon.
"I have become a better golf instructor, as well. The biomechanical limitations of my students are much more obvious to me now. No longer do I give them instructions that their bodies don't have the physical capacity to execute so the lessons are more productive for them. Shaquile O'Neal is a world class athlete, but I wouldn't expect him to do well as a jockey at the Kentucky Derby!"
George DeVita, age 34
Golf Pro
Simsbury, CT
Sleep deprivation, Stress reduction, Sleep apnea.
Business Owner, John BrubakerA recent study revealed that in the past 15 years, people in the US on average have lost 1.5 hours of sleep per night. When you understand the chemistry and physiology involved, you understand that this represents a shocking loss of productivity, balance and happiness. If you find that stress, sleep apnea or sleep deprivation is of issue in your life, you'll certainly want to... READ MORE.
"I am an extremely satisfied customer of Wellness Works and a great admirer of Vincent Roman, who is a professional of impressive ability and complete integrity. I first used the company's services approximately seven years ago, in preparing for a national championship competition as a master's athlete. I have recently engaged the company's services on an issue of far greater impact on my life and profession.
"Last fall during a checkup I mentioned to my physician that I often experience fatigue, lack of energy and inability to concentrate as a professional. She began me on a process which has revolutionized my life. After some tests, I was diagnosed as having Obstructive Sleep Apnea - in this case 32 times per hour I would stop breathing for an average of 20 seconds at a time, and for as much as 73 seconds. My REM sleep, a very restorative level of sleep, was one sixth that of a normal adult - 3.4% instead of the typical 20%. I had had a terrible and persistent case of sleep deprivation for years, and didn't' realize it.
"The consequences in my life were very serious, though for years I had simply ignored them or tried to "work around" them. My ability to do creative, sustained work was seriously compromised. I could do outstanding work in spurts, but then needed long breaks. I had a hard time staying organized. If I was in a meeting or at an event and not running the meeting or event (such as while at church), I often felt drowsy and sometimes fell asleep. Going to the movies with my wife, I almost always fell asleep at some point in the movie. I was embarrassed by this, and blamed myself for the pace of my life and an inability to execute on my life's responsibilities, but had no idea how to do anything to break the cycle. This was the standard quality of life for me for years.
"My doctor prescribed a CPAP machine, which has a mask that ensures I get a steady stream of air to breathe when I'm sleeping. This, supplemented by the treatments from Wellness Works, has changed my life. Vincent, after hearing what I was experiencing, recommended a process known as Neuro Fascial Processing to balance my adrenal functioning. I went through several treatments, and each time was amazed at the deep level of rest it provides, and a feeling that my internal systems are re-aligning in a healthy way.
"The result of the combined treatment has been astounding to me. I literally feel as though I have a completely new career and a new life. My wife is absolutely amazed with the natural energy that I now have (I am a "newlywed - in my second year of a blissful marriage). I feel about 20 years younger - in a matter of a few months. My productivity has surged - my business has had a huge increase and I am able to handle the workload, with joy. My powers of concentration are naturally much higher, without the manic or "caffeinated" feeling I used to associate with high productivity work. And I have a level of access to my own creative abilities that has astonished me. What continues to amaze me is that every week I seem to be breaking into new levels of clarity and confidence. I constantly feel that I am "waking up" to a new and better life. I thank God every day for what has happened, for this blessing.
"I write my story in gratitude for the highly professional work of Vincent Roman and Wellness Works, LLC. And in the knowledge that there are sufferers of sleep deprivation or various sleep disorders out there, or their companions (my wife who first observed my sleep issues and was impacted by them). My message to them is that they need suffer no more. There may be treatment for an issue which if untreated can continue to damage seriously the quality of your life, and those you love. It could well be that you are not at fault, that you have a very treatable condition.
"I recommend that if you believe you may be suffering from sleep related issues, see your physician, describe your situation and see if you are a candidate for testing. And I have found the adrenal balancing treatment of Wellness Works, LLC to be a valuable adjunct to my CPAP machine. I expect to continue to work with Vincent and his team, and have tremendous gratitude for the great work which they do."
John K. Brubaker, age 57
Owner
Professional Resume Plus, LLC
West Hartford, CT
The trainers at WellnessWorks are adept at a technique called Neuro Fascial Processing (NFP), which helps our clients restore the effectiveness of their sleep and achieve stress reduction through improved adrenal balance. John's thoughtful testimonial showcases the use of NFP for helping people improve their sleep quality. Now that he has established better adrenal balance and more productive sleep, his nightly restoration and repair functions have been optimized. This foundation will give John speedier results in reaching the remainder of his goals: wellness, fitness and otherwise. I'd like to point out that John has been an established and successful businessman for many years, as well as a published author. Now that he's handled his sleep issues, we're very excited to see what else John creates in service to the community!
Once again.... Wellness Works!
Vincent
Sustainable weight loss.
