Jeri Groves Jeri Groves has been training with NPF for almost two years, and has lost over 67 pounds. She took some time off from training at Nick’s, and although she did keep working out on her own, she stated, “There is never the intensity that you get from Nick. Nobody can push you like Nick can push you. He knows our strengths and weaknesses and he tailors every class to your needs.” Jeri finds her inspiration to keep training from “the energy she gets, and the motivation Nick offers. He just makes it real.” She has a two year old grandson that she explains is very energetic. She stated, “We are very active with him, we walk him around the lake, we take him swinging and sledding. I take him out every day no matter what the weather. I am so grateful to be able to have this active lifestyle.” Jeri offered this advice to a new client, “Put your fears aside, take it one day at a time, don’t expect results overnight, be consistent, and you will get the results you are seeking.” You inspire us all, Jeri!!
Shelly Swanke Shelly Swanke began training at NPF over 31⁄2 years ago. She started after sitting in the car watching classes from the parking lot while her husband worked out inside. She said to herself, “I can do that and I really need to make some changes in my life. I have never been a large person but I was really out of shape, with a high body fat, and I felt really sluggish.” Some things she really enjoys about NPF is that she “pushes herself more when she works out in a group setting. It’s always different, always motivating, always challenging, and I learn something new every day from the talks Nick does at the end of class.”
Shelly feels that her relationships outside of class have gotten stronger because she thinks clearer. She added, “My mind is clearer when I’m working out really hard, and I’m more focused about what’s important in life, like my husband and my daughter. It’s a way of life for us.”
Not long ago Shelly’s mom came to a class while visiting from Baltimore. She loved it and became a true supporter. Shelly offered, “Even when I was 9 months pregnant with Julia, my mom would make sure I had gone to Nick’s. If there was a NPF in Maryland, she would definitely be going.” Shelly’s best advice to someone who is thinking about coming in for a class is simply, “Just show up. Come and try it, and keep coming.”
Pam Rhoades When I found Nick's I was 37 and recovering from chemotherapy. A diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 36 and being a mother of three young children shed light on my life. I vowed to make changes. Paths I had taken in my life had certainly been dark ones. I knew I needed to surround myself with people who were living life to the fullest. When I'm working out amongst people at Nick's, I know I've made at least one dream come true in my life. Nick himself is not only a living example of someone living life to the fullest- he expects that of his students as well.
He expects good attendance and 100% effort. His workouts push me to the limits and break me down - but one thing I've learned is that I do have the strength to get up again. Sometimes I just don't think I can keep going, but with so many voices cheering me on I always seem to find a way. His class is hard but the harder I work, the better the results. Nick's talks after class give me a new perspective on life. For the first time in my life, I'm on a good path and working towards making my dreams come true. At Nick's Pro Fitness, I've found a family. Finally - I've found a home.
Kent Huff There isn’t anyone who doesn’t know Kent Huff. He has been training for over 6 1⁄2 years and has lost about 25 pounds. He is a conditioning student as well as a Taekwon-Do student, and he is a great role model for others. At a recent interview, we got the chance to know him a bit better.
Kent started working out with Nick because he felt he needed a more rigorous exercise program and was very intrigued after talking to Nick during an insurance meeting. Kent is an employee benefits specialist and insurance agent with his own agency, selling insurance and investment products to small business employers. Working out at Nick’s has offered Kent a 180º turnaround. His income has improved, his health related vital signs have improved and his attitude has become much better. Prior to working out, Kent had a “dim outlook on life”, and since joining he has really found his attitude to be much more even-keeled and more optimistic.
When asked how he keeps motivated to train, he said, “When I have been on vacation for a week or so at a time, I notice that those feelings of a not so bright outlook on the world come back. I am just not as motivated, and I don’t feel as focused. I don’t have the same mental acuity. The working out makes me much more mentally aware and focuses my thoughts toward goal setting rather than malaise.” I asked Kent about how NPF has improved his relationship with his daughter Sarah (who is also a Taekwon-Do student), and he replied, “At a time when kids are moving through high school, I hear a lot of parents say their kids start moving away from them. The hard work, energy and common goals of Taekwon-Do, along with being beside her during class at least two times each week, was a real nice connection. It kept us focused together on goals. We understood the pain and hardship and hard work involved in obtaining a goal. That translated for Sarah into leadership roles in school, good grades and a great focus. It has made me really proud.”
When asked to give advice to someone thinking about trying NPF, Kent responded, “Give it a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Don’t wait. There are no excuses. My advice is just do it now!"
