Fitness by Design

“Since our first visit to your studio to see if my friend and I would be able to make a commitment to “getting healthier”, we both have had very positive experiences. I am so glad that we chose Fitness By Design and that Nicole is our trainer. We just love her. She is very knowledgeable, professional and creative in making each session a little different. Yet, it is (dare I say) FUN. I do think coming to see Nicole and training is the “best part of the day”! I feel very grateful for the help we are getting – it does feel personal and that we are cared for. What a great concept for helping people like me who were “intimated” by the gym to come into a setting, learn, get stronger and feel good about it.” ~ Nicole’s Group Personal Training client

I simply can't imagine facing the challenges in my life today without the weekly care and feeding of my physical and spiritual yoga connection with Mary St Onge. I had dabbled in yoga via DVD's, but didn't know how important the in-person instruction can be. Mary takes us all where we are, knowing every day is different, and helps us learn to acknowledge, address and diffuse the physical and mental distractions that impair our clear sense of purpose. Although that may seem a little deep, every once in a while, I just have a practice that lets me tune out the world and breathe. I am so grateful for Mary's loving leadership and her direction that inspires me to challenge myself as we practice together. Still striving for flexibility, Margaret Buckton, student at Fitness by Design

I have never enjoyed a fitness experience as much as I have this one. The concept and facility is great. It is so cool to have the room to ourselves-no competition or feeling bad because you can’t do something as well as the person beside you. I really do feel I am a “member of the family”.

But Nicole is really what makes the experience so fun. She keeps us on task but she helps us out too. Every single time we work out, she has something new for us. She REALLY looks at our food journals and gives us tips and ways to improve our eating habits on an on-going basis. She is consistently encouraging, professional, personable. As a healthcare professional, I am impressed with all her knowledge about fitness and health. She is a real asset to your staff.
~2 friends who train with Nicole

I turned 46 this year and I have never felt better. 4 years ago a friend and I said let's try yoga....and I thought I'm not a pretzel... but we went anyway not knowing what to expect. It has been so beneficial not only for my health but my mental well being. Mary has taught me to have a better posture, how to stretch out with your own breath for full benefit of the practice. I think one of the most important things also is how to meditate and slow your mind..I recently quit smoking and going to my breath has calmed me down numerous times....Also, Mary say's yoga is a practice-- you're not expected to ever be somewhere in your practice...just what you can do when you can do it. I go twice a week and even got my husband to go on Sunday's with me....he absolutely loves the class..If there was ever a skeptic it would have been me or my husband.....we are hooked and found the BEST teacher

In January of this year I was 56 years old, 50 pounds overweight,_and hadn’t exercised in 15 years._I started dieting, but did not start exercising. In April I walked into Fitness By Design, and before I could chicken out said I wanted to start working with a personal trainer. I met Nicole Erpelding a few days later for my first session. It is now 4 months later, 40 pounds lighter and 4 dress sizes smaller, and that is not even the best part! I have more energy now then in my 30’s, no longer need medicine for BP, and am in the best shape of my life. Working with Nicole has made exercising fun and safe (for an old out of shape body!). She made me feel comfortable from the start, and gave me the confidence I needed to keep at it. I would recommend Fitness By Design to anyone at any age. It is never too late to start exercising and enjoying the health benefits, not to mention a new look! Signed, Judy, grateful student of Nicole!