Vendor Management, Dad and Full Time Student, Matt Busey
Matt Busey has lost 50 pounds in the last 14 weeks. Since he started out at 5' 9" and 400 pounds, Matt is exactly on schedule for the maximum weight loss of 1% of body weight per week required for safety and sustainability. Read More:
Matt has been successful in keeping his mind from being hijacked by some of the ridiculous and possibly dangerous ideas about weight loss promoted in the popular media including a well known national television show. Here's the actionable tip: shoot for a weight loss of no more than ½% to 1% of body fat per week. When clients lose between ½ % - 1% of their body weight per week, this is the maximum weight loss possible for both safety and sustainability. Losing weight faster than this invariably involves losing muscle tissue which decreases ones ability to burn fat and is the genesis of weight loss/weight gain roller-coastering.
"This is easier than I thought it was going to be. All the directions my trainer gave me worked exactly the way he said they would. I really appreciate the total person approach from WellnessWorks: mind, body and spirit."
Matt Busey, age 47
West Hartford, CT
Vendor Management, Dad and Full time student
Thank you Matt. You are an outstanding power of example for losing weight the right way. It will take more than two years for Matt to reach his target weight but by doing it the right way; it will be the last time he'll be faced with this challenge.
Wellness.... Works!
Vincent
Motivation, back pain, knee pain, hip pain.
Retired Insurance Agency Owner, Don Horner
At age 71, Don Horner is enjoying his retirement now more than ever. When he's away from home he continues his momentum of training progress through on-line video conferencing. Back pain, knee pain, hip pain and weight management, Don's been through a lot. His ultimate goals are improving his golf game and keeping up with his grandchildren and wife (see Kathy Horner's testimonial on our website). Read more:
Don has undergone a hip replacement and a knee replacement. Applying his superior work ethic to his commitment to improving his wellness, his residual hip pain has been resolved and compensation oriented low back pain has been diminished. Add to that his recent 15 pound weight loss attributed to training and improved nutrition with portion control support from Weight Watchers, and he's well on his way to achieving all his wellness goals. With competitive guys like Don, some of his guidance has been reining him in to not do too much too soon.
"I haven't felt this good in 5 years. I'm reaching my goals in part because my trainer Kerri works closely with my physical therapist and chiropractor ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. The WellnessWorks people have ways to keep me motivated to get my homework done which leverages the time and money I spend and makes progress faster."
Don Horner, age 71
Retired Insurance Agency Owner
Farmington, CT
We're not saying that we're expecting Don to play Lacrosse, but he might be able to do some reffing again. Thank you Don for your power of example, proving once again......WellnessWorks!
Vincent
Hydration, sleep, corrective exercise therapy.
Construction Company Owner, Joe Frenette
Joe is the owner of a successful construction company, a tough guy with a heart of gold, all 6'3", 280 pounds of him.
Because of his size, the cramped cabs of the heavy equipment he operates have created daily work posture patterns resulting in biomechanical challenges for Joe including back and knee pain. Read More:
Although we've been working with Joe for only a few months so far, he has made tremendous progress in the foundational habit areas of hydration and sleep as well as physical training primarily in corrective exercise therapy. Without progress in sleep and hydration, you can do the "perfect" exercise routine until the cows come home but it's not going to matter much. These are facts of human physiology and biochemistry that cannot be overcome by intellect or will power.
"I've been sleeping better than I've ever slept in my life which has improved my mental clarity and decision making. We just started our corrective flexibility exercises and I'm already feeling less pain and more agile and mobile. Despite the tough economy, working with my trainer continues to be a vital investment for me. Next to my grocery bill, personal training with Wellness Works is the most important thing I do for myself. "
Joe Frenette, age 38
Contruction Company Owner
Canton, CT
Joe really is a tough guy and one of the ways he proves that is by his willingness to make habit changes in the "not so tough" sounding area's like taking a nap. Thank you Joe, you've proven yet again that Wellness Works!
Running, biomechanics, blood pressure, cholesterol, golf conditioning.
Clinical Nurse Educator, Tim Squires
Tim Squires was so busy with his career that he hadn't really exercised much since his early college days. After our first interaction with him, he balked at getting his training started because he was concerned he would never fit it into his busy schedule.
His initial evaluation revealed some biomechanical asymmetries which had been in effect for decades in addition to needing improvement with his cholesterol and blood pressure numbers through carefully designed cardiovascular routines.
Other goals included building improved sleep quality and down time into his life and reducing stress. Because of his work as a clinical nurse educator, it was also very important for him to condition his body to avoid injuries related to patient transfer and movement.
"This has been great! The right exercises for me are now almost automatic in my life. All my initial goals have been met. I have formed lasting habits, and my trainer guided the process so skillfully that I was never overwhelmed. In the beginning we simultaneously focused on two areas: Putting the cholesterol and blood pressure issues in check with the right cardiovascular training, and customized corrective stretching and stability oriented strength training so I could correct the compensations that had set in from some old injuries and conditions. Then we moved on to heavy lifting mechanics, long distance running and golf conditioning, in that order. It may be hard to believe, but at my age I have become a first time long distance runner and a first time golfer. I am able to do this injury and pain free and it's a lot of fun! This Thanksgiving I'll be running my first Manchester Turkey Trot road race. It's a 4.7 mile course with a one mile hill which I've already conquered during my training sessions. My trainer says with 12,000 runners and countless fans along the route this is going to feel like I'm an Olympic participant."