Mike and Kim McMahon My husband Mike and I owe so much to Nick and Heather Kapande at Nick’s Pro Fitness. We have a healthy balance in our lives that we attribute to the positive, goal-setting, physically challenging environment that Nick’s Pro-Fitness provides. Having had our first child in April of 2005 after two months of strict bed-rest, I had quite a journey of hard work ahead of me to get the baby weight off. I started working out at Nick’s in June of 2005, with all the support of Nick and his program, I lost all of the weight in about two months. I am actually in better shape now than before I was pregnant! I became so fit that my husband, Mike, was inspired to join the team in September of 2005. He had his sympathy weight to lose and wanted to get in shape for soccer season. It did not take long before Mike had met his fitness and weight loss goals. We have had such a great time bonding at the studio, working out together, creating mutual fitness goals, and enjoying our new-found energy. We are hooked! Plus, we just love the babysitters, Gail and Pam. Nick’s Pro Fitness has strengthened our marriage, minds, and our bodies!
John Thompson John Thompson started working out with his daughter Amanda who was trying to pass a physical fitness test for the merchant marine program (she did pass!!). He really liked working out with his daughter and when she returned to school, he decided to stay because the class makes him feel so much better overall. He is stronger when he is hiking or skiing and his friends and family see a big difference in him. John is the kind of guy that likes to come to class 5-6 times per week. According to John, “The results justify the means.” The more often he comes, the more results he sees. It’s also not as hard when he comes more often. Just like Nick says, “suffering is optional!” John believes the people in class make the difference. He offers, “Everyone supports each other. Anyone should come give it a try!”
Patti Theil Patti Theil has been working out at Nick’s Pro Fitness since November 2, 1999. Yes, seven years! She decided to work out with Nick when he began his business at his home after the birth of her second child. After several failed weight loss attempts, she knew Nick’s was just what she had been looking for. Patti began training several days each week, and Heather often babysat her daughter, Jackie, while she worked out with Nick. It wasn’t long before Patti’s training soon transitioned into a family experience. When her husband Dave saw that she could do more sit ups than he could, he decided to check it out too. Her son Sam got involved because he wanted to be stronger at the sports he is involved in. And most recently, her daughter, Jackie wanted to build strength and self-esteem, so she joined Tae Kwon-Do. She loves it!! To celebrate 7 years at Nick’s Pro Fitness, Patti wanted to do something unique and challenging. She decided to do 11 classes in one week! Patti stated, “I wanted to break though some barriers and do something different. And I wanted to be sure no one would be able to pass me up too soon.” Recently, Patti, Dave and Sam attended the self-defense seminar and really enjoyed it. Patti stated, “You have to find it within yourself to make exercise a priority. If you want to let excuses rule your day, you won’t make it here. You must set goals and want it bad enough to get your butt in here. Nick’s classes never get easier, but you do get better.” Nick stated, “Patti has been a great student. She works hard and has a great attitude!”
Amy Civiello Amy Civiello has been working out at Nick’s Pro Fitness for over 5 months. She is an audiologist who is married with two young children. Amy wanted to lose weight and get strong for a heli-skiing trip this January. She decided to come in and give it a try after hearing about Nick’s through friends and winning a gift certificate at the Montessori School of Evergreen’s silent auction. After only three months, Amy lost 25 pounds, has gained a tremendous amount of energy, has reduced pain from old knee and back injuries, is back to playing soccer (after a 17 years absence), and feels like she has an enriched quality of life! Amy offered, “My favorite thing is the overall energy of the place. It is really motivating.” Initially, Amy felt her biggest challenge was simply the intensity of the workout and being consistent with the 3-2 program. But because her results happened so quickly, she was very motivated to keep coming to class. The consistency in her training and her commitment to the 3-2 eating plan are the secrets to her success. Because of the plan, Amy just thinks differently about eating now. She stated, “”It’s not considered a diet, it’s just a healthier way of eating.” Her husband and kids are now eating healthier because of Amy being on the 3-2 plan. Amy’s family and friends are very proud of her success. One neighbor even commented, “There’s only half of you left!” But what’s important to Amy is that she is proud of what she has accomplished. Her advice to anyone thinking about coming to Nick’s Pro Fitness: “Don’t be intimidated by the intensity of the workout. Nick is very good about making sure that each individual works out to the best of his/her ability. It’s been a fantastic experience. I would encourage anyone to make this transition in their own life!
get from Nick. Nobody can push you like Nick can push you. He knows our strengths and weaknesses and he tailors every class to your needs.” Jeri finds her inspiration to keep training from “the energy she gets, and the motivation Nick offers. He just makes it real.” She has a two year old grandson that she explains is very energetic. She stated, “We are very active with him, we walk him around the lake, we take him swinging and sledding. I take him out every day no matter what the weather. I am so grateful to be able to have this active lifestyle.” Jeri offered this advice to a new client, “Put your fears aside, take it one day at a time, don’t expect results overnight, be consistent, and you will get the results you are seeking.” You inspire us all, Jeri!!