If I can point out one obvious gift from God, it's having Mary St. Onge as my yoga instructor. She's a perfect fit, like a tailor made suit. She does not merely go through the motions of yoga. She plants seeds of wisdom, she explains the physical/emotional benefits of the yoga poses and is always mixing it up so you are constantly learning. I love how we actually breath through poses slowly as opposed to sweeping through them like a hectic day. Mary is passionate about what she teaches and with that kind of energy, you get so much more from your practice. She's awesome! Julia Auerbach, Twin Pines Yoga, 7 years student

“I don't know if I had shared this with you, but I had always thought people who used personal trainers were self-indulgent, non-motivated, wealthy skinny people. Each time we work together I am more impressed with your expertise, your professionalism and the incredible help working in a semi-private situation can be. I can hear your voice in my head when I do the exercises and know how important form is. I am 64 years old and realize that this work is bringing me the best health of my life....more time to enjoy retirement with my husband. Now I know what these are called the golden years and I plan to keep the gold well polished. Thanks so much, Nicole.” -CR

If you haven't done yoga with Mary St. Onge, you haven't really done yoga yet. I have done yin yoga, mixed level yoga, Bikram yoga and yoga therapy, so I believe I speak from experience.

I had just discovered yin and was trying to learn how to teach it when I started attending yin with Mary. It begins my week with such a sense of purpose, self-esteem and serenity that I may have to travel to Minnesota in the summer. The mixed level is not just the poses, but Mary teaches them with a theme which knits the series of 8 classes together. It means you don't want to miss a class. I have also learned so much more about the marriage of breath and movement that is true yoga. Bikram is relatively new for me, but after experiencing two different instructors, I love Mary's less rote recitation of the poses. I always feel pleasurably wrung out at the end of the 90 minutes.

I was hesitant at first to try Yoga Therapy. The process of completing the questionnaires before my first appointment was mind opening for me and helped me understand why yoga appeals so to me. Mary gave me a personal daily practice exactly suited to my needs and my time frame.

When I was a young girl, I was a huge fan of the "Ann of Green Gables" book series. Anne talks about Diana and her being kindred spirits. I know that Mary is one of my kindred spirits and I feel honored to have found her as my yoga guru.

I can't say enough about Nicole. I've been her client for about four months and she's helped me get onto a really good path. She's very personable, very well prepared for our sessions and, most importantly, very knowledgeable. We're working on my stated goals ... and then some. My aim is to improve strength and flexibility and I see the results of our efforts every day. In addition, my balance is better, my arthritic knees no longer hurt, and (thanks to Nicole's advice and the calorie tracking program available through Fitness By Design) I've lost about 15 pounds without feeling constantly deprived. I take nearly daily walks for cardio conditioning and actually enjoy them now that I'm stronger. Thanks, Nicole!

"One of the best decisions of my life was to start personal training at Fitness By Design. I feel so much healthier, more energetic and have a more positive outlook on life. What could be more important? If you are looking for a personal trainer, you have found the very best with Barb Mendoza. She deeply cares for every client and customizes a program that delivers terrific results. -- Client of Barb Mendoza

I started practicing yoga at a very vulnerable time in my life and in Mary’s classes I have learned how to heal myself from within and that it’s ok to take care of me first. Through the practice of yoga under Mary’s guidance, I have gained more confidence in myself to handle whatever life sends my way. I feel such inner peace every time I leave one of her classes that I can’t wait for the next one. Mary is very passionate about yoga and brings that passion into every class she teaches. I highly recommend Mary to anyone who is looking for peace and serenity in their life. Carol S. - FBD Student

�Working with Barb Lucius has been awesome. I passed my army physical fitness test (APFT) and I did better than I ever thought I could. Barb L. did an outstanding job of working with me over the last 7 weeks, she worked around my low back and knee pain and gave me techniques and training tips that not only helped me get stronger but reduced the amount of pain that I experienced during and after training. I can't thank you enough for my experience with Fitness by Design and I am looking forward to working with Barb L. and your other trainers in the future!� Kris R

"Last year, I decided to take more initiative with my health. I have been working out with Barb once a week and have recently added 2 fitness classes. I’ve been very adamant about taking this slow and steady- I want to change how fitness occurs as a long-term commitment. I can say that the variety of activities I participate in through FBD and the exercise I do on my own have really made a difference in my daily life. I’m stronger, more fit and have even noticed that my clothing fits better. Fitness By Design has been an all-around great addition to my life." - Missy W., client of Barb

“Mary is an outstanding instructor and is very prepared for her 8 week series of classes, which are challenging and interesting. She explains the purpose of the positions, checks regularly to be sure we are in sync with the end goal and gives precise instructions. There is no doubt Mary creates a relaxed and friendly environment; I feel at peace the moment I walk into the studio.”