Tim Squires, RN-BC, MS, age 56
Clinical Faculty, Nurse Educator
Rocky Hill, CT
Oh, Tim, we wonder what you'll want to take on next. Care to train for the 2011 Iditarod, perhaps? Thank you for your power of example. You have proven yet again that you don't have to get older when you get older... because Wellness... Works!
Retired, back and neck pain.
Retired Executive Secretary, Ellie Olson
A retired executive secretary who lives independently, Ellie began training with WellnessWorks in January 2010 and continues to meet with her trainer twice per week. Ellie's WellnessWorks journey began, as everyone's does, with an initial evaluation. She was experiencing back and neck pain that resulted from some biomechanical issues, low energy and she had a history of Meniere's Disease which caused episodes of vertigo.
"I worked in downtown Hartford for 47 years always wearing high heels. Who knew that would result in neck and back problems. Fortunately, the right exercises can reverse this type of thing. My back feels better, my balance has improved, my resting heart rate has come down significantly, my energy level is up and I haven't had any more bouts of Meniere's Disease."
Ellie Olson, age 82,
Retired Executive Secretary
Farmington,CT
Heart disease
Retired Navy Aviator and Investment Consultant, Tim Cooley
"Since I had some concerns regarding heart disease, my trainer collaborated with my medical people first. My training was much better than what I was doing beforehand. As a result, I can see that for many years I'll continue to remain a contributing member of my community and church, and active in the lives of my children and grandchildren.
Tim Cooley,age 73,
Retired Navy Aviator and Investment Consultant,
Bloomfield, CT
Ex-gym owner.
Bank Vice President; Past President, Henry Mondschein
“As a former gym owner, I know the ins and outs of the fitness business. WellnessWorks’ trainers are highly experienced full time professionals who are tops in their field. Since they meet at your home or on your turf, you actually remember how to do the exercises correctly and it's a lot easier to actually get them done. I had a good experience with them and so have 8 of my colleagues and friends.”
Henry Mondschein, age 44,
Bank Vice President; Past President,
West Hartford Rotary Club West Hartford, CT
Womens golf, avoiding knee replacement.
Homemaker, Kathy Horner
"Before I started with WellnessWorks, I was a candidate for knee replacement surgery. My goals were to be able to put the surgery off as long as possible, make it up the stairs without having to use my arms to pull myself up, be able to walk 18 holes of golf (and without suffering afterward), and to shovel snow in the winter again (my back was giving me trouble, too). I reached those goals and went on to improving my posture, losing weight, getting off all medications (even ibuprofen) and becoming the ladies golf champ at my country club. Never needed the knee surgery. Best of all, I am so happy to be setting an example of healthy living for my grandchildren and the rest of my family. We now swim together, bike together, kayak together, powerwalk together, and take yoga classes together - all stuff I couldn't do before WellnessWorks. My newfound wellbeing has become contagious!"
Kathy Horner, age 65
Homemaker,
Farmington, CT
Business owner, golf, sustainable weight loss.
CPA; Accountancy Firm Owner, Sean Donovan
"I run my own company and I'm a family man, so I'm very busy. For a long time I used that as an excuse to not take care of myself. At tax season I would see those clients who did not take care of themselves, spending more and more money year after year as they aged... unsuccessfully trying to keep degeneration and disease at bay, while gradually but surely having their worlds shrink and their quality of life go down the tubes. Not investing in their wellbeing throughout their lives ended up costing these clients a fortune. This was a glaringly obvious pattern I intended not to fall victim to, so I called in the trainers from WellnessWorks. I started at 315 pounds and for the past two years I've averaged about 210. My trainer tells me my actual fat loss was more like 140 pounds since I made gains in muscle mass, bone density and appropriate hydration. I used to think bowling was exercise, and now I can easily walk 18 holes of golf in any weather. Paradoxically, I spend more time taking care of myself than ever before, and yet my business is bigger and better than ever."
Sean Donovan, age 54,
CPA, Accountancy Firm Owner,
Suffield, CT
Accountability, better sleep, reducing stress.
Insurance Executive, Homemaker and Mom, Jeanne Merola
"I had knee, back and shoulder problems and I wanted to lose weight. My trainer was able to provide me with a structured way to address all of these issues. He worked with my Chiropractor and put it all together. He was able to meet me first at my home and then at the fitness center at my office. He made it convenient. They had powerful ways of holding me accountable while being gentle, patient and caring. As our training progressed, additional goals were also attained - getting better sleep and reducing stress. The experience exceeded my expectations."
Jeanne Merola, age 54,
Insurance Executive, Homemaker and Mom,
Rocky Hill, CT