My journey toward fitness, weight loss and just overall energy began in December, 2006. I was at a Starbuck's purchasing a gift card when I heard a young woman order a fat-free, sugar-free latte'. I asked her why she was ordering no fat, and no sugar and her reply was that she was on a very strict diet.

      Of course, being over weight, I asked her what diet she was on and began to tell me about this trainer she had found and that she really liked him. She further explained to me that she had 3 other trainers prior to the current one. So, she gave me his card.
Through the month of December I had been dealing with my realizing I was not getting any younger, I wasn't losing weight and I hated the way that I looked. On top of that, I knew I was always tired, had no energy, and what muscles I had were weak.
I decided to check this Joe Carson out. I called him and we met and discussed his program and how he could help me. After attending one of his nutrition evening classes I decided to start my journey with Joe. My husband was 100% behind me. To make the story short, I will tell you that "I have come a long way baby".

      I can train on the elliptical for more than 1 minute without thinking that I'm going to die, I can walk on the treadmill with elevation at fairly good speed without holding on. I can do as many as 30 crunches & squats. I can balance myself fairly good on the bosu.
All of this is exciting to be because before I stepped foot into Success Fitness, I couldn't do any of it. I can now sit down in a chair and get up without being assisted by the nearest table, counter, or chair. That in itself is a huge accomplishment for me. Oh, I forgot to mention I have now lost 52 pounds along with the exercise.
Is it easy? No. Is it rewarding? The answer is YES!I have two knees that have arthritis in them, plus a torn meniscus and Joe has worked around that problem. Joe is with you every minute of your time, always there encouraging you when you think that you can't do it. Do I get everything that he "throws" at me correct, probably not but we have fun and I laugh a lot at what I am trying to do.

      People say that personal trainers are expensive. My answer to that is this-you can spend your money with Joe or, you can spend your money at the doctor's office. I chose with Joe. I'm sticking with him! I appreciate him and what he has done for me.

Sincerely,
Barbara Hood

      "I would like to take a moment to thank Joe Carson for all the time and dedication he has given to me during our training sessions. I am a working mother of two, who has never been shown how, when, and why to work out. I am a young woman who has used every excuse in the book. I have had a health club membership since 1999 and Joe Carson is the first person that has really helped me put it to use. I have been working with Joe for 5 weeks now and the changes seem to be noticeable every day.

       Joe started going back to basics, my food intake. We worked on what, when, and why I was eating. We worked on a meal plan that would work with me and my busy lifestyle.
When it came to working out, I was unable to work more than a minute on any machines without feeling as if I was going to pass out. I have worked up, and now begin with 10-15 minute cardio warm-up before continuing our workout. I have a better understanding of how different machines affect my training, and I have been able to set my goals higher and understand that they are achievable. I just wanted to be a healthier person. Now I understand that nothing stands in my way!

      Now I am able to say that I feel absolutely wonderful. I have more energy than I am used to having. My endurance levels have risen very quickly. I like the fact that Joe takes time to evaluate where I am at, and he pushes my threshold a little bit more each time I see him. I have become a stronger person physically and mentally and spiritually. He understands what it's like to be overweight, and knowing that he has dedicated himself to helping others achieve their goals makes Joe a commendable person.

       When I go into workout I know that each session will be different than the last. I look forward to continuing my work with Joe. I know that I am in good hands. Thank you Joe for your dedication."

Brandy Marion

      "When I first though about meeting with a trainer my reaction to that would have been "why would I pay someone to tell me how to workout?" I had worked out for several years on my own, and after all I "knew" what I was doing. Since I have started training with Joe I have grown to really enjoy working with a trainer. I've been training with Joe for a few months now, and can tell a huge difference in not only my body, but my strength and endurance as well. These are results that I wouldn't have seen without using a trainer. Joe knows exercises that I had never heard of or even dreamed of doing, and those exercises are the ones that make the difference in dropping a few inches or seven inches (as I have). Joe is not only an outstanding trainer he is a wonderful person. He puts so much into his work and wants to not only be a wonderful trainer, but also a friend. He really cares about the progress that you make. I would most definitely recommend using a trainer because together you can push yourself harder than you would have otherwise done by yourself. I would highly recommend Joe because he is a wonderful person and trainer."

Jody Moore

      "To date I have lost 44 pounds. Since working with Joe, my weight loss per week has increased, due to changes he has made in the APEX plan and structured workouts focused on weightloss and muscle building. Joe takes time to explain, in detail what part of the body each exercise works. He is diligent in keeping track of measurements and workout progression."

Polly Choate

      "Joe Carson has been my trainer for several weeks now. He is very polite and encouraging, while spurring me on with words of praise, keeping me constantly motivated toward my goal.
I was in poor, weakend state when I first came in an bothered by aches and pains, especially having difficulty walking up and down stairs, and having constant neck aches.
With Joe's training, I can rus up and down stairs now and my neck aches and back aches are gone for the most part. Even my hunched over posture has improved, and I feel definitely better than I did a few weeks ago.

       Joe has fashioned a diet especially for me,stays with me during the whole training period and is very good natured and fun to be around. He is a gentleman and always makes me feel good as though I have achieved something when I leave the gym. He really makes me work most of the time and is so sure that I can do the exercises that I find that I really can do them with his encouragement. He's a great trainer, because he shows me step by step how to do the activities, and sometimes models them himself, which is always a sign of a good teacher.
In closing, I feel blessed to be trained by Joe Carson. He's a super trainer and a great guy!"

Gloria D'Alessandro

      "In January of this year, I retired after working for nearly 40 years. For most of my career, I sat behind a desk to earn my living. Unfortunately, over the last 15 years, I have gained nearly 100 pounds. Because of my age, I was sure that I was going to have to live with my obesity. Fortunately, I decided to join a health club and work on my weight. I was hoping that it was better late than never.

       After a consultation with Joe Carson, I was convinced that I needed a personal trainer and that the trainer should be Joe. I started working with him the end of January.. Since that time, I have lost 35 pounds.

       I have a long way to go, but I know that without Joe's training and guidance in a weight program I probably wouldn't have lost a pound. For certain, I wouldn't have known how to workout effectively or use the gym equipment properly. If I tried to workout on my own, I know that most days I wouldn't exercise at all, or would work out for shorter times with less intensity, and use less weights. Further, if I started sweating, I would have certainly stopped whatever I was doing!

       In matters of health, Joe Carson is the most conscientious, caring, and knowledgeable person I know. He has taught me that I can achieve my goals, it's ok to sweat, and a good workout won't kill me. I have learned that even if I'm not in the mood to exercise, after a training session with him, I feel better and know I'm closer to my goal of good health.
With Joe Carson's help, I have seen unbelieveable results. I highly recommend him for people of all ages and sizes!"

Vicki Bolick