In less than one year, I have reached (and surpassed) every fitness goal I set for myself thanks to Fitness by Design. I have lost 30 pounds, 30 inches, doubled my cardiovascular stamina, and completed a 10K -- all things I never thought could happen a year ago. My trainer has been a positive force in my life (and stern when she needed to be) and the class instructors are kind, energetic, and patient. - Becky M., client of Barb

I have been working with Tim for two years and it continues to be a great workout -- never the same thing twice -- but always a challenge. It is great that it can be additive to what I already do. Now my kids come along and the are amazed at how tough it is! It is great! - Jane H., client of Tim

Fitness by Design and Barb has truly helped me save my life. I have lost weight, reduced my blood presser, and become stronger both physically and mentally. As a professional gardener I can tell you that I will be gardening for many more years because of the thoughtful fitness plans that Barb has provided for me. After just a few months of training I want to push my comfort level even farther and see where I end up. Now I believe my body is not getting older... just better.
- Marcia L., client of Barb

I am really enjoying my yoga classes with Mary. I’ve never done yoga and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor for my first experience. Mary is fantastic - she has a very calming effect on my mind and body – can’t wait for Monday evenings!"

"As a mother of 3 young boys, it is difficult to find time to work out. I know that when I work with Barb, I will get maximum results in the minimum time. Barb has learned a lot about me and knows what to focus on so I get the most out of my workout. She is incredibly motivational and I appreciate her dedication to, not only my health, but my families' health as well."
--- RKM, West Des Moines

"I have more control over my golf game since taking Marcia's Pilates. I feel I can control the elements of my body in moving, swinging, and hitting. It has helped me create a proper stroke that is more fluid in movement. Plus, I can play longer, better and stronger." -- Ken, Client of Marcia

"Yoga's a great way to exercise & relax both the body and the spirit." -- Karen, Client of Mary

"I have been working out with Tim O’Neil since the first of May, 2005 and achieved great results!! Overall, I have lost 5% body fat, 10 pounds fat mass, and 8.75 inches in measurement. I have tried many diets and programs from Atkins to Weight Watchers and have never achieved long–term success. Tim provides great leadership, a very positive attitude and raises the bar each month. I am confident he has helped me fundamentally change my behavior and my improved appearance, energy level and overall health is permanent." -- Steve L., Client of Tim

"Pilates has strengthen my back and enabled me to work without any pain! I stand taller and feel strong and flexible." -- WDM doctor, Client of Marcia

My experience with Barb as my personal trainer has been great! I have continued exercising for 7 months which is a challenge for me but is now part of my routine. I have seen wonderful results in weight loss, stamina and balance. I enjoy gardening so much more since I do not tire as easily and can work for hours outdoors. With the variety of exercises and equipment Barb keeps it interesting, challenging and we have a few laughs too. - Becky K., client of Barb

My lungs always feel so expansive the next day, my brain is calmer, and I've lost 9 pounds! There's just something about mindfulness, energy, and quiet that is so wonderful. AND I would like to say: You, Mary, are the BEST! I've been to other yoga classes, and they just don't have the same "spiritual" tone. But it's not preachy... just simple and nice. Also, I don't ever feel that I am in danger of injuring anything. You always focus on just doing what you can without hurting anything which is perfect for me!!

"I have been working out with Tim O’Neil since the first of May, 2005 and achieved great results!! I have tried many diets and programs from Atkins to Weight Watchers and have never achieved long–term success. Tim provides great leadership, a very positive attitude and raises the bar each month. I am confident he has helped me fundamentally change my behavior and my improved appearance, energy level and overall health is permanent."