Some things she really enjoys about NPF is that she “pushes herself more when she works out in a group setting. It’s always different, always motivating, always challenging, and I learn something new every day from the talks Nick does at the end of class.” 
rk ones. I knew I needed to surround myself with people who were living life to the fullest. When I'm working out amongst people at Nick's, I know I've made at least one dream come true in my life. Nick himself is not only a living example of someone living life to the fullest- he expects that of his students as well. 
king out with Nick because he felt he needed a more rigorous exercise program and was very intrigued after talking to Nick during an insurance meeting. Kent is an employee benefits specialist and insurance agent with his own agency, selling insurance and investment products to small business employers. Working out at Nick’s has offered Kent a 180º turnaround. His income has improved, his health related vital signs have improved and his attitude has become much better. Prior to working out, Kent had a “dim outlook on life”, and since joining he has really found his attitude to be much more even-keeled and more optimistic. 
nment that Nick’s Pro-Fitness provides. Having had our first child in April of 2005 after two months of strict bed-rest, I had quite a journey of hard work ahead of me to get the baby weight off. I started working out at Nick’s in June of 2005, with all the support of Nick and his program, I lost all of the weight in about two months. I am actually in better shape now than before I was pregnant! I became so fit that my husband, Mike, was inspired to join the team in September of 2005. He had his sympathy weight to lose and wanted to get in shape for soccer season. It did not take long before Mike had met his fitness and weight loss goals. We have had such a great time bonding at the studio, working out together, creating mutual fitness goals, and enjoying our new-found energy. We are hooked! Plus, we just love the babysitters, Gail and Pam. Nick’s Pro Fitness has strengthened our marriage, minds, and our bodies! 
school, he decided to stay because the class makes him feel so much better overall. He is stronger when he is hiking or skiing and his friends and family see a big difference in him. John is the kind of guy that likes to come to class 5-6 times per week. According to John, “The results justify the means.” The more often he comes, the more results he sees. It’s also not as hard when he comes more often. Just like Nick says, “suffering is optional!” John believes the people in class make the difference. He offers, “Everyone supports each other. Anyone should come give it a try!” 
Heather often babysat her daughter, Jackie, while she worked out with Nick. It wasn’t long before Patti’s training soon transitioned into a family experience. When her husband Dave saw that she could do more sit ups than he could, he decided to check it out too. Her son Sam got involved because he wanted to be stronger at the sports he is involved in. And most recently, her daughter, Jackie wanted to build strength and self-esteem, so she joined Tae Kwon-Do. She loves it!! To celebrate 7 years at Nick’s Pro Fitness, Patti wanted to do something unique and challenging. She decided to do 11 classes in one week! Patti stated, “I wanted to break though some barriers and do something different. And I wanted to be sure no one would be able to pass me up too soon.” Recently, Patti, Dave and Sam attended the self-defense seminar and really enjoyed it. Patti stated, “You have to find it within yourself to make exercise a priority. If you want to let excuses rule your day, you won’t make it here. You must set goals and want it bad enough to get your butt in here. Nick’s classes never get easier, but you do get better.” Nick stated, “Patti has been a great student. She works hard and has a great attitude!”
reduced pain from old knee and back injuries, is back to playing soccer (after a 17 years absence), and feels like she has an enriched quality of life! Amy offered, “My favorite thing is the overall energy of the place. It is really motivating.” Initially, Amy felt her biggest challenge was simply the intensity of the workout and being consistent with the 3-2 program. But because her results happened so quickly, she was very motivated to keep coming to class. The consistency in her training and her commitment to the 3-2 eating plan are the secrets to her success. Because of the plan, Amy just thinks differently about eating now. She stated, “”It’s not considered a diet, it’s just a healthier way of eating.” Her husband and kids are now eating healthier because of Amy being on the 3-2 plan. Amy’s family and friends are very proud of her success. One neighbor even commented, “There’s only half of you left!” But what’s important to Amy is that she is proud of what she has accomplished. Her advice to anyone thinking about coming to Nick’s Pro Fitness: “Don’t be intimidated by the intensity of the workout. Nick is very good about making sure that each individual works out to the best of his/her ability. It’s been a fantastic experience. I would encourage anyone to make this transition in their own life!
